Tennessee · May 3 to 7, 2027
The Smoky Mountains
with Calvary Christian Academy
Five days in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains with Calvary Christian Academy, from Dollywood and the Laurel Falls Trail to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
- From
- $2,345 per person
- Duration
- 5 days May 3 to 7, 2027
- Lodging
- Mountain cabins Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, four nights
- Group
- Calvary Christian Academy School expedition
- Departs in
- days May 3, 2027
Tennessee, May 3 to 7, 2027
5 days, day by day. Meals and the hotel for each night are listed at the end of each day.
Begins and ends in Knoxville
Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Dollywood, Laurel Falls, Newfound Gap, and back to Knoxville.
Group flights to and from Knoxville (TYS).
Four nights in mountain cabins in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area.
- Day01
Monday, May 3
Arrival in Tennessee & Welcome to the Smokies
Today we fly to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville. Upon arrival, the group will board their charter bus for the scenic 1.5-hour drive to Gatlinburg, where they’ll check into their mountain-view lodge-style cabin(s). After dinner, the group will enjoy a walk through The Island at Pigeon Forge to see the fountains and lights, followed by a relaxing first night back at the cabin(s).
Dinner included. Overnight in the mountain cabin(s), Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.
- Day02
Tuesday, May 4
Dollywood
After breakfast, we head straight to Dollywood for a full day of fun. Students will enjoy thrilling roller coasters like Thunderhead, Tennessee Tornado, and Lightning Rod, along with shows, artisan shops, and Dollywood’s famous Grist Mill cinnamon bread.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in the mountain cabin(s), Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.
- Day03
Wednesday, May 5
Great Smoky Mountains & Gatlinburg Attractions
After breakfast, we venture into Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a scenic visit. We’ll hike the Laurel Falls Trail, a popular 2.6-mile round-trip walk to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall. After photos and time in the mountain air, we’ll drive the Newfound Gap Road for a few pull-off views of the Appalachian landscape, and stop briefly at the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. In the afternoon, the group will enjoy two student favorite activities:
• A visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, home to sharks, stingrays, penguins, and underwater tunnels.
• A ride up the Gatlinburg SkyLift to experience the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
We will enjoy dinner together, followed by souvenir shopping and free time on the Gatlinburg Strip before returning to the cabin(s).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in the mountain cabin(s), Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.
- Day04
Thursday, May 6
Pigeon Forge Fun
After breakfast, we will visit The Island in Pigeon Forge, where you will be able to enjoy attractions like:
• A ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel (not included)
• A group experience on the SkyFly Soar America indoor flying simulator (not included)
• Time to explore shops, snack stands, and arcade games
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Outdoor Gravity Park for a fun and memorable zorbing experience: rolling downhill inside giant inflatable balls.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in the mountain cabin(s), Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.
- Day05
Friday, May 7
Departure Day
After breakfast we will board the bus back to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville for our return flight home, where we will arrive later in the day.
Breakfast included.
What is included
- Economy-class group airfareRound trip to Knoxville (TYS). One carry-on and one personal item on all flights
- Nightly stays in mountain cabin(s)In the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN area
- Motor-coach transportation throughout trip
- 4 breakfasts3 outside of the cabin, 1 self-made at the cabin with CE providing supplies
- 3 lunchesOutside of the cabin
- 4 dinners2 outside of the cabin, 2 self-made at the cabin with CE providing supplies
- Christian Expedition tour director and/or licensed guide(s)
- Admissions fees as per itinerary
- All airport and accommodation taxes
- Name badge & luggage tag
- 9am to 5pm (EST) reservation support
- 24/7 travel emergency support
Not included
- Travel insuranceAvailable at registration (cost dependent on age)
- Meals other than those mentioned
- Checked bag on flights
- Tips for driver and guide
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned as included
Your mountain cabins
Subject to change.
Mountain cabin(s)
Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area, Tennessee. Four nights.
“Our concerns always revolve around good communication leading up to the trip and Trey and his team were exceptional.”
“Our church has absolutely enjoyed every aspect of planning travel with Christian Expedition!”
Questions travelers ask
- How much walking is there?Expect about 2 to 3 miles of walking on a typical day, more on the full day at Dollywood. The Laurel Falls Trail is a 2.6-mile round-trip walk to the waterfall. Arrival and departure days have very little walking, and we get around by motor coach.
- Traveling alone?The group stays together in mountain cabins in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area.
- What will I spend beyond the price?Meals not listed as included, a checked bag on the flights, extras at The Island such as the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and SkyFly, tips for your driver and guide, travel insurance if you choose it, and your own spending. A typical lunch costs about $15 to $20. Tips are at your discretion: as a guide, $8 to $10 per person per day for your guide and $6 to $8 for your driver. We recommend paying for most things by credit card: cards are accepted almost everywhere you will go, and credit card purchases usually come with protection that cash does not.
- What if I need to cancel?Cancel in writing. Up to February 2, 2027 (90 days before departure), everything you have paid is returned except $200. After that date, the $450 deposit and any costs we cannot recover are kept. Travel insurance may cover a cancellation, depending on the reason.
- Who is going?This expedition is organized for Calvary Christian Academy.
More answers in our Traveler Support Center, or call us at (877) 234-3002.
Price per person
Payment schedule
Today
$450 due per person
$200 per person is non-refundable.
February 2, 2027
Remaining payment due
If you cancel less than 90 days before departure, the $450 deposit plus any charges imposed by our vendors is non-refundable. In the event of postponement, this still applies.
Group flights
- West Palm Beach (PBI)Included
Can I book my own flights?
You are always welcome to arrange your own flights. Arranging airfare on your own gives you the ability to spend personally-earned airline miles for your ticket, handpick your seats, upgrade directly with the airline, or deviate from the group in other ways.
What is group airfare?
We work with airlines on booking group airfare from anticipated departure airports. This allows us to get the best rates to fly you and the rest of the group to and from your destination. Group air contracts do not allow deviations, date changes, or upgrades, and in some cases issuing tickets at individual rates may be necessary.
Select your preferred departure airport during registration. If you don’t see your preferred airport listed, please select “send me a flight quote”.
Can I apply TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
If you have booked airfare through us and would like to apply your Known Traveler Number (for TSA PreCheck) and/or your CBP PASSID (for Global Entry), you may provide it to us during registration. Forgot your KTN? Retrieve it here: https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/ktn-lookup
Can I use frequent flyer miles or airline vouchers?
We cannot book your airfare using earned frequent flyer miles or airline vouchers. However, if the airfare we book for you coincides with an airline you are a member of, we are happy to apply your frequent flyer # to your booking for any mile accrual (if applicable).
Can I upgrade my flights and/or depart earlier/return later than the group?
Absolutely. If you would like to arrive earlier/depart later than the group and/or upgrade your airfare, please contact us at hello@christianexpedition.com
When will I receive my flight schedule?
The group’s flight schedule will be provided to you digitally and in the mail about 30 days before the trip.
Reserve your place
Calvary Christian Academy to the Smoky Mountains, May 3 to 7, 2027. Reserve today with a deposit, or call us at (877) 234-3002 with any questions.