The Blue Ridge Mountains boast one of the longest and most vibrant autumn color seasons in the country! On this journey, explore the rich history of the region at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, where you can walk the trails once traveled by pioneers, and visit the quaint town of Abingdon, home to the Barter Theatre—America’s oldest professional theater. Spend two nights at the Martha Washington Inn and Spa Resort, a 4-Diamond Historic Hotel of America, where timeless elegance meets modern comfort. This is an adventure that captures the history, beauty, and charm of its towns and the mountains.
- Experience the artistry of Berea, Kentucky, on a guided tour highlighting the town’s exceptional craftsmanship and deep-rooted Appalachian creativity
- Visit the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, the first great gateway to the West
- Explore one of the largest private collections of Abraham Lincoln and Civil War artifacts at the Lincoln Museum
- Experience the charm of Abingdon, VA, nestled in the Blue Ridge Highlands, and unwind with a stay at the elegant Martha Washington Inn & Spa
- Enjoy world-class performances at two award winning historic regional theaters
- Get your adrenaline pumping with a behind-the-scenes guided tour of Bristol Motor Speedway
DAY 1: WELCOME TO BEREA, KY!
Travel to the charming Appalachian town of Berea, the Folk Arts & Craft Capital of Kentucky, and learn about its artisans and the groundbreaking Berea College. Experience a dinner with regional flair and local entertainment surrounded by the hospitality and timeless charm of the historic Boone Tavern Hotel. D
DAY 2: CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK
Arrive in the Cumberland Gap region, the first gateway to the West, where bison and pioneers once blazed trails across the Appalachian Mountains. While visiting the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park take in the spectacular fall foliage and explore exhibits beneath towering indoor “trees.” Continue to the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum to explore one of the largest private collections of Abraham Lincoln and Civil War artifacts in the world with more than 35,000 pieces. Outside, stroll through the Pioneer Village and learn how Lincoln’s legacy inspired the founding of Lincoln Memorial University, established at his request to serve the people of Appalachia. Check into the award-winning Martha Washington Inn & Spa built in 1862. B, D
DAY 3: ABINGDON, VA
Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Highlands, join our local guide as we explore Abingdon, the first English speaking settlement in the watershed of the Mississippi, where almost the entire downtown is listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Enjoy leisure time for lunch and shopping on Main Street. Take in a show at the historic Barter Theatre. Originally built as a church in 1829, then reopened as a theatre during the Great Depression for patrons to “barter” for tickets with produce and food goods. Return to “the Martha” to enjoy a complimentary glass of port wine to guarantee “sweet dreams!” B, D
DAY 4: FRANKLIN, TN
Continue the exploration of the Blue Ridge foothills, adding a little thrill and adventure by arriving at the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway, known as “The Last Great Colosseum.” Take a guided track tour of one of NASCAR’s most famous short tracks, and hear insider stories of racing legends, unforgettable rivalries, and record-breaking moments that have made Bristol a true icon of motorsports. Enjoy another memorable Broadway quality performance this evening at the Studio Tenn in the charming historic area of Franklin, TN. B, D
DAY 5: RETURN HOME
En route home, visit the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky—recognized by USA Today as one of the top quilt displays in the world—concluding the tour with great memories of beautiful foliage, charming towns, and artistic creativity of the foothills! B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: Boone Tavern, Berea, KY
Nights 2-3: Martha Washington Inn & Spa Resort, Abingdon, VA
Night 4: Drury Plaza Hotel, Franklin, TN
Departure Cities:
- St. Louis
Depart: October 11, 2026
Return: October 25, 2026
Price Per Person:
- DB $1,539
- TP/QD $1,389
- SG $1,899
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional and highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer Travel Guard from AIG, which costs 8.5% of your tour, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation w/rest room, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $5-$7 per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you along! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on the coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
