Nashville Country Christmas

Day 1 : Begin our Journey

We travel through the beautiful winter scenery to our comfortable overnight accommodations in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Day 2 : Churchill Downs to Nashville

En route to Nashville, we make an exciting stop at Churchill Downs and The Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville. Learn about past Derby winners and the rich history of the first jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown. See the paddock and the grandstand with time to explore the exhibits in the museum. This afternoon we arrive in Nashville where we check-in to the luxurious Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville’s premiere hotel and our home for the next three nights. Featuring four expansive atriums and gardens, over 15 scrumptious on-site dining options, decadent spa treatments and world-class service, this resort will exceed your wildest dreams. Later we enjoy dinner and a show featuring towering baritone, Trace Adkins. He has sold more than 11 million albums and charted more than 20 singles in his 25 years in Nashville, a remarkable run for one of country music's most easily identifiable stars. We experience renditions of Christmas classics as well as some of his own tunes.

Day 3 : George Jones Museum

Today begins with breakfast at the hotel before departing on a city tour with an expert local guide. Enjoy close-up views of the iconic landmarks and discover the studios and performance halls that provided the roots of country and blues music. Lunch today takes us to the George Jones Museum. Dine on delicious food while enjoying great views of downtown Nashville and the Cumberland River, then tour the museum of the famed musician with such hits as “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Next, explore the history of country, western, and folk music at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The permanent exhibit Sing Me Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present uses artifacts, photographs, recordings, and video to walk guests through the history of the genre. Tonight, we gather and travel to the Grand Ole Opry House for a joyful musical production of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, certain to get you into the holiday spirit!

Day 4 : The Grand Ole Opry

We enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before embarking on the Delta River Flatboat, located in our resort! Board the boat on the serene indoor river and float through the incredible four and a half acre gardens. Highlights include an 85-foot fountain and three waterfalls. Later this morning we depart for an included lunch aboard the General Jackson Showboat, Nashville’s one and only cruise. Combining a world-class country music variety show with a delicious southern inspired meal, we get a full feel for the south as we cruise the Cumberland River. This afternoon take time to enjoy the hotel’s abundant offerings. See the winter wonderland, ICE! featuring A Christmas Story and wander through more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. Later, explore the Garden Conservatory or The Delta Island Shops. This evening we enjoy a performance of the Grand Ole Opry at one of the most historical and recognizable theaters in the country, the legendary Ryman Auditorium. We receive a glimpse into entertainment and music history as we appreciate a top-notch musical presentation.

Day 5 : Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch

We depart for home traveling to the Champaign/Urbana area for our overnight accommodations. This evening we get to experience a reindeer kiss and a wonderful Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner and show at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch. Have a close-up encounter with real reindeer including the chance to pet them, feed them, and more!

Day 6 : Return Home

We journey home with wonderful memories and new friends from our time in Nashville!