Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains
Visit historical battlefields and colonial towns, then marvel at the scenery of the Kentucky Bluegrass Country and the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Blue Ridge Mountains
The White House
A re-enactment, Williamsburg
Monticello, Richmond
Chimney Rock, Smoky Mountains National Park
Biltmore Estate, Asheville
Discover Blue Grass Country in Kentucky
Lexington Horse Park, Kentucky
The Blue Ridge Mountains
Saracen's Tent, Luray Caverns
'The Cathedral', Luray Caverns
Harper's Ferry
A battlefield in Gettysburg
Cannon overlooking Little Round Top, Gettysburg
Previous
Next
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Washington DC.
Fly to Washington where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
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. Afterwards, cross the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania with a visit to 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.
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 US arsenal. En route, stop at Luray for a guided tour of the spectacular caverns, before continuing up to the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains with magnificent vistas of the Shenandoah Valley.
DAY 4: Shenandoah National Park - New River Gorge - Beckley.
Journey through lumber and limestone country into wonderful West Virginia. After a lunch break in Lewisburg, a Civil War battlefield, travel to Fayetteville with a stop at New River Gorge Bridge, the world's largest steel-span bridge rising 876 feet above the river. The more adventurous may wish to take an optional float trip down the New River, a perfect way to see the West Virginia backcountry. Then on to Beckley, the heart of West Virginia's 'smokeless' coal industry.
DAY 5: Beckley - Lexington.
Before entering Kentucky we stop in the state capital - Charleston, the one time home of Daniel Boone. As you cross the state border, the scenery changes to the green pastures and columned estates of Kentucky bluegrass country and the backdrop for the movie Seabiscuit. Arrive in Lexington, the 'Heart of the Bluegrass'. This morning, it's time for a fascinating visit to the Kentucky Horse Park. Legends like Man o' War and Secretariat conquered the racing world from here. 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.
DAY 6: Lexington - Bardstown.
Travel the 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 him. Next, 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.
DAY 7: Bardstown - Gatlinburg.
This morning's journey takes you along Kentucky's scenic backroads. After lunch it's on to Corbin for a short visit to Colonel Sander's 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, nestled at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains.
DAY 8: Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg, one of America's most popular mountain retreats, 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 thrilling horse riding stunts, spectacular special effects, and phenomenal music.
DAY 9: Gatlinburg - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Asheville area.
Drive right through the centre of the Smokies, along the spectacular Newfound Gap Road peaking at 5,046 feet, then into North Carolina. Stop at the 7,500 acre grounds of Biltmore Estate, built by George Vanderbilt, grandson of the famous railroad magnate, Cornelius Vanderbilt. Then onto the 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 area.
The 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 feet 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.
DAY 11: Lexington area - Richmond - Williamsburg.
This morning's highlight is the graceful home of the third President, Thomas Jefferson. The estate, named Monticello, reflects Jefferson's skills as an artist, architect, and designer. It is the only house in the US that is on the United Nations' World Heritage List of international treasures. We follow with a short sightseeing tour of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy in 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.
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, and visits to the Lincoln, Vietnam, and National WWII Memorials. This evening, join the optional evening outing featuring dinner followed by an illumination tour of Washington's famous memorials.
DAY 14: Washington DC area - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Washington or Boston for two nights.
DAY 15: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 5,046 ft.
Accommodation on Tour
Washington DC/Alexandria: Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria; Gettysburg: Quality Inn Gettysburg; Shenandoah: Skyland Lodge; Beckley: Quality Inn & Suites; Lexington, KY: Hilton Lexington Downtown Hotel; Bardstown: Best Western General Nelson; Gatlinburg: Glenstone Lodge; Asheville: Quality Inn & Suites Biltmore South; Lexington, VA: Natural Bridge Resort; Williamsburg: Country Inn & Suites Williamsburg.
Autumn Foliage
Enjoy the spectacular colours of the east and interior south on our special autumn departures from 15-29 Sep. The chosen departure dates are historically the best dates to see the autumn foliage - weather permitting.
American Civil War
Special Departure - 5 July
Our special departure includes visits to the home of Robert E Lee, the courageous leader of the Confederate forces, the Ford Theatre, Bardstown Civil War Museum and the battlefields of Antietam and Gettysburg, where you will experience a dramatic re-enactment of the battle of Gettysburg involving mounted cavalry, live cannon fire and skirmishes between Union & Confederate 'soldiers'.
Note: This special departure includes all activities on our regular departures plus an extra night in Washington, and activities as described in the full Civil War Special Departure itinerary
Your Holiday Map
Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains
Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains 13 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains 13 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
| Date | Depart From | Price from PP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 May 2012 |
Make your own way
Make your own wayThis is the price of the holiday without flights
|
Select | |
| 19 May 2012 | Birmingham |
Departure Times
|
Select |
| 19 May 2012 | Edinburgh |
Departure Times
|
Select |
| 19 May 2012 | Glasgow |
Departure Times
|
Select |
| 19 May 2012 | London Heathrow |
Departure Times
|
Select |
- < Earlier dates
- Later dates >
Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains
Price from £1599.00
What's Included
- Flights UK - Washington - UK
- Accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities
- Services of a tour director on tour and local representative at other times
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
- Single share option no supplement to pay
Holiday highlights
- Mount Vernon
- Gettysburg Historic battlefield
- Harpers Ferry National Park
- Shenandoah National Park
- Lexington Kentucky Horse Park
- Gatlinburg
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Departures from
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
19 May 2012 to 29 Sep 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
