Whether amidst the vibrant greenery and blossoms of spring or the rich, warm hues of fall, explore the finest destinations in Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains.

Arrive in Nashville and transfer independently to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to get acquainted with this vibrant city. Overnight Nashville, TN.

Some of the most intriguing locales in Nashville lie ahead this morning, as you embark on a guided tour of the city. Enjoy glimpses at sites such the Historic Downtown District, Riverfront Park and "Honky Tonk Row," and learn little-known facts from your local guide. Following your tour, spend the afternoon sightseeing on your own before meeting with the group for dinner. This evening we visit the world renowned Grand Ole' Opry for a backstage tour of this country music gem followed by a performance. Overnight Nashville, TN.

Follow in the footsteps of some of the world's greatest recording artists with a tour of RCA Studio B this morning - 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 of 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. Next, we visit the Country Music Hall of Fame. This iconic museum is filled with exhibits highlighting artists and musicians, both new and old, which helped to put Nashville on the map. Following lunch at leisure we continue onto Chattanooga, our base for the next two nights. Overnight Chattanooga, TN. 

After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we get our first looks at the colorful mountainous landscapes of the region 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.

Returning to Chattanooga, there's free time for lunch before we enjoy even more of southern Tennessee's scenery 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 in for a journey through the famous Hiwassee Loop - 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.

We return to Chattanooga by coach 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.

There's a free morning to uncover Chattanooga after breakfast and there are plenty of attractions near our hotel. You could view marine life at the Tennessee Aquarium or take a stroll along the Tennessee riverside. The Bluff View Art District brims with galleries and museums, including the expansive Hunter Museum of American Art and the River Gallery, located in a turn-of-the-century house.

Continuing our journey later, we stop for lunch as we travel east by coach to Pigeon Forge, a year-round destination amid the Great Smoky Mountains.

On arrival, we check in to our four-star resort hotel near the Dollywood theme park and have a free evening to explore at leisure or relax while soaking up the scenery. Overnight Pigeon Forge.

Ready yourself for stunning mountains and the serenity of nature as we embark on a half-day tour through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Photo opportunities are bountiful as the tour winds through the park. Enjoy a look at the Rockefeller Memorial at Newfound Gap, and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. The remainder of day is at leisure in Pigeon Forge. Overnight Pigeon Forge, TN.

Railway adventures beckon as you board the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad for a 4 1/2-hour round-trip journey from Bryson City. Enjoy scenic vistas 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 as you pass through charming mountain towns, cross Fontana Lake on the historic Fontana Trestle Bridge, and traverse serene mountain landscapes. Enjoy 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, enjoy downtown's quaint charms at your own pace before boarding your motorcoach bound for Asheville. Overnight Asheville, NC.

Please note: on the October 29 departure, we will travel from Dollywood to the Biltmore Estate, before continuing to Asheville.

This morning visit America's largest home, the Biltmore Estate. The family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt, this estate covers more than 8,000 acres in beautiful Asheville. Your tour of the property includes a look at the stunning home, 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 of which are located on the grounds of the estate. While at the Biltmore Estate, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a Farewell Lunch. This remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the endless offerings of vibrant Asheville. World-class restaurants meet funky art galleries, stunning architecture meets the simple beauty of nature, and your opportunities are endless. Overnight Asheville, NC.

Please note: on the October 29 departure, we will ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and explore Bryson City today.

Your tour concludes today as you are transferred to Asheville's Airport for your return flight home. Included group transfer accommodates flights departing after 10:30 a.m.

Nestled in the forested mountains of North Carolina is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, a heritage rail line that dates to the late 1880s.  Visitors are treated to a memorable glimpse at the natural side of North Carolina, with over 125 species of trees surrounding the tracks as well as glorious mountain views. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad operates approximately 52 miles of track out of Bryson City and offers two distinct routes from which to choose.   

Amongst the forested mountains of Chattanooga, TN is a marvel of engineering and one of the world's steepest passenger railways, the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. Hailed as "America's Most Magnificent Mile," this rail line has been offering safe and scenic transport to the summit of Lookout Mountain for over 125 years. The funicular railway follows a single track - aside from a passing loop in the middle - between St. Elmo Station at the mountain's base to Lookout Mountain Station at the top. Observation decks at the summit offer spectacular views over the city of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.

The  Tennessee Valley Railroad is one of the unique examples of a heritage railway in the United States. It was founded in 1961 as a museum dedicated to preserving any equipment that rail lines were willing to donate rather than established to save one particular route or line's heritage. Since its founding 60 years ago, its humble beginnings have transformed into the largest historic railroad in the South, covering approximately 100 miles of track between Chattanooga and Northern Georgia. 

The newly renovated Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Chattanooga has met the requirements for the 'Green Globe Certification' and is just blocks from the Tennessee River, Coolidge Park, UT Chattanooga and within walking distance to over 32 restaurants. 

This contemporary 3-Star hotel is located just minutes from the Country Music Hall of Fame and the honky tonks of Broadway. Surrounded by historic landmarks and outstanding eateries, the Hyatt Place also features an indoor swimming pool, fitness center and lounge bar. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a safe, a minifridge, a coffeemaker, a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, this 4-Star hotel blends modern comfort with rustic charm. Experience authentic Southern hospitality in one of the fantastic eateries and unwind at the indoor and outdoor pools and on-site salon and spa. The comfortable air-conditioned rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a safe, a minifridge, a coffeemaker, a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Vacations By Rail would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.