Chattanooga TN & Biltmore Estate

DAY 1

Lookout Chattanooga, here we come! During this tour you explore the Chattanooga's Incline Railway and Rock City Gardens, as well as a mesmerizing journey below the surface to witness the nation's deepest waterfall open to the public at Ruby Falls. Delight in the history and beauty of Biltmore Estate & Gardens, relax on a sunset riverboat cruise and relive the memories of the Walton's TV series with a stop at the home that inspired the show, the Walton's Mountain Museum, the General Store and more. Following meal and rest stops at your expense, your travels take you to Asheville, NC for an overnight stay in Asheville, NC. Dinner is on your own tonight with the rest of the night to relax and unwind.

DAY 2

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you check out and depart for Biltmore Estates & Gardens where admission is included for a self-guided visit. Explore America's Largest Home, as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Your self-guided house visit spans three floors and the basement of the luxurious family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt. Explore the stories of the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and employees through displays of vintage clothing, accessories, art, furniture, and more. Stroll the gardens and delight in the beautiful landscape and its "scent"sational surroundings. Afterwards, you depart for check-in at The Read House Hotel (423-266-4121) for a three-night stay. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown, this landmark property features an indoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness center, onsite restaurant and a bar and billiards room. Dinner tonight is included with the remainder of the night to enjoy the hotel amenities or just relax.

DAY 3

Wake to breakfast included at the hotel before you board the motorcoach for the Tennessee Aquarium. Admission is included for self-guided exploration of the 2 buildings where you can trace the path of water from the mountains to the sea. Witness fascinating native animals that live in our backyards and the amazing creatures that thrive in some of the most remote locations on Earth. You can also enjoy a movie at the IMAX 3-D Theater. Next, visit the new National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. In the heart of downtown Chattanooga, the Museum brings to life the amazing stories of ordinary people who demonstrated extraordinary heroism under the most difficult circumstances. The Museum aims to inspire you with the values exhibited by Medal of Honor recipients - Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice and Commitment. The hope is that you leave encouraged knowing that you too have the potential to be a hero. Then, enjoy some time at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, as well as Warehouse Row where you have lunch included at a local favorite. This evening, dinner is included at a local restaurant followed by a sunset cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat. See Chattanooga from the beautiful Tennessee River and enjoy the end of the day leisurely floating along, viewing the shoreline scenery and listening to music. You return to the hotel after the cruise.

DAY 4

A delightful breakfast is included at the hotel prior to departure for Lookout Mountain and a one-way ride on the Incline Railway. Known as "America's Most Amazing Mile", the Incline Railway's trolley-style cars climb through the natural beauty surrounding historic Lookout Mountain at a breathtaking 72.7% grade straight up. Sit back, relax and marvel at the scenic views of the mountains and valleys from the observation windows in the car as well as the panoramic views from the observation tower at the Incline's top station. After lunch included at Lookout Mountains, you visit Ruby Falls. Located over 1120 feet beneath the surface, Ruby Falls is the nation's largest and deepest waterfall open to the public. Hundreds of gallons of water rush over by the minute and will amaze you. Your next stop will be at a visit to Rock City Gardens located at the top of Lookout Mountain. A true marvel of nature, Rock City features massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking "see 7 states" panoramic views (weather permitting). Take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail where each step reveals natural beauty and wonders along the woodland path. Dinner will be included tonight before retiring back to the hotel.

DAY 5

Breakfast is once again included at the hotel before you pack up and depart for Charlottesville, VA with a lunch stop at your expense along the way. Upon arrival in Charlottesville, you check in at the Hampton Inn Charlottesville (434-978-7888) for an overnight stay. Hotel amenities include an outdoor seasonal pool, fitness center and business center with complimentary Wi-Fi. Guest rooms feature a mini refrigerator, coffeemaker, hairdryer and iron/ironing board. Dinner is included at a local restaurant before turning in for the night.

DAY 6

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you check out and depart for Schuyler, VA to visit the Walton Hamner House, the boyhood home of Earl Hamner, Jr creator of the popular 1970's television series, The Waltons. Built in 1915, as a company house, by the local soapstone company, the Hamner's purchased the home in 1929 when Earl Sr. worked as a machinist for the Alberene Stone Company. The house served as a model for the show. Explore the Walton's Mountain Museum offering replicas of John-Boy's Bedroom, Ike Godsey's Store, "The Walton" kitchen and living room, pieces of memorabilia and more. You will also make a stop at Walton's Mountain General Store. Following your visit, you depart for lunch included at Michie Tavern rich in 18th Century southern culture, bountiful southern-inspired fare and gracious hospitality. You then continue home with a rest stop if needed.

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***TIMES & ITINERARY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner