Oktoberfest & The Heart of Georgia

DAY 1: Bowling Green

Meet your crew, settle into your comfortable motorcoach, and let the adventure begin! Today is all about getting into vacation mode as we head south from Wisconsin, watching the landscape change outside the window and getting acquainted with the friends who will share this journey with us. We'll make comfortable stretch breaks along the way and stop for an included lunch at a local favorite - a chance to step off the coach, enjoy a good meal, and stretch your legs before continuing down the road. As the miles roll by, we'll make our way to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where we'll settle in for our first night and get ready for the Southern adventure ahead.

DAY 2: Helen

We're on our way to one of the most scenic and memorable transitions of the trip. We'll travel to Chattanooga and board the Southern Belle Riverboat lunch cruise, where we'll trade the highway for the gentle rhythm of the Tennessee River. Settle in, relax, and enjoy the passing scenery as we cruise the water, taking in the views and the feeling of being somewhere special. It's a wonderful way to begin our Southern adventure.

After our river experience, we'll continue toward the North Georgia mountains and the enchanting town of Helen. As we arrive, the atmosphere changes almost instantly. Bavarian-style buildings, mountain scenery, music, and the unmistakable excitement of Oktoberfest welcome us. Get settled into your hotel and then step outside to begin exploring. Music fills the streets, lederhosen and traditional dress add to the colorful scene, glockenspiels ring through the village, and the aromas of German-inspired festival food tempt you from every direction. Tonight, Helen is yours to enjoy.

DAY 3: Helen

Today, we'll enjoy another full day of Helen Oktoberfest! Today is a day to simply enjoy Helen. After breakfast, we'll have plenty of time to experience the Oktoberfest festivities. Wander the charming streets, browse the shops, listen to traditional music, watch the dancing, and take in the cheerful energy that seems to surround the entire village. Lunch is on your own, so follow your appetite - perhaps a German favorite, a sweet treat, or something discovered along the way.

In the afternoon, we'll step away from the festivities and head into the mountains for another special experience: the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Climb aboard and settle into your seat as the train carries us through the beautiful North Georgia countryside. Watch forests, mountain scenery, small communities, and peaceful landscapes roll past as the rhythm of the rails provides a relaxing change of pace.

Then it's back to Helen, where Oktoberfest will be waiting for us once again. Enjoy another evening surrounded by music, dancing, glockenspiels, lederhosen, and festive celebration. Dinner is on your own tonight, giving you the freedom to sample the festival fare, discover a local restaurant, or simply find a spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of Helen after dark.

DAY 4: Macon

We say farewell to Helen and head deeper into Georgia. Our first stop is Athens, a lively and colorful college town with its own unique personality. Enjoy lunch on your own and spend some time shopping, exploring the local streets, and soaking up the atmosphere before we continue.

We'll make a delicious stop at Condor Chocolates, where handcrafted chocolate gives us a taste of Georgia in a very different form. We'll also pause to see one of the state's most unusual landmarks - The Tree That Owns Itself, a wonderfully quirky piece of local history and folklore.

Then we continue to Macon, where music takes center stage at the Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House. Step inside the legendary home where members of the Allman Brothers Band lived, rehearsed, and created music. Explore memorabilia, instruments, photographs, and rooms filled with stories from the band's incredible career. This is a special stop for music lovers and a chance to experience why Georgia is considered the birthplace of Southern rock.

We'll check into our hotel in Macon, and enjoy dinner included at a local Macon institution.

DAY 5: Columbus

After breakfast, we'll continue into the heart of Georgia and the story of one of its most famous sons, President Jimmy Carter. In Plains, we'll visit the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, discovering the places and landscapes that shaped his early life. We'll visit his boyhood farm and learn about the humble Georgia beginnings of the man who would become the 39th President of the United States. There's something special about seeing history in the places where it actually happened - standing on the same ground, seeing the same landscapes, and hearing the personal stories behind the headlines.

We'll continue on to Columbus, where we'll enjoy a group meal together and toast to our Georgia adventure!

DAY 6: Atlanta

We'll spend a meaningful portion of the day at the National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center. Here, more than two centuries of American military history come alive through powerful exhibits, uniforms, equipment, photographs, personal stories, and artifacts. From the earliest soldiers of the American Revolution to the men and women who serve today, this is a moving and fascinating look at the people who have protected our nation. History lovers, veterans, military families, and curious travelers will find plenty to discover.

From Columbus, we'll continue toward Warm Springs, where another remarkable chapter of American history awaits. But first we stop for a fantastic buffet lunch at the Bulloch House in Warm Springs. After, we visit the Little White House, Franklin D. Roosevelt's beloved Georgia retreat, and learn about his connection to the healing waters of Warm Springs. We'll also explore the historic Roosevelt Warm Springs pools and the peaceful surroundings that brought Roosevelt back to this special corner of Georgia time and again.

Our next stop is Senoia, where we'll slow things down with time on your own for shopping and exploring. Stroll the charming streets, browse local shops, and enjoy the unmistakable Southern character of this picturesque community. Enjoy an early dinner on your own in this charming town, with many fantastic eateries to choose from.

Tonight, we'll settle into our Atlanta hotel and enjoy the excitement of being in one of the South's great cities.

DAY 7: Louisville

First, we'll visit the Georgia Aquarium, where enormous viewing windows open up an incredible underwater world. Watch graceful marine life glide through the water, discover fascinating creatures, and enjoy one of the country's most impressive aquarium experiences.

Then we'll visit the World of Coca-Cola, where you'll discover the history and global story behind one of America's most iconic brands. From vintage advertising and memorabilia to the chance to sample beverages from around the world, it's a fun, nostalgic, and uniquely Atlanta experience.

Next, we break for a casual lunch on own at The Hub at Peachtree Center. This local, vibrant attraction is attached to the downtown Atlanta workforce and connects to six office buildings within Peachtree Center, housing more than 30 restaurants, shops and services - a one stop shop for tenants and visitors.

After our Atlanta adventures, we'll begin the journey north toward Louisville. As the city fades behind us and the miles begin to roll by, there's time to relax, share photos and stories, and reflect on everything we've experienced. Tonight, we'll settle in for our final overnight in Louisville, with dinner on our own.

DAY 8: Home

Today is our final day on the road. The scenery will slowly change again as we make our way north toward home, but the memories of the South will travel right along with us. We'll enjoy comfortable stretch breaks and stop for lunch on your own along the way, giving everyone one more chance to stretch their legs, perhaps share a meal, and talk about their favorite moments.

Maybe it was the music and dancing of Helen's Oktoberfest. Maybe it was the sound of the train winding through the North Georgia mountains, the story of the Allman Brothers, the quiet of the Little White House, the powerful stories at the National Infantry Museum, the excitement of Atlanta, or the gentle movement of the Southern Belle along the river.

Whatever your favorite moment, you'll head home with a suitcase full of memories - and perhaps a few chocolates, Bavarian treasures, Georgia souvenirs, and stories that will be told for years to come.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner