Everything You Need
To Know.
We want your journey to begin long before you board the coach — starting with complete confidence that every question has been answered.
What to Pack
Packing tips for every season and destination
What's Included
Standard inclusions on every Elite Coach & Tours tour
Travel Protection
Insurance options and cancellation policies
Accessibility
Mobility and accessibility information for our tours
Here's exactly what happens when you book with us.
Reserve Your Seat
Fill out our inquiry form or call us directly. We confirm your reservation in writing within 24 hours — including your tour dates, hotel details, and everything included in your package.
Secure Your Booking
A deposit secures your seat on your chosen departure. Final payment is due closer to the departure date — your confirmation letter will include all payment details and deadlines.
Receive Your Travel Documents
Approximately two weeks before departure you receive a complete travel packet — departure time and location, hotel information, daily itinerary, packing tips, and emergency contact numbers.
Board the Coach & Relax
Show up at the departure point at the specified time. Your tour director meets you, introductions are made, and from that moment forward every detail is in our hands.
Come Home With Great Memories
We return you to the departure point as scheduled. Our team follows up after every tour to hear about your experience and help you plan your next journey.
What you can always count on with Elite Coach & Tours.
Always Included
- ✓Round-trip motorcoach transportation from East Tennessee
- ✓Expert tour director for the full journey
- ✓All hotel accommodations as listed in itinerary
- ✓All meals as listed in itinerary
- ✓All group admissions as listed in itinerary
- ✓Luggage handling at hotel
- ✓24-hour emergency contact during your tour
- ✓Detailed travel documents provided before departure
- ✓Pre-arranged group reservations at all major stops
Typically Not Included
- ✗Personal shopping and souvenirs
- ✗Meals not listed in itinerary
- ✗Alcoholic beverages
- ✗Gratuities for tour director and driver
- ✗Optional excursion upgrades
- ✗Travel protection insurance
- ✗Items of a personal nature
- ✗Medical expenses
"Specific inclusions vary by tour — refer to your individual tour page for exact details. Your confirmation letter will list everything included in your specific package."
Pack smart. Travel light. Enjoy more.
Spring Packing
March — May Departures
- Light layers — mornings can be cool
- Comfortable walking shoes — essential for every tour
- Light rain jacket or packable umbrella
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Smart casual outfit for nicer dinners
- Small day bag or backpack
- Phone charger and portable battery
- Any required medications
Summer Packing
June — August Departures
- Light breathable clothing — heat and humidity are real
- Comfortable walking shoes — non-negotiable
- Wide-brim hat and sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light rain jacket — afternoon storms are common
- Small personal fan (optional but appreciated)
- Refillable water bottle
- Any required medications
Fall Packing
September — November Departures
- Layers are essential — temperatures vary dramatically
- Light jacket for mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Packable umbrella
- Warmer option for evenings (fleece or light sweater)
- Sunscreen — fall sun is still strong
- Small day bag or backpack
- Any required medications
Holiday Packing
November — December Departures
- Warm coat — it gets cold
- Gloves, scarf, and hat for outdoor activities
- Waterproof walking boots or shoes
- Smart casual outfit for Biltmore and dinner shows
- Festive holiday attire — encouraged and welcomed
- Hand warmers (optional but appreciated)
- Any required medications
"Comfortable walking shoes are the single most important packing item for any tour. Every destination involves more walking than most guests expect — do not underestimate this recommendation."
Every Journey, Fully Protected.
We strongly recommend travel protection insurance for all Elite Coach & Tours guests. Life happens — and having the right protection in place means a last-minute change of plans doesn't have to become a financial loss. We partner with leading travel protection providers and can connect you with the right coverage when you reserve.
Trip Cancellation
Protection if you need to cancel before departure due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons. Ask us about options when you reserve.
Medical Coverage
Emergency medical coverage while traveling — particularly important for longer tours and destinations far from home. Peace of mind for you and your family.
Baggage Protection
Coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage during your journey. A small additional cost for significant peace of mind.
📋 CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation terms vary by tour and departure date. Full details are provided in your booking confirmation. We strongly recommend purchasing travel protection at the time of booking — this is the simplest way to protect your investment regardless of what life brings. Contact us for current cancellation terms on your specific tour.
We want everyone to travel with us.
Elite Coach & Tours welcomes travelers of all mobility levels and does everything possible to accommodate guests with specific needs. Please let us know of any accessibility requirements when you reserve your seat — the earlier we know, the better we can prepare.
Motorcoach Accessibility
Our coaches are equipped with steps at the front entrance. Guests with limited mobility should advise us at booking so we can arrange appropriate seating and boarding assistance. Please note that some destinations involve significant walking on uneven surfaces — your tour director will advise on the best options for your group.
Hotel Accessibility
We request accessible rooms for guests with mobility needs when making group hotel bookings. Please specify your requirements at the time of reservation and we will do our best to accommodate.
Destination Accessibility
Most major attractions on our tour roster are fully ADA accessible — the Smithsonian museums, Biltmore Estate, National Mall monuments, and most historic sites offer excellent accessibility. Some historic districts involve cobblestone streets and uneven terrain — we note these on individual tour pages.
Special Dietary Needs
Guests with dietary restrictions or food allergies should advise us at booking. We communicate all dietary needs to group restaurants and hotels in advance — we cannot guarantee accommodation in every situation but we always do our best.
♿ IMPORTANT
If you have specific accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking to discuss whether a particular tour is suitable for your needs. Our goal is to find the right tour for every traveler — and sometimes that means honestly advising when a specific destination may not be the best fit for certain mobility limitations.
What to expect on departure day.
Departure Location
All Elite Coach & Tours departures leave from convenient East Tennessee pickup locations in the Knoxville area. Exact pickup address, parking instructions, and directions are provided in your travel documents approximately two weeks before departure.
Arrival Time
Please arrive at the departure point 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The coach departs promptly — late arrivals cannot be accommodated as they affect the entire group's schedule and hotel check-in times.
Luggage Guidelines
One full-size checked bag and one carry-on bag per person is the standard allowance on most tours. Some longer tours may accommodate additional luggage — confirm with us when you reserve. Luggage is loaded by the driver at departure and delivered to your hotel room.
Parking at Departure Point
Free parking is available at all Elite Coach & Tours departure locations. Exact parking details are included in your travel documents. Your vehicle will be safely parked for the duration of your tour.
Still have questions? We have answers.
Please Read Before You Book.
Itinerary Changes
All tour itineraries, destinations, stops, schedules, and inclusions are planned details subject to change without notice. Circumstances including weather, road conditions, attraction closures, and events beyond our control may require modifications. Elite Coach & Tours reserves the right to substitute any portion of an itinerary to protect guest safety and experience quality. We communicate changes as early as possible.
Minimum Enrollment
Every tour has a minimum number of travelers required to operate. Minimums vary by tour and are noted on each tour page. If a departure does not reach minimum enrollment, it may be cancelled or rescheduled. Enrolled guests are notified as early as possible and offered a full refund or transfer to an alternative departure. We strongly recommend purchasing travel protection insurance to cover this possibility.
Pricing & Fees
All pricing listed is per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Single, triple, and quad occupancy rates are available by calling us directly. A 3.15% card convenience processing fee is added to all debit and credit card transactions — this fee is the guest's responsibility and is displayed clearly at checkout. Cash and Zelle payments are accepted with no processing fee.
Travel Protection
Elite Coach & Tours strongly recommends all guests purchase travel protection insurance at the time of booking. We are not responsible for costs incurred due to trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, missed departures, or lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or personal belongings. Ask us about travel protection options when you reserve.
We're Here to Help.
Call us at (865) 567-5236 Monday through Friday, 8AM to 6PM — a real person picks up every time. Or fill out our contact form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Elite Coach & Tours — Fully Escorted Motorcoach Tours Departing from Knoxville, Tennessee.View full travel info & disclosures, or contact us with questions