Visit the ruby, sapphire, and emerald mines of North Carolina where gemstones are found on a regular basis. There are no special tools or tricks to finding quality stones, as you can see the stones with your eyes and feel them with your hands.
Tour Details
Duration
5 Days
Location
North Carolina
Season
Spring, Fall
Tour Type
Overnight
Nearest City
Atlanta, GA
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
North Carolina, United States
Rates
$879.00 - $1,299.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Atlanta, Georgia where your tour begins. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel, which is located in downtown Atlanta. This afternoon you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Atlanta and visit the "World of Coke." This unique attraction takes guests through the history of the Coca Cola and ends in the tasting room where you can taste some of the many coke products available from around the world. You will find the hotel is convenient to many restaurants, and there is a restaurant in the hotel as well. You will be given a dining card that will allow you to dine in the restaurant of your choice. (Dinner)
Day 2: Breakfast will be at the hotel before taking a two-hour journey north to Franklin, North Carolina. Here you will have the opportunity to mine for rubies and sapphires. You do not need any special tools but you might want to bring rubber gloves, as your hands might be wet for two hours. This requires only the tools God gave you: your hands, your eyes, and your time. Tonight, after a day of mining, you are sure to enjoy a nice dinner using your "dine around" card. If you find a gemstone, there are many shops in town that will cut and polish your stones for you. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 3: This morning you will travel to Ashville, NC where you will tour the Biltmore Estate. The Biltmore was the country home of George Vanderbilt and it is as marvelous today as it was in 1895, when it was built. As some of you will become addicted to gemstone mining, the opportunity is available to spend another day at the mine instead of going to the Biltmore. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 4: Depart Franklin this morning and head to Hiddenite, North Carolina where the world’s largest emeralds have been found. The afternoon will be spent at the Emerald Hollow Mine where you will have the opportunity to dig for your own emeralds or sluice prepared buckets. This mine is host to more than 63 different types of naturally occurring gems and minerals, a virtual treasure trove! Many of these are very rare; including emerald, aquamarine, sapphire, garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine, rutile, and tourmaline, along with an abundance of world-class smoky and clear quartz crystals. Hiddenite is also famous as the only place on earth where the very rare gemstone "Hiddenite" can be found and the only emerald mine in the country open to the public. Tonight you will overnight at the Charlotte Airport. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 5: Today you are homeward bound, full of knowledge and treasures found in the Carolinas. (Breakfast)
This Package Includes
Roundtrip Transfers to the Airport for Groups of Ten or More
Roundtrip Air from Boston, Manchester, Hartford, or Providence (Other Cities Available)
Deluxe Motor Coach Transportation
Four Breakfasts and Four Dinners
Services of a Tour Director
Baggage Service
Reservation Policy
$250 deposit. The balance is due 75 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations within 60 days of departure will result in a loss of your deposit. Cancellation within 45 days will result in a 25% cancellation penalty; within 30 days - a 50% penalty; within 14 days - a 75% penalty; and within 7 days - no refund. Air tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable once issued.
COMPLIMENTARY VISITOR GUIDES
Click on any visitor guide below to request a free copy.
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