Bourbon & Bluegrass

Visit Kentucky's Bourbon distilleries
Sporting heritage in Kentucky
The world’s longest cave system at Mammoth Cave National Park
Musical history in Nashville
Experience a live Grand Ole OIpry Show*

* Optional Extra - Please speak to one of our USA Travel Specialists to book.

Hit the road and get off the beaten track in a land of rolling hills, deep caverns, mountain musicians and bourbon distillers.

Meet the people with intriguing stories about this historic part of the USA, where the east meets the south and where farming, bourbon and music have grown together hand-in-hand. Journey through Tennessee and Kentucky along scenic byroads and via 2 incredible national parks on this hidden gem of a fly drive holiday.

Day 1 & 2 (Arrival and overnight in Atlanta)

Atlanta, Georgia

The neighbourhood of Buckhead offers fantastic shopping as well as bars and restaurants so spend your first evening just enjoying the southern hospitality. Visit the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr, see his home and learn about the man’s incredible legacy for the country and his local neighbourhood. Later why not experience one of Atlanta’s greatest exports at the World of Coca Cola or enjoy a stroll through the stunning Atlanta Botanical Gardens?

Day 1 & 2 (Arrival and overnight in Atlanta)

Day 3 & 4 (Atlanta to Gatlinburg - 196 Mi)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Heading north into Tennessee, the home of bluegrass music. Journey into the evocatively named Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where switchback roads take you gradually over the rolling hills that have been inspiring musicians and artists for hundreds of years. The town of Gatlinburg sits just outside the park on its northern edge.

Distance approx: 196 Mi
Time to travel approx: 4 hour

Place of Interest: With a full day to explore why not enjoy a full day of hiking in the national park? Alternatively, pay homage to the queen of country music with a visit to Dolly Parton’s nearby theme park, Dollywood. Here you can ride the ‘coasters, make a splash in the water park or enjoy a show, southern style

Day 3 & 4 (Atlanta to Gatlinburg - 196 Mi)

Day 5 & 6 (Gatlinburg to Lexington - 221 Mi)

The Bluegrass State

Known for horse breeding, Lexington also offers fabulous restaurants and a rich heritage. Discover the perfectly preserved Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill as well as Kentucky’s strategic importance during the American Civil War. There is also a fun and interesting walking trail through town highlighting the most remarkable antebellum mansions.

Distance approx: 221 Mi
Time to travel approx: 4 hour

Place of Interest: Kentucky is world renowned for producing a unique form of whiskey and is home to numerous Bourbon distilleries including famous names such as Jim Beam. When en route to Lexington, take detour to the town of Danville where Wilderness Trail Distillery uses only locally sourced ingredients to create award winning spirits.

Day 5 & 6 (Gatlinburg to Lexington - 221 Mi)

Day 7 & 8 (Lexington to Louisville - 80 Mi)

Home of the famed Kentucky Derby

Historic Louisville has a pleasant and walkable downtown as well as numerous galleries and museums. Sports enthusiasts will love visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum Factory where all Major League baseball bats are made, as well as the Muhammad Ali Center. Kentucky is famous for horse racing so pay a visit to the intriguing Kentucky Derby Museum or time your stay for the first weekend in May when the Derby takes place and enjoy, while sipping a traditional mint julep.

Distance approx: 80 Mi
Time to travel approx: 1.5 hour

Place of Interest: It is a short drive from Lexington to Louisville, so taking the scenic route via Bardstown is well worth considering. Known jointly as ‘the prettiest small town in America’ and ‘Bourbon capital of the world’, Bardstown offers a truly unique experience and plenty to keep everyone entertained. Pick up some Bourbon samples to take with you before continuing on to Louisville.

Day 7 & 8 (Lexington to Louisville - 80 Mi)

Day 9 to 11 (Louisville to Nashville - 176 Mi)

Nashville; The Music City

Nashville - The Music City! This fun and vibrant city is known for its country music but plays host to live music acts of all types and genres. Whilst in town, don't forget to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, historic RCA Studio B, the Ryman Auditorium and a backstage tour at the Grand Ole Opry to get the true feel and understanding of this great city.

Distance approx: 122 Mi
Time to travel approx: 2 hour

Place of Interest: Heading South en route to Nashville you will pass the Mammoth Cave National Park. Make sure you leave plenty of time to stop here and explore the incredible caverns and geological features of the world’s largest known cave system, with over 400 miles of explored tunnels. Tours depart regularly and take you into the easily accessible areas of the cave where stalactites and stalagmites create a mesmerising display in this underground cathedral of rocks.

Day 9 to 11 (Louisville to Nashville - 176 Mi)

Grand Ole Opry Show & Backstage Tour

Grand Ole Opry Show & Backstage Tour (Optional Extra)

Experience for yourself the show that made country music famous - the legendary Grand Ole Opry. Straight after the show head backstage and walk in the footsteps of country music's superstars with an exclusive look at what happens on the other side of the curtain.

Visit the artists entrance, get a glimpse of Opry's 18 uniquely themed dressing rooms, and make a stop in Studio A; a live television studio. You may even get the chance to step on stage and in to the wooden circle where a parade of artists had been playing minutes earlier.

Day 12 & 13 (Nashville to Chattanooga - 133 Mi)

Chattanooga; The Scenic City

Known as the scenic city, Chattanooga occupies an enviable position on the Tennessee River with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Take a trip up Lookout Mountain for spectacular views from the picturesque, wooded hillside. Later visit the resident Chattanooga Choo Choo, made famous by Glenn Miller’s 1940s hit.

Distance approx: 133 Mi
Time to travel approx: 2 hour

Day 12 & 13 (Nashville to Chattanooga - 133 Mi)

Hotels

Atlanta

Hilton Atlanta

Gatlinburg

The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Lexington

Hyatt Place Lexington

Louisville

The Seelbach Hilton Louisville

Chattanooga

The Westin Chattanooga

Pricing

All prices shown represent a from price per person based on low season travel unless otherwise stated.
Availability of tour components and flights seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price given is therefore for guidance only.
To obtain a tailored quote for you and your party, please call one of our travel experts today.

This fly drive itinerary runs all year round

from 1st December 2023 - 16th December 2024

from £2,799pp

Supplements

Resort Fee/Tourist Tax - required by some hotels at check in (subject to change)

Important Info

Important info

Drivers must be over 25 years old and able to provide a full valid driving license

Consider using public transport when in cities as traffic can be busy

When parking in the US, park facing the destination of travel

All cars are covered with Platinum or Gold cover

We highly recommend checking (or requesting) a SatNav to be included in your car

Children are legally required to have the correct car seat when in the US so please provide accurate ages of any children travelling

Inclusions

Return international flights and airline taxes
Accommodation throughout as per itinerary
Mid range hire car with insurance, complimentary first tank of fuel and unlimited mileage (if you wish to upgrade your car, please speak to us)

Exclusions