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 his 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” with food or theater tickets. 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 15, 2026
Price Per Person:
- DB $1,539
- TP/QD $1,389
- SG $1,899
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.
