1-877-929-7245
Tour Search



Smoky Mountain Rail Adventure

Save
You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
202520262027
9 days From $3,795 $3,495 per person
4.4 stars(34 reviews)
Gallery
Map

 In acclaimed cities and aboard scenic railways, explore the best of Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains, whether traveling amidst spring's blossoms or fall's warm hues

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
Save up to $500

2026 Early Booking Offer: Save up to $500 per person on select vacations departing November 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026.

View Terms and Conditions

Mobility Rating 2

2026 Tour code: SMA26

About the tour

A region of scenic landscapes and iconic cities beckons as you dip your toes into Southern heritage in Tennessee and North Carolina. Uncover Nashville, "Music City U.S.A.," before turning to nature in Chattanooga, Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains.

Witness dramatic scenery painted in seasonal brilliance while riding aboard three scenic railways, including the Tennessee Valley Railroad and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While spending time at legendary sites and uncovering local charms, this journey introduces the mountainous beauty of the South.

Unforgettable Experiences

Embark on three scenic rail excursions
Embark on three scenic rail excursions
Weave through the ebbs and flows of beautiful mountain landscapes aboard three scenic railways: Tennessee Valley Railroad, the Incline Railway to Lookout Mountain, and Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
Uncover Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Uncover Great Smoky Mountains National Park
 Look for wildlife and revel in remarkable vistas while exploring the preserved forests and peaks of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, stopping for plenty of photo opportunities, including at the Rockefeller Memorial and Newfound Gap.
Explore musical heritage at RCA Studio B and the Grand Ole’ Opry
Explore musical heritage at RCA Studio B and the Grand Ole’ Opry
 Find yourself immersed in the South's musical legacy while visiting Nashville's oldest recording studio, where iconic performers were made famous, and during a backstage tour and performance at the world-famous Grand Ole' Opry.
Tour Nashville’s hotspots
Tour Nashville’s hotspots
 Get to know Music City on a fascinating guided tour, which in addition to exploring the historic Downtown District and Riverfront Park, also explores Honky Tonk Row, home to Nashville's best live music venues.
Marvel at America’s largest home, the Biltmore Estate
Marvel at America’s largest home, the Biltmore Estate
 Set among sprawling wooden grounds, complete with landscaped gardens, the Biltmore Estate is a stunning example of Châteauesque architecture in the South, which we have the pleasure of uncovering with included admission.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 -  Arriving in the home of country music, Nashville

 A journey rich with Southern heritage, scenic views and unforgettable experiences lies ahead as your vacation begins today in Nashville, TN. As you arrive, make your own way to our hotel in the heart of downtown. Upon checking in for the first of two nights and meeting the Tour Manager, you are free to begin getting to know this dynamic city.

Within walking distance of our hotel are all the allures of Nashville's most famous street, Broadway. Affectionately known as "Honky Tonk Row," this street is brimming with live music venues and incredible places to eat. Nearby, attractions like the Johnny Cash Museum, the National Museum of African American Music and Walk of Fame Park offer plenty of options. With no planned dinner this evening, you might like to get an authentic taste of Nashville by sampling fried hot chicken. Overnight Nashville.

Day 2 -  A look at Nashville’s sites and the Grand Ole’ Opry

 Some of the most intriguing locales in Nashville lie ahead this morning, as you embark on a guided tour of the city after breakfast. With a guide leading the way, enjoy glimpses at sites in the historic Downtown District, Riverfront Park and the establishments lining "Honky Tonk Row." Your local guide narrates the journey, providing little-known facts and interesting insights as the tour unfolds.

Returning to the hotel after the tour, you have some free time to find lunch locally or continue sightseeing at your own pace before we meet again later this afternoon. Our evening excursion takes us to one of Nashville's most iconic destinations, the Grand Ole' Opry. Enjoy a backstage tour of this world-renowned music venue followed by dinner and a live performance, played right on the stage where greats such as Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams once crooned. Overnight Nashville.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 -  Musical history at RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame

 Follow in the footsteps of some of the world's greatest recording artists this morning during a tour of RCA Studio B, Nashville's oldest remaining recording studio. Immerse yourself in the sounds of history as you hear the stories of some of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century. Elvis, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison and Waylon Jennings are just a few of the many artists who recorded some of their top hit songs here, and we see the studios where this amazing history was recorded.

Our day continues with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame. This iconic museum is filled with exhibits highlighting artists and musicians, both new and old, that helped to put Nashville on the map. Following some free time to explore and find lunch at leisure, we join our motorcoach in traveling south into the lush surroundings of Chattanooga, our base for the next two nights. Upon checking into our hotel, you can get to know our new surroundings and have dinner on your own. Overnight Chattanooga. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 -  Through the mountains on the Tennessee Valley Railroad

 Following a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we get our first looks at the colorful mountainous landscapes of southern Tennessee aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad. This railway was constructed in 1898 to ease the journey between Georgia and Tennessee, and the resulting line is a marvel of engineering.

Settle into your seat for a five-hour round-trip journey through the famous Hiwassee Loop on the line's most interesting stretch. This loop is one of only six of its kind in North America and the only one east of the Mississippi. Marvel at the forested mountains, brimming with hidden blossoms and verdant trees in spring and summer and engulfed in warmly hued foliage in the autumn. The train weaves through stunning scenery as the tracks cross over themselves and wind up the mountain, leaving you in awe of southern Tennessee.

We return to Chattanooga by coach after the train ride and have a free evening to walk along the riverfront, pop in some of the Bluff View Art District galleries or savor more Southern cuisine. Overnight Chattanooga.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 -  Incredible views from the Incline Railway

Even more of the region's beautiful scenery is on display this morning as we join the Incline Railway on Lookout Mountain. This century-old funicular railway offers a leisurely one-mile ride to the summit and provides breathtaking views over the Chattanooga Valley and Appalachian Mountains. The route to the top reaches grades of up to 72.7%, and because it is enveloped in trees, you are wrapped in incredible foliage in the autumn. On arrival at the summit, we can witness even more long-spanning vistas from the observation deck.

Making our way back down the mountain, we stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant before traveling east by coach to Pigeon Forge, a year-round destination amid the Great Smoky Mountains. We check into our four-star hotel here and have a free afternoon and evening to explore at leisure or relax while soaking up the scenery. Overnight Pigeon Forge.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 -  Exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 The immensity of this region's stunning mountains and deep forests is revealed after breakfast this morning as we head into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A coach transfer takes us from our hotel to Sugarlands Visitor Center, where our half-day tour begins.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, we set out along a scenic mountain road that reveals the Chimney Tops and many other beautiful peaks. Photo opportunities are bountiful as the tour winds through the park, and we enjoy stops at places like Newfoundland Gap, which marks the line between Tennessee and North Carolina, as well as the Rockefeller Memorial. Enjoy a glimpse at the famous Appalachian Trail, and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including black bears, as we explore.

We return to the hotel following the tour, with the remainder of the day free to enjoy the amenities and views this part of Tennessee has to offer. Overnight Pigeon Forge.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - Into the Smokies on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

 Leaving Tennessee behind this morning, we step aboard our coach for a journey into the mountains of North Carolina. The journey is lined with breathtaking scenes and concludes in the quaint mountain town of Bryson City, where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the Smokies.

On arrival, there is some free time to wander its quaint main street and find lunch on your own, and then, railway adventures beckon as we board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for a 4 1/2-hour round-trip journey. Enjoy views of seasonal splendors from the comfort of fully restored rail cars as the train ventures toward the Nantahala Gorge. Each moment of the 44-mile route is steeped in beauty and reveals charming mountain towns and the historic Fontana Trestle Bridge.

There is an hour-long layover at the Gorge to wander along the river or sightsee at leisure, then settle back into your seat for a second viewing of North Carolina's incredible vistas. As the train arrives back in Bryson City, we continue to the eclectic mountain town of Asheville, where the evening is free. Overnight Asheville.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 -  Discovering the Biltmore Estate and Asheville

 One of the South's most impressive buildings and America's largest home, the grand Biltmore Estate is our destination this morning. The family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt, this estate covers more than 8,000 acres in beautiful Asheville. As we tour the property, wander through the meticulously designed home, which is complete with 16th-century decor, a library with over 10,000 books, and original art by Renoir. We also have a chance to explore the gardens, winery and equestrian center - all located on the grounds. We pause as we reach the Stable Café and enjoy a lunch buffet of Appalachian comfort food.

Following the tour, the remainder of the day is spent at leisure soaking up the artistic atmosphere and vibrant offerings of Asheville. World-class restaurants meet funky art galleries, stunning architecture meets the simple beauty of nature, and your opportunities are endless. Overnight Asheville.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 -  Tour conclusion

 When considering locations for show-stopping scenery, Tennessee and North Carolina are not often the first to come to mind; however, this vacation has showcased again and again why they should be.

We dove into Nashville's history and musical heritage before getting our first looks at the mountains in Chattanooga. After riding two railways and admiring the views from the valley and high above, we continued to Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Pigeon Forge and admired the Nantahala Gorge aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Ending with the classical beauty of the Biltmore Estate, a home whose grounds are a spectacle of nature themselves, each stop has been another glimpse at the South's natural beauty.

Our journey comes to a close after breakfast with a transfer to Asheville's Airport for your return flight home. The included group transfer accommodates flights departing after 10:30 a.m.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Hotels

Courtyard Chattanooga Downtown

Courtyard Chattanooga Downtown

View hotel

Dollywood's DreamMore Resort, Pigeon Forge

Dollywood's DreamMore Resort, Pigeon Forge

View hotel

Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown, Nashville

Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown, Nashville

View hotel

Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, Asheville

Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, Asheville

View hotel

Trains

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Tennessee Valley Railroad

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Extend your stay

Reviews

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 34 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (19)
  2. 4 stars
    (11)
  3. 3 stars
    (2)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

Patrice Marie Carpenter

5 stars

Submitted 19/May

The trip was nice, but what made it excellent was the tour guide, Jeanean. She was informative, funny, and an all around wonderful person. She took time to be with all of us at some point. We did spend a lot of time on the coach, but that was part of the deal. All of us loved Rock City and were very happy the original destination was cancelled and Rock City was put it its place. Two suggestions tho. 1. Name tags. There were several people that I would recognize along the way but never learned their names. I have never done a tour group where we didn't have some sort of name tag. 2. Allow a little more free time at destinations. I didn't feel rushed at Rock City but felt that I had to keep moving. And not near enough time in Chattanooga after lunch. I barely hit two stores for a short amount of time when the street was lined with stores. Loved the trip. I hope to travel with Jeanean again in the future. She is well worth it!

Collected by Trustpilot

Judy Dawley

5 stars

Submitted 19/May

The trip was wonderful. The group of people we traveled with were kind and friendly. The experiences were delightful. Our tour guide, Jeanean, was warm, welcoming and very professional. She had such a fun sense of humor. She’s exactly who you want to be representing your company. I couldn’t say enough good things about her.

Collected by Trustpilot

Gary Berger

5 stars

Submitted 19/May

Our tour leader,Janeane was awesome, she was thorough, patient , kind and entertaining. Our bus driver Vic the best!

Collected by Trustpilot

Noella

5 stars

Submitted 14/Apr

Absolutely terrific. Exceeded my expectations. The music content, the thrills, highlights as an Elvis fan, a country music fan, a nature lover and photographer, the capability of our escort Patti Thompson, her care and efficiency and friendliness and interest in her passengers, warmth. The slightly changed itinerary was very satisfactory the final destination being changed from Asheville to Knoxville Tn. We covered a lot and saw and experienced a lot. Shows, colour, music, thrills, scenery, natural wonders, Dollywood and more. Thank you very much for a spectacular trip. Noella from Sydney Australia

from Vacations By Rail
G'day Noella - We're so glad to hear you enjoyed you Smoky Mountain Rail Adventure as much as you did, and you can bet that we'll pass along your kind words to Tour Manager Patti. To quote The King himself, "Thank you, thank you very much!"
G'day to you. ?? You're very welcome. I know it's been a while since the trip. I actually thought I'd sent a review but was pretty sure I hadn't sent photos so did one anyway. A wonderful experience.
2 comments

Collected by Trustpilot

PAMELA SKELTON

5 stars

Submitted 22 Nov 2024

Terrific! Our guide Patti and driver Vic made our trip so pleasurable.

from Vacations By Rail
Hi Pamela - thank you so much for the review! I've shared your kind words with all the departments involved who had a hand in arranging this tour and it really made our day. We hope to help plan your next rail vacation with you!
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Melissa

5 stars

Submitted 08 Nov 2024

This was an amazing adventure! Vacations by Rail had to have a Plan B for the last leg of our trip because of hurricane damage in Asheville; their alternative plans were excellent! Our tour guide, Mark Jacobson, could not have done a more superb job. He gave us so much information and history during our travels, and quite a bit of humor along the way. Our driver, Vic, did an outstanding job of getting us to and from our destinations timely and safely. The only reason I didn't give five stars for the Value for Money is because I traveled solo and had to pay $1,800 more for "upgraded accommodations" at the hotels. Otherwise, it was worth every penny.

from Vacations By Rail
Hi Melissa - thank you so much for the review! I've shared your kind words with all the departments involved who had a hand in arranging this tour and it really made our day. We hope to help plan your next rail vacation with you!
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Show 6 more reviews
Related inspiration from our journey blog