Bluegrass Country & Smoky Mountains

Take a delightful trip through the heart of Appalachia, discovering the equestrian culture of Kentucky, the pioneer spirit of Tennessee, and the mountainous beauty of North Carolina. Get a taste of Bourbon, baseball, and Thoroughbreds in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. Travel through Daniel Boone National Forest as you make your way to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. From your home base of Gatlinburg, explore the natural wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Travel on to Asheville, North Carolina, and enjoy the city’s historic architecture, engaging neighborhoods and robust arts districts. Tour the Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt’s "little mountain escape” in the Blue Ridge Mountains. When you leave, you’ll have the warmth and charm of southern Appalachia still in your heart.

Member Benefit Bonus: Book a Collette tour and receive a $150 credit to use towards an optional excursion, pre or post night stay or a tour extension. Speak to the team for further details.

Your Holiday Package Includes:

• $2,400 flight credit per person
• Select transfers
• 9 night Bluegrass Country & the Smoky Mountains guided tour with Collette, Louisville to Asheville 

Includes:

• Handpicked accommodation (x4)
• 13 meals (8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners)
• Must-see & culinary inclusions
• Cultural experiences & highlights

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 18 – 27 June 2025

Other travel dates available, surcharges may apply

Itinerary:

Day 1: Louisville, Kentucky - Tour Begins

Your tour starts in Louisville, Kentucky, famous for Thoroughbreds, Bourbon and baseball. Settle in for a 2-night stay at your hotel, ideally situated in downtown Louisville.

Day 2: Louisville

Enjoy a visit to Churchill Downs, the Thoroughbred racetrack famous for hosting the pinnacle of all horse races: the Kentucky Derby. Then, tour the Kentucky Derby Museum and learn about the legendary history of the “Sport of Kings.” Enjoy a walking tour of Old Louisville, a historic neighbourhood of Victorian mansions. Later, head to “Museum Row” where it’s your choice! Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory for an All-Star baseball experience -OR- explore the Frazier Kentucky History Museum, and its Spirit of Kentucky exhibit, the official start of the Bourbon Trail. Tonight, join your fellow travellers at a local restaurant for a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Louisville - Lexington

Visit Buffalo Trace, the oldest continuously operating Bourbon distillery in America. Learn about the subtle craft, meet some of the people who make it all happen, and taste some of the home-grown spirit. Stop in the quaint, historic town of Midway before exploring Kentucky’s horse country. Learn about the area from a local guide and take in the rolling bluegrass pastureland and the horse farms that dot the landscape. Hear about time-honoured traditions during visits to private horse farms before settling into Lexington for your 2-night stay.

Day 4: Lexington - Berea - Lexington

Travel to Berea, the historic college town known as the arts-and-crafts centre of Kentucky. Meet a few artisans whilst they demonstrate their craft. Then, explore musical artifacts and memorabilia during a visit to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. Tonight, take in the tastes of Kentucky at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Lexington - Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Travel through Daniel Boone National Forest. Extending across the western plateau region of the Appalachian Mountains, it’s named for the larger-than-life American pioneer who once blazed a trail across these rugged and wild lands. Arrive in the lively mountain resort of Gatlinburg, gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and your home for a 2-night stay. The rest of the day is yours, perhaps you will go to Dollywood,* Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountains theme park or enjoy time in downtown Gatlinburg.

Day 6: Gatlinburg - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg

With a local guide, explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park (UNESCO) – the United States’ most visited national park. Stop at various lookouts on your way to Newfound Gap, which boasts views of both Tennessee and North Carolina. Enjoy your picnic lunch at a scenic location before continuing through the park to Cherokee and spend time at Qualla, the oldest Native American arts cooperative where you’ll learn about traditional crafts and customs over a discussion with an artist. Afterwards, tour the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery with a tasting before enjoying an evening at leisure.

Day 7: Gatlinburg - Asheville, North Carolina

This morning, depart for Asheville, North Carolina, your Blue Ridge Mountains home for two nights. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore a city known for craft breweries, chocolate, and farm to table cuisine.

Day 8: Asheville

Back in 1895, George Vanderbilt II decided to build himself a “little mountain escape” in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The result was the impressive and decadent grandeur of the Biltmore Estate. Today, tour the sprawling mansion and the manicured grounds. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 9: Asheville - Charlotte - Tour Ends

Today your tour comes to an end. As you venture home, take the spirit and the warmth of America’s Southeast with you.

Prices listed are per person in NZD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 18-03-2025 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.