Great Smoky Mountains & Bluegrass Fall Colors

ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING 3: Moderate

Expectations: Expect a moderate amount of walking, 2-3 hours of walking each day. There will be time to rest on the coach and between attractions. To enjoy this tour, you should be prepared to walk slightly longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions. The daily pace and timing can fluctuate significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. There may be some changes in altitude or temperatures.

Appropriate for: Most travelers beginning with those who are moderately fit, lead semi-active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities and expect some physical exertion without the use of a cane or walker mobility aid.

For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.

The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.

You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Albuquerque International Airport. If you have an American Airlines frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.

If you are joining the tour from locations other than Albuquerque, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.

Do not forget to bring your government issued picture ID to show at the airport. A passport is required for travel outside of the United States. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline will turn you away.

We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carryon baggage and contents due to enhanced security measures. If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.

On our scheduled airline for this tour, passengers are assessed a fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.

It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.

All hotel baggage handling fees are included. We also include basic gratuities for the Tour Director, Coach Driver, and local Tour Guides. If someone has truly gone above and beyond additional tipping is permitted, but never required.

If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.

We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.

SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.

You can typically expect classic fall weather — comfortable, crisp, and ideal for a day at the track. Daytime temperatures often range from the upper 60s to mid-70s°F, while mornings and evenings can feel cooler, dipping into the 50s°F. Humidity is usually lower than in summer, and the air feels fresh and pleasant.

Humidity: The humidity is generally lower than in the summer months, contributing to the crisp and pleasant feel of the autumn air.

Daylight: Days start to become shorter, with earlier sunsets and longer evenings, as the autumn equinox marks the transition towards shorter daylight hours.

For visitors in Octobber, it's advisable to pack warm layers, including sweaters, a jacket, and possibly a hat and gloves for the cooler mornings and evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, especially for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities and the beautiful fall scenery. While the weather is generally comfortable and conducive to outdoor activities, it's wise to be prepared for a variety of conditions, including the possibility of rain.