Highlights of the South

Day 1 - Arrive Charlotte, NC If you’ve ever wondered what it was like for Scarlett O’Hara or John Wilkes, this tour is for you! Transfer to the airport for the flight to Charlotte, NC. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by our awaiting motor-coach and check into our hotel, in Gastonia, NC. Dinner is included this evening. (D) Day 2 - Gastonia - Asheville - Chattanooga, TN After breakfast our destination is Chattanooga, stopping in Asheville, NC along the way. We will visit the Biltmore House and Gardens. This is the largest private home ever built in North America. Once the mountain retreat of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, today’s tour will include the magnificent mansion, a visit to the Biltmore Estate Winery and a stroll through some of the most beautiful formal gardens in the South. This afternoon we continue our journey into Chattanooga, TN. We check into our hotel, the historic Read House. Built in 1847, the original building survived the ravages of the Civil War, and served as a Civil War hospital, to later burn to the ground and be rebuilt as the Read House . With many misfortunes and a storied past, the hotel was purchased in 2016 and once again has become Chattanooga’s most luxurious property. Dinner is included this evening. (B,D) Day 3 - Chattanooga This morning after breakfast, we meet with our local guide for a full day of sightseeing. We will take the Incline Railway, trolley-style cars that climb through the beautiful surroundings of historic Lookout Mountain. Enjoy the panoramic views from the observation tower at the top. Located on Lookout Mountain, the entrance to historic Point Park, learn about The Battles for Chattanooga, one of our country’s greatest struggles fought in November 1863. There is a paved walking path that takes you by by several historic monuments, Confederate artillery positions, and scenic overlook. Located atop lookout Mountain is Rock City, spend time this afternoon marveling natures massive ancient rock formations and gardens with over 400 native plant species. On a clear day you can see 7 states. Lunch in included at Rock City’s Big Rock Grill. There is time to freshen up at the hotel before dinner this evening on a beautiful, scenic cruise down the Tennessee River on Chattanooga’s Southern Belle Riverboat. (B,L,D) Day 4 - Chattanooga - Lookout Mountain - Atlanta, GA Breakfast is again included, before we will meet our guide. This morning, before leaving Chattanooga, we visit the Chickamauga Chattanooga National Military Park. The Visitor Center has exhibits on the Civil War era, as well as, exhibits specifically on the 1863 Campaign for Chattanooga. There will be free time for lunch along Chattanooga’s Riverwalk, before heading into Atlanta. After checking into our hotel, the historic Georgian Terrace, the remainder of the day is free. The Georgian Terrace opened its doors in 1911, and in its life time has taken part in quite a few notable events, such as, this is where Arthur Murray started his dance studio, the producer of ‘Gone With The Wind’ brought all of the stars for the gala premiere party, and even President Calvin Coolidge was a guest. (B) Day 5 - Atlanta After breakfast, we meet our guide ‘Margaret Mitchell’, she author of ‘Gone With The Wind’. She will take us on a tour of Margaret Mitchell’s Atlanta, where we will visit the Oakland Cemetery, the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library and the Margaret Mitchell House. Our true southern lunch is served at Pitty Pat’s Porch, in the heart of Atlanta. This afternoon we take the Road to Tara Museum tour, tour Stately oaks, we travel to Marietta to the Gone With the Wind Museum. After a long day of touring with Margaret, dinner is served at the Colonnade Restaurant before heading back to the hotel for the evening. (B,L,D) Day 6 - Depart Atlanta Breakfast is included this morning before we head off to the airport for the flight home. (B)