Visit the Biggest Tea Garden in North America

Tea has been around for centuries and is the way many folks begin or end their day, and with good reason, it is delicious, relaxing, and good for you. Most tea is grown in far-off lands like India, Sri Lanka, and China, leaving most of us with little opportunity to visit an authentic tea garden...until now. If you are in the Charleston area and love tea, plan a visit to Charleston Tea Garden®.

Tea Bushes as Far as the Eye Can See

The Tea Experience

Dating back to 1963, the Charleston Tea Garden® is the only place in North America where you will see thousands of tea bushes stretching out over 127 acres. Their scent fills the air with a slightly floral earthy fragrance that is reminiscent of freshly cut grass. 

Take a Trolley Tour

Originally a potato farm, the Charleston Tea Garden® began in 1963 when tea aficionados transplanted Chinese Camellia sinensis tea bushes from Dr. Shephard's Pinehurst Tea Plantation that had been growing wild on his property since his death in 1915.  Camellia sinensis tea plants, which can produce both black and green tea, thrive here because it rains at least 48 inches a year.  

The gift shop is brimming with treasures

In 1987,  William Barclay Hall, a tea expert from London bought the property, and the Charleston Tea Garden® was founded. He blended one of the most beloved teas of the area, called "American Classic" which is the first tea ever to be made with 100% tea grown in America. In 2003, the Bigalow Tea Company, headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut purchased the gardens. Today, more than 300 varieties of tea plants are grown here, including South Carolina hybrids that take up to seven years to mature for cutting. 

Take A Factory Tour

Highlights of a Visit

Located on a sleepy island, visiting an authentic tea garden makes you feel that you are somewhere very far away.  In addition to seeing this glorious garden, a highlight is the chance to tour America's only tea factory, where you will see how tea is processed as you walk the entire length of the facility. For a close-up view of the entire plantation, hop on the trolley for a memorable narrated cruise through row upon row of tea bushes. The trolley stops at the greenhouse where visitors will have the rare opportunity to see new tea bushes propagated. 

Go Shopping for all-American Tea

No visit to the Charleston Tea Garden® is complete without popping into the gift shop that offers nine different types of tins of loose tea and tea bags, tea-infused beauty products, candles, mugs, and a unique assortment of teapots.

Tea is a great gift to share with friends back home

Five Fun Facts About Tea

Tea is the world's second most consumed beverage, with the Irish, the English, and the Turks being the largest group of teetotalers around the globe, while the Chinese are the largest consumers of tea.

80% of the tea consumed in the United States is iced with recipes dating back to the 1800s.

All tea, black, green, oolong, white, or yellow comes from the same plant. The real magic of making different teas is how they are processed, the length of time they are processed, and if flavors such as bergamot oil are added.

Tea is rich in antioxidants and drinking it has been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke, improving brain health, and reducing the chance of cancer.

According to legend, Chinese Emperor Shen Nung discovered tea in 2732 BC. The Portuguese and Dutch first imported tea into Europe in 1610, and Americans tasted their first iced tea at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.

P.E.I. - One of Canada's Smallest Areas Offers Big Experiences

Crescent-shaped Prince Edward Island may be one of the smallest provinces in Canada, not much larger than the U.S.  state of Delaware, but don't let that put you off... think small but mighty! For those in the know, it is renowned for its white sand beaches, red sandstone cliffs, charming fishing villages, iconic lighthouses, endless rolling hills of vibrant green, freshly shucked oysters, and lobster fresh off the boat.  Prince Edward Island or P.E.I, as it is affectionately called by locals should be on your bucket list - here is why. 

Beautiful Beaches, Red Sand Cliffs and Lighthouses

Canada's Food Island

Dubbed as "Canada's Food Island," P.E.I never disappoints. Food is a way of life here. Fresh local ingredients and bounty from the sea are turned into culinary delights by the island's talented chefs.  P.E.I. is known for its delectable shellfish including succulent lobster, tasty oysters, and mouthwatering mussels. Beef and potatoes cooked in a myriad of different ways are also featured prominently on traditional menus. 

P.E.I. Canada's Foodie Island with bounty from the land and sea

Scenic Drives 

 P.E.I.  was made for scenic drives. This 140-mile-long island packs in a diverse amount of amazing scenery from red sandstone cliffs and white sand beaches, to sleepy fishing towns, Victorian architecture, rolling hills, scenic harbors, and oyster farms that await exploration.

Magnificent scenery awaits exploration

A North Coastal Drive takes you through the heart of Acadian and Mi'kmaq cultures. You will see houses made out of bottles, and where the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait meet. You will have the chance to visit a Potato Museum, and an oyster farm, as well as discover the spirituality and culture of the Mi'kmaq at their eco-tourism center.

A Central Drive takes you through the heart of the island, passing picture-perfect sandstone cliffs, white sand dunes, and fantastic views of the Confederation Bridge, the longest in the world over open water. Leaving the coastline for rolling hills you travel through charming villages to the highlight of this area, Anne at Green Gables Heritage Place and the Prince Edward Island National Park. Photo ops are endless from the winding seaside road that follows the red cliffs that are studded with quaint villages and lighthouses. The storybook town of Victoria By the Sea is a perfect place to stop and unwind amid its shops and restaurants.

A Points East Drive offers more than 50 beaches that are just minutes apart, each one more alluring than the last. If you are a lighthouse lover, this drive is for you because it passes many iconic lighthouses along the way. To step back in time to the 1890s, take a break at  Orewell Corner Historic Village before continuing your drive past farmlands and quaint sleepy villages that seem lost in time.

Anne - a heroine for all ages

Anne of Green Gables

In 1908, L.M. Montgomery published one of the world's most beloved novels, Anne of Green Gables. Since its publication, this novel with its feisty red-headed fictional character, Anne Shirley, who seems to embody the spirit of this island, has sold more than 50 million copies and has been translated into more than 36 languages.  This not-to-be-missed island experience immerses visitors in the life of the author including where she was born, where she worshipped, married, taught, and wrote. It is hard not to embrace the beauty around you that inspired the story of this heroine who is still iconic today all over the world. Another highlight of this experience is going to the Anne of Green Gables Musical which is performed at the Confederation Center of the Arts.

Sunset @ West Point Lighthouse

Lighthouses

Some of the most iconic historic structures on P.E.I. are its lighthouses, 63 in all; with 35 of them still guiding seafarers with their beacons. Overlooking turbulent currents these lighthouses offer today's visitors panoramic views. Three of our favorites made out of wood are West Point Lighthouse built in 1875 to aid vessels through the western entrance of Northumberland Strait, Cape Bear Lighthouse, built in 1881, which houses one of the seven Marconi Wireless stations, where the first distress calls were heard from the Titanic as it sank, and East Point Lighthouse, built in 1866, where visitors that climb up the tower can see over the red cliffs to where the waters of the St. Lawrence Gulf and the  Northumberland Straits meet. A final favorite is the Panmure Island Lighthouse, located on a white sand beach that also overlooks distant meadows where horses graze. It is a perfect photo op that offers the best of both land and sea.

Explore P.E.I on Confederation Trail

Walkable Trails

If you love the outdoors, let your journey begin on one of the many hiking trails to explore on P.E.I. Depending on what trail you choose you could be walking through the red dirt trails of the Acadian Forest or walking along the Confederation Trail that runs tip to tip across Prince Edward Island following a decommissioned railway line. Prince Edward Island National Park has many scenic trails to choose from whether you decide to walk along field edges and hedgerows or across floating boardwalks, you will discover incredible vistas and may spot some wildlife.  One of the most popular trails is called Devil's Punchbowl, named because this unique gorge was where illicit alcohol was stored during prohibition.

Stroll along unspoiled peach-colored beaches

Beautiful Beaches

So many beaches, so little time. The north side of the island offers rolling surf and white sand while the south side of the island offers warmer water and red sand beaches.  The Singing Sands Beach, often called the best beach in Canada, is nine gorgeous miles of white sand and some of the warmest water to be found this far north. Another favorite is Cavendish Beach, a 37-mile stretch of unspoiled beach that is part of Prince Edward Island National Park, home to both red and white sand beaches. If you enjoy unique ecosystems, Greenwich Beach has a floating boardwalk that allows you to explore 900 acres of dunes that are sure to intrigue you.

Unwind Island Style in Charlottetown, capital of P.E.I.

If you are ready to unwind - island-style, P.E.I. should be on your bucket list. Remarkable scenery, fabulous food, memorable attractions, beaches to linger on, and trails to hike, a visit to Prince Edward Island is unforgettable. The island may be small but it packs a lot of entertainment in its 140 miles.

All Photos courtesy of the P.E.I. Tourist Board

Discover the Best of Scotland

Dramatic mountain peaks, rivers that tumble into lochs that flow to the sea, an untamed coastline, and stately castles - Balmoral, Stirling, Dunvegan, Urquhart, and Edinburgh are just some of Scotland's pleasures. Watch wildlife frolic on uninhabited islands, dine like royalty in a castle, take a ride on a steam train straight out of Harry Potter, and enjoy a wee dram at a traditional distillery. Cruise Loch Ness, looking for Nessie, be enchanted by the Fairy Glen and discover the Isles of Mull, Treshnish, and Staffa. Explore Edinburgh's old and new towns, the Granite City of Aberdeen, and the Victorian splendor of Glasgow. The magic of Scotland awaits.

Day One - Glasgow

Board your overnight flight to Glasgow, Scotland

Day Two - Glasgow

Arrive in Glasgow the largest city in Scotland that is nestled on the banks of the Clyde River.  Once thought to be a gritty city, it went through a renaissance of urban renewal in the 80s and 90s and is now home to interesting museums, striking architecture, National Trust Properties, and a thriving food and craft drink scene. Today it is also known for music and is a UNESCO "City of Music."  We will transfer to our hotel and after settling in we will meet with our tour director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Lunch on own 

Dinner

Day Three - Glasgow

After breakfast at our hotel, we will meet our local guide for a sightseeing tour of Glasgow. Highlights of our city tour include seeing Victorian buildings as well as bold new construction. Along the way, we will learn about contemporary life in Scotland. We will drive by the University of Glasgow founded in 1451 and past the Burrell Collection Museum which houses over 9,000 objects including one of the most significant collections of Chinese art in the U.K.  We will have a photo stop at the Glasgow Cathedral, which dates from the 1200s and is the only medieval cathedral on the Scotland mainland that survived the Protestant Reformation of 1560 intact.  Next, we will walk around the 18th-century George Square, through the City Chambers Public Plaza to the thriving Merchant City district with our final destination, the banks of the beautiful River Clyde. Heading back toward Merchant City, we will have time for lunch on our own. This afternoon,  we will visit the award-winning Riverside Museum which houses the city's vast transport collection from cars to tall ships, and explore street scenes from bygone eras.  Tonight we will have dinner at a local restaurant or pub and enjoy some live music. 

Breakfast at Hotel

Lunch on Own

Dinner at a Pub

Day Four - Stirling Castle - Oban

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Glasgow and head toward Oban. Our first stop of the day is Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's greatest stone castles that was the home of the Stuart kings for centuries. Many Scottish kings and Queens were crowned here, including Mary Queen of Scots. We will stand in the Great Hall, the largest medieval banqueting hall built in Scotland, step into the royal apartments, the Chapel Royal, see the Stirling Heads Gallery, and visit the newly refurbished Argyll and Sutherland Highlander Regimental Museum. We will drive through The Trossachs, one of Scotland's two National Parks, and past the sweeping landscapes of Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain on our way to the seaside town of Oban, dubbed at the "seafood capital of Scotland." After checking into our hotel, we will head out to the Oban Distillery sitting in the heart of the town overlooking Oban Bay for a guided tour to discover the ancient craft of whisky production. We will learn why Oban has a unique taste and sample an Oban malt directly from the cask. The rest of the afternoon is on your own. Tonight we meet for dinner.

Breakfast at hotel

Lunch on your own

Dinner in Oban

Day Five - Oban and Mull, Treshnish and Staffa Isles

Contact https://www.turusmara.com

After breakfast at our hotel, we head to the Isle of Mull, the second largest Inner Hebridean Isle after Skye. Mull has beautiful white sand beaches, otherworldly rock formations, waterfalls, lochs, and picturesque villages including our destination of Tobermory, the island's capital. This picturesque harbor town is lined with a rainbow of brightly painted houses and offers specialty shops, pubs, cafes, and a pier overlooking the scenic bay. We will have free time to explore this darling town and have lunch on our own. This afternoon we will sail away on a wildlife tour to the Treshnish and Staffa Isles. If we are lucky, between April and August, we may catch a glimpse of colorful puffins in addition to seeing colonies of razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars, shags, skuas, and possibly seals, minke whales, and dolphins. In addition to wildlife, highlights of these uninhabited islands include the hauntingly beautiful Fingal's Cave known for its natural acoustics, and the bizarre rock formations on the Isle of Staffa. After our cruise, we will head back to Oban. Tonight we will enjoy dinner on our own in Scotland's "seafood capital."

Breakfast at hotel

Lunch and Dinner on own

Day Six - Into the Highlands - Glencoe - Isle of Sky

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Oban and head into the legendary, rugged Scottish Highlands. We will travel along the famous Loch Lomand to Glencoe, considered to be Scotland's most beautiful region. This is home to the hauntingly beautiful site, known as the "Weeping Glen," because of a terrible massacre between the Campbells and the MacDonalds that took place in this area. We will continue on to Fort William and board the Jacobite Steam Train, dubbed "Hogwarts Express" to fans of Harry Potter. This romantic steam train ride travels through some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland's West Highlands and includes riding over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct that offers excellent views of Loch Shiel and passes many scenic villages including Lochailort, Arisaig, and Morar. Reaching Mallaig, we will have lunch on our own before taking the ferry to the Isle of Skye. Upon reaching the Isle of Skye, we will settle into our hotel and meet our fellow travelers for dinner.

Get a hotel  in -Portree 

Breakfast at  hotel

Lunch on own in Mallaig

Dinner in Portree

Day Seven - Isle of Skye - Fairy Glen, Lunch @ Castle Dunvegan and Sligachan Bridge

The magical Isle of Skye offers many things to see and do especially if you are a fan of rugged coastlines and mountains, babbling streams, and unique geological formations. After breakfast at our hotel, we will meet our local guide and begin our day at The Fairy Glen with its spiraling markings on the ground and towering rock structures that make this area look like something out of a fantasy novel.  Afterward, we drive through an area of pinnacles, waterfalls, and outcrops created by a landslide millions of years ago, adding to the magical feel of this cherished island. Our next stop is Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and the former stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for a tour and lunch. After lunch, our final stop of the day is to cross the magical Sligachan Bridge whose waters are said to grant those who dip their face into its icy depths eternal beauty -- yes, we know a real trip perk!  Back in the fishing village of Portree, we have the rest of the day and dinner on our own

Breakfast - at the hotel

YES YES LUNCH AT THE CASTLE?!!!!!

https://www.dunvegancastle.com/visitor-information/

 Dinner on your own

Day Eight - Urquhart Castle - Loch Ness - Inverness

contact https://www.cruiselochness.com/

Today we say goodbye to the Isle of Skye and make our way through the heart of the Scottish Highlands toward Inverness. Along the way, we will stop for a photo op at the medieval ruins of the Urquhart Castle which sits on the shore of Loch Ness. It is one of Scotland's largest castles that was passed back and forth between the Scots and the English in the War of Independence. Next, we will head to Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness and take a cruise that passes Cherry Island and Fort Augustus Abbey.  If we are lucky we may spot the mythical Nessie that is said to haunt this loch. This afternoon we arrive in Inverness, the "Capital of the Highlands." The rest of the day and dinner are on your own.

Breakfast

Lunch and Dinner on Your Own

Day Nine - Free Day in Inverness

Today you will have a free day to explore the beauty of Inverness on your own. If you like castles, you might want to plan a visit to Cawdor Castle and Gardens or Inverness Castle, to learn more about whiskey, you might want to visit the Glenmorangie Distillery,  for lovers of architecture, you might want to visit the Inverness Cathedral and, if you like to shop, don't miss the Victorian Market that dates to the early 19th century.

Breakfast 

Lunch and Dinner on Own

Day Ten - Aberdeen - Balmoral Castle

contact https://www.balmoralcastle.com/

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Inverness and head to Aberdeen, the third-largest city in Scotland. Along the way, we will pass through Cairngorms National Park, the UK's largest National Park. We will stop at Balmoral Castle and Estate which has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased in 1852 for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert. We will have a self-guided audio tour of the castle grounds from its gardens to its ballroom. Afterward, we will have lunch in a local restaurant before continuing on to Aberdeen, Scotland's "Granite City". After checking into our hotel, we will have the rest of the day and dinner on our own.

Breakfast 

Lunch

Dinner on your own

Day Eleven - Aberdeen

After breakfast, we will meet our local guide for a city tour of Aberdeen. As a port city, Aberdeen has a fascinating maritime history, a scenic coastline, and imposing granite architecture. Highlights of our tour include Marischal College, the second-largest granite building in the world, Provost Skene's 16th-century period house, St. Nicholas's Kirk, a 12th-century church, Union Street which is famous for shopping and Castlegate Square where Aberdeen Castle once stood. The rest of the day and evening are on your own to explore the Granite City. 

Breakfast at Hotel 

Lunch and Dinner on your own

Option 1 -Day 12 - Highland Cow Experience -Edinburgh

contact https://aberdeenshirehighlandbeef.com

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Aberdeen and head to Edinburgh. Along the way, we will stop at a working farm to learn about the iconic Highland Cows. We will meet up with our farm guide and go on a walking tour of the farm including barns. We will see how they are raised and learn about the farming methods practiced here. A highlight of this visit is sitting down for a delicious lunch on the farm. Arriving in Edinburgh we check into our hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. We will meet for dinner this evening.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Option II Day 12 Whiskey Tasting - Edinburgh

contact https://theglenturret.com/pages/book-a-tour

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Aberdeen and head to Edinburgh. Along the way, we will visit the Glenturret Distillery, Scotland's oldest working distillery to discover the art of traditional single malt whisky making using time-honored methods. Our tour finishes off with a dram from the distillery's core whisky range. After lunch, we continue on to Edinburgh and check into our hotel We will have the rest of the day at leisure. We will meet for dinner this evening.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 13 - Edinburgh

After breakfast, we will meet our local guide and have a city tour of Edinburgh. We will see elegant mansions of the New Town, which is 200 years old, and the Royal Mile which is the oldest part of the city, among many other attractions. After our city tour, we will head to Edinburgh Castle where we will see two timeless icons, the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Scone, a fixture at coronation ceremonies since the 13th century. The rest of the day is free to explore this lovely city on your own. Tonight we meet for a festive Scottish farewell dinner with Scottish music and bagpipes to celebrate our trip to Scotland with our fellow travelers.

Breakfast

Lunch on own

Farewell Dinner https://folkandhaggis.com/

https://www.getyourguide.com/edinburgh-l44/folk-es-haggis-skot-vacsora-es-nepzene-t531948/

Day 14 - Depart for Home

Today we say farewell to Scotland as we head for home. Breakfast is included; excluding early departures.

Breakfast

Nashville & the Smoky Mountains Holiday

Start the Holidays Southern Style...tour a lavishly decorated plantation house, sing along at the Grand Ole Opry, be dazzled at Dollyland's Christmas Show, watch the mist come up at Smokey Mountain National Park, and wander amid the opulence of the Biltmore, America's Castle that is decorated as if we are still in the Gilded Age.

Day 1 - Nashville, TN

Arrive in Nashville, the Country Music Capital of America. Check into the spectacular 4-star Gaylord Opryland Resort that features nine acres of airy indoor atriums, award-winning restaurants and bars, shopping, and even a water park. Our rooms will overlook the indoor gardens that are festooned with seasonal decorations. During the holidays, this resort turns into a winter wonderland with ice skating, ice sculptures, hundreds of decorated trees, and thousands of twinkling lights. Dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants at this resort.

Dinner on own

Day 2 - Nashville, TN

After breakfast, we will meet our local guide and head to the historic 1807 Greek Revival mansion, Belle Meade where we will tour this historic house that is festively decorated for the holidays. The story of this plantation is told through the eyes of the Harding and Jackson family and their staff that made this America's premier thoroughbred horse farm. Belle Meade's greatest sire was Bonnie Scotland and his descendents represent more than two-thirds of all Kentucky Derby winners. After our house tour,  we will have a three-course lunch in the 1892 Carriage House with enough time left over to explore the grounds and outbuildings and then go for a wine tasting at Nashville's first and oldest winery which is also located on the property. On our way back to the hotel, we will stop for a photo op at the Parthenon, an exact replica of this famous ancient structure that is in Athens, Greece. This evening, we will enjoy dinner and a show, Legends Behind the Lyrics before we head out to the world-renowned Grand Ole Opry for a musical extravaganza that will long be remembered. The Grand Ole Opry remains America's longest-running entertainment radio show that showcases country music's present, past, and future performers.

Breakfast 

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3 - Nashville

After breakfast, we will meet our local guide for a city tour of Nashville. Highlights include the State Capitol, Honky Tonk Highway, and Music Row.  Afterward, we head to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest country music museum in the world where visitors learn about the lives of performers who have contributed to country music. The rest of the day is on your own where you are free to have lunch on your own, see the vast collections of the Country Music Hall of Fame museum, and explore downtown Nashville including an optional tour on your own of the Johnny Cash Museum.  Tonight we will gather for a holiday dinner and show at the Gaylord Opryland Resort as a finale in Nashville. 

Breakfast at Hotel

Lunch on Your Own

Holiday Dinner and Show

Day 4 -Gatlinburg, TN

This morning after breakfast we depart our hotel and make our way east to the mountain resort town of Gatlinburg, the gateway to the Smokey Mountain National Park. After we check into our hotel, the rest of the day is on your own. Tonight we head to the Christmas at Dollywood extravaganza. More than six thousand lights glow at Dollywood which has spectacular Christmas trees throughout the festively decorated village. The holiday show is a cherished Christmas tradition here and dinner features hearty holiday favorites, making this experience one that will long be remembered.

Breakfast at your hotel

Lunch on your own

Holiday Show and Dinner at Dollywood

Day 5 - Gatlinburg, TN

After breakfast, we will meet our local guide for a tour of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most visited National Park in the United States. We will stop in the National Park Visitor Center for an overview of the park and then head up into the Smokey Mountains stopping at beautiful viewpoints for photos along the way. Our destination is the Newfound Gap, where we will see views of both Tennessee and North Carolina. Afterward, we will head to the Olde Smokey Moonshine Distillery for a tasting. The rest of the day you are free to have lunch on your own while exploring downtown Gatlinburg. Tonight we will have dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast at the hotel

Lunch on your own

Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 6 - Ashville, North Carolina

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Gatlinburg for a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains on our way to Ashville, North Carolina. After checking into our hotel, you will have the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore this lovely city that has an amazing array of shops, restaurants, breweries, and arts and crafts stores. 

Breakfast at hotel

Lunch and Dinner on your own

Day 7 - Ashville, North Carolina

After breakfast, we will make our way to the Biltmore Estate built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt II. We will have the day to tour this magnificent mansion that is decked out in a grand style with thousands of lights, ornaments, and miles of garland. We will make our way to the mansion following a pathway of luminaries and marvel at the 55-foot Norway spruce Christmas tree located in front of this magnificent mansion. There are 55 trees throughout the house with another 58 additional locations decorated to the hilt. After touring the grounds of the mansion, and lunch on your own, we head to the Winery and Tasting Room at Antler Hill Village, located on this estate for a wine-tasting and shopping experience. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. 

Breakfast at your hotel

Lunch on your own

Farewell Dinner

Day 8 - Ashville, North Carolina

Today, after breakfast we will depart to the airport for our flights home, taking the warmth of the holiday spirit with us.

Breakfast at the hotel 

Ark Encounter Louisville and Nashville

 Intro

^{_{Experience the Bible like never before! Come face-to-face with Genesis @ the Creation Museum, and see the life-sized replica of Noah's Ark.}} Watch Kentucky Derby Thoroughbreds at Churchill Downs, follow the bourbon trail, and head to Nashville, for a backstage tour and evening performance @ the Grand Ole Opry.

Day 1 - Arrive in Cinncinati

^{_{Arrive in Cincinnati, where midwestern friendliness meets southern charm. Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner and meet our fellow travelers. At dinner, we will discuss the exciting itinerary planned for the days to come.}} 

^{_{Welcome Dinner}}

Cincinnati Skyline and the Ohio River

^{_{Day 2 -  Creation Museum & National Underground RR Freedom Center}}

After breakfast, we will depart our hotel for the Creation Museum where  Biblical History comes to life in this state-of-the-art museum. We will experience the thrill of walking through more than 150 displays of religious history, stunning exhibits of dinosaurs, botanical gardens, and more. A lunch voucher is included. 

From Slavery to Freedom @ Nation Underground RR Freedom Center

This afternoon, we will visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in downtown Cincinnati. This amazing museum sits on the Ohio River that once acted as a barrier for those seeking freedom from the American South. On our self-guided tour, we will see displays and exhibits that tell the story of the history of slavery and the Underground Railroad. Returning to our hotel, we will freshen up for dinner, don't miss your chance to try world-famous Cincinnati chili. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Cincinnati - Ark Encounter - Louisville 

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Cincinnati and head to the Ark Encounter which is everything you can imagine and more. This amazing edifice is over 50 feet tall, 510 feet long, and 80 feet wide! It is a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. This modern engineering marvel makes you wonder how Noah built it!  

All aboard... The Ark!

Here we will take a self-guided tour and see everything from live animals and beautiful gardens to the jaw-dropping exhibits inside the Ark. On this journey, you will experience Biblical times like never before! A lunch voucher is provided.  In the afternoon we leave The Ark and head to Louisville where we will check into our hotel and have dinner. 

Breakfast, Lunch Voucher,  Dinner

Day  4 - Louisville - Kentucky Derby Museum - Churchill Downs - Bourbon Tasting

**Kentucky Derby Museum Groups  (https://www.derbymuseum.org/plan-a-visit/tours/groups) 

*** Lunch for Groups (https://www.derbymuseum.org/group/dining.html)

A museum like no other... 

Louisville is Kentucky's largest city that sits on the mighty Ohio River that brought us Muhammad Ali, the Louisville Slugger, and the Kentucky Derby. After breakfast, we will 

head to the Kentucky Derby Museum, the exclusive tour provider for Churchill Downs. At 9 a.m. we will start our day rail side at Churchill Downs to watch Thoroughbred horses and their jockeys train right in front of you as they gallop at speeds of 40 miles per hour around the track! Be sure to have your camera ready – seeing these incredible athletes working out beneath the historic Twin Spires™ is a memory you’ll want to hold onto forever. 

Churchill Downs the most amazing race track in the USA 

Afterward, we will tour the two levels of the Kentucky Derby Museum which has interactive permanent and temporary exhibits as well as artifacts that date to 1875. Another highlight is the 360-degree immersive sound and visual experience, "The Greatest Race," that immerses viewers in the magic of the Derby. We will have lunch at the Derby Cafe and Bourbon Bar at the Museum. 

After lunch, we will visit the Evan Williams Bourbon Distillery, an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We will take a historical tour in the speakeasy style complete with stories and samples from this award-winning distillery. 

We end the day with a one-hour walking tour of historic Old Louisville, (https://www.oldlouisville.org/guided-tours) This amazing neighborhood has the largest contiguous collection of Victorian mansions in the country. Walk past impressive Victorian homes, once owned by wealthy families from the bourbon, tobacco, and racetrack industries, and learn about their history. You also stop at several points of interest including the Witches' Tree, Conrad's Castle, the Filson Historical Society, and Central Park. 

Dinner is on your own in Old Louisville whose leafy streets are lined with restaurants from upscale farm-to-table spots to casual BBQ places and craft breweries.

Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Louisville to Nashville

Learn why Nashville is called the Athens of the South

This morning after breakfast, we say goodbye to Louisville and head to Nashville, the capital of country music. After checking into our hotel, we have the afternoon free to explore Nashville.  Take a stroll down Broadway, known as Honky Tonk Highway, and visit the Johnny Cash Museum in the heart of downtown.  A little bit out of town is a full-scale replica of the Parthenon set majestically in Centennial Park. Here you will see direct cast plaster replicas of Parthenon marbles that have adorned the Athenian Parthenon since 438 B.C. right here in Nashville. We will meet back at the hotel and have dinner together to discuss all the wonders of Nashville that we have discovered.

Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6 - Nashville - Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame 

Grand Ole Opry - the heart of country music in America

After breakfast this morning we will depart for a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry. On this behind-the-scenes tour, we will walk in the footsteps of hundreds of country music performers. We will see their dressing rooms,  see priceless archival footage, and learn interesting tidbits along the way. The highlight of the tour is walking out on stage and standing in the famous wooden circle. Our next stop is at the Country Music Hall of Fame located in downtown Nashville. Nicknamed the "Smithsonian" of Country Music, we will go on a self-guided tour of this amazing museum. Lunch and the rest of the day are on your own to enjoy the pleasures of Nashville. Tonight we meet for dinner before our show at the Grand Ole Opry.

Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 - Depart Nashville

Today we say goodbye to Nashville and head home.

Breakfast 

Here is country world discoveries itinerary:
https://www.countrytraveldiscoveries.com/destinations/kentuckys-ark-encounter-2023

National Parks of America's West - Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota

 Highlights of the American West

Salt Lake City, Utah, Jackson, Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Cody, Wyoming, Rapid City, South Dakota, Devil's Tower National Monument, Deadwood, Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse Monument, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, Black Hills.

Eight Days and Seven Nights

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to call your Tour Director and leave a detailed message, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. If for any reason, you do not receive an answer in a timely matter, please call the company emergency line and leave a detailed message, so we may assist you.

Tour Director Name and Phone

Company Emergency Line

What's Included

* Roundtrip Air

* Motorcoach Transportation

*12 Meals ( 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners)

*Baggage Handling

*Tours of Distinction Professional Guide

* Local Guides

* Local Guides for TOD Tour Director, Local Guides, Outfitters, and Motorcoach Driver

*Welcome Dinner

* Tour of Salt Lake City

* Float Trip on Snake River and Tour of Grand Teton National Park

*Yellowstone National Park - Old Faithful and Old Faithful Village

* Tour of Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Lake and Hayden Valley

* Tour Buffalo Bill Center of the West

* Dinner - Cody Cattle Company Chuckwagon

* Cody Night Rodeo (August departure only)

* Devil's Tower National Monument

* Deadwood

*Badlands National Park tour

* Wildlife Jeep Safari Tour - Custer State Park and tour of State Game Lodge

* Crazy Horse Monument and Crazy Horse Evening Lighting Ceremony

* Tour Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

* Tour and picnic lunch - Fort Laramie National Historic Site

*Farewell Dinner

*Trolley Tour of Cheyenne

*Tour Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum

Highlights

Nestled in the heart of the majestic Wasatch Mountains, our American West Tour begins with a tour of Salt Lake City's downtown area including the Capitol and Temple Square, home of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latterday Saints. Our first day concludes with a lavish welcome dinner in Salt Lake City. The next day we take a scenic drive along the shoreline of the Great Salt Lake and through Logan Canyon to Jackson, Wyoming. An exciting half-day cruise on Snake River with magnificent views and a tour of Grand Teton National Park takes up most of the day before we end head over to Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park. A tour of Yellowstone is the highlight of the day before we head out to the historic town of Cody, Wyoming, and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. The day is capped off with food and entertainment at the Cody Cattle Company, and a rodeo for August departures. Heading east, we cross Big Horn Mountain for our first stop of the day at Devil's Tower National Monument. This afternoon we have time on our own to explore the atmospheric town of Deadwood, where the Wild Wild West feels like it is alive and well! On the following day, we take a tour of Badlands National Park and after lunch, we take a Wildlife Jeep Safari at Custer State Park before we make our way to the Crazy Horse Monument. At dinner, we will experience the moving Crazy Horse Evening Lighting Ceremony. A tour of Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, a stop at Fort Laramie National Historic Site for a tour and picnic lunch, and a trolley tour of Cheyenne followed by a visit to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum round out the highlights of this fun-filled adventure.

Dossier Disclaimer 

The information in this trip details a document that has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However, it is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and Tours of Distinction. The itinerary featured is correct at this time. Occasionally itineraries change as we make adjustments according to input from travelers, and our tour directors, as well as with lodging and other availability. Our goal is to give you the most rewarding travel experience that is seamless and fun.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days before travel, in case any changes affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route as described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary. On occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. 

Note: Accommodations and restaurants can vary per departure date until the tour start date, they are not final and should be considered as examples of better than or comparable hotels and restaurants.

Itinerary 

* please check hotels and make sure they are correct in the order I put them in and also please make corrections on web and in this itinerary on day 4

Day 1 - Arrive in Salt Lake City, Utah
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it was like to be an early Frontiersman, now is your chance! Transfer to the airport for your flight to Salt Lake City. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by our local guide and our awaiting motor coach. Enjoy a city tour of Salt Lake City, where we will see downtown, the Capitol, Temple Square, and more. We will check into our hotel before our ‘welcome’ dinner. 

*Welcome Dinner

*Hotel - Little America Hotel, Salt Lake City

Day 2 - Salt Lake City - Jackson, WY
This morning, we will head over to Temple Square after breakfast. After, we say goodbye to Salt Lake City as we travel north along the shores of the Great Salt Lake. We will travel through Logan Canyon to beautiful Bear Lake. We will arrive in the fun town of Jackson, WY. Once we check into our hotel, the evening is free to explore the many shops, art galleries, and restaurants on your own. 

*Breakfast

*Lunch and Dinner on your own

*Holiday Inn West Yellowstone

Day 3 - Jackson - Yellowstone National Park
This morning after breakfast, we are in for a wonderful experience as we are introduced to Grand Teton National Park on a half-day scenic float trip on the Snake River! Enjoy amazing views of the Teton Mountains and wildlife viewing opportunities as your guide explains the geology and history of the area. After the float trip, we continue sightseeing in Grand Teton which will include: Jenny Lake, Colter Bay, and Jackson Lake. Next, we enter into Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first National Park, for sightseeing including the heart of the park, Old Faithful. There will be time to witness an eruption and explore Old Faithful Village and the many thermal features in the area. Later this afternoon, we travel to West Yellowstone and check into our hotel. This evening is free to explore and have dinner on your own. 

*Breakfast

*Lunch and Dinner on your own

*Alex Johnson Curio Collection by Hilton

Day 4 - Yellowstone National Park - Cody, WY (4 CORRECTIONS)
After breakfast, we head back to Yellowstone National Park for another day of sightseeing. We will visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and pass through Hayden Valley and along the shores of Yellowstone Lake. As we exit the park, we enter into the historic town of Cody, where we will tour the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which has five museums under one roof. Tonight, we enjoy food and entertainment at the Cody Cattle Company with a chuckwagon-style dinner, traditional cowboy music, and some laughs. Then, there is exciting cowboy action at the Cody Nite Rodeo! (August departure only). 

*Breakfast

*Lunch on your own

*Dinner - Cody Cattle Company

*Rodeo - August departures only

*Hotel - Lexington Hotel

Day 5 - Cody - Rapid City, SD

We will depart Cody after breakfast and continue East crossing the Bighorn Mountain. Our first stop is at Devil’s Tower National Monument for sightseeing of the country’s first National Monument. Later this afternoon, we will arrive at the historic town of Deadwood for sightseeing. This is a rough-and-tumble western town famous for outlaws, gunslingers, and lawmen alike. There will be time to explore the town and have dinner, on your own, before continuing on to Rapid City, SD for a two-night stay. 

*Breakfast

*Lunch and Dinner on your own

*Dinner - Cody Cattle Company

*The Cody Hotel

Day 6 - Rapid City
After breakfast, we take a short drive to Badlands National Park for sightseeing. This famous park consists of nearly 243,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. After lunch, we travel to Custer State Park and the historic State Game Lodge to get up close and personal with the residents of this park as you head out on a Wildlife Jeep Safari to view the buffalo herds and much more. Next, we make our way to the Crazy Horse Monument for sightseeing of the unfinished mountain carving and insight into the Lakota culture. Then, join the group for an included dinner followed by a wonderfully patriotic and inspiring event as we attend the Crazy Horse Evening Lighting Ceremony! 

*Breakfast

*Lunch on your own

*Dinner and the Crazy Horse Evening Lighting Ceremony

*The Cody Hotel

Day 7 - Rapid City - Cheyenne, WY
We start our day after breakfast with a beautiful drive to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, where we will have morning views of this magnificent monument. Depart the Black Hills and take your journey south returning to the plains of Wyoming. We make a stop at Fort Laramie National Historic Site for sightseeing and a picnic lunch. This afternoon, we continue to the capital city of Cheyenne and checked into our hotel. After we have time to freshen up, we will enjoy a ‘farewell’ dinner, at the hotel. 

*Breakfast

*Picnic Lunch at Fort Laramie National Historic Site

*Farewell Dinner

*Hotel - Little America Cheyenne

Notes

1. Our ground transportation for this trip is a motorcoach. It is a good idea to bring along your mobile phone, camera, charging devices, sunscreen, and any other necessities.

2. Since we will be moving almost every night from one hotel to another, it is best to pack light. Always put your most important belongings in the same spot so you don't forget them. You may want to make a checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you depart the hotel.

3. Since temperatures vary and are cooler in the early morning and in the evening and warmer during the day. It is best to dress in layers, opt for long pants, long-sleeved breathable shirts, a warm jacket, and a rain poncho just in case.  Wear sturdy hiking shoes that are supportive, waterproof, and breathable. 

4. Early morning and early evening are the best times to spot wildlife. In Yellowstone, the elk mating season begins in the fall. Never approach them on foot, and keep more than 25 yards away. In the summer, look for mountain goats, big horn sheep calving, wildflowers, and songbirds. Bears may be less visible because they move to high elevations. August signals the beginning of bison rutting season.

5. June, August, and September are great times to visit Utah. In June and September, there are fewer crowds in Yellowstone, while August is a peak time to visit this park.  Most of Yellowstone lies at an elevation of 6,000 feet and the weather varies in accordance to where you are in the park. In the summer, daytime temperatures usually hover between 70 and 80 degrees, and nights can be cool. In the early fall, daytime temperatures are in the 60s and can go as low as 30 at night. Whenever you visit Yellowstone it is a good idea to bring a warm jacket and to layer. And, always bring rain gear, just in case. 

6. The best time to visit the Grand Tetons is from mid-May through mid-September when all park activities and trails are open. The temperatures in June and August range from the low 60s to the 80s, and by late September they hover in the low 70s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August so make sure to pack a rain poncho and umbrella.

7. Jackson is very pleasant from June - September when temperatures range between 70 and 80. Evenings tend to cool off so you might need a light jacket. In September, you might catch the beginning of Wyoming's foliage season. From June through September the average daytime temperature is 68.

8. Download the travelstorys app for downtown Cody (https://travelstorys.com/tours/38/Historic%20Downtown%20Cody). Listening to the history of the buildings of Cody brings this town's Wild West vibe to life. June, July, and August are the high season in Cody and the temperatures range from the 70s to 90s. September is a beautiful month here with average daytime temperatures in the 70s. Make sure to hydrate as Cody has a dry heat.

9. Visiting Deadwood, South Dakota is exciting as you walk in the footsteps of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Madam Mustache. The entire town is a National Historic Landmark whose roots go back to 1876. The Adams Museum, the Wild Bill Bar, and the Statue of Wild Bill Hickok are not to be missed. Main Street of the historic Old Town features saloons, restaurants, casinos, and shops. Summer temperatures in Deadwood can get up to 90, and in June and August, there may be afternoon thunderstorms. September is a beautiful month here with temperatures in the 70s.

10. The night sky in Utah, Wyoming, and South Dakota is phenomenal. You will find some of the darkest skies in Utah’s National Parks where you will be able to see up to 15,000 stars in the desert in comparison to 500 in an urban sky!  You might consider downloading a Star App on your mobile device to help you understand the night sky.

Group Leader Description

This Tours of Distinction tour is accompanied by one of our professional tour directors. This person is responsible for coordinating traveler's accommodations, attractions, meals, and luggage on the trip. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have general knowledge of the places we will be visiting.  They will also offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local tour guides who will have in-depth knowledge of the areas and attractions we are visiting. The Group Leader is also responsible for keeping the tour itinerary on time and for checking the attendance of all travelers to make sure no one is left behind. It is also the Group Tour Leader's responsibility to maintain appropriate traveler conduct while on the tour.

Transportation

If airfare is included in the cost of your tour, we will book the most convenient flights available within the budget allotted for this trip. For tours where no air is included, please contact Tours of Distinction for assistance. 

For this trip, we will be using a large motorcoach from one of our trusted partners. We choose our partners with great care to ensure that your transportation throughout the trip is smooth and uneventful. However, we are not responsible if the motorcoach has mechanical issues and will work with the executives of the company to resolve any issues as quickly as possible. 

 We do not practice seat rotation due to COVID-19, especially on a trip where the motorcoach is in use for multiple days. The motorcoach has comfortable seating, a restroom, internet, plugs to power up devices, overhead bins for essentials, and video capability. There are some long rides on this trip and the motorcoach will be stopping every few hours for folks to use the facilities and to get a snack. 

Solo Travelers

If you are a solo traveler and do not want to pay a single supplement and are open to sharing your accommodations with another traveler, Tours of Distinction will do their best to match you up with someone else. We cannot guarantee that we can find another traveler for you to room with and take no responsibility for any situations that may arise between roommates. 

About Accommodations

Tours of Distinction uses Premier hotel accommodations on this trip that are centrally located within walking distance of downtown areas and close to some National Park entrances. Our chosen hotels may vary in size, character, and amenities. All our rooms are booked and chosen because they offer double occupancy with private bathrooms. Sometimes lodging facilities are changed before departure. These changes are predicated on availability and on the advice of our clients and the tour director's past experiences. When a change is made, you will be placed in the same caliber of hotel or better.

The Weather (Insert chart here)

What to Take

You must be aware of your airline's baggage policy and weight restrictions. Tours of Distinction is not liable for your baggage charges.  As a rule of thumb, our advice is to pack light and to bring clothes that coordinate well. During the day we recommend layers of medium-weight breathable fabrics and for the evenings, we recommend a jacket and sweater. 

Travel Essentials in Carry-on or Travel Bag/Purse

Medicine

Driver's License

Credit cards/ATM cards

Cash

Glasses/sunglasses/contacts

Insurance cards 

House/Car keys

Cell phone and chargers

Travel Documents 

Emergency contacts

Credit card/bank contacts

Travel Pillow, Back pillow, earplugs

Water bottle 

Hand sanitizer

Tolitery bag and toiletries

Compression socks if flying

Chargers for Phones, Computers, Camera

Pens

Lip balm

Bug Spray

Sunscreen

Itinerary

General Packing List

Underwear, undershirts/bras

Socks

Sleepwear

Comfortable shoes

Hiking Boots

Long and short sleeve shirts/blouses

Turtlenecks or scoop-neck cotton shirts

Jeans

Jacket

Rain Jacket or Poncho

Sun hat

Sweaters

Pants

Rain poncho/umbrella

Fold up tote bag

Toiletries

Sealable plastic baggies to hold packed liquids

Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss

Deodorant

Hair styling tools

Face cleanser and make-up, make-up remover

Shaving supplies

Bandages/antibiotic ointment

Asprin and Vitamins

Currency

It is always good to bring some cash on a trip. Some travelers spend more than others, so please consider your own spending habits when it comes to purchasing souvenirs, shopping, drinking, and tipping. It is also prudent to take along some emergency cash for circumstances out of our control. 

Currency Exchange 

Credit cards are accepted everywhere in the U.S. and ATMs are readily available on this trip. 

Tipping

On a TOD tour, all tipping is included for baggage handling, drivers, tour director, local guides, and meals. It is customary to tip your waiter,  waitress, or bartender when dining on your own. You may also want to tip your chambermaid at your hotel, the range is $2 to $5 per day. At the end of each trip, it is up to your discretion to tip the local guide (range is $2-$5 for the experience), tour director, and bus driver (guideline is $5-$10 a day), if you feel that they did an outstanding job. 

Unacceptable Behavior

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trip. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Lewd, drunken behavior is also unacceptable.

Travel Insurance 

Travel insurance isn’t just for trips overseas. It’s prudent to buy travel insurance for every trip because you never know what might happen when you’re far from home! We strongly recommend that the policy covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment,  accidents, medical evacuations, loss of luggage, and personal effects.

Feedback

Your constructive feedback is important to Tours of Distinction, we love hearing from you. It is so important to us that we will give you a 5% discount on your next Tours of Distinction trip. Your tour evaluation will be emailed to you upon your return home. If you don't receive it, please give us a call at 800-426-4324 so we can send it to you.

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Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a Tours of Distinction trip. For minors traveling with a guardian or parents, they must be 21 or older. The minimum age for group travel is 12.