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Taking a comfy tour through the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains will introduce you to both the history and magnificence of the American south. History-buffs will be fascinated as they discover a host of Civil War landmarks as well as other historical sites as you travel from Washington, D.C. to Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina. Journey through breathtaking mountain passes and along panoramic routes as you enjoy the stunning landscapes that this region is known for.
Enhance your highlight-filled tour by visiting such diverse places as Washington, D.C., Gettysburg, Shenandoah National Park, Harper’s Ferry, the Civil War Museum, the famous Biltmore Estate, Monticello, Mount Vernon and Colonial Williamsburg, where you will feel you are stepping back in time. Stroll along the unique mountain town of Gatlinburg in the Smoky Mountains and visit the 215-foot-high limestone Natural Bridge that is sculpted by nature in a peaceful wooded setting. Nature-lovers and history aficionados are sure enjoy this incredible tour.
14 Days •
Enjoy time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Holiday Inn Alexandria Carlyle
Today begins with a guided sightseeing tour that shows you the graves of American heroes, including those of John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert, in beautiful Arlington National Cemetery. Your guided tour of the capital continues, with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House and visits to teh Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials.
Afterward, cross the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania, and visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.
Tonight, we offer an optional outing to a local restaurant to enjoy the flavor of the area.
Quality Inn Gettysburg Battlefield Hotel
This morning enjoy a guided visit to the hallowed Gettysburg Battlefield, site of the decisive Civil War campaign and where Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address in November 1863.
Afterward, head for Harpers Ferry Historic National Park, where, in 1859, John Brown made his ill-fated raid on the U.S. Arsenal. The park shares 2,178 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Take free time to hike a portion of the trail to historic Jefferson Rock to enjoy extraordinary scenery.
En route to Shenandoah, crest the Blue Ridge Mountains for magnificent vistas of the Shenandoah Valley. Overnight in Shenandoah National Park.
Breakfast
Skyland Resort
Travel through lumber and limestone country into wonderfully wild West Virginia. After a lunch break in Lewisburg, a pre Civil War town, travel to Fayetteville and stop at New River Gorge Bridge, the world’s third-longest steel-span bridge, rising 876 feet above the river. Then, on to Beckley, the heart of West Virginia’s “smokeless” coal industry, for an overnight stay.
Hampton Inn Beckley
Before entering Kentucky, we stop in the state capital of Charleston, West Virginia, one-time home of American frontiersman Daniel Boone.
As you cross the state border, the scenery changes to green pastures, white-board fences, and the columned estates of Kentucky bluegrass country—backdrop for the movie Seabiscuit. Arrive in Lexington, the “Heart of the Bluegrass.” This afternoon, a fascinating visit to the Kentucky Horse Park, from where legends like Man o’ War and Secretariat conquered the racing world.
Breakfast
Hilton Lexington Downtown
Travel on Bluegrass Parkway and stop at Sinking Spring Farm, a one-room cabin where the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, was born. A replica of the original log cabin is preserved as a shrine to one of the best-loved American presidents. Visit the Lincoln Museum, dedicated to Lincoln’s life and times. The museum features 12 historically accurate scenes from Lincoln’s life and Civil War memorabilia. Be sure to walk out to the center of Town Square for a photo op in front of the Lincoln Statue, and the Lincoln Boy Statue.
Afterward, we head to Bardstown and visit the fourth-largest civil war museum in teh United States. Unlike other museums, this one focuses mainly on the War of the Western States. Viitors move through a series of exhibits featuring artifacts from both the Union and the Confederacy.
End your day by visiting an authentic Bourbon Distillery. You'll learn about the production of the finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and enjoy a tasting. Return to Lexington, where the evening is free for independent activities.
Breakfast
Hilton Lexington Downtown
Travel to Tennessee, with a stop at Corbin for a short visit to Colonel Sanders' original fried chicken restaurant, which is now a museum. This afternoon, visit the fascinating Museum of Appalachia, with 65 acres of farmland and a number of historic cabins, barns and other buildings - even a fronter privy! The next two nights are in Gatlinburg at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Glenstone Lodge
As one of America’s most popular mountain retreats, Gatlinburg offers something for everyone. You might want to spend a day at world-famous Dollywood, an 88-acre landscaped theme park inspired by Dolly Parton.
Glenstone Lodge
Drive right through the center of the Smokies along the spectacular Newfound Gap Road, peaking at 5,046 feet.
Continue into North Carolina and stop at the 7,500-acre grounds of the Biltmore Estate, built by George Vanderbilt, grandson of railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. Overnight in the Asheville area, hometown to singer Roberta Flack.
Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Area
Blue Ridge Parkway runs from the Great Smokies to Shenandoah National Park without a single traffic light along its 470-mile route. Take in a portion of the parkway today, from Fancy Gap to Roanoke. Stop at the tranquil setting of Mabry Mill, one of hte most photographed spots in teh country. Next up: a visit to Natural Bridge, a 215-foot-high arch in a wooded setting, once owned by Thomas Jefferson. George Washington's inititals are still visible on the cliffside, from his work here as a young surveyor.
Breakfast
Best Western Lexington Inn
Visit the graceful home of the third U.S. president, Thomas Jefferson. The Monticello Estate reflects Jefferson’s skills as an artist, architect, and designer. It is the only house in the U.S. that is on the UNESCO World Heritage list of international treasures.
Enjoy an orientation tour of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Stop at the Capitol Building for photographs before making our way to Williamsburg, between the James and York Rivers, where the very earliest English settlers established their first colonies.
Breakfast
Comfort Inn Williamsburg Gateway Hotel
Today is dedicated to Colonial Williamsburg, where American heritage is proudly preserved in the reconstructed buildings and historical displays. Stroll down quaint streets and browse through homes, gardens, taverns, shops, and exhibits. In the Hall of Burgesses, listen as costumed interpreters debate the controversial steps that led to the Declaration of Independence.
Breakfast
Comfort Inn Williamsburg Gateway Hotel
This morning, visit Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George and Martha Washington, overlooking the banks of the Potomac River. Take time to explore the most popular historic estate in America.
The final leg of your journey takes you back to Washington DC, where you overnight in close proximity to quintessential D.C. The evening is free for independent activities.
Breakfast
Washington Marriott Wardman Park
Your vacation ends this morning. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the nation’s capital further.
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.