Welcome to Tennessee! Collect your car and head into Downtown Nashville, where you have the next three days to explore.

A visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame offers the perfect introduction to “America’s Music City”. It’s constantly changing exhibits highlight iconic performances and memorabilia of a huge range of renowned country artists. Then, take a tour of the historic RCA Studio B, where artists including Elvis, Dolly Parton and Jim Reeves recorded many of their songs, or visit the Johnny Cash Museum.

Take a walk down Nashville’s famous Broadway to enjoy constant live music: you can just drift between bars hearing lots of different artists. Another iconic Nashville experience is watching the Grand Ole Opry. Each week, up-and-coming and established artists come together to put on an incredible performance that is broadcasted live on the radio. The iconic Ryman Auditorium also holds regular concerts.

Tempo by Hilton, or similar

This morning, make your way to Chattanooga. The drive takes around two hours, passing through rolling farmland.

Having checked into your hotel, explore nearby Lookout Mountain, where you can ride the Incline Railway, wander round beautiful walking trails, and you can see seven states from the Lover’s Leap lookout point.

In the afternoon, discover Chattanooga’s historic Choo Choo District. On the site of the historic railway, the old station buildings and train carriages now house fantastic shopping and dining options. Alternatively, you can go kayaking on the Tennessee River, or simply enjoy a stroll along the riverside.

Nashville > Chattanooga | 133 miles

The Chattanoogan Hotel. or similar

Your next stop is the charming mountain town of Gatlinburg, the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It is easy to see why the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of America’s most visited. Its 800 square miles encompass lush green forests, wildflower meadows that bloom year round, winding rivers and thundering waterfalls amid the rolling mountains. Enjoy stunning hiking trails and driving routes to soak in the views.

In Gatlinburg there are some other fantastic ways to discover the Smokies. Anakeesta Theme Park has a scenic chairlift, a tree canopy walk and a mountain coaster. Ober Gatlinburg similarly offers some incredible experiences, as you can take the scenic tram up the mountain, then enjoy adventure activities like tubing and zip lining at the top. Alternatively, climb the Gatlinburg Space Needle for panoramic views.

Chattanooga > Gatlinburg | 153 miles

Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg, or similar

As you cross the border into North Carolina this morning, you will be surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains. Winding through the National Park, you can join the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway just before Cherokee, taking a stunning route to Asheville.

On your way, you may wish to visit the Cherokee Reservation, learning about this ancient culture. Attend the breathtaking outdoor Mountainside Theatre, visit the Cherokee Museum and experience a working village.

In Asheville, perhaps explore the Biltmore Estate, a 250 room French Renaissance-style chateau built by George Washington Vanderbilt. You may like to board the Great Smoky Mountains railroad, enjoying fantastic views aboard a vintage steam train.

Gatlinburg > Asheville | 86 miles

Crowne Plaza Resort, or similar

Enjoy a winding drive through the mountains today, as you travel to the city of Charlotte.

You may like to visit the Levine Museum of the New South, or the Mint Museum of Art. Alternatively, check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This motorsport genre originates from the Prohibition era, as bootleg whiskey was made in the Appalacian region, and bootleggers needed to distribute their illicit products. The small, fast stock cars were the perfect choice for evading police, and NASCAR racing was born.

Asheville > Charlotte | 130 miles

Element Charlotte Uptown, or similar

Your road trip through the Great Smoky Mountains draws to a close today, as you make your way to Charlotte Airport for your flight home, or on to your next destination.