Day 1: Enjoy getting acquainted with your fellow travelers today. Relax as we make our way across Kansas and Missouri and stay east of St Louis.

Day 2: This morning, we continue east and south across Illinois, enjoying the beautiful terrain and possibly some fall colors as we make our way into Kentucky and Tennessee. We stop at the stunning Opryland Hotel in Nashville for lunch and some time to explore this beautiful resort. We then continue past Knoxville TN for the night. (B)

Day 3: This morning we make our way over the mountains in the hopes of seeing some hardwoods with the fall brilliance on the hillsides. Our first stop is at the beautiful Biltmore Estate. Beginning in 1890, it took an army of stonecutters and artisans five years to construct the Biltmore House. When finished, it was the largest private home in America. This 255-room mansion still stands in the remote majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. After lunch, take a relaxing drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway with stunning vistas of the fall foliage and close-up views of the rugged mountains. (B)

Day 4: This morning our adventure begins on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. After boarding our 1st class coach, enjoy a relaxing brunch during our Tuckasegee River Excursion ride through the quiet countryside on our way to the historic town of Dillsboro. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City. Next, we head to Gatlinburg. Our hotel is in downtown Gatlinburg for the next 3 nights. Get ready for an evening full of sword fighting, acrobatics, high diving, and live animal tricks at the Pirates Voyage dinner & show. We witness an exciting pirate battle between the Crimson and Sapphire crews as we dine on a four-course feast! (B, Brunch, D)

Day 5: Today we start our day at Sugarland’s Visitor Center before we tour the Smoky Mountain National Park! We travel, with our local step-on guide, through majestic Appalachian Highlands with unspoiled forests, similar to those the early pioneers found. We see beautiful mountain overlooks and stop at Newfound Gap where Roosevelt dedicated the National Park. Just outside the park, we visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village Living History Center. Be taken back to the 1750s and learn more about the Cherokee ways. Then it’s back to Gatlinburg for the evening. (B, L)

Day 6: This morning a local step-on guide takes us on the Dolly Parton Rags to Riches Tour. This captivating journey takes us through the picturesque back roads, exploring landmarks such as the cherished grammar school where Dolly met her lifelong friend Judy Ogle, the historic church where her grandfather, Jake Owens, delivered sermons, and pass by the residence of the legendary ‘Sawdust Lindsey,’ whose tales inspired Dolly’s iconic song, ‘Apple Jack.’ We will delve into the very essence of Dolly’s life and inspirations. Later we are in for some Feudin’ Feastin’ Fun at The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show! Become part of the longest-running feud in history and help the Hatfields and McCoys try to settle their differences mountain-style. (B, D)

Day 7: Today we make our way north and west through Tennessee. Lunch is at Patti's 1880's Settlement. It is more than just a restaurant, the Settlement includes log-cabin gift shops that are settled in a landscaped garden. We continue to the west side of St. Louis for our last overnight. (B, L)

Day 8: Today it’s homeward bound, with wonderful memories of the Great Smoky Mountains with all its culture and colors. (B)