Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA
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
Itinerary
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.
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
1 Select your preferred date
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.
-
Terms and Conditions
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:
Tour code:
SAENPZN20
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 24
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.