Nashville, Branson & The Smoky Mountains

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Nashville

Saturday.  This morning enjoy a GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR of historic downtown Nashville and drive by some of the homes of country music stars.  Then sit back and enjoy your PREMIUM RESERVED SEATING tonight at the GRAND OLE OPRY, the heart and soul of any Nashville visit.  Celebrating its 94th birthday this year, this live radio broadcast is enjoyed by thousands each weekend and will be performed before your very eyes.

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Nashville to Pigeon Forge

(3 nights) Sunday. Travel through Knoxville, arriving in Pigeon Forge near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  This evening enjoy a fabulous feast and galloping good time at the DOLLY PARTON’S STAMPEDE!  Be entertained as you watch a show with live animals, dramatic lighting, sound and pyrotechnics.

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Pigeon Forge

Monday. A LOCAL GUIDE will join us this morning for an introduction to the GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, GATLINBURG and PIGEON FORGE. A blue smoke-like haze almost always hangs over the peaks of the Smoky Mountains, hence the name. Visits will be made to the SUGARLANDS VISITOR CENTER as well as CLINGMAN’S DOME, Tennessee’s highest point. The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps take a trolley and check out the miles of bargains in over 150 factory outlet stores with a wide variety of crafts and specialty shops. Some may wish to choose a show for this evening.

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Pigeon Forge

Tuesday. Today visit DOLLYWOOD, the entertainment capital of the Smokys! Watch master craftsmen at work, marvel at the winged residents of the Eagle Sanctuary, enjoy some great entertainment and relax as you ride the 100-ton steam train through the mountain scenery. Visit the DOLLY PARTON STORY MUSEUM which takes you on a never-to-be-forgotten tour of Dolly’s “rags-to-riches” life.

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Pigeon Forge to Corydon

Wednesday.  Welcome to the Bluegrass State of Kentucky, where the finest thoroughbreds in the world are raised.  In Lexington visit the home of the 2010 World Equestrian Games Competition, the KENTUCKY HORSE PARK for a farm tour.  Continue to Corydon for overnight

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Corydon to St. Louis

Thursday. Travel to St. Louis, Missouri and enjoy a visit to the GATEWAY ARCH.  Ride a tram to the top of the arch for a spectacular view from 630 feet above the banks of the Mississippi River.

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St. Louis to Cedar Rapids

Friday.  Follow the Mississippi River north to Hannibal, hometown of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, and the unsinkable Molly Brown, famous survivor of the Titanic disaster.  Visit the fascinating MARK TWAIN BOYHOOD HOME AND MUSEUM, introducing you to the famous writer’s life and childhood friends on whom so many of his characters were based.  Continue on to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for overnight.

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Cedar Rapids to St. Cloud

Saturday. Continue north across the corn fields of the Hawkeye State to enter the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota. Travel through Rochester, home to the famous Mayo Clinic and the twin cities of St. Paul/Minneapolis to overnight in St. Cloud, home to writer Garrison Keiller.

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St. Cloud to Minot

Sunday. Today we follow the interstate east to cross the Red River back into North Dakota.  This afternoon our travels follow the original Northern Pacific mainline through Devil’s Lake to end our day in Minot, North Dakota.  Share tour memories tonight with your fellow travellers at the FAREWELL DINNER.

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Minot to Swift Current

Monday. Make a stop at the duty free store and then re-enter Canada. Visit Weyburn before arriving in Swift Current for overnight.  Bid farewell to your fellow travellers from Saskatchewan.

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Swift Current to Calgary to Edmonton

Tuesday. Today is “Going Home” day with many vivid memories of your music cities tour.