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Globus Bourbon, Bridles & Bluegrass(AT)

8 days from Louisville to Nashville 
When teaching visitors the correct pronunciation of their city, Louisville locals advise to say it like you’ve had a shot of bourbon, Loo-a-vul. In this easygoing part of the country where the drawl is part of the draw, a bottle of Kentucky’s finest is easy to come by, as is mighty fine scenery, music, customs, and cuisine. Intoxicating views await in bucolic horse country and the Great Smoky Mountains while elating experiences are just around the corner in the local distilleries, music houses, and grand southern estates. Whereas the sprawling Biltmore will give you a taste of the old South, the current “it” cities of Asheville, Nashville, and Chattanooga will welcome you to the energy of the new South. Through the timeless scenery and happening scenes of Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, this Southern U.S. tour takes the reins in the land of mares, misty mountains, mandolins, and MoonPies.

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1ARRIVE IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
 Welcome to Louisville At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2LOUISVILLE–BARDSTOWN-FRANKFORT–LEXINGTON
 Heavenly Sips & Hot Browns Start your day in Kentucky Bluegrass country with a sightseeing tour of Louisville followed by a [LF] lunch featuring a local culinary specialty. Then travel south to Bardstown for a bourbon experience and tasting at Heaven Hill Distillery, established in 1935. Continue to Lexington for a free evening. (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES In the 1920's, The Brown Hotel drew over 1,200 guests each evening for its dinner dance. By the wee hours of the morning, guests would grow weary of dancing and make their way to the restaurant for a bite to eat. Sensing their desire for something more glamorous than traditional ham and eggs, Chef Fred Schmidt set out to create something new to tempt his guests' palates. His unique dish? An open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and a delicate Mornay sauce. The Hot Brown was born!
Day 3LEXINGTON. EXCURSION TO HORSE COUNTRY
 Run for the Roses This morning, visit the Kentucky Horse Park and the International Museum of the Horse, the largest and most comprehensive museum in the world dedicated to horses and their impact on civilization. Continue deeper into horse country to visit a local thoroughbred horse farm and learn about the majestic horses that make Lexington the “Horse Capital of the World.” Journey behind the fences to a thoroughbred farm and hear about the breeding process, rearing, horseracing, and even meet some of these beautiful champions up close. Later, visit [LF] Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm. Return to Lexington for dinner with entertainment by local bluegrass musicians. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORY & HERITAGE In Kentucky’s Horse Country, you’ll find a paradise for rescued and retired horses on a 236-acre farm at Old Friend Thoroughbred Retirement Farm. Here, former Breeders’ Cup, Belmont, Santa Anita, Preakness, and Kentucky Derby winners enjoy the well-deserved days of peaceful life in the blue grass pastures of blue grass.
Day 4LEXINGTON–ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
 Sip & See Travel today through Kentucky and Tennessee to Asheville; famous for its Blue Ridge Mountains, thriving art, expansive green spaces, and craft beers. (B)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Stroll through the vibrant city of Asheville and browse the open-air Grove Market. Maybe pop into one of the fabled independent bookstores or imbibe at a local craft brewery in this Blue Ridge Mountain city. Your GlobusGO mobile app has maps and more ideas to make your evening in Asheville special. Ask your Tour Director for the best things to see and sip in this craft beer capital.

Day 5ASHEVILLE
 American Dreams This morning, head to the Biltmore Estate for a guided tour. Next, enjoy a [LF] farm-to-table lunch at Antler Hill Village. Free time this evening, perhaps visit a local craft brewery or one of the many restaurants in downtown. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SITES George Vanderbilt’s 8,000- acre Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned home and most visited in America. Tour the French Renaissance-style, 250-room chateau to view the priceless paintings and antiques, including Napoleon’s chess table. Be sure to spend time exploring the spectacular gardens. Follow your Biltmore experience with a farm-to-table lunch on the picturesque North Carolina estate.
Day 6ASHEVILLE–GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK–CHEROKEE–CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
 Smoky Mountain Reign Travel through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, America’s most visited national park. Stop in Cherokee for a visit to the [LF] Museum of the Cherokee Indian with a Local Cherokee Guide. Continue to Chattanooga for an orientation drive followed by a tasting of a local treat, dating back to the area for more than 100 years. The evening is free to explore Chattanooga on your own. (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURAL GEM Take an inspiring and enlightening tour of the Museum of the Cherokee Indian with a Local Guide. On this moving tour, experience the 12,000-year-old Cherokee story of resilience, survival, and ingenuity.
Day 7CHATTANOOGA–NASHVILLE
 Music City Crooners Today, continue to Nashville for an orientation tour followed by a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame to see its rich collection of costumes, memorabilia, instruments, photographs, and, of course, Elvis Presley’s “solid gold” Cadillac. After some free time to explore Nashville on your own, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARTISTS & MUSIC The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum seeks to collect, preserve, and interpret the evolving history and traditions of country music. Through exhibits, publications, and educational programs, the museum teaches its diverse audiences about the enduring beauty and cultural importance of country music. Induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame has been country music's highest honor since Hank Williams—was first inducted in 1961, followed by such legendary artists as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton – to name a few.
Day 8NASHVILLE
 Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Included Globus Meals

Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Globus Pricing Details

Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase.

Globus Notes

For more time in music country, combine this tour with Music Cities: Nashville & Memphis (tour NF).

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