Our Fall Vacation in the Smokies

October, 2011

Itinerary for our trip to the Smokey Mountains:

Travel to Atlanta.

Sheraton Hilton with a special welcome reception at famed Trader Vic's! Fully hosted by professional tour manager.

Two-nights in lovely Asheville, North Carolina at the wonderfully located Doubletree Biltmore at the gates of the fabled Biltmore Estate of the Vanderbilt family. We have included a tour of Asheville as well. 

Biltmore Estate visit including lunch at Deerpark Restaurant on the Vanderbilt Estate.

Two-nights at the excellent Park Vista Resort Hotel in Gatlinburg, TN, in the Great Smoky Mountains. All rooms at Park Vista have their own balcony.

OOPS!! Here is where the story goes off schedule. Had a great time until we got here. Will explain in the rest of the story.

Complete tour of the most visited National Parks in America, Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as a visit to Cades Cove, famed for its blue-misted mountains.

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad excursion train through Nantahala River Gorge with highlights like Horseshoe Curve, Fontana Lake Trestle and the Tennessee River, fantastic scenery during the height of Fall Colors.

Overnight stay in Nashville, Music City USA with time for Opryland along with a day in Memphis with dinner at the legendary Rendezvous Barbeque Restaurant before we board the Memphis Special.

Travel from Memphis to Chicago by special private train aboard the 'Memphis Special', a short overnight ride over the famed Illinois Central Railroad with all meals and open bar included while aboard. Guests enjoy ultra-comfortable 'Sleeperette' accommodations with roomy reclining leg rest coach seating with blankets, pillows and large windows or may opt to upgrade to a private compartment at modest cost.

Overnight luxury hotel stay in Chicago with Farewell Dinner at Lawry's, the Prime Rib.