Sign in to continue
OR
Create An Account
Creating an account allows you to enroll in a program, reference your upcoming itinerary, and more.
Create an Account
We keep your personal information private, safe, and secure.
Tennessee
Trains, Cherokee and Culture in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Program No. 21267RJ
Ride historic rails across scenic mountains as you learn about Appalachian culture, Cherokee heritage, traditional music and regional cuisine.
LODGING & MEALS
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging & Meals For:
Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025 (Chattanooga, TN to Hiawassee, GA)
Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026 (Chattanooga, TN to Hiawassee, GA)
Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 17, 2026 (Chattanooga, TN to Hiawassee, GA)
May 10, 2026 - May 15, 2026 (Chattanooga, TN to Hiawassee, GA)
May 17, 2026 - May 22, 2026 (Chattanooga, TN to Hiawassee, GA)
Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026 (Chattanooga, TN to Hiawassee, GA)
Oct 04, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026 (Chattanooga, TN to Hiawassee, GA)
Oct 18, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026 (Chattanooga, TN to Hiawassee, GA)
Lodging and meal options may differ by date. Select a date to see the information specific to that date.
What You'll Eat
5
Breakfasts
2
Lunches
4
Dinners
Total:
11 Meals
The following choices may be available when requested in advance:
Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Where You'll Stay
3 NIGHTS
Location:
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Hiawassee
The Ridges Hotel & Marina encompasses a tranquil lakeside escape in Hiawassee, GA. The Ridges is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, featuring beautiful accommodations, a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and memorable cuisine. Just two hours from Atlanta, this lakeside oasis is filled with recreational activities from boating to championship golf.
3 NIGHTS
Location:
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Hiawassee
The Ridges Resort & Marina encompasses a tranquil lakeside escape in Hiawassee, GA. The Ridges is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, featuring beautiful accommodations, a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and memorable cuisine. Just two hours from Atlanta, this lakeside oasis is filled with recreational activities from boating to championship golf.
3 NIGHTS
Location:
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Hiawassee
The Ridges Resort & Marina encompasses a tranquil lakeside escape in Hiawassee, GA. The Ridges is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, featuring beautiful accommodations, a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and memorable cuisine. Just two hours from Atlanta, this lakeside oasis is filled with recreational activities from boating to championship golf.
3 NIGHTS
Location:
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Hiawassee
The Ridges Resort & Marina encompasses a tranquil lakeside escape in Hiawassee, GA. The Ridges is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, featuring beautiful accommodations, a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and memorable cuisine. Just two hours from Atlanta, this lakeside oasis is filled with recreational activities from boating to championship golf.
3 NIGHTS
Location:
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Hiawassee
The Ridges Resort & Marina encompasses a tranquil lakeside escape in Hiawassee, GA. The Ridges is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, featuring beautiful accommodations, a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and memorable cuisine. Just two hours from Atlanta, this lakeside oasis is filled with recreational activities from boating to championship golf.
3 NIGHTS
Location:
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Hiawassee
The Ridges Resort & Marina encompasses a tranquil lakeside escape in Hiawassee, GA. The Ridges is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, featuring beautiful accommodations, a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and memorable cuisine. Just two hours from Atlanta, this lakeside oasis is filled with recreational activities from boating to championship golf.
3 NIGHTS
Location:
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Hiawassee
The Ridges Resort & Marina encompasses a tranquil lakeside escape in Hiawassee, GA. The Ridges is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, featuring beautiful accommodations, a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and memorable cuisine. Just two hours from Atlanta, this lakeside oasis is filled with recreational activities from boating to championship golf.
3 NIGHTS
Location:
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Hiawassee
The Ridges Resort & Marina encompasses a tranquil lakeside escape in Hiawassee, GA. The Ridges is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, featuring beautiful accommodations, a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and memorable cuisine. Just two hours from Atlanta, this lakeside oasis is filled with recreational activities from boating to championship golf.
Travel Information, Transportation Details & Required Documents
Learn how you can prepare for this adventure.
Mar 15 - Mar 20, 2026
Apr 12 - Apr 17, 2026
May 10 - May 15, 2026
May 17 - May 22, 2026
Sep 6 - Sep 11, 2026
Oct 4 - Oct 9, 2026
Oct 18 - Oct 23, 2026
Documents
Personal Information and Preferences
After you enroll, we’ll ask you to provide or update your personal information and preferences, which includes your health information, lodging and meal preferences for your program.
Visas
United States citizens don’t need a visa for any of the countries you’ll be visiting. Non-U.S. citizens should refer to their country's requirements to ensure they have the necessary documentation for travel.
Traveling by Air
Plane
Arrival day is on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Meet the group at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown in Chattanooga, TN
Start of Trip: 3:00 p.m. hotel check-in; 3:00-5:00 p.m. Program Registration; 5:00 p.m. Orientation; 6:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner.
Your trip ends on: Friday, March 20, 2026 in Hiawassee, GA at The Ridges Resort & Marina
End of Trip: 8:30 a.m. after breakfast followed by motorcoach transfer to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and DoubleTree Hotel; 11:30 a.m. hotel check-out.
Ground Transportation Options
Program Arrival Airport
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)
The estimated travel time to the check-in location is 15-20 minutes .
The estimated distance to the check-in location is 14 miles .
Nooga Taxi
Taxi
Phone: 4234582701
Cost: Please call transfer service directly for rates. Prices subject to change.
*Advanced reservations are required.
Program Arrival Airport
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)
The estimated travel time to the check-in location is 15 - 20 minutes .
The estimated distance to the check-in location is 14 miles .
Bell Limousine
Taxi
Phone: 4238937600
Cost: Please call transfer service directly for rates. Prices subject to change.
*Advanced reservations are required.
www.bell-limousine.com
Traveling by Car
Car
Arrival day is on 3/15/2026.
Meet the group at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown in Chattanooga, TN.
Start of Trip: 3:00 p.m. hotel check-in; 3:00-5:00 p.m. Program Registration; 5:00 p.m. Orientation; 6:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner.
Your trip ends on: Friday, March 20, 2026 in Hiawassee, GA at The Ridges Resort & Marina.
End of Trip: 8:30 a.m. after breakfast followed by motorcoach transfer to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and DoubleTree Hotel; 11:30 a.m. hotel check-out..
Parking
Call hotel for daily parking rate at hotel.
Directions
Chattanooga, TN
From Chattanooga TN - I-24 E Exit 185B onto I-75 N - Exit 20 onto US 74 E - take US 64 E ramp and merge onto US 74 E - turn right on US 64 - turn right on NC 69 - NC becomes GA 17/US 76 - hotel next to GA Mountain Fairgrounds behind Shoneys
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Downtown Chattanooga
South on Airport Connector Rd.East on Shepard Rd.Turn right onto TN 153S towards I-75.Take exit 2 to merge I-24 West toward I-59.Take exit 178 merge onto I-27 North.Exit 1C first light make a right Distance from Hotel: 15 mi. Drive Time: 20 min.
Close
You’ve hit a bump in the road
We apologize, but we’re having some technical problems right now. You can either try again later or give us a call at (800) 454-5768, Monday-Friday, 8am – 9pm ET.