Tennessee Country Christmas

Day 1

DEC 3: EN ROUTE TO NASHVILLE, TN

Travelers arrive from across the country today into Nashville, Tennessee, affectionately known as “Music City, USA”. A shuttle will be provided from the Nashville airport to our hotel near Opryland, where we will begin a 7 day, 6 night Country Christmas celebration spanning 3 states! Following a get-acquainted orientation this evening, feel free to explore the dazzling Christmas sights and sounds of Opryland Hotel.

Day 2

DEC 4: ACTIVITIES IN NASHVILLE (B)
Nashville Scholars Walk - 11 km, rated 1

We’ll start off our morning with a Nashville walk, featuring the campuses of Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities. We’ll also stroll down Nashville’s famous Music Row and view a full scale replica of the Parthenon. Then we’ll head down the road for a Christmas Tour at historic Belle Meade Plantation, one of America’s premier thoroughbred horse farms. Capping off our day will be a toe-tapping performance of the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at the Grand Ole Opry.

Day 3

DEC 5: ACTIVITIES FROM NASHVILLE (BD)
Nashville Capitol Walk - 12 km, rated 3

We’ll kick off another morning with a Nashville walk, this time focusing on the Tennessee State Capitol, Bicentennial Mall, and the historic Ryman Auditorium. After a lunch stop, we’ll be given presidential treatment as we enjoy a Holiday Tour at the Hermitage, home of our seventh commander-in-chief, Andrew Jackson. This evening’s activities will be sure to please as we board the General Jackson Showboat for a one-of-a-kind Dinner Cruise and Show on the lovely Cumberland River.

Day 4

DEC 6: ACTIVITIES FROM NASHVILLE (B)
Mammoth Cave Walk - 10 km, rated 2+

A short drive up to Kentucky this morning will put us in touch with the largest subterranean wonderland on the planet, Mammoth Cave National Park. Prepare for some spectacular natural sights as we embark on a WAI first-ever sanctioned underground/above ground walk. Witness the famous “Frozen Niagara” cave formation as well as the numerous sinkholes, disappearing streams, and springs that are common among Kentucky’s karst landscape. Be filled with yuletide cheer as we participate in the annual Cave Sing and Storytelling event, a unique and memorable Christmas tradition dating back to 1883 that takes place only one day each year in the decorated and candlelit chambers of Mammoth Cave. After our time in the Bluegrass State, we’ll return to our hotel in Nashville for a little rest or some more Opryland exploration.

Day 5

DEC 7: NASHVILLE – CHATTANOOGA, TN (B)
Chattanooga Downtown River Walk - 10 km, rated 2

Today we shuffle down the tracks a couple of hours to charming Chattanooga, enjoying a downtown walk that features the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Walnut Street Bridge, the United States’ longest pedestrian bridge. This afternoon, we’ll receive a little geological inspiration in our third state, Georgia, as we explore Rock City, a marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens, and a 7-state panoramic view! During your free time this evening back in Chattanooga, you may want to dive into the fascinating environment of the world-class Tennessee Aquarium, or you may choose to explore the sprawling grounds of our hotel, which is built on the 24-acre site of the Chattanooga Choo Choo Terminal Station.

Day 6

DEC 8: ACTIVITIES IN CHATTANOOGA (BD)
Lookout Mountain/Ruby Falls Walk - 10 km, rated 2+

After a brief drive back into the Peach State, we’ll navigate the scenic and historic footpaths of Lookout Mountain during a combination Georgia/Tennessee walk. Along the way, we’ll discover the Civil War history of “The Battle Above the Clouds” and experience “America’s Most Amazing Mile” as we descend down the 72.7% grade of Chattanooga’s Incline Railway. Then we’ll soak up some Christmas ambiance at the impressive 145-foot tall Ruby Falls, one of the largest underground waterfalls open to the public. As a fitting finish to our day, we’ll feast together at a Choo-Choo themed Farewell Dinner!

Day 7

DEC 9: DEPART FOR HOME (B)

Following breakfast at our hotel, we’ll have a chance to reminisce together on our coach ride back to the Nashville airport for our flights home. Full of Christmas cheer and warm memories of our 3-state holiday extravaganza, we hope “Yule” be coming back to join us for a future adventure real soon!