Backroads of Kentucky & The Great Smoky Mountains
October 23-November 1, 2008
Activity Level: Level Three

Some of the most spectacular fall colors are seen this time of year in the Smoky Mountains. We are going to explore the land and sites on this tour that reflect deep traditions of the Bluegrass Heritage as we travel the Backroads of Kentucky.
We’ll visit the famous Churchill Downs, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and drive past the beautiful horse farms. Spectacular entertainment is in store for you in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg and you’ll be amazed at the magnificence of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. Take a journey down memory lane when we visit Graceland in Memphis and then stroll down famous Beale Street, home of the Blues and birthplace of Rock ’n Roll. This diversified tour is one you won’t find anywhere else!

Day 1 We make our way across Nebraska with pickups along I-80 starting at Kearney. A delicious Brown Bag Breakfast is served enroute. Our welcome dinner this evening is in the renovated old stables of the renowned Stone Hill Winery. You’ll get your first view of the beautiful fall colors, as you look down on the Missouri River Valley from this old German winery which sits high on the hill.
*Breakfast & Dinner Included
*St. Charles Best Western, St. Charles, MO

Day 2 Today we make our way to the rolling hills of Kentucky. Visit the historic racetrack Churchill Downs, where the Kentucky Derby is run. Enjoy a guided tour of Churchill Downs, with ample time to enjoy the Kentucky Derby Museum. We journey on to Lexington, KY where we will spend the next two nights.
*Breakfast Included
*Four Points Sheraton Inn, Lexington,KY

Day 3 Today will be spent exploring the Backroads of Kentucky, driving past the grand horse farms. We’ll see the old weathered tobacco barns and centuries old stone fences and visit the restored Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a living history museum where the tangible reminders of an extraordinary life are preserved.
Shaker Village not only presents America’s finest, largest, and most completely restored Shaker community and living museum, but also provides you the chance to discover the magic of simplicity –not only in their architecture but in the way they lived their daily lives.
*Breakfast and Dinner Included

Days 4, 5 & 6 We head to the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, TN area today where we’ll be spending the next three nights.
Stopping along the way we visit Renfro Valley, home of the famous humorist and entertainer, Carl Hurley and visit the Colonel Sanders Museum and Café. We’ll have lunch at the original restaurant where Colonel Sanders got started.
You’ll get a real feel for the “down home country atmosphere” in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN. We’ll enjoy the entertaining Country Tonite Show, the Fall Festival and Gospel Jubilee at Dollywood and a dinner/show at the Black Bear Jamboree.
We’ll take a day trip through
the beautiful Smoky Mountains, enjoying the colorful fall foliage at it’s peak and visit the magnificent and stately Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.
*Breakfast each morning, 2 dinners Included.
*Hotel stay in Pigeon Forge, TN

Day 7 Our journey today takes us to Memphis, TN, home of the Blues and birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll. You’ll enjoy the ambience of the newly renovated downtown/riverwalk area with our conveniently located downtown hotel, our home for the next 2 nights.
*Breakfast & Dinner Included
*Holiday Inn Select, Memphis, TN

Day 8 Lets take a trip down memory lane with our visit to Graceland and Beale Street this morning. Then our local guide will give us insight into the significant historical background of this charming, old city.
*Breakfast Included

Day 9 This morning we travel to Cape Girardeau, originally settled in the early 18th Century. After enjoying the historical significance of this charming old river town, we head to the Historic town of St. Charles, MO, which is our destination today.
This is the location where the famous Lewis & Clark expedition started. We will learn about this amazing journey, and the interesting history of St. Charles. You’ll have time to enjoy the many shops, and we’ll round out the day with a bountiful dinner at the Mother-in-Law House.
*Breakfast & dinner included
*St. Charles Best Western, St. Charles, MO

Day 10 As we journey back to Nebraska today we share many fond memories with our newfound friends. Farewell lunch included.
*Breakfast & Lunch Included

For more information write to: tconcepts@hamilton.net or call 402-694-5731 or 800-759-1006.

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