Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
Tennessee

Magic, Music & Nature: The Great Smokies With Your Grandchild

Program No. 21737RJ
Learn about showbiz from local musicians, create a musical instrument and live life as a passenger on the Titanic as you discover the wonders of the Great Smokies with your grandchild.
WishlistShare
Start
GrandparentTheaterRegional StudiesAges 8 – 12
Length
6 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,999 / ADULT
999 / CHILD
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals ( 5B, 4L, 4D )
2 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
5 hands-on experiences
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Dinner and Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation will begin at 5:00 PM. During Orientation the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Following Orientation we enjoy dinner at the hotel . After dinner continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars as we gather for an Icebreaker game.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking at the Museum and Theater
Breakfast:
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:
An expert will join us for an introduction to Appalachian folklore, folk music, and instruments. We will learn about the history of music, see and hear unique instruments, and songs of the mountains. We’ll then have time to make our own musical instruments and maybe learn a chord or two.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant
Afternoon:
This afternoon we board our motorcoach to explore the Titanic Museum. While impressive, this two-story construction is only half the size of the ship that became the most famous shipwreck in history. As we enter, we will each receive a boarding ticket with the name of an actual passenger or crew member. Then, we’ll get a feeling for what it was like to be on that fateful voyage in 1912 as we explore recreations of key places on the ship. Grandkids will have a scavenger hunt through the bridge, passenger cabins, and the beautiful Grand Staircase.
Dinner:
Is included at Pirates Voyage. A four course meal with dessert.
Evening:
Tonight's show is a swashbuckling adventure that transports guests to a world of daring pirate battles all set on two full sized pirate ships in a 15 foot deep lagoon. The story follows Captain Blackbeard and his crew as they battle for treasure on land and sea. Spectacular acrobatic stunts, aerial performances and sword fights. Mermaids and tropical birds add a magical touch to the show.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a trolley or shuttle bus; approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day, standing and sitting.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board a trolley and ride to the nearby Dollywood Theme Park. With an expert, we’ll have an introduction to the park, its history, and what it has to offer. Dollywood’s mix of activities vary by season. It might be watching master craftsmen in traditional Appalachian crafts, enjoying shows and performances from country and bluegrass to gospel and rock-and-roll, nature shows, amusement park rides, and more. This morning we participate in a candle making program at the park where you will have the opportunity to create your own candle to take home with you.
Lunch:
We will have vouchers provided to choose what we like from the many different offerings.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue to explore Dollywood’s mix of activities that vary by season. You can watch master craftsmen in traditional Appalachian crafts, enjoy fun entertainment and shows — from country to bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll and gospel music — as well as exciting amusement park rides and attractions. For those wishing to leave the park early, our Group Leader, will accompany us by trolley back to the hotel at 4:00 p.m. Those who would like to stay on at Dollywood and return independently are welcome to take a later trolley back; the park closes at 10:00 p.m. The Group Leader will be happy to answer any questions. Educational booklets will be provided for enhanced exploration of the rides.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; approximately 1 hour total riding time. Walking and standing during field trips; uneven, unpaved ground, some stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will be joined at the hotel by one of the magicians starring in the Illusionation show which we will see this afternoon. We will be treated to a lecture and have time to learn a magic trick. Following the morning lecture we will have free time to gather with our new Road Scholar friends and enjoy the pool.
Lunch:
Pizza Party at the hotel.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we board our motorcoach for the Mountain of Entertainment Theater. We enjoy a lecture and demonstration on how they make noise by using all types of items including the floor. Next we settle in to enjoy the afternoon performance of "Illusionation: The Magic of Jason Hudy". Witness sleight of hand, mind blowing tricks, illusions and much more.
Dinner:
At Skyland Ranch
Evening:
This evening we board the motorcoach and make our way to the Chuckwagon at the Ranch Dinner Show. Upon arrival we'll board the Horizon Skyride (chairlift) which transports us up to the ranch. The ride to the summit offers breathtaking views of the Smoky mountains. Shuttles provide transportation to those that may be afraid of heights. Once at the summit we step back in time to the days of the rugged Wild West. You'll be welcomed by the aromas of a sizzling campfire and the promise of a hearty cowboy feast. Culinary cowboys prepare a slow-cooked supper fit for cowboys and cowgirls alike. While we enjoy our delicious meal the wrangling entertainers take the stage and perform toe tapping country tunes to skilled Trick Roping acts.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 38 miles roundtrip, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking up to 3 miles, standing during field trips; trails, dirt, uneven surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our coach with our Group Leader for a trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. As the “peak” of the entire 2,100-plus-mile Appalachian chain, the Smokies offer the greatest variety of trees and plants, and the highest concentration of high peaks. We begin exploring the park with a drive to the top of Clingman's Dome which at 6643 feet is the highest point int he Smoky Mountain National Park. We'll enjoy several stops as we make our way through the park before descending into Cherokee, North Carolina.
Lunch:
A lunch today is included in Cherokee.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, we immerse ourselves in the rich heritage of the Cherokee people with a visit to the Museum of the Cherokee People. Here we journey through 13,000 years of Cherokee history, culture and stories, beautifully preserved through interactive exhibits, artifacts and multimedia displays. Next we continue to the Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Inc., a renowned cooperative of Cherokee artists. At this location, you'll witness master artisans at work and view stunning examples of traditional Cherokee crafts, intricate beadwork, pottery, basket weaving and wood carvings. Learn how centuries old techniques are still used today. To complete our experience we next visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a living history site. This reconstructed 18th century community features expert guides and artisans giving demonstrations on cooking, tool making and storytelling. We will have an opportunity for hands on interactions during the afternoon.
Dinner:
At Puckett's Grocery located on the Island at Pigeon Forge.
Evening:
Following dinner we return to the hotel an come together one last time for a relaxing and fun evening by the pool. This final gathering is the perfect chance to reflect on the week's adventures, share your favorite memories and enjoy lively trivia game. Tonight will be a great way to say farewell to new friends and celebrate the experiences you've shared. As the evening wind down, we'll wrap things up with a few final thoughts and give you time to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 10:00 AM
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.