Exploring the majestic Great Smoky Mountains from Chicago is an enticing prospect for nature enthusiasts. This 4-day tour promises to immerse visitors in the breathtaking landscapes and charming town of Gatlinburg, with a wealth of activities and sights to discover. From the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Cable Car to the Newfound Gap Observation Deck, travelers will be captivated by the region’s natural beauty. With professional transportation, knowledgeable guides, and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers a seamless and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with the great outdoors, this journey presents an exceptional opportunity to create lasting memories.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best 4 Day Tours In Chicago.

Key Points

  • Four-day adventure tour through the Appalachian region, departing from Chicago’s Millennium Park and exploring the highlights of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.
  • Tour includes professional transportation, driver/guide, and three nights of hotel accommodations, with breakfast provided on three mornings.
  • Key attractions visited during the tour include the Great Smoky Mountain Cable Car, Newfound Gap Observation Deck, and Clingmans Dome.
  • Tour has a maximum capacity of 55 participants and provides an opportunity to immerse in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.
  • Participants are responsible for covering additional expenses such as lunch, dinner, personal expenses, and optional attraction fees during the tour.

Tour Overview and Details

The Great Smoky Mountains Tour takes travelers on a 4-day adventure through the stunning natural beauty of the Appalachian region.

Departing from Chicago’s Millennium Park Welcome Center at 8 AM, the tour explores the iconic Great Smoky Mountains, with stops at the Gatlinburg area.

With a maximum of 55 travelers, the tour includes professional transportation, a driver/guide, and hotel accommodations for three nights.

Highlights include the Great Smoky Mountain Cable Car, Newfound Gap Observation Deck, and Clingmans Peak.

While breakfast is provided, lunch and dinner are at the traveler’s expense.

The tour concludes by returning to the original departure point.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the Great Smoky Mountains Tour are professional vehicle transportation, a driver and guide, and hotel accommodations for three nights.

Breakfast is provided on three days, and the tour includes a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Cable Car, a visit to the Newfound Gap Observation Deck, and a trip to Clingmans Peak.

However, the following items aren’t included:

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities
  • Optional attraction fees

Guests are responsible for covering the cost of these additional expenses during the tour.

Attraction Fees

Along With the tour inclusions, participants may opt to visit various attractions along the route, each with their own set of admission fees.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum costs $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $8 for children.

The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge charges $37.75 for adults and seniors, and $18.66 for children.

The Incline Railway has a $15 admission for adults and seniors, and $7 for children.

Visiting Rock City will cost $32.05 for adults and seniors, and $21.35 for children.

Admission to Ruby Falls is $28.35 for adults, $27.26 for seniors, and $17.43 for children.

Mammoth Cave National Park offers a range of tour options, with adult tickets costing $12-$27 and child tickets $9-$22.

Booking and Participation Requirements

Booking confirmation is received at the time of reservation unless the tour is within 2 days of travel, in which case it’s subject to availability.

Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 8 require a booster seat rental at $10 per person per day.

Normal health conditions are required, and advance notice is needed for passengers with disabilities. Participants must inform the tour guide if they plan to leave the group, and a departure agreement must be signed.

  • Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Children under 8 require a booster seat rental at $10 per person per day.
  • Advance notice is needed for passengers with disabilities.

Policies and Regulations

Hotel policies vary by location, and guests aren’t guaranteed a specific bed type.

Check-in time is at 3:00 PM.

The tour itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, traffic, or attraction closures. There will be no refunds for unused services.

Smoking is prohibited on the bus and in most hotel rooms, and penalties apply for violations.

Guests can cancel their booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Travelers must inform their tour guide if they plan to leave the group, and they must sign a departure agreement.

The tour operator reserves the right to make necessary changes to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Daily Itinerary

The tour begins at 8:00 AM with a departure from Millennium Park Welcome Center in Chicago.

Travelers will embark on a scenic drive through the countryside, arriving at the Great Smoky Mountains in the afternoon.

The first day will be spent exploring the iconic Gatlinburg, including:

  • A ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Cable Car, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
  • A visit to the Newfound Gap Observation Deck, where visitors can take in the stunning panoramas.
  • An optional hike to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies, for an unparalleled perspective of the mountain range.

The following days will continue to immerse guests in the natural wonder and cultural richness of this beautiful region.

Accommodations and Dining

Comfortable accommodations and satisfying meals await travelers throughout the Great Smoky Mountains tour. Participants will enjoy one night of hotel stay for every three days of the tour, with breakfast provided on three mornings.

The hotels are conveniently located, allowing easy access to the day’s activities. While lunch and dinner aren’t included, the tour guide will provide recommendations for nearby restaurants serving local cuisine.

Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. With a well-planned itinerary and attentive service, the tour ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Getting to the Tour

Travelers can conveniently join the Great Smoky Mountains tour from the Millennium Park Welcome Center in Chicago, where the tour departs at 8:00 am.

The centralized departure location makes it easy for participants to meet up and begin their journey to the stunning Great Smoky Mountains.

Several transportation options are available for reaching the meeting point, including:

  • Taking public transportation, such as the Metra or CTA, which have stops near Millennium Park
  • Driving and parking in the nearby garages or lots, with discount vouchers provided by the tour operator
  • Arranging for private transportation, such as a taxi or rideshare service, to the designated departure location

The tour bus will return to the same meeting point at the end of the 4-day adventure, ensuring a seamless start and finish to the memorable Smoky Mountains experience.

Recap

This 4-day tour from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains offers a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty. With professional transportation, comfortable accommodations, and breakfast included, it’s a hassle-free way to explore Gatlinburg’s highlights like the Great Smoky Mountain Cable Car and Newfound Gap Observation Deck. Whether you’re a nature lover or adventure seeker, this tour provides a memorable journey through the breathtaking scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains.