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8 Days 1 Country 5 Cities
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10 Days 1 Country
15 Days 1 Country 9 Cities
Departure date
Atlanta, USA
Return date
Louisville, USA
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This departure of Heart of the South with the Great Smoky Mountains is sold out. However, we have an alternative trip with a similar itinerary - take a look...
15 Days 1 Country 9 Cities
Departure date
Atlanta, USA
Return date
Louisville, USA
Book and Pay By:
i Flights available
Early payment discount
Was: PP
Save: PP
Code: XXXXX
Extensions available for this trip
Secure your trip with a deposit today
Please read our Trip Notes before booking
It's all bourbon and bluegrass on this jaunt from the capital of the South to the heart of the Kentucky Derby. You'll tour a Vanderbilt mansion, explore the pristine beauty of America's Great Smoky Mountains and enjoy dinner with Muhammad Ali's brother after touring the Ali Childhood Home Museum.
Trip type: Discovery
Trip code: DANL
accommodation
7 full breakfasts
3 dinners (including Be My Guest)
All transport shown.
What's Included
Orientation of Atlanta, Louisville
Visit CNN Studios, George Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Kentucky Horse Park, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum
What's Included
7 full breakfasts
3 dinners
(including Be My Guest)
What's Included
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and local charges included
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
VIP entry to many sights
Airport Transfers
Specific transfer information can be found on the airport transfers page
Heart of the South with the Great Smoky Mountains
Day 1
Arrive Atlanta Day 1 - Arrive AtlantaWelcome to cosmopolitan Atlanta, capital of the South. At 6 p.m. gather with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
Hotel
Sheraton Atlanta
Meals
Hotel
Sheraton Atlanta
Meals
Day 2
Atlanta – Asheville Day 2 - Atlanta – AshevilleExplore Atlanta and its most prized landmarks as you make your way to the CNN Studios. Join the Inside CNN VIP Tour for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with expanded access to the working studios at the Global Headquarters of CNN Worldwide. This tour takes you inside the studios, control rooms and newsrooms. Then head north to Asheville, North Carolina, and your hotel located in the heart of the city.
Hotel
Renaissance Asheville
Meals
Hotel
Renaissance Asheville
Meals
Day 3
Asheville – Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Gatlinburg (2 Nights) Day 3 - Asheville – Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Gatlinburg (2 Nights)Start the day with a guided visit to the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in America. Explore the spectacular gardens and learn about the Vanderbilts. Next, head for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America's most visited National Park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors' Center and explore 19th century wilderness settlement life with a Local Specialist. Also visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Travel through the centre of the park enjoying stunning vistas and witness the "smoky" mist of blue haze that surrounds the mountains for which the park is named. This evening, arrive in Gatlinburg.
Hotel
The Park Vista – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Meals
Hotel
The Park Vista – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Meals
Day 4
Gatlinburg Day 4 - GatlinburgToday is free for optional activities. Explore the park further, go walking, cycling, or visit Dollywood, owned by country music legend Dolly Parton which may be followed by Dolly Parton's famous Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction.
Meals
Meals
Optional Experiences
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Show
Dixie Stampede is an extraordinary dinner show with thirty-two magnificent horses and a cast of top-notch riders. They will thrill you with daring feats of trick riding and competition, pitting North against South in a friendly and fun rivalry. You will enjoy a barrel full of music, dancing, special effects and family friendly comedy along the way. Celebrate as the North and South join together in a patriotic salute of Red, White and Blue featuring COLOR ME AMERICA, written and recorded by Dolly herself. The Patriotic Grand Finale soars with flying Doves of Peace, luminous costumes and fireworks, reminding you of the pride and spirit of America.
Adult Price: US$57.00
Dollywood Theme Park Admittance Tickets
Single day admission includes an entire day of access to the best rides, shows and attractions in the Smoky Mountains.
Adult Price: US$75.00
Day 5
Gatlinburg – Cumberland Gap – Lexington Day 5 - Gatlinburg – Cumberland Gap – LexingtonStand in awe at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, the first great gateway to the west. The buffalo, the Native American, the longhunter and the pioneer all travelled this route through the mountains. Continue through Kentucky into Lexington, the "Horse Capital of the World." This afternoon, choose to delve into equine culture at the Kentucky Horse Park or explore the International Museum of the Horse, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
Hotel
Hyatt Regency Lexington
Meals
Hotel
Hyatt Regency Lexington
Meals
Day 6
Lexington – Louisville (2 Nights) Day 6 - Lexington – Louisville (2 Nights)Visit a horse retirement farm, and Cultural Insight, to meet equine residents and learn about their careers and lives. Next, travel along the Bourbon Trail to Buffalo Trace Distillery, the world's most award-winning distillery, for an insider's look into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into crafting truly great bourbon. You'll witness everything from grain delivery to the cooking process, fermentation and, of course, distillation and enjoy a taste of the final product. Continue on through Blue Grass Country to Louisville. This evening, you are treated to an exclusive Be My Guest experience as you meet the younger brother of Muhammad Ali, Mr. Rahaman Ali. He will guide you on a visit of the Ali Childhood Home Museum and host dinner at a nearby bed and breakfast.
Hotel
Hyatt Regency Louisville
Meals
Hotel
Hyatt Regency Louisville
Meals
Day 7
Louisville Sightseeing Day 7 - Louisville SightseeingHead to Churchill Downs, the legendary thoroughbred racetrack that has hosted the Kentucky Derby since 1875. Then you're off for fun and excitement as you visit the Kentucky Derby Museum, the most dynamic and unique celebration known worldwide as the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports." This afternoon is at leisure before joining your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner filled with bluegrass music, history and authentic Kentucky cuisine.
Meals
Meals
Day 8
Depart Louisville Day 8 - Depart LouisvilleThe morning is free before your transfer to Louisville International Airport or you may choose to extend your stay at the Hyatt Regency Louisville. Alternatively, you can continue your trip down to Nashville for a two-day independent extension (see below) or join our Tastes and Sounds of the South trip (see pages 78-79).
Meals
Meals
Be My Guest
Meet Mr. Rahaman Ali, Muhammad Ali's younger brother, for a tour through the Ali Childhood Home Museum and enjoy a dinner hosted by Mr. Ali at a bed and breakfast
Cultural Insights
Visit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farms to meet equines whose racing careers have come to an end
Hidden Treasures
Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Local Specialists
Learn about 19th century wilderness settlement life at the Great Smoky Mountains National Visitor's Center
Find out what makes Trafalgar different.
What's Included
Orientation of Atlanta, Louisville
Visit CNN Studios, George Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Kentucky Horse Park, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum
What's Included
7 full breakfasts
3 dinners
(including Be My Guest)
What's Included
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and local charges included
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
VIP entry to many sights
Airport Transfers
Specific transfer information can be found on the airport transfers page
Why Trafalgar?
Simply Authentic
EnjoyEnjoy the wonder of travel, crisscrossing the globe through the seasons. On effortless adventures in breathtaking new horizons, forge lifelong friendships and memories. Our lovingly crafted itineraries are a fascinating mosaic of cultures, flavours, festivals and local stories. We’re with you all the way, guiding you and ensuring you experience the real thing: the sheer love of travel, entirely hassle-free.
Simply Authentic
Love... Travel"Is simply the best way to position what our guests love to experience and what we love to deliver" - Gavin Tollman CEO
Simply Authentic
MeetMeet warm-hearted locals and like-minded travellers. Along your journey of discovery, stop to share stories and flavours with local farmers, chefs and winemakers. Pause to admire the handicrafts and rich traditions of amazing artisans. Explore the essence of Europe through captivating accounts shared by expert historians and savvy local guides.
Simply Authentic
TasteTravelling with your tastebuds, treating them to new flavours, spices and textures along the way. From the very first breakfast to the last nightcap, travelling through Europe indulges your palate, with every meal an opportunity to discover regional fare. Savour each new flavour, try the local tipple and take home fresh culinary inspiration. Let us share our love for food and hospitality with you.
Simply Authentic
UnwindOnce you've packed your suitcase, we take care of the rest, removing all your concerns so that you can be secure in the knowledge that an award-winning global company with an impeccable reputation has taken care of every little detail. We arrange everything you'll need along your journey - meals, accommodation and travel logistics, because we are with you all the way. Travel the world with peace of mind, knowing you’re in the hands of Trafalgar.
Heart of the South with the Great Smoky Mountains