The Biltmore Estate, nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, becomes a breathtaking holiday spectacle adorned with festive delights. Bask in the warm glow of candlelight and explore the expansive halls filled with the joyous spirit of Christmas.
- Take a guided tour of the historic Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery and enjoy a wine tasting experience
- Marvel at the grandeur of the Biltmore Estate, and take part in the beloved Candlelight Christmas Evening tradition
- Annual National Gingerbread House Competition in the historic Omni Grove Park Inn
- Explore the Blue Ridge region in Asheville
- Explore America’s culinary heritage at the Bush’s Visitor Center
- Experience Berea, KY, with a guided tour
DAY 1: WELCOME TO TENNESSEE!
Travel to Nashville, and explore Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, where Tennessee’s rich heritage, grand architecture, and warm hospitality come to life. Enjoy a guided tour of the mansion and a wine tasting before continuing to Cookeville, TN. D
DAY 2: BILTMORE CHRISTMAS
Arrive in festive Asheville, NC, and explore Antler Hill on the legendary Biltmore Estate before savoring dinner at the inviting Stable Café. Then, experience the enchantment of a Candlelight Christmas Evening while strolling through and marveling at the opulent holiday décor inside the mansion—a beloved Vanderbilt holiday tradition. B, D
DAY 3: ASHEVILLE, NC
With a local guide, discover Asheville’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Enjoy a holiday feast at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn and delight in the creativity while viewing the annual National Gingerbread House Competition displays. B, D
DAY 4: CHESTNUT HILL, TN
Embark on a flavorful journey spanning over 110 years of an American culinary icon at the Bush’s Visitor Center in Chestnut Hill, TN, nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Then, travel to central Kentucky to experience a delicious dinner with regional flair and local entertainment surrounded by the hospitality and timeless charm of the historic Boone Tavern Hotel. B, D
DAY 5: BEREA, KY
Join our local guide in Berea, KY, and board the coach to experience how this charming Appalachian town comes alive with holiday spirit. Enjoy demonstrations by talented regional artisans and witness firsthand the creativity that defines “The Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky” before heading home. B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: Fairfield Inn, Cookeville, TN (or similar)
Nights 2-3: Village Hotel, Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC
Night 4: Boone Tavern, Berea, KY
Departure Cities:
- St. Louis
Depart: December 2, 2026 sold out
Return: December 6, 2026
AND
Depart: December 6, 2026
Return: December 10, 2026
Pricing:
- Double: $1,729
- Triple/Quad: $1,669
- Single: $2,139
Helpful Hints
During your time in Berea, KY, consider taking care of some holiday shopping at the many local shops.
When touring the Biltmore Estate, expect a lot of walking, both indoors, outdoors, and with steps. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Note that the gardens and conservatory are worth the walk even in winter—especially if you like Christmas plants and lights
Photos inside the Biltmore are permitted, but flash is prohibited.
Temperatures and Dress
Dress for traveling will be casual and comfortable. Please bring layers and a coat/jacket, gloves and hat as temperatures can range from a high of 50 to a low of 25, with the potential of snow. You will also want to bring good walking shoes. Below are the estimated temperatures in each city.
Cookeville: 47/34
Asheville: 44/27
Berea: 43/28
Other General Information
Tour Communications: You will receive three key communications leading up to your tour:
- Get Ready: Your email confirmation and initial tour information, sent after you register.
- Get Set: An email with additional tour details, sent approximately two months before departure.
- Go: Your final trip documents, mailed via USPS approximately three to four weeks before departure. This packet will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags, and final departure information.
Travel Protection: Travel Protection is optional but highly recommended and may be purchased until the day before departure. Sunrise Tours offers plans through battleface. Additional information will be included with your Get Ready email and can also be found HERE.
Inclusions: Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes:
- A professional Sunrise Tour Director
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Local step-on guides, including gratuities
- International tour guide gratuities when specified for the individual tour
- Deluxe motorcoach transportation with an onboard restroom
- Admission to activities and events as indicated
- Airfare from designated airports
- Transportation to and from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*
- Luggage handling at hotels when available
Gratuities: We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver is $6 to $10 per person, per day of the tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers also appreciate gratuities for excellent service, with a suggested amount of $5 per person. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or distribute gratuity envelopes.
Refreshments: We are happy to provide refreshments on most motorcoach travel days. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to help you stay hydrated throughout your tour.
Pickup Points: If fewer than four travelers request a particular pickup point, we may ask those guests to select another available pickup location. Travelers are also welcome to join a tour from a city that is not listed as a departure point. Please contact our friendly reservations team to discuss available arrangements. For departure cities not listed, airfare is typically $100 more than the published fare for domestic tours and $200 more for international tours.
TSA PreCheck and Airline Rewards Numbers: TSA PreCheck, Known Traveler Numbers, and airline rewards numbers must be provided to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure. Numbers received after this deadline may not be applied to your reservation.
Airline Seating: Preferred seating may not be available with group airfare. In some cases, seats are not assigned until travelers arrive at the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy-class seat but does not include advance seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available for an additional cost.
Motorcoach Capacity and Seating: To provide one of the most comfortable motorcoach experiences in the industry, Sunrise Tours generally limits motorcoaches to 80% capacity. This allows for a maximum of 44 passengers on a motorcoach designed to accommodate 55. Sunrise Tours reserves the right to amend this practice. Your Tour Director will rotate motorcoach seating each day of the tour. Payment of a single-occupancy fare does not guarantee two motorcoach seats, and you may be seated beside another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.