Great Smoky Mountain Trains and Riverboats

September 16 – 24, 2020

9 Days with 18 Meals

Special Feature

  • Motor Coach Transportation
  • Ride the Tennessee Valley Rail Road Missionary Ridge Local
  • Board the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
  • Take the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad with First Class Premier Seating!
  • Visit McCaysville/Copperhill – The town straddling 2 states
  • “All Aboard” for the Tennessee Valley RR Copperhill Special
  • Lunch and Shopping in Pigeon Forge
  • Two Nights in Gatlinburg TN – Explore by Trolley or on Foot
  • Tram Ride to Obergatlinburg
  • Lunch Cruise in Knoxville aboard the Tennessee Star
  • Dinner Cruise Aboard the Mary M. Miller in Louisville
  • Farewell Luncheon

Imagine returning to the romantic era when trains were the preferred mode of transportation and being able to ride multiple trains through the incomparable beauty of  Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Chattahoochee, Appalachia,  and The Great Smoky Mountains.  The “Great Smoky Mountain National Park” is one of America’s great national treasures. The area was called Shaconage by the Cherokee Indians, which means the “Place of the Blue Smoke”, because the mountains are perpetually shrouded in shades of misty blue. Combine the trains, the majestic mountains and the natural colors, along with the foothill resort towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and you have one of America’s most exquisite adventures.  Experience the love of riverboat cruising along with traveling the rails.  This is a trip for all ages to enjoy and love.

Prices

Double: $1,775/pp
Single: $2,295/pp
Triple: $1,600/pp
Trip Protection:   $172.50/pp – Double & Triple, $217.50/pp – Single
Early Booking

$100/pp if booked by April 30, 2020

Deposit:  $50/pp due at time of booking
Final Payment Due: July 31, 2020

Day 1, Wednesday, September 16

After departing Springfield, our first stop will be an Ozarks BBQ lunch.  It’s on to Nashville for our first overnight stay and a get acquainted dinner. (L,D)

Day 2, Thursday, September 17

This morning we will travel to Chattanooga where we will board the Tennessee Valley Railroad Missionary Ridge Local for our first taste of railroading.  Then it’s on to the top of the mountain, via the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.  The Incline is a National Historic site and a mechanical engineering landmark.   We will enjoy lunch and then some free time to explore the amazing town of Blue Ridge, Georgia before turning in for the night. (B,L)

Day 3, Friday, September 18

After breakfast, we will arrive at the Depot, built in 1905, to board the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.  The 4-hour, First Class Premier seating on this 26 mile journey winds along the beautiful Toccoa River and a layover in the quaint sister towns of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN.  You will get another chance to spend some time in these towns again tomorrow.  Lots of shopping options!  We will then travel on to Athens, TN for two nights.  (B)

Day 4, Saturday, September 19

We will travel to Etowah, TN to step aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad Copperhill Special, a day-long journey through the Hiwassee Loop, then continue through Turtletown and Ducktown onto Copperhill, TN.  You will again visit McCaysville and Copperhill do a little more shopping in these historic mining towns.  We will have dinner tonight at one of Sunnyland’s favorites before heading back to our hotel for the evening. (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday, September 20

This morning, we’ll take a break from the rails, and travel to the resort town of Pigeon Forge for lunch and some shopping.  A short distance toward Great Smoky Mountain National Park brings us to Gatlinburg.  We will make a stop at the National Park Visitor’s Center and look for BEAR!!! Our home for the next 2 nights will be in downtown Gatlinburg.  Meet the trolley at the front door and spend the rest of the day and evening exploring Gatlinburg.  (B,L)

Day 6, Monday, September 21

Your day in Gatlinburg!    Your trolley ticket and tram ticket allows you many options in Gatlinburg.   A great day to explore, relax and ENJOY! (B)

Day 7, Tuesday, September 22

Enjoy breakfast before packing up and heading north to the historical Star of Knoxville Paddle-Wheeler.  This two and one-half hour cruise includes a wonderful lunch buffet and delightful narration by the Captain, explaining some of the Tennessee River’s history.  After our cruise, we will drive on to Williamsburg, KY for the our evening meal and a night’s rest.  (B,L,D)

Day 8, Wednesday, September 23

Today we visit Lexington, Kentucky – the horse capital of the world.  Here we will get an in-depth, behind the scenes look at Kentucky Thoroughbreds.  Following lunch, we’ll head on to Louisville and stop at our hotel for a quick refresher before boarding the Mary M. Miller, one of two riverboats operated by the Belle of Louisville for dinner and entertainment.  Following the evening cruise, we’ll return to the hotel for a restful night.  (B,L,D)

Day 9, Thursday, September 24

We will enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then begin our journey home.  We’ll stop in Fairview, IL for our farewell lunch on the road.  (B,L)

Please Note: Many of our sightseeing stops/sites require extensive standing, sitting, walking – sometimes on unpaved or cobblestone streets, loading and unloading into horse drawn carriages and/or trolleys. Sunnyland Travel will not refund or cover any cost of expense incurred for any missed activities due to a participant’s inability to fully participate with the group. If you require assistance in walking, navigating stairs, etc., you are required to travel with a qualified physically-able companion who can accompany and provide such assistance. Due to many historic locations, the motor coach is not allowed to stay on site or remain running to provide an alternate shelter for those not able to participate in an event. Please make sure you read the itinerary fully and call one of our travel consultants if you have any questions.