Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Fly into McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville and check into your hotel for the night. The next morning, meet your guides and group to begin your tour through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville features a mix of historic landmarks, local culture, and riverfront scenery, serving as the starting point for your park exploration.

Hotel Stay
Spend one night in Knoxville before heading to Pigeon Forge. After breakfast, join your group and enjoy a scenic ride through the foothills of the Smokies on the way to your next stop.

Leave Knoxville and travel to Pigeon Forge, set in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. After check-in, take time to get familiar with the area. Pigeon Forge is known for its unusual attractions, including the Titanic Museum, built to resemble the ship, and WonderWorks, an upside-down interactive exhibit center. In the evening, head to Dolly Parton’s Stampede for a high-energy dinner show featuring horseback stunts, special effects, and a Southern-style meal. Use this time to connect with your guides and fellow travelers.

Journey through the trails of Cades Cove in a caravan of Jeeps, guided by narrators who will share the history behind each twist in the path. This venture proves the profound beauty and calming presence of this Appalachian retreat.

Continue your exploration at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you'll gather insights into the park's detailed history and its diverse ecological community. A short, easy walk from the Visitor Center brings you to Cataract Falls, where water ribbons down the mountainside.

The Great Smoky Mountains stretch across the horizon, their peaks shrouded in a misty veil that gives the range its name. The dense forests blanket rolling hills in shades of emerald and gold, interspersed with crystal-clear streams that move through the valleys.

Above the alpine tree line, Clingmans Dome offers one of the most captivating views in the Appalachian Mountains. On your second day in the park, ascend to this man-made observation point for sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains and the expansive landscape beyond. 

Visit nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a charming town hiding in a narrow valley just outside the park, that captures all the quirky charm you’ve come to know along the way. 

Enjoy the journey from Pigeon Forge to Chattanooga, where the welcoming onboard team will greet you as you embark on your Tennessee River cruise. Enjoy a Welcome Reception onboard your vessel as you prepare to set sail.

The city's history is highlighted by its key role during the Civil War, particularly in the Battle of Chattanooga, which proved to be a turning point in the conflict. Notably, Lookout Mountain is where visitors can explore caves and enjoy sweeping views from the famous "Rock City."

Welcome Aboard
As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

The Old Decatur Historic District exudes the timeless elegance of the South, with streets lined by architectural gems that trace their origins back to the 1800s. Walk through this charming quarter and admire homes that display a spectrum of styles, from the French nuances of the Empire period to the quaint simplicity of Edwardian Cottages. Take time to browse the boutiques and artisan shops along Bank Street and 2nd Avenue.

Further enrich your experience by visiting Decatur’s celebrated museums. The Cook Museum of Natural Science offers a close-up look at the intricacies of the natural environment, while the Carnegie Visual Art Center showcases the creative spirit through rotating exhibitions of fine art. Not far from these cultural treasures, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center awaits with its exhibits on space exploration, connecting the wonders of the universe to the human spirit of inquiry.

Florence, one of the four cities comprising "the Shoals," stretches across two counties, neatly divided by the Tennessee River. It's downtown, a string of locally owned shops showcasing everything from handcrafted jewelry to antique collectibles. 

Visit the residence of W.C. Handy, revered as the “Father of the Blues,” to experience a piece of musical history. Also, explore the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House, an architectural gem and the only Wright structure in the Southeast open to the public, offering a fascinating window into innovative design.

Florence Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy this quaint town at your leisure, with stops at:

Florence-Lauderdale Welcome Center – Learn about the rich history of The Shoals area. Representatives of Florence and The Shoals will be there to greet you, answer questions and may even have something special to welcome you to their community.

The Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts – Discover and enjoy extraordinary works of art, explore new ideas, and cultivate new insights into local culture and the act of creation.

Pope’s Tavern – Popes’ Tavern serves as a hospital during the Civil War and now serves as a community history museum. Narratives from slaveholders, enslaved people, yeoman farmers, freedmen, and Native Americans invite visitors to understand the past from multiple viewpoints, using historical artifacts and interpretation. 

The W.C. Handy Cabin, Museum, and Library – Dedicated to one of Florence's most famous sons known as the "Father of Blues," Handy was born in a log cabin at this site in 1873. View a collection of Handy's personal papers, artifacts, and other items he donated before his death in 1958.

Downtown Shopping District – Explore downtown on your own. Take time for shopping, perusing, and perhaps stopping in at a local dining establishment.

Rosenbaum House – Explore one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most magnificent homes, declared by architecture critics to be one of the purest examples of Usonian prototype.

Activity Level: Low / ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Located in Hardin County, Savannah claims the title of the largest town on the Tennessee River and is a hotspot of Southern charm. It's home to the well-kept Shiloh National Military Park, a landmark for Civil War history. Visit the historic district and check out the 42 unique homes, including the Cherry Mansion, which was once General Ulysses S. Grant’s command post during the Battle of Shiloh.

Join the Taste of Savannah shuttle. Beginning at the Tennessee River Museum, located in downtown Savannah, this museum offers exhibits on the history and culture of the Tennessee River Valley, including Native American artifacts, Civil War relics, and displays on river life. As you learn more about the waters you’re traveling, you'll be treated to samples of hand-prepared local fare such as hushpuppies, catfish, and paddlefish caviar. You are in the Catfish Capital of the World after all.

Shiloh Military Park Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Explore Shiloh National Military Park Congress, which was established on December 27, 1894, to commemorate the April 6-7, 1862, battle that raged around Shiloh Church and Pittsburg Landing. Resulting in more than 23,000 casualties, the battle was the largest engagement in the Mississippi Valley campaign during the Civil War. Today, visitors can learn about the history from National Park Ranger programs and explore the grounds of this hallowed site.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

At the meeting point of the Tennessee River and the Ohio River, Paducah has all the nostalgic charm that feels like a journey back in time. Founded by William Clark of Lewis and Clark, Paducah holds the title of a National Heritage Destination, boasting a thriving community of culinary artisans, painters, potters, and jewelers showcasing their craft. Dubbed "Quilt City," this port city is home to the National Quilt Museum, where intricate quilts are preserved and displayed.

Don't miss the Railroad Museum, sharing relics and memorabilia from America's storied railroad past. Paducah is a haven for history enthusiasts, art aficionados, and anyone seeking a slice of Americana.

Paducah Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Explore downtown Paducah at your own pace. Visit the areas many museums and shops and stop at the riverfront to view the wall murals that tell the story of Paducah's past.

Making stops at:

Paducah Railroad Museum - Explore this interactive museum showcasing equipment and memorabilia from the romantic past of America's railroads.

Inland Waterways Museum - You can be a captain and choose your vessel type in the state-of-the-art boat simulator, as well as explore and learn about the history, environments, culture, and economy of these rivers through interactive exhibits.

The National Quilt Museum - View exhibits by renowned quilters who are implementing creative ideas and approaches to fiber art.

Lowertown Arts District & Neighborhood - Explore this 25 sq. block neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places. Look for the directory at the old Texaco Station. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Spend a day on the river watching the scenery of America's Heartland sail by, where the calm waters shimmer and 170,000 acres of protected forest become your backdrop for the day. Enjoy a leisurely day cruising Lake Barkley, where you can admire sweeping views of the Cumberland River from the comfort of your own private balcony. Onboard, the crew has planned a full day of activities. You’re welcome to just take it easy up on the sun deck and watch the world go by as well.

A Day of Cruising
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Nashville, the indisputable capital of country music, buzzes with excitement from the revered Ryman Auditorium to the iconic Bluebird Cafe. Its lively streets are adorned with art galleries and unique shops, inviting exploration at every corner. Let Nashville sing to you as music pours from the balconies throughout the city. You can’t skip a visit to the heart of historic downtown, where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum and Honky Tonk Row waiting to be explored. Don't miss the opportunity to visit The Hermitage, once home to President Andrew Jackson, for a glimpse into the city's fascinating past. And as the sun sets, be treated to an unforgettable show at the incomparable Grand Ole Opry.

Grand Ole Opry Show - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy live country music at its best with a visit to the Grand Ole Opry. The evening show will begin at 7:00 pm, featuring up-and-coming country artists, as well as musical groups that have been Opry Members for years.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Discover Nashville - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a narrated exploration of historic downtown Nashville. Along the way, view Honky Tonk Row, Bicentennial Park, the State Capitol Building, and more. Stop at the Country Hall of Fame and Museum, home to a growing collection of over 2.5 million artifacts, including one-of-a-kind recordings, films, instruments, and more.

Discover the connections between country music's past and artists of today in the interactive gallery space. Witness everything from Hank William's cherished Martin guitar and Elvis Presley's custom Cadillac to outfits and instruments from all of your favorite artists.

Please Note: This tour is only offered on cruises ending in Nashville, TN.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

End your voyage with one last breakfast on board. Should you choose to stay, there’s so much left to see so take your time to see as much as you can. If you’re heading home, let the sounds of the city take you there.