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26037 Smoky Mountain Splendor & the Biltmore

26037 Smoky Mountain Splendor & the Biltmore

Step into a journey where Appalachian charm meets Gilded Age elegance.

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September 5-12, 2026

 

Step into a journey where Appalachian charm meets Gilded Age elegance. From the lively energy of Pigeon Forge to the timeless grandeur of the Biltmore Estate, this thoughtfully curated escape blends scenic mountain beauty, rich history, unforgettable entertainment, and elevated experiences at every turn. With four luxurious nights on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate and exclusive experiences you won’t find just anywhere, this is the Smoky Mountains at their most refined.

 

Tour Includes:

  • Deluxe Roundtrip Motorcoach Transportation

  • On-Board Friendly Host

  • 7 Nights Hotel Accommodations including 4 Nights at The Biltmore Estate

  • 2 Kickback Receptions

  • 15 Meals Including Dolly Parton's Stampede Four-Course Feast & Dessert, Secret Dining Room Experience at Titanic Museum, Farm to Table Dinner at Red Rocker Inn, Murder Mystery Lunch at Red Rocker Inn, Murder Mystery Lunch at The Biltmore, First Class Meal Aboard The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Stable Cafe

  • Dolly Parton’s Stampede

  • Titanic Museum

  • Free Time at The Island in Pigeon Forge

  • The Biltmore Estate

  • Guided Tour of Asheville, North Carolina

  • Lexington Glassworks

  • Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Folk Art Center

  • Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

  • Flat Rock Playhouse

  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Train Ride

  • Biltmore Luminere

 



Click HERE For A Brochure

 

Tour Pricing:

$3850 pp Double| $4700 Single

Non-Members Please Add $30

Day 1

Day 1 – September 5, 2026
A Comfortable Journey Begins
Your Smoky Mountain adventure begins as we set out across the Midwest, enjoying a relaxed travel day with convenient breaks and time to stretch along the way. This evening we arrive in Indianapolis, where a warm welcome and the Drury Inn’s signature evening reception provide the perfect start to our journey.

Day 2

Day 2 – September 6, 2026
Welcome to the Smokies
After breakfast, we travel south through rolling countryside into the heart of the Smoky Mountains. By late afternoon we arrive in Pigeon Forge, where excitement awaits at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. This lively dinner show combines thrilling horse-riding stunts, dazzling special effects, toe-tapping music, and a hearty Southern feast, setting the tone for the fun ahead.

Day 3

Day 3 – september 7, 2026
Titanic Stories & Arrival at the
Biltmore Estate
This morning we step aboard history at the Titanic Museum, where interactive exhibits and more than 400 artifacts bring the ship’s story to life. Your experience continues with a memorable First Class Captain’s Meal inspired by the elegance of the era.
After free time at The Island in Pigeon Forge, we continue to Asheville and check in for four unforgettable nights at the Village Hotel on the Biltmore Estate. Nestled in Antler Hill Village, your surroundings offer charming boutiques, winery tastings, and stunning mountain scenery. This evening we enjoy dinner in Asheville before settling in for the night.

Day 4

Day 4 – September 8, 2026
Asheville & Blue Ridge Beauty
A local guide joins us for a scenic and insightful tour through Asheville and along portions of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll discover the city’s vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and mountain vistas.
Enjoy free time for lunch in downtown Asheville before visiting Lexington Glassworks, where artisans craft hand-blown pieces right before your eyes. We continue to the Folk Art Center, home to one of the nation’s finest collections of Appalachian crafts. Tonight, savor a farm-to-table dinner at the charming Red Rocker Inn.

Day 5

Day 5 – September 9, 2026
The Grandeur of the Biltmore
Today is devoted to America’s largest private home, the legendary Biltmore Estate. Explore the magnificent 250-room mansion, stroll the gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and soak in the elegance of Vanderbilt’s vision.
A special themed lunch adds an element of intrigue as we gather clues for the “Murder at the Biltmore” mystery. This afternoon we visit the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, celebrating the life of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. Dinner follows in the quaint village of Flat Rock before an evening performance at the renowned Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina’s state theatre.

Day 6

Day 6 – September 10, 2026
Railways, Rivers & Evening
Illumination
Board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for a scenic journey through lush valleys, across historic trestles, and into the dramatic Nantahala Gorge while enjoying a first-class meal.
This evening we return to the estate for dinner and the exciting conclusion to our mystery experience before witnessing Biltmore Luminere. As night falls, the estate transforms with spectacular light, music, and storytelling, illuminating the gardens and house in a truly magical way.

Day 7

Day 7 – September 11, 2026
A Relaxing Journey North
We bid farewell to the Blue Ridge Mountains and begin our comfortable return journey. Enjoy scenic views, pleasant stops, and time to reflect on the memories made. Tonight we overnight in the Indianapolis area.

Day 8

Day 8 – September 12, 2026
Home with Wonderful Memories
After breakfast we continue home, arriving with new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and the lingering charm of the Smoky Mountains and Biltmore Estate.

Activity Level 3: MODERATE

Expectations: Expect a moderate amount of walking. There will be time to rest on the coach and between attractions. To enjoy this tour, you should be prepared to walk slightly longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions. The daily pace and timing can fluctuate significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. There may be some changes in altitude or temperatures. Please be aware that on tours with flights and cruises you will be required to handle your own luggage and walk longer distances in airports and cruise terminals. In addition, you may need to handle your own luggage at hotels where luggage handling is not available.

Appropriate for: Most travelers beginning with those who are moderately fit, lead semi-active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities and expect some physical exertion.

 

Deposit & Final Payment: A $300 deposit per person is required within one week of reservation. Must be paid in full by July 10, 2026.

No refunds will be issued after 5:00pm on July 10, 2026.

 

Payment Methods:

Cash, checks, credit/debit cards and money orders are accepted. Make checks payable to Windstar and mail to 3211 Division Street, Burlington, IA 52601. There is a $30 fee for insufficient funds or returned checks. Credit/debit card payments (Visa, Mastercard and Discover) are subject to a 3% processing fee.

 

Travel Protection:

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Unforeseen events such as flights delays, baggage loss or even sudden illness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a travel protection plan provided by United States Fire Insurance Company and administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. To review full plan details and important disclaimers online, go to www.tripmate.com/wpTPD040 for domestic tours valued up to $4,000 per person or to http://www.tripmate.com/wpTPG040 for all international or domestic tours valued over $4,000 per person. The Travel Protection Plan cost includes insurance benefits and a fee for non-insurance assistance services. You may obtain information on the plan fees by emailing assistancefees@tripmate.com.

 

A final departure letter packet will be sent approximately 10 to 14 days prior to the departure date. This will contain the scheduled departure times and locations, as well as other important information in regards to your upcoming tour. If the tour involves overnight accommodations, luggage tags will be provided as well.

 

Windstar Travel, parking lot owners and shopping center management assume and accept no responsibility for the safety of your vehicle or its contents at the place of departure. If you choose to park and leave your vehicle there, you do so willingly and at your own risk. If you choose to leave your vehicle, please park only in the areas designated in your final tour information packet. Vehicles not parked in the indicated areas may be subject to towing and all expenses incurred are the responsibility of the owner.

 

Tour Policies & Guidelines:

Our tour policies and guidelines may be found online or you may request a copy by calling us at 319-212-5508.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

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Name Address
Burlington, IA Lowe's
3435 E Agency St.
Davenport, IA Comfort Inn & Suites, 8300 Northwest Blvd
Ft. Madison, IA Lee County Historical Society
814 10th St.
Mediapolis, IA Mepo Foods
111 N. Wapello Rd.
Muscatine, IA Wal-Mart
3003 US-61
Quincy, IL TBD
Wapello, IA Family Dollar | Dollar Tree
503 US 61
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319-212-5508
3211 Division St Burlington, IA 52601