8 days
November 30 - December 7, 2009

DAY 1  We're off! Our first stop will be for an included morning coffee and roll break in western Wisconsin. We'll continue across Wisconsin and Illinois on the way to our overnight in Champaign, Illinois.  This evening we'll enjoy an included Welcome Dinner.


DAY 2  Following an included breakfast, we'll head across Kentucky and into Tennessee.  Our destination is the beautiful Smoky Mountains for our 3-night stay in Pigeon Forge. Upon arrival we'll enjoy our included "Welcome to the Smokies" Dinner, then we'll check into the beautiful Music Road Inn, with the remainder of the evening free to relax.


DAY 3  This morning following included breakfast, our road leads to Asheville, NC, for our visit to the Biltmore Estates. This 250-room castle-like home will be beautifully decorated for the holidays with turn-of-the-century ornaments, hundreds of wreaths and poinsettias, and over 30 Christmas trees.  You will have plenty of time to explore the home and grounds, then we'll head into the Smoky Mountains and the town of Gatlinburg. We'll visit Christus Gardens, which features life-size dioramas depicting the life of Jesus, then explore the Holiday Arts and Crafts displays and browse the shops in Gatlinburg. We'll stop for dinner (on your own) before taking our reserved seats for the wonderful Louise Mandrell Christmas Show.


DAY 4  Following included breakfast this morning we'll head to Dollywood for a full day of "Christmas in the Smokies" activities.  You will have plenty of time to take in all the Holiday displays, crafts, and special holiday musical shows.  Dinner will be included; then on the way back to our hotel, we'll tour some of the thousands of holiday light displays in the area.

DAY 5  This morning after included breakfast, we'll head into Nashville, the "Country Music Capital of the World." We'll start with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Later you'll have time to explore the shops on historic Second Avenue and check out the Wildhorse Saloon.  We'll then check into the magnificent Opryland Hotel, where we will stay for two nights in the upgraded and beautiful Atrium Rooms.  Impressive in any season with its acres of indoor (and outdoor) gardens and its very own river, during the Christmas season it becomes an incredible winter wonderland with millions of lights and decorations.  This evening we'll enjoy the Louise Mandrell Christmas Show for included dinner and show. 

DAY 6  This morning we'll board the General Jackson showboat for a breakfast cruise on the Cumberland River, with holiday entertainment. Later, we'll visit the Fantasy in Ice sculpture exhibit.  This afternoon we'll return to the hotel for time to visit the Holiday Craft and Gift Show, explore more of the Hotel, visit Opry Mills shopping complex, or just relax.  Then we'll take in the Family Christmas Dinner Show followed by the Magical Musical Christmas Show.  Later this evening you may want to go outside and see the spectacular 13-story Christmas tree, decorated with over 23,000 lights.
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DAY 7  Today we'll head back north across Kentucky and Indiana to the Chicago area, making appropriate break stops.  After checking into our full-service hotel, we'll enjoy an included farewell dinner.

DAY 8   We'll enjoy included breakfast and then head north back into Wisconsin stopping for an included morning break.  When we arrive in Tomah, we'll have time to explore the shops and have lunch (on your own) at Burnstad's European Cafe and Village.  We'll arrive back in the Twin Cities late this afternoon. 
 
 

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