Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains - Civil War Special Departure + Washington
On this special departure visit historical battlefields and colonial towns, then marvel at the scenery of the Kentucky Bluegrass Country and the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains. This special departure is highlighted by a visit to the Ford Theatre where Abraham Lincoln was shot, and a dramatic reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg, complete with soldiers, cavalry and cannon fire.
Extend your holiday to see more of the sights, perhaps taking the Old Town Trolley that loops around the city, stopping at various museums and monuments. On day 15 remain at the Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria Hotel for the next two nights.
A battlefield in Gettysburg
The White House
Lincoln Memorial
Battle of Gettysburg reenactment
Cannon overlooking Little Round Top, Gettysburg
The Capitol from a nearby street
Washington DC and the White House
Lexington Horse Park, Kentucky
Biltmore Estate, Asheville
Arlington Cemetery
The National Cathedral
The White House
Discover Blue Grass Country in Kentucky
The Capitol
The Blue Ridge Mountains
Harper's Ferry
'The Cathedral', Luray Caverns
Saracen's Tent, Luray Caverns
The Blue Ridge Mountains
Chimney Rock, Smoky Mountains National Park
President's Park, Williamsburg
A re-enactment, Williamsburg
Monticello, Richmond
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Washington DC area.
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 - Alexandria - Mount Vernon - Washington DC.
Your day begins with a visit to old town Alexandria, a quaint historic town on the Potomac River that boasts some of the finest historical architecture, galleries and shops. Alexandria's riverfront was an important port during the Colonial, Revolutionary and Civil War periods. During a guided walking tour learn about the events leading to the union occupation of Alexandria and life in the city during the civil war. This afternoon visit Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George and Martha Washington, overlooking the banks of the Potomac River. Time to explore the most popular historic estate in America. Your evening is free for independent activities.
DAY 3: Washington DC area ? Gettysburg.
Cross the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania and visit the site of the Battle of Gettysburg where your visit will coincide with the annual Gettysburg re-enactment, one of the largest and finest of its kind where you will learn why this was the decisive campaign of the civil war. Enjoy a number of living history events with people dressed in clothes and uniforms of the era and you will experience the cannon fire, cavalry charges and infantry battles of the Union and Confederate armies as you watch the two forces re-enact the events of July 1863.
DAY 4: Gettysburg ? Harpers Ferry ? Luray Caverns ? Shenandoah National Park.
This morning begins with a stop at the Battlefield of Antietam for a guided tour which highlights the events of the bloodiest battle during the Civil War with over 23,000 casualties in a single day. Afterwards, head for Harpers Ferry, where in 1859 John Brown made his ill-fated raid on the US arsenal. Time to stop at Luray for a guided tour of the spectacular caverns, and then up to the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains with magnificent vistas of the Shenandoah Valley.
DAY 5: Shenandoah National Park ? New River Gorge - Beckley.
Through lumber and limestone country into wonderful and wild 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. For the more adventurous, 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 for an overnight stay.
DAY 6: Beckley ? Lexington. Included Kentucky Horse Park.
Before entering Kentucky we stop in the state capital ? Charleston, one-time home of Daniel Boone. As you cross the state border, the scenery changes to green pastures, which board fences, 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 7: Lexington ? Loretto ? 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 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 8: Bardstown ? Gatlinburg.
This morning's journey takes you along Kentucky's scenic backroads to Bardstown to visit the Civil War Museum with its story of the Civil War?s Western Front and one of the largest collections of rare Civil War memorabilia in the country. 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 9: 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 friendly North and South competition, thrilling horse riding stunts, spectacular special effects, phenomenal musical productions plus a mouth-watering four-course feast complete with a delicious dessert!
DAY 10: Gatlinburg ? Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Asheville.
Drive right through the centre 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 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 11: Asheville - Lexington, Virginia 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. Afterwards, head to Lexington where on a guided tour you will see the Lee Chapel, Jackson Memorial Cemetery and the family homes of confederate General Stonewall Jackson. Also visit the Museum of the Virginia Military Institute and discover its Civil War past.
DAY 12: 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 13: 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 14: Williamsburg ? Washington DC area. Included sightseeing.
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. Here, visit Arlington House, home of Robert E Lee the renowned confederate general. Afterwards, your guided tour of the capital continues with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House, with visits to the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials. View landmarks such as the Willard Hotel and enjoy a visit to Ford's Theatre where Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. This evening, join the optional evening outing featuring a delicious dinner followed by an illumination tour of Washington's famous memorials.
DAY 15 to 16: Washington DC area.
Two more days to enjoy Washington DC.
DAY 17: Washington DC - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
DAY 18: Home landing in the UK.
Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria
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Crowne Plaza, Old Town Alexandria
Immerse yourself in charming Alexandria - a city 50 years older than Washington DC and rich in American history. A perfect hub for exploring Alexandria and Washington DC, the Crowne Plaza offers inviting accommodation, superb service and a picturesque location.
Location: Located on the revitalised waterfront of the Potomac River in Alexandria's Historic Old Town. Close to shops, restaurants, and historic homes. Conveniently located for access to downtown Washington.
Facilities: Restaurant; fitness centre; dry cleaning/laundry service; air-conditioning; safety deposit boxes at reception.
Price includes: Room with private facilities; coffee-maker; hairdryer; iron/ironing board.
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A battlefield in Gettysburg
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The White House
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Lincoln Memorial
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Battle of Gettysburg reenactment
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Cannon overlooking Little Round Top, Gettysburg
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The Capitol from a nearby street
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Washington DC and the White House
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Lexington Horse Park, Kentucky
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Biltmore Estate, Asheville
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Arlington Cemetery
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The National Cathedral
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The White House
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Discover Blue Grass Country in Kentucky
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The Capitol
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The Blue Ridge Mountains
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Harper's Ferry
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'The Cathedral', Luray Caverns
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Saracen's Tent, Luray Caverns
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The Blue Ridge Mountains
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Chimney Rock, Smoky Mountains National Park
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President's Park, Williamsburg
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A re-enactment, Williamsburg
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Monticello, Richmond
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Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
Washington DC By Night & Dinner at Tony & Joe's Seafood Place
The evening begins with dinner at a popular local restaurant. Enjoy a fantastic meal followed by an Illuminated Tour of Washington DC. The illuminated tour provides a unique perspective to witness DC by night and see the memorials in all their splendor. Tour last about 2 hours not including dinner.
$49 (US Dollar)
Historic Gettysburg Dinner
Dine in Gettysburg, and drift back over 200 years of history while enjoying casual fine dining at the oldest, most historic home in town! This is a colonial restaurant where candlelit elegance, superior food, and gracious service bring back the sights, sounds and tastes of two centuries ago. Subject to availability.
$28 (US Dollar)
Dollywood
Dolly's one wish for you during your visit to Dollywood is that the wonder of the Great Smoky Mountains will touch your heart. Experience a theme park with wholesome fun and entertainment featuring music, crafts and rides.
$55 (US Dollar)
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Pigeon Forge
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show offers food, fun, and excitement all in one! The stars of Dixie Stampede are 32 magnificent horses along with beautiful southern belles and gallant heroes, competitive events, a friendly North/South rivalry, illusions, comedy, a fabulous four-course feast and a "Stand on your feet" patriotic finale written by Dolly Parton herself entitled "Color Me America." Dinner show lasts approximately 3 hours.
$47 (US Dollar)
Williamsburg Colonial Tavern Dinner
All menus trace America's culinary heritage from its British ancestry and celebrate the transformation of dishes through the use of ingredients commonly found in the colonies. Enjoy this evening dining experience made possible by Colonial Williamsburg chefs!
$55 (US Dollar)
Old Town Trolley Tour of Washington DC
Welcome Abroad! Colorful anecdotes, humorous stories and historical information are combined into a fast moving two hour narrative that will both entertain and educate. Start the tour at any one of 17 stops and you can hop off the trolley at your favorite sites. Trolleys will roll by at least every thirty minutes, then reboard and continue with the tour until you return to your starting point. Tours begin daily at 9:00am.
$35 (US Dollar)
Washington DC by Night & Dinner at Old Europe Restaurant
Begin your evening at a popular local restaurant "Old Europe", then continue with an illumination tour of several of the most famous memorials, as well as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
$47 (US Dollar)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains - Civil War Special Departure + Washington 16 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 - Civil War Special Departure + Washington 16 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.
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| 5 Jul 2012 |
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| 5 Jul 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 5 Jul 2012 | Glasgow |
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| 5 Jul 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 5 Jul 2012 | Manchester |
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Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains - Civil War Special Departure + Washington
Price from £2299.00
Holiday Highlights
- Mount Vernon
- Gettysburg Historic battlefield
- Re-enactment of the battle of Gettysburg
- Harpers Ferry National Park
- Shenandoah National Park
- Lexington Kentucky Horse Park
- Gatlinburg
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Ford Theatre
Departures from
- Birmingham
- Glasgow
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
05 Jul 2012 to 05 Jul 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
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