The Great Smoky Mountains Through the Photographer's Lens

6 days
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews  
81%
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Small Group Tour
Capture the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains through the lens of your camera as a professional photographer lends his expertise on sunrise and wildlife photography and more.
$135 OFF
$1,214
From$1,079
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Armed with sunrise photography techniques from your instructor, capture daybreak from 5,000 feet at Appalachian Highland Science Learning Center, followed by picnic breakfast delivered to the mountaintop
    • Learn about Cataloochee Valley’s Elk Preservation Project, then take a field trip into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to photograph these majestic animals
    • Walk along the Ocanaluftee River and photograph scenic mountain streams

What's this trip about?

    Capture the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains through the lens of your camera as a professional photographer lends his expertise on sunrise and wildlife photography and more.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityLake Junaluska, North Carolina
End CityLake Junaluska, North Carolina

Travel Themes

  • 50 Plus
  • Education / Learning
  • Photography

Destinations

Activities

  • Educational/ Learning
  • Nature
  • Photography

Trip includes

    • 5 nights of accommodations
    • 9 expert-led lectures
    • 9 expert-led field trips
    • 1 hands-on experience
    • 1 performance
    • An experienced Group Leader
    • Customary gratuities throughout the program
    • Road Scholar Assurance Plan
    • Taxes

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Lambuth Inn

Check-In, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Roa...

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lambuth Inn

Cataloochee Valley History, Elk, Photography Techniques

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Dress in layers for possible chilly and damp conditions during our afternoon field tr...

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lambuth Inn

Sunrise Photography at Purchase Knob, Newfound Gap Road

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Dress in layers for chilly and possible damp conditions.

Breakfast: After our ...

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lambuth Inn

Technique, wildflowers, the Tennessee side of the Smokies.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Uneven terrain, possibility of getting feet wet.

Breakfast: Before breakfas...

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lambuth Inn

Use new photo skills in GSMNP

Activity note: Boarding motorcoach

Breakfast: Start your day with a morning stretch/yoga (outside, weather permitting) before a hearty breakfast buf...

Day 6

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Sharing Photos, Program Concludes

Activity note: Hotel check out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Get off to a good start today with a yoga/morning stretch session before breakfast.

Morning: We’ll wrap up with our time in...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,079
Price per day$180
Single supplement (single occupancy)$100
Last Updated: 1/26/2025

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Road Scholar Reviews & Ratings

4.3/5  Great
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Logistics

Accommodation

Lambuth Inn

5 nights  Lake Junaluska

The Lambuth Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. It recently underwent a $3.2M renovation that upgraded its modern comforts while preserving its historic charm. Nestled in a valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it overlooks scenic Lake Junaluska. It offers dozens of rocking chairs for relaxing on covered porches and verandas, as well as a 2.5-mile paved trail for exercise that includes a walking bridge around the 250-acre lake. There is an indoor fitness center, outdoor tennis courts on campus, as well as boating and swimming in season. Good to know: This is an alcohol- and smoke-free lodge. Coffee and tea in hotel lobby. Housekeeping once a week.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 5 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
roadscholar-953

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