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Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains
15 DAYS FROM £1266
We travelled the back roads and mountain roads and stayed a night in charming log cabins in the Shenandoah National Park. The next morning none of us wanted to leave!
Many of the places we visited were almost untouched by tourism, especially West Virginia, but those who haven't been there simply don't know what they are missing. Not only is the scenery superb but we also stopped at some delightful little towns.
For anyone who likes history, Colonial Williamsburg is a dream-come-true. The town has been preserved very much as it was in the 1770's. 88 of the buildings are original and those that aren't have been recreated as they were. People still live in the town so it certainly isn't Disneyland. I was there for a good seven hours and really needed longer.
Towards the end of the tour we stayed in Gettysburg, and as well as visiting this historic town, we also had a guided tour of the battlefield which has been preserved largely as it was during the 1863 battle. After the battlefield we went to the amazing visitors' centre, which apart from anything else, has a stupendous cyclorama, which depicts the famous battle. It's gargantuan cylindrical painting (painted in the 1880's) with a diorama in front of it. Highly effective lighting, a stirring narration and the sound of roaring cannon all add to the drama.
We finished the tour with a great meal in historic Alexandria (it's worth a day's exploration on its own) followed by a "Washington by night" bus tour where we saw the monuments all lit up and visited the Jefferson Monument and the Kennedy Art Centre. A great way to end a great tour, expertly lead by tour manager Hilary Campbell-Johnstone.
A very satisfied customer.
We were very impressed with the representatives Arnold Bernstein and Max, who were our reps at the end of the tour on our third day's stay in New York.
One of our cases was last on our flight from Dulles to Newark. They told us to go and enjoy our holiday and they would chase our luggage up and keep us informed, which they did as our luggage had gone to Hamburg in Germany. We got it back Sunday morning as we were flying home in the afternoon. But through Arnold & Max's efforts, we were able to go and enjoy New York knowing they were sorting things out for us.
In fact, all the staff, the coach driver, tour director were so good, helpful, informative and nothing was to much trouble. We will certainly recommend Archers to our friends.
Thanks for another enjoyable holiday.
Visit historical battlefields and colonial towns, then marvel at the scenery of the Kentucky Bluegrass Country and the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains.
Included highlights
Washington DC City sightseeing
Williamsburg
Richmond Orientation tour
Monticello Estate
Blue Ridge Parkway
Asheville Biltmore Estate
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg
Bardstown
Sinking Spring Farm
Loretto Visit to distillery
Lexington Kentucky Horse Park
Shenandoah National Park
Luray Caverns
Harpers Ferry National Park
Gettysburg Historic battlefield
Mount Vernon
Your Price Includes
Flights: UK - Washington - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Professional tour director on tour and local representative's assistance 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 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 - Williamsburg. Included sightseeing.
Cross the Potomac River to see the graves of American heroes, including those of John F Kennedy and his brother Robert, in beautiful Arlington Cemetery. Your guided sightseeing tour of the capital continues with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House, and visits to the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials. This afternoon, leave the District of Columbia for Williamsburg, where the early European settlers established their first colonies.
DAY 3: Williamsburg.
Spend the day in 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 4: Williamsburg - Richmond - Lexington.
Begin the day with an orientation tour of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy in the Civil War. This afternoon's highlight is the graceful home of the third President, Thomas Jefferson. The Monticello estate ('Little Mountain' in Italian) 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.
DAY 5: Lexington - Asheville.
This morning, visit Natural Bridge, a towering 215-feet-high limestone arch set 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. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from the Great Smokies to Shenandoah National Park without a single traffic light along its 470-mile route. We take in a portion of the parkway today from Roanoke to Fancy Gap. Stop at the tranquil setting of Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots in the country. Overnight in the Asheville area, hometown of American author Thomas Wolfe.
DAY 6: Asheville - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg. Included sightseeing.
The day begins with a stop at Chimney Rock. Take a lift carved through solid rock up to the granite monolith for views over Hickory Nut Gorge. Next visit the 7,500-acre grounds of the Biltmore Estate, built by George Vanderbilt, grandson of the famous railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. Afterwards we drive right through the centre of the Smokies, along the spectacular Newfound Gap Road, peaking at 5,046 feet.
DAY 7: 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 of trick riders, renegade Indians, and ragtime entertainment. Dinner includes mountain specialities like juicy barbecue pork and chicken, corn-on-the cob, and a southern style apple turnover.
DAY 8: Gatlinburg - Bardstown. Included Museum of Appalachia.
This morning, 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! Make a short visit to Corbin, Colonel Sander's original fried chicken restaurant that is now a museum. This afternoon's journey takes you along Kentucky's scenic back roads to Bardstown, the state's second-oldest city for an overnight stay.
DAY 9: Bardstown - Loretto - Lexington.
Begin the day with a stop at Sinking Spring Farm, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. A replica of the original log cabin is preserved as a shrine to the best-loved of American Presidents. Then we stop in the tiny town of Loretto for a visit to one of the many bourbon whiskey distilleries for which Kentucky is famous. Travel the Bluegrass Parkway to Lexington, the 'Heart of the Bluegrass'. As you approach, the scenery changes to the green pastures, white board fences, and columned estates of Kentucky bluegrass country - the backdrop for the movie Seabiscuit.
DAY 10: Lexington - Beckley. Included Kentucky Horse Park.
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. After a stop in the state capital of Charleston, one-time home of Daniel Boone, arrive in Beckley, the heart of West Virginia's 'smokeless' coal industry.
DAY 11: Beckley - New River Gorge Bridge - Shennandoah National Park.
We stop this morning at New River Gorge Bridge (near Fayetteville), rising 876 feet above the river. After a lunch break in Lewisburg, a major Civil War battlefield, travel up to the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains with magnificent vistas of the Shenandoah Valley.
DAY 12: Shenandoah National Park - Luray Caverns - Harpers Ferry - Gettysburg.
Stop at Luray for a guided tour of the spectacular caverns, and then head for Harpers Ferry where in 1859 John Brown made his ill-fated raid on the US arsenal. Cross the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania later today. The Mason-Dixon Line is most commonly associated with the division between Pennsylvania and Maryland during the 1800's and American Civil War era. However the line was actually delineated in the mid-1700s to settle a property dispute.
DAY 13: Gettysburg - Mount Vernon - Washington DC.
This morning visit the site of the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, the decisive campaign of the Civil War where Major General Gordon Meade's Union Army of the Potomac, defeated Confederate General Robert E Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. It is also where Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address in November 1863. Next visit Mount Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington, overlooking the Potomac River. The final leg of your journey takes you back to Washington DC.
DAY 14: Washington DC - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
DAY 15: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 5,046 ft.
Check prices and availability for this holiday
Accommodation on Tour
Washington area: Crowne Plaza National Arlington; Williamsburg: Crowne Plaza Fort Magruder; Lexington, VA: Natural Bridge; Asheville: Quality Inn & Suites Biltmore South; Gatlinburg: Fairfield Inn; Bardstown: Best Western General Nelson; Lexington, KY: Lexington Downtown Hotel; Beckley: Quality Inn; Shenandoah National Park: Skyland Lodge; Gettysburg: Quality Inn Gettysburg.
Autumn Foliage
Enjoy the spectacular colours of the east and interior south on our special autumn departures of 20 and 27 Sep.
The chosen departure dates are historically the best dates to see the autumn foliage - weather permitting.
Holiday Extensions
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Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains + Boston - 2 Extra nights from £135
Why not extend your holiday with two nights in Boston. Thanks to its compact size and layout is an easy city to explore. Walk the Freedom Trail and take in the rich history of the American Revolution. Re-live the Boston Tea Party, visit Quincy Market, Chinatown, Beacon Hill or take a whale watching cruise.
On day 14 of your tour transfer to Dulles International Airport for the flight to Boston and your hotel, the Sheraton Braintree for the next two nights. On day 16 transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. -
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Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains + Washington - 2 Extra nights from £109
Extend your holiday with a few extra days in Washington DC. If you wish to see more of the sights, perhaps the Old Town Trolley that loops around the city, stopping at various museums and monuments, could be of interest.
Accommodation on Extensions
Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains + Boston - 2 Extra nights from £135
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Sheraton Braintree



The Sheraton Braintree hotel was designed to offer comfort, value, good service and a convenient location to Boston.
Location: Located in the Boston suburb of Braintree, 10 miles from downtown Boston, which is easily reached by taxi or the popular 'T' train. Across from South Shore Plaza, one of the largest shopping malls in New England.
Facilities: Restaurants; room service; on-site health club with indoor and outdoor swimming pool; fitness centre; concierge service; safety deposit boxes; laundry service.
Price includes: Room with private facilities; air-conditioning; TV; telephone; iron/ironing board; coffee-maker; alarm clock; radio; hairdryer.
Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains + Washington - 2 Extra nights from £109
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Crowne Plaza Arlington



This is a typically well-run and first class Crowne Plaza hotel, very conveniently located for getting into Washington DC and its historic environs, with a metro station just one block away.
Location: In the heart of Crystal City, the hotel is just 2 miles from Alexandria old town, the Smithsonian Museums plus many of Washington's monuments and attractions; the White House is 3 miles away.
Facilities: Swimming pool; 2 restaurants - the Veranda Café and the Potomac Bar & Grill; gift shop; Starbucks in the lobby; fitness centre; lifts.
Price includes: Room with private facilties; cable TV; in-room movies; CD player; tea/coffee-maker; air-conditioning; hairdryer; iron/ironing board; internet access.
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