Bask in the enchanting beauty of the American Southeast on a picturesque journey from Charlotte to Memphis. Explore Asheville’s opulent Biltmore Estate, then immerse yourself in the Great Smoky Mountains’ natural splendor with drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway and lovely Cades Cove. Enjoy a scenic ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad before continuing to Chattanooga, where you’ll ride the Tennessee Valley Railroad and ascend Lookout Mountain on the Incline Railway.

In Memphis, visit the historic Peabody Hotel and witness its famed Peabody Duck March, and take in a comprehensive music tour. Whether you’re marveling at rushing waterfalls and vibrant wildflowers in spring or admiring the golden hues of autumn, each season offers its own spectacular charm. With deluxe accommodations, included sightseeing, delectable dining, and an optional extension to New Orleans, this relaxed vacation offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and Southern hospitality. All aboard!

Arrive in Charlotte by train or air and transfer to the Hyatt Place for your overnight stay. Enjoy the evening at leisure to explore this captivating city.

What’s more Appalachian than barbecue? Relish a lunch stop on the

historic North Carolina Barbecue Trail, and listen to a scrumptious talk on ”What is ‘barbecue’?” Then it’s o! to Asheville for an expert-guided tour of

this artistic oasis—with a jaunt onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. (

This morning, enjoy a tour of the illustrious Biltmore Estate, getaway of the Vanderbilts, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, explore more of Asheville’s charming town center or revisit the Estate, with all evening free to

enjoy this enchanting town.

Today, experience a special treat as you depart the hotel for a ride on the Great

Smoky Mountains Railroad, gliding through Nantahala Gorge along the Little Tennessee River. Highlights of this scenic trip include Horseshoe Curve and the Fontana Lake Train Trestle. Later, arrive in Gatlinburg to begin your two-night stay in the Smokies.

Depart this morning for Great Smoky Mountains National Park on what is sure to be a magical day. Delight in Cades Cove, a breathtakingly beautiful 11-mile loop road through the Smokies dotted with pioneer homesteads and the backdrop of blue-misted mountains. Wildlife is abundant, so be sure to have your camera ready. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner during your second evening in Gatlinburg.

Continue to Chattanooga, a charming city on the Tennessee River, where you’ll enjoy lunch before a brief yet picturesque ride on the Tennessee Valley Railroad. After visiting stunning Ruby Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls inside Lookout Mountain, followed by a ride on the Incline Railway to the top of Lookout Mountain for

tremendous views.

A scenic drive this morning brings you to Memphis, one of America’s top cities for music, from the blues to Graceland. Memphis is a wonderful city in its own right, overlooking the Mississippi River. After lunch – a special treat – enjoy the afternoon and evening free, perhaps exploring historic Beale St., the home of the blues with a host of superb clubs and music halls.

Begin today in the lobby of the storied Peabody Hotel, where, with military precision, the Peabody Ducks march across the lobby and into the grand fountain to martial music. After this fowl experience, join the acclaimed Backbeat Tours music trip through Memphis aboard a retro bus with live music onboard, celebrating some of

the famed singers that have called Memphis home, from Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley to Otis Redding. The afternoon is yours to take in Graceland or the moving National Civil Rights Museum, formerly the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King was assassinated. Later tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner hosted by your

tour manager.

Depart for home by air or train, or extend your stay in Memphis. Guests purchasing our New Orleans add-on package depart this morning aboard the City of New Orleans train for New Orleans, arriving in the Crescent City this afternoon to begin a

two-night stay.