| Condensed Daily Itinerary |
| DAY 1: October 2 - Atlanta, GA |
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Guests arrive in Atlanta and transfer to the highly rated Atlanta Hilton for our two-night stay in the heart of downtown at this acclaimed hotel.A highlight tonight is our welcome reception at Trader Vic's, a nice way to meet your fellow travelers. The evening is at leisure. R |
| DAY2: October 3 -Atlanta, GA |
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A great day that begins with a sightseeing tour of this dynamic city followed by a real southern treat, the drive to wonderfully named Social Circle, GA where a grand Southern Luncheon awaits at the legendary Blue Willow Inn, acclaimed in the pages of Gourmet Magazine for the quality of its southern fare. Later today, a ride on the Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad around Stone Mountain with the evening at leisure . B L |
| DAY 3: October 4 - Asheville, NC |
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| A short but lovely drive to Asheville, NC where deluxe rooms await at the Doubletree Biltmore, located at the entrance to the fabled Vanderbilt Estate, a prime location. We have left the afternoon at leisure to explore the gorgeous town of Asheville with its great galleries, boutiques, shops and bookstores. A welcome dinner at the hotel tonight with the evening free. Overnight at the Doubletree Biltmore. B D |
| DAY 4: October 5 - Biltmore Estate |
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This morning, a guided city tour of Asheville including the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Grove Arcade and Grove Park Inn followed by the highlight, a tour of the Biltmore Estate followed by lunch on the estate in the Deerpark Restaurant. This afternoon see more of the town center or the Estate and all evening is at leisure to enjoy this enchanting town. Overnight at Doubletree Biltmore. B L |
| DAY 5: October 6 - Great Smoky National Park |
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All Aboard as we depart the hotel for a ride on The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad this morning through Nantaha Gorge along the Tennessee River with highlights like Horseshoe Curve and Fontana Lake Trestle. After lunch, we drive to Gatlinburg through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our hotel for the next two nights is the finest in the region, the superb Park Vista Resort in Gatlinburg, all rooms have balconies and rich appointments. B |
| DAY 6: October 7 - Great Smoky National Park |
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We depart this morning on a scenic tour of Cades Cove, a breathtakingly beautiful 11-mile loop road through the Smokies with pioneer homesteads with the backdrop of blue-misted mountains.Wildlife is abundant and you will want to have your camera ready! You are free to explore Gatlinburg before our dinner later tonight at the Old Mill Restaurant. B D |
| DAY 7: October 8 - Nashville, TN |
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We depart this morning for Nashville, Music City USA where luxury accommodations await at the amazing Opryland Hotel, a destination in its own right. We have intentionally left the evening at leisure so you may enjoy one of the many music venues Nashville is justly known for. B L |
| DAY 8: October 9 - The Memphis Special |
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A short drive to historic Memphis today where we have most of the day free to visit famed Beale Street, home of the Blues, the storied Peabody Hotel or Graceland before our dinner tonight at the acclaimed Rendezvous Barbeque Restaurant. Later tonight, we board the Memphis Special for drinks in the observation club car as we roll north over the Illinois Central Railroad bound for Chicago. B D |
| DAY 9: October 10 - Chicago |
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We arrive in Chicago after breakfast and transfer to our Five-Diamond rated hotel, the legendary Drake Hotel in North Michigan Ave. We have left all day free for the many delights of the Windy City but tonight is a special treat, our Farewell dinner at Lawry’s, the Prime Rib for the best prime rib in the country! B D |
| Day 10 October 11- Travel home by air or train |
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Guests may extend their stay in Chicago and we can happily make hotel reservations for you at a choice of excellent properties.B |
