Bourbon, Bridles & Bluegrass

8 days from Louisville to Nashville


Vacation Overview

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

 

Day 1 ARRIVE IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

Welcome to Louisville At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

Day 2 LOUISVILLE–BARDSTOWN-FRANKFORT–LEXINGTON

Heavenly Sips & Hot Browns Start your day in Kentucky Bluegrass country with a sightseeing tour of Louisville followed by a 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.

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!

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3 LEXINGTON. 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 Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm. Return to Lexington for dinner with entertainment by local bluegrass musicians.

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.

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 4 LEXINGTON–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.

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.

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 5 ASHEVILLE

American Dreams This morning, head to the Biltmore Estate for a guided tour. Next, enjoy a 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.

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.

Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch

Day 6 ASHEVILLE–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 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.

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.

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 7 CHATTANOOGA–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.

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.

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 8 NASHVILLE

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Breakfast Breakfast

Vacation Highlights

We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.

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

Hotels

Louisville

Brown Hotel Louisville

Deluxe

Opulent yet approachable, the Brown Hotel is a blend of Old World elegance and modern-day comfort. Since its opening in 1923, the hotel is rich in history and colorful stories and features a beautifully restored Rooftop Garden with skyline views of Louisville, updated guestrooms with new furnishings, multiple on-site restaurants, bar offering bourbon flights, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Lexington

Hyatt Regency Lexington

Superior First-Class

Centrally located near the University of Kentucky and the Keeneland Racetrack, Hyatt Regency Lexington offers ease of access to numerous Lexington favorites. The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, indoor pool, laundry, and complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Asheville

Renaissance Asheville Hotel

First-Class

Located just steps from downtown, the Renaissance Asheville hotel combines the sights and sounds of a major city with the views of stunning mountain ranges. The hotel features modern guestrooms with sophisticated design, indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga Marriott Downtown

Superior First-Class

Centrally located in downtown Chattanooga just minutes away from the Riverfront, the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown hotel features modern amenities including in-room dining, business center, fitness center, indoor pool, and on-site restaurant.

Nashville

The Westin Nashville Downtown

Superior First-Class

Situated in downtown Nashville close to iconic sights, food, and shopping, the Westin Nashville Downtown features expansive guestrooms, fitness center, spa, on-site restaurant and bar, and both an indoor and rooftop pool.

Dates and Prices

View the following dates and prices to find just the right date for your vacation. Below you'll find the date the vacation starts and the date you'll return.  

Once you've selected your date, you'll move to the next step to get an airfare quote and to begin booking your vacation. When you book your flights with us, you'll find we offer competitive and hassle-free airfares, plus you'll receive free airport transfers for flights coordinated with vacation dates and you'll avoid strict Internet terms and conditions.

The price listed does not include your airfare from Canada. Once you click "Book Now", you will be able to receive an air quote.

Departure
Details
Tour
Start Date
Return
Date
Land/Cruise
Price Only
 Status
2024-05-10 2024-05-17
$4,729
Not Available
2024-05-17 2024-05-24
$4,249
Not Available
2024-06-07 2024-06-14
$4,249
Not Available
2024-09-06 2024-09-13
$4,399
Not Available
2024-09-13 2024-09-20
$4,399
Not Available
2024-09-20 2024-09-27
$4,839
Not Available
2024-09-27 2024-10-04
$4,389
Not Available
2024-10-04 2024-10-11
$4,529
Not Available



Dates & Prices do not include international air travel.

Travel Terms & Conditions

The purchase of any travel services offered by Globus, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you and Globus, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travellers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travellers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
View full Terms & Conditions


Important Notes

  • The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.
  • Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
  • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $250 per person per vacation is required for Globus to reserve space for you. View full Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
  • Charges not included in the land vacation price: airfare to/from the start/end of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; GST/HST/PST or other per person taxes imposed by government entities; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Insurance premiums; and all other items of a personal nature.

Booking your Vacation with Air

For air departure dates within 331 days, you'll be offered a choice of carriers and flight schedules as well as price points to choose from when selecting your flights. Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). Globus offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option.

Guaranteed air-inclusive prices: air is only available to passengers travelling from Canada (with some exceptions from the United States, depending on the selected itinerary). An additional $300 per person non-refundable air deposit is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable service fee of $80 per person. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Once your airfare is confirmed and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

Air-Inclusive Vacations — Applicable Taxes & Fees

Air inclusive price quotes will include all government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked. For return travel from some countries, international travellers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveller at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.