The Smokies come alive in the fall with vibrant color, cool mornings, and pleasant days. Experience the beauty and history of the area by boat, Jeep, and train! Imagine living like royalty with a visit to the Biltmore Estate. You will see why Autumn is the most popular time to visit the Smoky Mountains!
- Fall foliage cruise on the Volunteer Princess
- Three nights Gatlinburg hotel
- Extended touring of Smoky Mountain National Park
- American Heritage Tour of Cades Cove
- Pink Jeep Adventure
- Murder Mystery Dinner
- Nantahala Gorge excursion on the GSM Railroad
- Biltmore Estate
DAY 1: WELCOME TO TENNESSEE!
We spend the day getting to know our fellow travelers as we make our way toward Nashville, TN. We should arrive in time to enjoy the Manager’s Kickback at our hotel. Hot Apps
DAY 2: VOLUNTEER PRINCESS/GATLINBURG
It is just a short drive to Knoxville, TN, where we board the sleek Volunteer Princess. Relax at your private table as you enjoy a 3-course luncheon all while viewing the fall colors along the Tennessee River. After this excursion we continue to Gatlinburg, TN, to our beautiful all-suite hotel for the first of three nights. B, L
DAY 3: PINK JEEPS/PIGEON FORGE
This morning, we are “in the pink” as we climb into our pink Jeeps and follow the Roaring Fork Nature Trail through the western hills of the Smokies. This 5.5-mile paved loop road through a hardwood forest will capture sweeping overlooks, and waterfalls and pass by historic homesteads. The remainder of the day is spent in the lively town of Pigeon Forge, TN. You can shop, eat, sample moonshine, or even ride the Ferris wheel at The Island entertainment complex. Then, take a journey through society’s dark side at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. You should now be well-equipped to solve the case at our Murder Mystery Dinner! B, D
DAY 4: CADES COVE/ GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
We get an early start today at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center. Board their shuttles and join their amazing guides for a tour through Cades Cove. This isolated valley was home to numerous settlers before the formation of the National Park. Go back in time and learn of their struggles to make a life in this rugged land. Learn what makes GSMNP such a unique addition to our national park system. After lunch, we will continue our drive through the park stopping at scenic overlooks and visitor centers whenever possible. B, L
DAY 5: GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD/ASHEVILLE, NC
Say goodbye to our Gatlinburg home and traverse the park one last time on the way to Bryson City, NC. Board the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad for the incredible Nantahala Gorge Excursion. Enjoy first-class seating and brunch on this scenic ride following Alarka Creek and Fontana Lake across the Fontana Trestle and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Once back at the depot, we take time to visit the model train museum. Next, head to Asheville, NC, for an early dinner and an overnight stay. B, L, D
DAY 6: BILTMORE ESTATE/NASHVILLE
The day begins with a visit to George Washington Vanderbilt’s iconic Biltmore Estate. Set on 8,000 acres, this opulent mansion is the country’s largest privately owned home. Tour the home with an included audio tour and take time to enjoy the magnificent gardens. There will be a stop at Antler Hill Village with free time for lunch, wine tasting, or shopping before starting our eastward journey toward home. B
DAY 7: RETURN HOME
Our last day on the road together will be spent marveling at the wonders we have seen and the artistry of autumn that Mother Nature has provided. B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: Drury Inn and Suites, Nashville, TN
Night 2-4: Embassy Suites, Gatlinburg, TN
Night 5: Holiday Inn Express, Asheville, NC
Night 6: Comfort Suites, Mt Juliet, TN
Dates
- Depart: October 20, 2025
- Return: October 26, 2025
Price Per Person
DB $2,399
TP/QD $2,119
SG $3,129
Helpful Hints
Take advantage of the free Trolley that stops just outside the hotel. It runs approximately every 15-20 minutes and will traverse the length of town.
Relax in the onsite restaurant or enjoy snacks and two complimentary drinks (per person) in the early evening while in Gatlinburg.
Immerse yourself in local “culture”, listen to live music, try a bit of moonshine or cotton candy wine.
Don’t miss the Smoky Mountain Trains museum- with its collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories, and impressive layout, there is something for everyone.
Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes; you will have a lot of ground to cover not only in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, but also in the sprawling grounds and gardens of the 250 room Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private home.
Weather, wildlife, and traffic can affect the routes we take through Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You never know exactly what you may see!
Weather
Average temperatures in late October ranges from the 70s to the 40s. Layered clothing is recommended,
Elevation Note
Elevation in Great Smoky National Park ranges from 1800’ to 6600’ above sea level.
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional and highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer Travel Guard from AIG, which costs 8.5% of your tour, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation w/rest room, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $5-$7per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you along! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
