Nashville Country Christmas

Day 1 – Welcome to Nashville! (Saturday, December 12)

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at LAX this morning for a scheduled nonstop flight arriving at the Nashville International Airport this afternoon. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a flight arrival time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the resort. Upon arrival, we’ll board a deluxe motorcoach and head to Nashville’s “Music Valley” and the spectacular Gaylord Opryland Resort. During the holiday season, the resort transforms into one of North America’s most elaborate holiday destinations for its signature celebration, A Country Christmas. The expansive complex – spanning over nine acres of climate-controlled, glass-domed indoor atriums – is reimagined into a dazzling winter wonderland. The resort shines bright with millions of twinkling lights across its indoor gardens and outdoor grounds, while miles of garland, giant wreaths, and thousands of vibrant red poinsettias deck the halls from floor to ceiling. Combined with the resort’s indoor cascading waterfalls, quarter-mile river, and lush botanical garden paths, this upscale landmark property serves as our luxurious home base for a festive four-night stay. Enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure to explore the resort’s dazzling holiday displays, dozens of specialty shops, and varied dining options.

Day 2 – Tennessee Traditions & Victorian Holiday Charm (Sunday, December 13)

After an included breakfast at the resort, we’ll travel south to the historic Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery for an immersive journey through Southern history and hospitality. A docent-guided tour of the beautifully preserved 1853 Greek Revival mansion will showcase the grand hallways and historic rooms adorned in holiday décor, complete with period-correct furnishings and artwork from the home’s peak heyday. As a world-class thoroughbred farm in the 19th century, the estate’s legendary racing history comes alive through stories of champion horses whose bloodlines still influence top racehorses today. Following, we’ll enjoy an included wine tasting of their signature local vintages, and a delicious three-course barbecue chicken lunch served on-site. This afternoon we’ll arrive in historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee to experience the beloved "Dickens of a Christmas" Festival. This lively annual street festival transforms the town's charming historic backdrop into a Victorian winter wonderland filled with musicians, dancers, and costumed characters straight out of Charles Dickens’ classic tales – giving guests the chance to cross paths with Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley, and a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas. Later, we’ll visit the Lotz House, built in 1858 by German master woodworker Johann Albert Lotz. A docent-guided tour highlights three remarkable, self-supporting spiral staircases alongside an extensive collection of 19th century American Victorian furniture and fine art decorated for the holidays. Sitting at ground zero during the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864, the house still bears poignant physical scars of the Civil War, including cannonball burns on the original hardwood floors. After an included dinner at a locals’ favorite, we’ll cap off a memorable day at Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Estate. One of Nashville’s most cherished seasonal traditions, this annual holiday event transforms the historic 55-acre Cheekwood Estate & Gardens into a dazzling winter wonderland. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the historic 1930s mansion, elaborately decorated for the holidays by renowned designers – often including work by former Chief White House Florists – with vintage ornaments, custom florals, grand wreaths, and a massive, multi-story Poinsettia tree. Outside, follow the estate’s Twinkling Trail, a self-guided one-mile path through botanical gardens aglow with more than one million twinkling lights and festive displays like Peppermint Path, the Bejeweled Bridge, the dancing Sparkling Serpentine. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 – “Music City” Sights & Opry Country Christmas (Monday, December 14)

This morning a knowledgeable local guide joins us for a comprehensive Nashville city tour including diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks, showcasing the city’s incredible musical legacy and civic history. We’ll pass legendary Music Row, the Tennessee State Capitol, and downtown’s scenic Riverfront Park, with stops to admire Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and The Parthenon – the world’s only exact, full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple, standing as the centerpiece of Centennial Park. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to explore downtown Nashville’s bustling Broadway Historic District, affectionately known as "Honky Tonk Highway," famous for its lively music venues, restaurants, and shops. This afternoon we’ll visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, the sprawling 1,120-acre historic estate of America’s seventh president. Here, a docent-guided tour offers a fascinating look inside the mansion, complemented by time to explore the interactive museum and wander the beautifully preserved grounds. After time at leisure to freshen-up and enjoy dinner on your own at the resort, our day culminates in true “Music City” style at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry House with performance of Opry Country Christmas. Unlike the standard year-round Grand Ole Opry performances, this special seasonal series transforms the stage into a winter wonderland where country stars, Opry members, and guest artists light up the stage, performing exclusively Christmas hits – complete with dazzling lights, joyful comedy, and unforgettable country music charm. (Breakfast)

Day 4 – A Nashville Christmas Cruise, ICE! & Icons (Tuesday, December 15)

Enjoy a relaxing morning at leisure before boarding Nashville's only showboat for A Nashville Christmas cruise. Step aboard the General Jackson Showboat paddle-wheeler and savor a freshly prepared holiday lunch while cruising down the scenic Cumberland River. The experience features an all-new holiday production with dynamic, top-tier live entertainment that showcases the best of country Christmas music. Performed by an extraordinary eight-piece band and enhanced by state-of-the-art multimedia and lighting, it’s a heartfelt, spirited celebration filled with true country flair. Upon returning to the resort, we’ll experience the world-famous ICE! Exhibition, a massive winter wonderland hand-sculpted by master artisans from millions of pounds of colorful ice into interactive walkthrough scenes and breathtaking frozen structures. Tonight, we gather for an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment at the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theatre, featuring The Best of Music City USA Christmas Show. Following an included buffet, an energetic holiday-themed musical tribute takes to the stage, honoring music royalty across the decades. From the deep soul of Johnny Cash and the timeless charm of Dolly Parton to Elvis Presley, this high-octane journey celebrates the icons that defined generations. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 – Nashville, Journey Home (Wednesday, December 16)

This morning we’ll travel to downtown Nashville to visit Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum, a captivating new attraction dedicated to the extraordinary life, historic career, and legendary wardrobe of country music icon, Dolly Parton. Explore a rich treasure trove of rare memorabilia, immersive storytelling exhibits, and historic stage costumes. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch on your own this afternoon along downtown Nashville’s "Honky Tonk Highway." Later, we’ll return to the Nashville International Airport for our scheduled, nonstop flight arriving in Los Angeles this evening. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (scheduled to change) to coordinate a similar flight departure time. Back in Los Angeles, those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective drop-offs. (Breakfast)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.