Ark Encounter &
Creation Museum
40 Days and 40 Nights Gospel Festival — Four Days & Three Nights
Experience the Bible
like you never have before.
Imagine standing at the base of the world's largest timber frame structure — a full-size replica of Noah's Ark, built according to the exact dimensions described in scripture — and feeling the scale of one of history's most profound stories come alive in a way no book or sermon ever could. Your expert tour director has arranged everything, including priority access and group tickets to the 40 Days and 40 Nights Gospel music festival, the most celebrated event in the Christian music calendar.
The 40 Days and 40 Nights festival at the Ark Encounter brings together the finest Gospel artists in America for days of award-winning music, worship, and celebration. Each day delivers a new lineup of beloved performers — The Isaacs, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Lynda Randle, Karen Peck & New River, and Brian Free & Assurance among them. Combined with the Creation Museum's 150 world-class exhibits, this is unlike any other travel experience available from East Tennessee.
On this four-day tour, we handle every detail. Your hotel puts you close to both attractions. Your meals are arranged. Your group tickets are secured in advance. Your guide knows both the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum intimately. All you have to do is show up and let one of the most extraordinary faith-based attractions in America speak for itself.
The Ark Encounter
A full-size replica of Noah's Ark built according to the dimensions described in scripture — 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet tall. The most ambitious timber frame structure in the world, bringing one of scripture's most epic stories to breathtaking life.
40 Days and 40 Nights Gospel Festival
The world's largest Gospel music festival, held at the Ark Encounter stage. Daily concerts from award-winning artists including The Isaacs, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Lynda Randle, Karen Peck & New River, and Brian Free & Assurance.
The Creation Museum
150 world-class exhibits bringing the story of creation to life — including a 200-seat special effects theater, a petting zoo, a planetarium, and stunning botanical gardens. One of the most visited Christian attractions in America.
BB Riverboat Cruise
A relaxing riverboat cruise on the Ohio River, offering stunning views of the Cincinnati skyline and a chance to unwind between days of festival and museum exploration.
✝ A JOURNEY OF FAITH & DISCOVERY
This tour is designed for travelers of all backgrounds who want to experience these remarkable attractions in comfort and community. Whether you're a lifelong believer, a curious explorer, or simply looking for an extraordinary travel experience unlike any other, the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum welcome all visitors with open doors.
Four Days of Faith, Music & Wonder
Here's what awaits you — an experience that stays with you long after you come home.
Depart Knoxville
Board the coach for the journey to northern Kentucky — approximately 3-4 hours through Kentucky's rolling bluegrass countryside. Your tour director sets the scene for the extraordinary days ahead as the landscape of Kentucky unfolds outside the panoramic windows.
Hotel Check-In & Ark Encounter Preview
Settle into the hotel near the Ark Encounter and get oriented to the area. Williamstown, Kentucky is the home of the Ark Encounter — a purpose-built attraction that has drawn millions of visitors since opening in 2016.
Welcome Dinner & Festival Orientation
A welcome group dinner and briefing from your tour director on the days ahead — festival schedules, artist lineups, museum highlights, and everything you need to make the most of your time at both attractions.
Everything You Need,
Already Taken Care Of.
This is the part where most travel gets stressful. Not here. Here's exactly what's waiting for you — and what's yours to enjoy on your own.
What's Included
- ✓Round-trip motorcoach from Knoxville
- ✓3 nights hotel near Ark Encounter
- ✓3 breakfasts (hotel)
- ✓2 lunches (Ark Encounter & BB Riverboat)
- ✓1 welcome dinner (group)
- ✓40 Days & 40 Nights festival admission
- ✓Ark Encounter admission
- ✓Creation Museum admission
- ✓BB Riverboat Cruise
- ✓Guided Cincinnati city tour
- ✓Bluegrass Hall of Fame visit
- ✓Expert tour director full trip
- ✓Luggage handling at hotel
Not Included
- ✗Personal shopping and souvenirs
- ✗Saturday dinner (free choice)
- ✗Alcoholic beverages
- ✗Gratuities for director and driver
- ✗Travel insurance (available on request)
- ✗Planetarium show (optional add-on)
- ✗Petting zoo (included in admission)
ℹ️ Tour Disclosures
(1) Itinerary subject to change: All stops, schedules, and inclusions listed are planned itinerary details and are subject to change without notice due to weather, traffic, attraction availability, or other circumstances beyond our control. Elite Coach & Tours reserves the right to modify or substitute any portion of this itinerary to ensure guest safety and experience quality.
(2) Minimum travelers required: This tour requires a minimum number of enrolled travelers to operate. If minimum enrollment is not met, the departure may be cancelled or rescheduled. Guests will be notified as early as possible and offered a full refund or transfer to an alternative departure date.
(3) Pricing: All pricing is per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Single, triple, and quad occupancy rates are available — contact us for current pricing. A 3.15% card convenience processing fee applies to all card transactions.
(4) Travel protection: We strongly recommend all guests purchase travel protection insurance at the time of booking. Elite Coach & Tours is not responsible for costs incurred due to trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, or lost or damaged luggage.
Not just a trip.
A story you'll be telling for years.
Standing at the base of the Ark as the sun sets behind it and the Gospel music drifts across from the festival stage. Sitting in the Creation Museum's special effects theater as the story of creation unfolds around you. Raising your voice with thousands of fellow believers under the Kentucky sky. Some travel experiences change the way you see the world. This is one of them.
See What's Waiting For You
"I had seen pictures of the Ark online but nothing prepared me for the actual scale of it. Standing at the base and looking up was one of the most moving experiences of my life. The Gospel festival was everything we hoped for — hearing The Isaacs and Ernie Haase live under that Kentucky sky was simply magnificent. Our whole church group is already talking about coming back next year."
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Ready to Experience the Ark Encounter?
Seats on every departure are limited. Fill out the form below and our team will reach out within 24 hours to confirm your reservation, share festival dates and artist lineups, and answer any questions.
Tour Pricing
All prices are per person based on double occupancy.
Why travelers choose us
Real People Answer the Phone
Have a question before you book? Call us during business hours and a real person picks up — every time.
Your Seat Is Guaranteed
Once you reserve, your spot is locked in. We'll confirm everything in writing within 24 hours.
Flexible If Plans Change
Life happens. Talk to our team about cancellation options and travel protection before you book.
Thousands of Happy Travelers
Our guests come back tour after tour — and they bring their friends. That's the only review that matters.
Things People Usually Ask Us
The Ark Is Waiting For You.
Are You Ready For This Journey?
Seats are limited on every departure and fill quickly. Reserve yours today — it takes less than two minutes.
Reserve My Seat NowElite Coach & Tours — Fully Escorted Motorcoach Tours Departing from Knoxville, Tennessee.View full travel info & disclosures, or contact us with questions