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Pick Up: Clinton and Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Approximate Tour Time: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM*
* Final tour times will be confirmed one week prior to departure, and the itinerary will be emailed to guests.
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Your Journey Begins . . .
Prepare to embark on an exciting adventure as you board our deluxe motorcoach for a delightful two-day tour to Cherokee, North Carolina!
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee, North Carolina is a destination rich in natural beauty, living history, and cultural pride. As the homeland of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, the town offers an authentic look into Native American heritage through immersive attractions, traditional crafts, storytelling, and music.
Visitors are surrounded by scenic mountain views, rushing rivers, and peaceful forest landscapes, making Cherokee both relaxing and inspiring. From cultural experiences and historic sites to shopping, dining, and nearby Smoky Mountain attractions, Cherokee blends tradition and charm into a welcoming mountain getaway that appeals to travelers of all ages.
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The Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, North Carolina, is a distinguished cultural and history museum dedicated to sharing the rich heritage of the Cherokee people.
Established in 1948 and located on the Qualla Boundary—the sovereign land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians—the museum offers engaging exhibitions, artifact collections, and educational programs that trace Cherokee history from ancient times through the present day.
Formerly known as the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, it serves as a nonprofit hub for community outreach, storytelling, and cultural preservation, helping visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Cherokee traditions, language, and contemporary life. Through a blend of permanent and rotating exhibits, the museum brings to life the enduring legacy of the Cherokee people and their connection to the Appalachian landscape.
| | Oconfaluftee Indian Village | | |
Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, North Carolina, is a living-history museum that immerses visitors in the daily life and culture of the Cherokee people as it likely existed in the mid-18th century.
Open seasonally on the Qualla Boundary, this recreated historical village features authentically constructed homes, a seven-sided council house, work areas, and community spaces based on archaeological and anthropological research into traditional Cherokee settlements.
At the village, Cherokee guides dressed in traditional attire interpret social customs, beliefs, and family life, and demonstrate ancient crafts such as basketry, pottery, woodcarving, canoe making, blow-gun and arrow making, and other skills essential to daily life. Visitors can observe cultural dances, storytelling, and reenactments that bring Cherokee heritage to life, and there are often interactive “hands-on Cherokee” workshops where people of all ages can try traditional arts and crafts.
Set within a wooded, natural landscape with paths winding among the structures, Oconaluftee Indian Village offers an engaging and educational way to connect with the history, resilience, and artistic traditions of the Cherokee people long before European contact
| | Outdoor Drama Unto These Hills | | |
“Unto These Hills” is a celebrated outdoor historical drama performed each summer in Cherokee, North Carolina, at the open-air Mountainside Theatre. The production, which premiered on July 1, 1950, is one of the longest-running outdoor dramas in the United States and has been seen by millions of visitors over the decades.
The play brings to life the history of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, weaving together music, dance, and theatrical scenes to portray key moments from the Cherokee past. Beginning with early encounters between Cherokee people and European explorers, it moves through significant events such as cultural traditions, battles, and the heartbreaking forced removal of the Cherokee from their homelands in the Trail of Tears era. Iconic Cherokee figures like Sequoyah (creator of the Cherokee syllabary), Junaluska, and other leaders are featured, offering audiences both dramatic storytelling and cultural insight.
Performed under the stars with a large cast that often includes tribal members, Unto These Hills uses traditional elements, pageantry, and emotional narrative to honor Cherokee resilience and spirit. The show typically runs nightly (except Sundays) from late May through mid-August and lasts about two hours, creating an immersive and educational experience that connects viewers with Cherokee heritage and history.
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Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and modern style for your Smoky Mountains getaway.
Ideally located just steps from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, this inviting hotel places you minutes from top attractions including the Museum of the Cherokee People, Oconaluftee Indian Village, and the beloved outdoor drama Unto These Hills.
Guests enjoy well-appointed rooms and suites featuring plush bedding, free high-speed Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, and streaming-ready TVs, along with a complimentary hot breakfast to start each day.
| | Note: Beds are full-size; Keep this in mind when you book a triple or a quad room. | |
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Tour Price
Single $500
Double $400 Per Person
Triple $350 Per Person
Quad $300 Per Person
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Price includes the following:
- Round trip Transportation from Clinton or Oak Ridge
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Admission to Museum of Cherokee
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Admission to Oconaluftee Indian Village
- Admission and pre-paid dinner, Unto These Hills
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One night hotel stay, Fairfield by Marriott with breakfast.
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Unto These Hills Souvenir bag
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