Chattanooga, TN

The Scenic City & Railroads

1st Day: Join us as we travel to Chattanooga, TN, one of America’s most breathtaking cities. Upon arrival we’ll check into our home for the next two nights and get ready for the fun to begin. Tonight, we will enjoy a dinner at the Public House in downtown Chattanooga.  At Public House, restaurateur Nathan Lindley believes a good restaurant should feel like coming home, where even the simplest and most nostalgic dishes are as good as you remember mom making. (D)

2nd Day: After breakfast, we begin our day with a guided tour of America’s Scenic City! Sites include: Chattanooga Choo Choo, Northshore & Coolidge Park, Bluff View Art District, Chattanooga National Cemetery, Tennessee River, Ross’s Landing, Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Historic Warehouse Row and more! After this scenic tour we will embark on a captivating  hour-long journey aboard the Missionary Ridge Local train ride and visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum which has been described as a moving museum, offering an interactive, historical experience that will add an extra dimension to your visit to Chattanooga.  Here you find the only regularly scheduled, full-sized train in Tennessee.  Take a trip back in time, to a slower-paced era when railroad travel was a way of life.  Relive romance of the rails when vintage trains provided the sights and sounds of yesteryear.  You will then have lunch on your own at one of the delicious restaurants in Downtown Chattanooga.  After lunch we will visit the Tennessee Aquarium.  This world-class attraction on the banks of the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga is the largest freshwater aquarium in the world and is celebrated for its unique layout. Unlike traditional aquariums, the experience is split across two massive, dedicated buildings that take you on a journey from local mountain streams to the open ocean. It boasts a spectacular 618,000-gallon coral reef tank teeming with sharks and rescued sea turtles, alongside a massive penguin habitat, a live butterfly garden, and lemurs. We will return to the hotel for Kickback! (B)

3rd Day: This morning we will head to the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. The Incline’s trolley-style cars climb through the natural beauty surrounding historic Lookout Mountain at a breathtaking 72.7% grade – straight up! Sit back and enjoy the scenic views of the mountains and valleys from the observation windows on the train, as well as the panoramic views from the observation tower at the Incline’s top station. After our exciting train ride, we’ll head to Rock City Gardens for some time to explore on our own. Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring gigantic rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking   “See 7 States” panoramic views. Take an unforgettable journey along the wooden path and experience the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village.  We’ll enjoy a box lunch at Rock City Gardens before departing for home. Arriving back approximately 9:30 PM. (B, BL)

Special Notice: Balance is due 45 days prior to departure. Cancellation within 45 days of departure will result in payment forfeiture.