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Historic Trails and Blue Ridge Mountains 🇺🇸

Gettysburg Battlefield - Historic Trails and Blue Ridge Mountains

Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains – A Southern U.S. Tour from Washington DC to Washington DC.

Washington DC · Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania · Shenandoah National Park, Virginia · Kentucky Horse Park · Lexington. 🇺🇸

From colonial settlements and Civil War sites to the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains, and the stunning Great Smoky Mountains. Certainly, this Southern U.S. tour features many historical sites, spectacular scenery, and fun experiences all along the way. Moreover, you’ll overnight in the Washington DC area; Gettysburg; Shenandoah National Park; Beckley; Lexington, Kentucky; Gatlinburg; Asheville; Lexington, Virginia; and Williamsburg.

History buffs will enjoy visits to:

Drive through the center of the Smoky Mountains

You’ll witness fascinating landscapes throughout this southern U.S. tour and beautiful views will await you in Shenandoah National Park with 200,000 acres of protected lands. Moreover, you’ll marvel at green pastures, white-board fences, and columned estates in Kentucky bluegrass country. After that, you’ll spend two nights in Gatlinburg, a famous mountain retreat. Then, you’ll drive through the centre of the Smoky Mountains, and experience winding roads, striking wildflowers, and animal diversity. After that, In Virginia, you’ll stop at tranquil Mabry Mill, an old water-driven grist mill that is one of the country’s most photographed spots. Then, you’ll visit Natural Bridge, a 215-foot-high limestone arch sculpted by nature in a wooded setting.

These are just some of the many highlights of this southern U.S. tour; featuring stunning national parks, historic sites, and fun-filled experiences. Grab your camera and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation!


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Historic Trails, and Blue Ridge Mountains Tour

Itinerary 🇺🇸 Historic Trails and Blue Ridge Mountains

14 DAYS FROM WASHINGTON DC TO WASHINGTON DC

Day 1 – WASHINGTON DC

You’ll arrive in Washington DC and enjoy time at leisure or do some independent exploring. Meanwhile, your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2 – WASHINGTON DC AREA – GETTYSBURG.

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 Cemetery. Your guided tour of the capital continues, with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House and visits to the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials. 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 area’s flavour.

Day 3 – GETTYSBURG – HARPERS FERRY – SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK.

This morning, enjoy a guided visit to the hallowed Gettysburg Battlefield, the decisive Civil War campaign site, and where Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address in November 1863. Head for Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. 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. En route to Shenandoah, crest the Blue Ridge Mountains for magnificent vistas of the Shenandoah Valley. Overnight in Shenandoah National Park. (B)

Day 4 – SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK – NEW RIVER GORGE – BECKLEY.

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, Beckley, the heart of West Virginia’s “smokeless” coal industry, for an overnight stay.

Day 5 – BECKLEY – CHARLESTON – KENTUCKY HORSE PARK – LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY.

Before entering Kentucky, we stop in the state capital of Charleston, West Virginia, a former home of American frontiersman Daniel Boone. As you cross the state border, the scenery changes to green pastures, white-board fences, the columned estates of Kentucky bluegrass country, and the backdrop for the movie Seabiscuit. After that, arrive in Lexington, the “Heart of the Bluegrass.” This afternoon, enjoy a fascinating visit to the Kentucky Horse Park, where legends like Man o’ War and Secretariat conquered the racing world. (B)

Day 6 – LEXINGTON – HODGENVILLE – BARDSTOWN – CIVIL WAR MUSEUM – LEXINGTON, KY.

Travel on the Bluegrass Parkway and stop at Sinking Spring Farm. The nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, was born in this one-room cabin. A replica of the original log cabin is preserved as a shrine to one of the best-loved American presidents. After that, 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. Most importantly, 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.

After that, we head to Bardstown and visit the fourth-largest Civil War Museum in the United States. Unlike the other museums, this one focuses mainly on the War of the Western States. Visitors move through exhibits featuring artifacts from the Union and the Confederacy. End your day by visiting an authentic Bourbon Distillery. You’ll learn about the most refined Kentucky Straight Bourbon production and enjoy a tasting. Return to Lexington, where the evening is free for independent activities.

Day 7 – LEXINGTON, KY – GATLINBURG.

Travel to Tennessee, stopping at Corbin for a short visit to Colonel Sanders’ original fried chicken restaurant, a museum. This afternoon, visit the fascinating Museum of Appalachia, with 65 acres of farmland and several historic cabins, barns, and other buildings – even a frontier privy! Moreover, the following two nights are in Gatlinburg at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. (B)

Day 8 – GATLINBURG.

As one of America’s most famous mountain retreats, Gatlinburg offers something for everyone. The day is free for independent activities.

Day 9 – GATLINBURG – GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK – ASHEVILLE.

Drive right through the center of the Smokies along the spectacular Newfound Gap Road, peaking at 5,046 feet. After that, 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.

Day 10 – ASHEVILLE – BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY – MOUNT AIRY – LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA.

Blue Ridge Parkway runs from the Great Smokies to Shenandoah National Park without a single traffic light along its 470-mile route. So, you’ll take in a portion of the parkway today, from Fancy Gap to Roanoke. In addition, a visit to Mount Airy, North Carolina, Andy Griffith’s hometown. For instance, It’s affectionately known as Mayberry, and the town is the inspiration for the setting of The Andy Griffith Show that ran in the 1960s. Subsequently, there is time to stroll Main Street, visit Floyd’s Barbershop, and enjoy a taste of the past at Walkers soda fountain.

Later in the afternoon stop at the tranquil setting of Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots in the country. After that, a visit to Natural Bridge, a 215-foot-high arch in a wooded setting, was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. Further, George Washington’s initials are still visible on the cliffside from his work here as a young surveyor. (B)

Day 11 – LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA – MONTICELLO – RICHMOND – WILLIAMSBURG.

Visit the graceful home of the third U.S. president, Thomas Jefferson. Certainly, the Monticello Estate reflects Jefferson’s artist, architect, and designer skills. Above all, it is the only house in the U.S. on the UNESCO World Heritage list of international treasures. Secondly, enjoy an orientation tour of Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy, during the Civil War. After that, a stop at the Capitol Building for photographs before making our way to Williamsburg, where the earliest English settlers established their first colonies. (B)

Day 12 – WILLIAMSBURG AND EXCURSION TO COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG.

Today is dedicated to Colonial Williamsburg, where American heritage is proudly preserved in the reconstructed buildings and historical displays. Therefore, you’ll stroll down quaint streets and browse through homes, gardens, taverns, shops, and exhibits. After that, in the Hall of Burgesses, listen as costumed interpreters debate the controversial steps that led to the Declaration of Independence. (B)

Day 13 – WILLIAMSBURG – MOUNT VERNON – WASHINGTON DC.

A morning visit Mount Vernon, and the beloved home of George and Martha Washington, which overlooks the banks of the Potomac River. Take time to explore the most famous historic estate in America. Further, the final leg of your journey takes you back to Washington DC, where you overnight. The evening is free for independent activities. (B)

Day 14 – WASHINGTON DC.

Your Southern U.S. tour ends this morning, but you can extend your vacation with extra nights to explore the nation’s capital.


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Washington DC – Historic Trails, and Blue Ridge Mountains Tour.

Historic Trails and Blue Ridge Mountain Inclusions

Meals & Transportation

7 breakfasts, continental or American (B) are included. Transportation and touring are with a private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach.

Special Seasonal Tours

Enjoy the spectacular colours of the Appalachian Mountains on our special fall foliage departures, September to October, If weather permits.

Hotels

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Terms & Conditions – Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains Tour

Cosmos Tours – Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains, a Southern U.S. Tour. Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. Pricing, availability, and other details are subject to change and/or apply to U.S. or Canadian residents. Therefore, please confirm details and booking information with your Total Advantage travel advisor. ⬛

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Tour by Cosmos Tours.
Contact TOTAL ADVANTAGE TRAVEL for more details or call us toll-free: 1-800-419-1635.

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