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. With dazzling decorations and majestic trees, every nook radiates the enchantment of the season, whisking visitors away to a magical winter paradise.
- Visit the Belle Meade Plantation for a guided tour and wine tasting
- Visit the famous Biltmore Estate decorated in its holiday best, with a special Candlelight Christmas Evening tradition
- Witness the Annual National Gingerbread House Competition at the historic Grove Park Inn
- Explore Blue Ridge culture and history in the city of Asheville
- Experience a guided tour with time to shop and relax in Berea, KY
DAY 1: BELLE MEADE
Depart for Nashville, TN, for a visit to the Belle Meade Plantation and be enriched in Tennessee’s history, architecture, and hospitality. Enjoy a guided mansion tour and wine tasting before continuing to Cookeville, TN, for the night. D
DAY 2: BILTMORE CHRISTMAS
Arrive in festive Asheville, NC, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Explore Antler Hill and the Biltmore Estate before arriving at the Stable Café for dinner. After dinner, head into the mansion for a special Candlelight Christmas Evening, a Vanderbilt family tradition. B, D
DAY 3: TOUR ASHEVILLE
Joined by a local guide, we explore Blue Ridge culture and history in the city of Asheville. Experience another holiday tradition: the annual National Gingerbread House Competition featured at the historic Grove Park Inn. Enjoy a gourmet Seasonal Grand Lunch in the holiday-inspired dining room before returning to downtown Asheville to relax or explore with newfound Asheville knowledge. B, L
DAY 4: GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy a guided tour of Great Smoky Mountain National Park including a stop at scenic Newfound Gap in America’s most popular national park (weather permitting). Travel to central Kentucky and the historic Boone Tavern Hotel, our home for the night, for dinner with warm hospitality and rich culture. B, D
DAY 5: BEREA, KY
Board the coach with our local guide in Berea, KY, and see how this quaint Appalachian town celebrates the holidays before returning home. B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: Fairfield Inn, Cookeville, TN (or similar)
Nights 2-3: Village Hotel, Biltmore Estate
Night 4: Boone Tavern, Berea, KY
Dates:
- Departure: December 1, 2024
- Return: December 5, 2024
AND
- Departure: December 15, 2024
- Return: December 19, 2024
Pricing:
- Double: $1,699
- Triple/Quad: $1,559
- Single: $2,109
Temperatures and Dress:
Dress for traveling will be casual and comfortable. Please bring layers and a coat/jacket, gloves and hat as temperatures will be chilly. 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
Important Information
Each reservation requires a $250 per person deposit planning fee (exceptions may apply) to be credited toward your final payment. Some or all of your deposit may be non-refundable per our cancellation schedule noted in these Terms & Conditions below. We are happy to accept cash, check (preferred) or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) for your deposit.
Luggage:
Orange luggage tags are provided and are to be placed on your “checked luggage” (large bag). You do not need a tag for your carry-on bag, for which you will be responsible for taking on and off the coach. There is limited space in the cabin of the coach, so unless you require your carry-on bag while traveling, we will stow it in the luggage compartment.
On the first and last nights of this tour, you are welcome to pack your carry-on bag with essentials that would enable us to leave your “checked bag” on the coach. This will facilitate faster check-in and luggage delivery. This is not a requirement, merely a suggestion; we will deliver your “checked bag” to your room on the first and last night if you desire, just like every other night of the tour.
Terms and Conditions:
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
