Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA

Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA

Jefferson Memorial
Washington D.C.

Jefferson Memorial

Day 1
Washington Monument
Washington Dc

Washington Monument

Day 1
United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.

United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Day 1
Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains

Smoky Mountains National Park

Day 7
Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Smoky Mountains National Park

Day 7
Nashville

Downtown Nashville city skyline

Days 8-10

Map
1 / 8
251 Views
10 Days From

$5025

$4663

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the Eastern USA's most breathtaking national parks and cultural landmarks. This tour begins in Washington, D.C., where you'll explore iconic monuments and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Travel along the scenic Skyline Drive to Shenandoah National Park, and enjoy a hike on the Appalachian Trail. Discover the beauty of New River Gorge National Park and the charm of Asheville, with its vibrant food scene and the historic Biltmore Estate. Experience the Great Smoky Mountains and delve into Appalachian culture at the Museum of Appalachia. Conclude your adventure in Nashville, exploring the rich musical heritage at the National Museum of African American Music and the legendary Ryman Auditorium. With guided tours, scenic drives, and leisure time, this tour offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Mammoth Cave National Park in Nashville, featuring the world's longest known cave system and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Visit the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, celebrating the influence of African Americans on American music.

  • Explore the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, America's largest privately owned home with a rich history and stunning gardens.

  • Take a city tour of Washington, D.C., viewing iconic landmarks like the White House and Lincoln Memorial.

  • Drive along the scenic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah Valley, offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

  • Discover New River Gorge National Park, the newest national park with dramatic gorge views and a unique northward-flowing river.

  • Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and explore the Mountain Farm Museum, showcasing historical farm life.

Itinerary

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Day 1: A Monumental Time In Washington, D.C.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Accommodation: Melrose Georgetown Hotel

Accommodation Name: Melrose Georgetown Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital and a haven for history and art buffs alike. Join your Travel Director and meet fellow guests at a private Welcome Dinner with wine at 18:00.

Day 2: Washington, D.C. To Shenandoah National Park

Location: Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park

Accommodation: Skyland Lodge, Shenandoah National Park

Accommodation Name: Skyland Lodge, Shenandoah National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, immerse yourself on a tour of Washington D.C. View iconic sights and national monuments, including the White House, Washington Monument, the National Mall and Lincoln Memorial. Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. As the newest member of the Smithsonian Institution, this is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. Leave the city sights behind in the afternoon and travel along Skyline Drive, the main scenic drive into Shenandoah National Park. Enjoy spectacular views across the colorful vistas of the park before arriving at your hotel, the historic Skyland Lodge. The evening is yours to relax and bask in breathtaking views of Shenandoah Valley.

Day 3: Shenandoah National Park

Location: Shenandoah National Park, New River Gorge National Park

Accommodation: The Resort at Glade Springs

Accommodation Name: The Resort at Glade Springs, Daniels

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day immersed in nature’s beauty with a gentle hike along the Stony Man Trail. The trail is part of the iconic Appalachian Trail and offers some of the best vistas in Shenandoah National Park, so have your camera ready. Visit the acclaimed Veritas Vineyards and Winery, for a wine tasting and farmhouse lunch. Taste signature wines and relax on the sundeck while enjoying spectacular views over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Later, travel on to your resort hotel where you can enjoy your evening at leisure.

Day 4: Exploring New River Gorge National Park

Location: New River Gorge National Park

Accommodation: The Resort at Glade Springs

Accommodation Name: The Resort at Glade Springs, Daniels

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today explore New River Gorge National Park, the newest park in the America’s National Park System, encompassing over 70,000 acres of land. Visit the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to learn all about the history and flora and fauna of the park. Then stroll along a picturesque boardwalk trail to enjoy magnificent views of the New River Gorge Bridge. Guests can also choose to take an optional guided bridge walk to learn the history of the longest single arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the park and hotel amenities at your leisure.

Day 5: A Feast Of Music And Food In Asheville N.C.

Location: Asheville

Accommodation: Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park

Accommodation Name: Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, Asheville

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, depart for Asheville and unleash your inner musician with a tour of the famous Citizen Vinyl Record press factory. Learn the history of the label and factory, get an inside look at how their record pressing operation works, and see the original WWNC radio station and studio. Later, get a true taste of Asheville on a walking food tour. Take a seat at some of the most elegant, trendy, and acclaimed tables in this beloved foodie city to sample an array of flavors, cuisines, local produce, and drinks.

Day 6: The Biltmore Estate Relaxed Start

Location: Asheville

Accommodation: Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park

Accommodation Name: Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, Asheville

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxed start before visiting the magnificent Biltmore Estate, America's largest privately owned home. Tour the remarkable house and explore the lush gardens and arboretum. Through intriguing displays of vintage clothing, accessories, art and furniture, uncover stories of the Vanderbilt family, their guests and employees. The afternoon is yours at leisure to explore Asheville.

Day 7: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Accommodation: Hotel, The Park Vista: A DoubleTree by Hilton

Accommodation Name: The Park Vista: A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Gatlinburg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart for the Great Smoky Mountains via the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives in America. On the way, visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You'll join a cultural expert for an interactive journey through Cherokee lifestyle and history. On arrival in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, discover the importance of agriculture to the park’s ecosystem with a visit to the Mountain Farm Museum. See how families lived centuries ago through their unique collection of farm buildings. Savor a delicious and picturesque picnic lunch before continuing to your hotel. Enjoy magnificent views with stops along the way, including Newfound Gap, dramatically straddling the Stateline of North Carolina and Tennessee. The rest of the day is yours at leisure.

Day 8: The Museum Of Appalachia And On To Nashville Relaxed Start

Location: Clinton, Nashville

Accommodation: Renaissance Hotel, Nashville

Accommodation Name: Hotel Fraye, Nashville

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Following a relaxed start, step back in time with a visit to the Museum of Appalachia. Roam the original buildings of this living mountain village and learn about the people of Appalachia through the bounty of artefacts and stories they left behind. Feast on a full Southern Appalachian country lunch and enjoy authentic traditional bluegrass music from The Museum of Appalachia Band. Then journey on to Nashville. Pass by the city's lively honky-tonks and street performers on Broadway, as you make your way to the Ryman Auditorium, former and original home of the Grand Ole Opry.

Day 9: Welcome To Music City

Location: Nashville, Mammoth Cave National Park

Accommodation: Renaissance Hotel, Nashville

Accommodation Name: Hotel Fraye, Nashville

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, explore Nashville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the National Museum of African American Music for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience celebrating the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack. Alternatively, visit Mammoth Cave National Park and explore its intricate cave system with a guide. The rest of the day is yours at leisure. Maybe take a stroll down Broadway, soaking up the live music and atmosphere. Tonight, toast your travels at your Celebration Dinner and enjoy timeless southern hospitality at a local restaurant.

Day 10: Depart Nashville

Location: Nashville

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, bid farewell to Nashville at your leisure, or extend your stay in Music City.

What's Included

  • Mammoth Cave National Park Tour

    Join a Park Ranger for a tour of the intricate cave system at Mammoth Cave National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • National Museum of African American Music

    Visit the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, dedicated to preserving and celebrating music genres influenced by African Americans.

  • Biltmore Estate Visit

    Explore the Biltmore Estate, America's largest privately owned home, with a self-guided tour of the house and gardens.

  • Washington, D.C. City Tour

    Take a city tour of Washington, D.C., viewing iconic landmarks such as the White House and Lincoln Memorial.

  • Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

    Travel along Skyline Drive, enjoying stunning views of Shenandoah National Park.

  • New River Gorge National Park Exploration

    Explore New River Gorge National Park, including a visit to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center.

  • Citizen Vinyl Record Press Factory Tour

    Tour the Citizen Vinyl Record press factory in Asheville and learn about its history and operations.

  • Oconaluftee Indian Village Experience

    Visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village to learn about Cherokee lifestyle and history with a cultural expert.

  • Museum of Appalachia Visit

    Visit the Museum of Appalachia, exploring original buildings and artifacts that tell the story of Appalachian life.

  • Ryman Auditorium Visit

    Visit the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.

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What's Not Included

  • Airfare

    International and domestic airfare are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Optional Activities

    Costs for optional activities and experiences outside the planned itinerary are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, and additional meals are not included.

  • Tips and Gratuities

    Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Lunch (L)

Insight Experiences

  • Visit a pioneer mountain farm-village that lends voice to the people of Southern Appalachia through a recreated community complete with log cabins, barns, farm animals, churches, schools and gardens. There are over 250,000 artifacts of folk art, musical instruments, baskets, quilt and Native American artifacts. Feast on a full Southern Appalachian country lunch and enjoy authentic traditional bluegrass music from The Museum of Appalachia Band.
  • Shenandoah Valley: Taste signature wines, and enjoy a tasty farmhouse lunch, while overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. With over 50 acres of vineyards, the Veritas winery is a must see for wine enthusiasts, producing an extensive range of complex and elegant wines. Epitomizing the true heart of Virginia, the huge estate was originally a horse and cattle farm, and was transformed into this stunning winery by husband-and-wife team Andrew and Patricia.

Mode of Transport

Travel through the Eastern USA with scenic drives along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy guided tours and leisure time at various national parks, with transportation provided between destinations including Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park, New River Gorge National Park, Asheville, and Nashville. ...more ...less

Accommodation

Stay at the Melrose Georgetown Hotel in Washington, D.C., the historic Skyland Lodge in Shenandoah National Park, The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels, Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park in Asheville, and The Park Vista: A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Gatlinburg. Conclude your journey at Hotel Fraye in Nashville. ...more ...less

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of activities such as guided tours of national parks, a city tour of Washington, D.C., a visit to the National Museum of African American Music, a tour of the Citizen Vinyl Record press factory, and a visit to the Biltmore Estate. You will also have the opportunity to hike along the Stony Man Trail in Shenandoah National Park, explore the New River Gorge National Park, and visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village. ...more ...less

  • Are there any unique experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour offers unique experiences such as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, a visit to the Oconaluftee Indian Village to learn about Cherokee lifestyle and history, and a wine tasting and farmhouse lunch at Veritas Vineyards and Winery in Shenandoah Valley. ...more ...less

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including the Melrose Georgetown Hotel in Washington, D.C., the historic Skyland Lodge in Shenandoah National Park, The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels, Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park in Asheville, and The Park Vista: A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Gatlinburg. The tour concludes at Hotel Fraye in Nashville. ...more ...less

  • Is transportation included between the destinations?

    Yes, transportation is provided between destinations, including scenic drives along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as guided tours and leisure time at various national parks.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 3 dinners with wine, 9 breakfasts, and 3 lunches. Additionally, there is a full Southern Appalachian country lunch at the Museum of Appalachia.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily

02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.! ...more ...less

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Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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Jacqueline Thornberry  

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31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

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Kathryn Ronca  

Enchanting Canyonlands

08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West. ...more ...less

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Patrick Ong  

Italian Intermezzo

12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

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1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Monday

May 02, 2026 - May 11, 2026
$5025 $4663 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$362 (USD)

Saturday - Monday

May 09, 2026 - May 18, 2026
$5925 $5563 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$362 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA

10 Days Starting in Washington D.C., USA and ending in Nashville, TN, USA

Visiting: Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park, New River Gorge National Park, Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clinton, Nashville, Mammoth Cave National Park ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SAENPZN20

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 24

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Hiking, Sightseeing

From: $5025 $4663 (USD) Barrhead discount: -$362

NB: Prices correct on 23-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

Why book with Barrhead?

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