A Holly Jolly "Dolly" Christmas

Day 1

Day 1: Sunday, November 5th, 2023
Meet your friendly Trailways Tour Host and Driver at the available departure location of your choice and relax as we make our way to the Drury Plaza Hotel Indianapolis Carmel today. We will be making some rest and refresh stops along the way including time for lunch, on your own. This evening you may wish to partake in the Drury Inn’s “Kickback Reception” available from 5:30 to 7:00 pm daily with a rotating menu of hot and cold foods along with a couple of ‘adult’ drinks included with a choice of some wines, beers and cocktails. Of course, soft drinks and water are also available. If you would rather have something more than this for dinner, there are restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Rest up, tomorrow we arrive in Pigeon Forge!

Day 2

Day 2: Monday, November 6th, 2023
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before we depart for the Country Cascades Resort Hotel in Pigeon Forge, TN. When we arrive, take a few moments to refresh before we depart for Dolly Parton’s Stampede. There you will be treated to dinner and Dolly Parton’s Stampede Christmas Show. During the Christmas season, snow falls softly as the breathtaking scenes fill you with tidings of good cheer. The Stampede arena is magically transformed into a true fantasy land complete with twinkling lights, evergreens, poinsettias, old-fashioned holiday costumes and familiar holiday music. You will also love the live nativity; it is both dramatic and spectacular. The true meaning of Christmas comes alive right before your very eyes as three kings ride atop camels on their way to Bethlehem. The stunning beauty of an angel ascending from above will amaze you as the songs inspire audience members of all ages. Dinner is a four-course feast featuring creamy vegetable soup, homemade biscuit, tender whole rotisserie chicken, hickory smoked barbeque pork loin, buttery corn on the cob, an herb basted potato and a hot flaky apple turnover with Coca-Cola products, tea or coffee included.

Day 3

Day 3: Tuesday, November 7th, 2023
After having breakfast at Reagan’s House of Pancakes, we head to Gatlinburg and our tour of the Smoky Mountains. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This morning you’ll enjoy a guided tour of America’s most-visited park! With its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian Mountain culture, this park is known around the world. After experiencing the park, spend some time in Downtown Gatlinburg for lunch on your own before we depart for The Incredible Christmas Place.
Looking for unique Christmas Ornaments, trees, indoor and outdoor lights, music, collectibles, gifts, and home or business decorations? Whether in traditional, retro, classic, whimsical or contemporary designs, at The Incredible Christmas Place, you will find the perfect selections for tree, home, holiday and year-round decorating and entertaining that reflect your unique style. The Incredible Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge is the largest permanent Christmas retailer in the American south, and one of the largest in the United States. Who would have known that back in 1986, a small gift shop in Pigeon Forge, TN would grow into a 43,000 square foot palace celebrating nearly everyone’s favorite holiday? But that’s exactly what happened with Hurschel and Marian Biggs family business, located next to the town’s Old Mill center. Over the years, the family acquired more property and expanded its holiday store. After experiencing the magic of The Incredible Christmas Place, we will depart to our hotel where you can freshen up for dinner.
At Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, all meals are served with their signature Applewood Julep, Apple Fritters, and Homemade Apple Butter. Dinner includes Homemade Vegetable Soup, Salad, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls and Apple Cobbler. Choose your entrée from Southern Fried Chicken / Sugar-cured Ham / Homemade Meatloaf / Grilled Chicken / Chicken & Dumplings and more. After dinner we will depart for the Country Tonite Christmas Show. Experience the Magic of Christmas abounds as the talented renditions of Christmas favorites combined with beautiful choreography, brightly decorated holiday sets and colorful costumes bring the enchantment of Christmas to the Country Tonite stage. The popular cast covers a number of holiday classics for a nostalgic, spirited holiday celebration that will be enjoyed by all. After the show, we will head back to the hotel for the remainder of the evening.

Day 4

Day 4: Wednesday, November 8th, 2023
Enjoy breakfast at Reagan’s House of Pancakes before we depart for the Smoky Mountain Opry Theater to watch the Smith Morning Variety Show. This show is filled with southern music and culture. You’ll enjoy their unique brand of music and comedy in this intimate, familial style show. Their talented blend of classic country, bluegrass, gospel, oldies rock-n-roll, and clean family comedy pleases all.
After the performance we will depart for The Island which boasts 23 acres of entertainment in an inviting setting for a bit of an escape from the everyday. With over 80 shops, restaurants and attractions, the Island combines all things fun, in a safe environment where you can eat, shop and play. The Island Show Fountains are programmed to music and lights year-round and if you wish, you can purchase a ticket to ride “The Wheel” which is a 200 feet tall Ferris Wheel with glass gondolas that offer sweeping views of the water and mountains. At The Island, you’ll be able to shop and have lunch on your own. From here we will depart for the Mountain Valley Winery, where we will take a tour of the Mountain Valley Winery and a tasting of some of Tennessee’s Award-Winning wines.
After our tour and tasting, we will head to Dollywood for a Smoky Mountain Christmas. Explore a Christmas of many colors at Dollywood this holiday season! Slow down for a scenic stroll through the park and notice how each land tells a seasonal story through its unique and vibrant hues. Discover Santa’s Village with its classic red and green, the crisp blues and whites of winter in Glacier Ridge, a soft candlelight glow throughout Craftsman’s Valley, and more. Towering up to 12 feet tall, dozens of spectacular Christmas trees inspire a sense of childlike wonder, reminding us what this special season is all about.

Day 5

Day 5: Thursday, November 9th, 2023
Enjoy breakfast at Reagan’s House of Pancakes one more time before we depart and start our journey back home. On our way to your hotel for the evening, we will be making some rest and refresh stops including time for lunch, on your own. Once we arrive at the Holiday Inn Columbus, you have time to freshen up before dinner on your own at one of the nearby restaurants.

Day 6

Day 6: Friday, November 10th, 2023
In the morning, enjoy a hot breakfast at the hotel with your fellow travelers before we set out for Rantoul, IL. The North Pole has moved to Central Illinois at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch. This unique attraction that is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. You’ll be able to browse through the quaint gift shop with its twinkling lights and wonderful smells and kiss a real Alaskan reindeer! While here you’ll also be treated to lunch before heading home. We hope you had a Holly Jolly trip!!