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Historic Trails And Blue Ridge Mountains2012 Season
Departs From: Washington DC |
From 1,422EUR |
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Length: 14 days from Washington DC to Washington DC
Overview
This is a scenic and educationally packed trip beginning and ending in the capital of the United States, Washington DC. There’s plenty of sightseeing to be done in Washington DC, and your sightseeing tour covers the highlights. History comes alive in Washington DC and in other locations throughout this tour. In Colonial Williamsburg, see history recreated as costumed villagers add charm and authenticity to the quaint streets. Visit Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home; Sinking Spring Farm, where Lincoln was born; Harper’s Ferry, where John Brown made his raid on the U.S. arsenal; and Gettysburg Battlefield, where Lincoln delivered the famous Gettysburg Address. This vacation also includes beautiful scenery. Enjoy vistas of the Shenandoah Valley from the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains sits the popular mountain retreat of Gatlinburg, where you’ll spend two nights. In Kentucky, the scenery changes to the green pastures, whiteboard fences, and columned estates of Kentucky Bluegrass Country. These are just a few of the many features you’ll enjoy on this vacation. History and beauty—this trip has it all!
Duration: 14 Days
Schedule:
| Start Date |
End Date |
| 02 June, 2012 |
15 June, 2012 |
| 01 September, 2012 |
14 September, 2012 |
| 08 September, 2012 |
21 September, 2012 |
| 15 September, 2012 |
28 September, 2012 |
| 22 September, 2012 |
05 October, 2012 |
| 29 September, 2012 |
12 October, 2012 |
City Highlights
Sightseeing in Washington DC; orientation tour in Richmond; Mount Vernon, Gettysburg Battlefield, Harpers Ferry, Luray Caverns, Kentucky Horse Park, Sinking Spring Farm, Whiskey Distillery, Colonel Sanders, Museum of Appalachia, Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock, Monticello, Colonial Williamsburg.
Scenic Highlights
Harpers Ferry National Park, Kentucky Bluegrass Country, Shenandoah National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Natural Bridge.
Day 1 Washington DC Area. Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Day 2 Washington DC Area–Gettysburg. The day begins with a visit to MOUNT VERNON, the beloved home of George and Martha Washington, overlooking the banks of the Potomac River. Afterward, cross the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania today for a visit of the hallowed GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD, site of the decisive campaign of the Civil War and where Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address in November 1863. Tonight we offer an optional outing to a local restaurant to enjoy the flavor of the area.
Day 3 Gettysburg–Harpers Ferry–Luray Caverns–Shenandoah National Park. Head for HARPERS FERRY, where in 1859 John Brown made his ill-fated raid on the U.S. Arsenal. Time to stop at LURAY CAVERNS for a guided tour, then up to the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains for magnificent vistas of the Shenandoah Valley. (CB)
Day 4 Shenandoah National Park–New River Gorge–Beckley. Through lumber and limestone country into wonderfully wild West Virginia. After a lunch break in Lewisburg, a Civil War battlefield, travel to Fayetteville and stop at New River Gorge Bridge, the world’s largest 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.
Day 5 Beckley–Lexington, Kentucky. Before entering Kentucky we stop in the state capital of Charleston, one-time home of 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, enjoy a fascinating visit to the KENTUCKY HORSE PARK, from where legends like Man o’ War and Secretariat conquered the racing world. The visit includes the International Museum of the Horse; the Hall of Champions, where famous horses from the past enjoy their retirement; the Parade of Breeds; and many other exhibits and demonstrations. (CB)
Day 6 Lexington–Bardstown. Travel along Bluegrass Parkway and stop at SINKING SPRING FARM, where Abraham Lincoln was born. A replica of the original log cabin is preserved as a shrine to the best-loved of American presidents. Visit a true working WHISKEY DISTILLERY, and learn about the production of the very finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon, for which Kentucky is famous. Overnight in Bardstown, Kentucky’s second-oldest city. Evening is at leisure.
Day 7 Bardstown–Gatlinburg. This morning’s journey takes you along Kentucky’s scenic backroads. After lunch, on to 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 frontier privy! The next two nights are in Gatlinburg at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. (CB)
Day 8 Gatlinburg. 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 and her love for the mountains, family, and country music. Tonight’s optional outing features the Dixie Stampede, an action-packed evening filled with friendly North and South competition, thrilling horse-riding stunts, spectacular special effects, and phenomenal musical productions.
Day 9 Gatlinburg–Great Smoky Mountains National Park–Asheville Area. Drive right through the center of the Smokies along the spectacular Newfound Gap Road, peaking at 5,046 feet. Into North Carolina and a stop at the 7,500-acre grounds of BILTMORE ESTATE, built by George Vanderbilt, grandson of the famous railroad magnate, Cornelius Vanderbilt. Then, on to dramatic CHIMNEY ROCK. Take an elevator carved through solid rock up to the granite monolith for views over Hickory Nut Gorge. Overnight in the Asheville area, hometown of American author Thomas Wolfe.
Day 10 Asheville Area–Lexington, Virginia 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 the most photographed spots in the country. This afternoon, visit Natural Bridge, a 215-foot-high arch in a wooded setting, once owned by Thomas Jefferson. George Washington’s initials are still visible on the cliffside, from his work here as a young surveyor. (CB)
Day 11 Lexington, Virginia Area–Richmond–Williamsburg. This morning’s highlight is 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. We follow with a short sightseeing tour of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. The day ends in Williamsburg, between the James and York Rivers, where the very earliest European settlers established their first colonies.
Day 12 Williamsburg. Today is dedicated to COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG, where American heritage is proudly preserved in the reconstructed buildings and historical displays. Take a 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. (B)
Day 13 Williamsburg–Washington DC Area. This morning, return to Washington DC. Upon arrival, included sightseeing with a Local Guide shows you the graves of American heroes, including those of John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert, in beautiful Arlington National Cemetery. Your guided sightseeing tour of the capital continues with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House, as well as visits to the Lincoln, Vietnam, and National WWII Memorials. This evening, join an optional evening outing featuring a delicious dinner followed by an illumination tour of Washington’s famous memorials. (B)
Day 14 Washington DC Area. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Dulles or Reagan International Airports are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Washington DC further with a variety of exciting optional activities.
Meals: 2 breakfasts (B), 4 continental breakfasts (CB)
Hotel Information: WASHINGTON DC AREA Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria (F), GETTYSBURG Quality Inn Gettysburg (ST), SHENANDOAH Skyland Resort (MF), BECKLEY Quality Inn Beckley (MF), LEXINGTON, KY Hilton Lexington Downtown (SF), BARDSTOWN Best Western General Nelson Inn (ST), GATLINBURG Glenstone Lodge (F), ASHEVILLE AREA Quality Inn & Suites Biltmore South (ST), LEXINGTON, VA AREA Natural Bridge Hotel (MF), WILLIAMSBURG Country Inn & Suites Williamsburg (F)
Guides
Local Guides for sightseeing in Washington DC and Gettysburg; services of a professional Tour Director.
Transportation
Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring. |
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