9 AM - 6 PM IST - Mon-Fri

10 AM - 1 PM IST - Sat

Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains ( 8720)

14 days from Washington DC to Washington DC

2024 Tour Details

From colonial settlements and Civil War sites to the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains and stunning Great Smoky Mountains, this mid-South U.S. tour features historic sites, spectacular scenery, and fun experiences all along the way. Overnights include the Washington DC area, Gettysburg, Shenandoah National Park, Gatlinburg, Asheville, and Williamsburg. History buffs will enjoy visits to the Gettysburg Battlefield, where Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal speech in 1863 and Harper’s Ferry, where John Brown made his ill-fated raid on the U.S. Arsenal in 1859. Other highlights include the Lincoln Museum and Sinking Spring Farm, a reproduction of the one-room cabin where Lincoln was born; touring the grand and historic Biltmore Estate and gardens, America's Largest Home®; Mount Airy, the real-life Mayberry and inspiration for the Andy Griffith Show; Monticello Estate, Thomas Jefferson’s home; Mount Vernon, home of George and Martha Washington; and Colonial Williamsburg, where life in the 18th century is recreated. Throughout this tour you’ll witness fascinating landscapes. Beautiful views await you in Shenandoah National Park, with its 200,000 acres of protected lands. Marvel at the green pastures, white-board fences, and columned estates in Kentucky bluegrass country. Drive through the center of the Smoky Mountains, with its winding roads, striking wildflowers, and animal diversity. In Virginia, stop at tranquil Mabry Mill, an old water-driven grist mill and often photographed spot, and 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 tour which features stunning national parks, historic sites, and memorable experiences.

To know more about the visas for this vacation, click here

 Tour Highlights

Sightseeing:

WASHINGTON DC
Sightseeing with Local Guide

GETTYSBURG
Visit the National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center; Guided tour Gettysburg Battlefield

HARPERS FERRY
Visit Harpers Ferry Historic National Park

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Sightseeing; stay overnight inside the park

LEXINGTON
Visit the Kentucky Horse Park

BLUEGRASS PARKWAY
Scenic drive

HODGENVILLE
Visit Sinking Spring Farm; Lincoln Museum

BARDSTOWN
Visit the Civil War Museum; Bourbon Distillery & tasting

MUSEUM OF APPALACHIA
Visit the 65-acre historic farmland

GATLINBURG
Smoky Mountains scenic drive; Newfound Gap Road

ASHEVILLE
Visit Biltmore Estate

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Scenic drive; Mabry Mill

MONTICELLO ESTATE
Visit Thomas Jefferson’s beloved home

RICHMOND
Orientation tour

WILLIAMSBURG
Visit Colonial Williamsburg

MOUNT VERNON
Visit George Washington’s home

Guides:

Local Guides for sightseeing in Washington DC, Gettysburg National Military Park and Battlefield, Monticello Estate, and Jamestown Settlement, services of a professional Tour Director.

Scenic Highlights:

Scenic Highlights:
Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, Kentucky Bluegrass Country, Shenandoah National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Natural Bridge.

Notes:

Enjoy the spectacular colors of the Appalachian Mountains on our special Fall Foliage departure on September 14 (if Mother Nature permits).

UNESCO World Heritage

World Heritage Sites are designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance. The sites are judged to contain cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on this vacation:

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Monticello
Transportation:

Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring with free Wi-Fi.

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

11 Breakfasts

 Itinerary

Day 1

WASHINGTON DC AREA Enjoy time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2

WASHINGTON DC AREA–GETTYSBURG Today begins with a tour of the nation’s capital with a Local Guide. Highlights include visiting the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials and seeing Ford’s Theatre where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Afterward, 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 flavor of the area.
Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3

GETTYSBURG–HARPERS FERRY–SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK This morning experience a guided visit to the hallowed Gettysburg Battlefield, site of the decisive Civil War campaign and where Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address in November 1863. Afterward, head for Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, where, in 1859, John Brown made his ill-fated raid on the U.S. Arsenal. The park shares a part of the 2,178 mile 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.
Breakfast Breakfast

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 the pre-Civil-War town of Lewisburg, 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, on to 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, one-time home of American frontiersman Daniel Boone. As you cross the state border, the scenery changes to green pastures, white-board fences, and the columned estates of Kentucky bluegrass country—backdrop for the movie Seabiscuit. Arrive in Lexington, the “Heart of the Bluegrass.” This afternoon, enjoy a fascinating visit to the Kentucky Horse Park, from where legends like Man o’ War and Secretariat conquered the racing world.
Breakfast Breakfast

Day 6

LEXINGTON–HODGENVILLE–BARDSTOWN–LEXINGTON, KY Travel on the Bluegrass Parkway and stop at Sinking Spring Farm, to see where the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, was born. A replica of the original log cabin is preserved as a shrine to one of the best-loved American presidents. 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. 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. Afterward, we head to Bardstown to visit an authentic Bourbon Distillery. You’ll learn about the production of the finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon and enjoy a tasting. Return to Lexington, where the evening is free for independent activities.
Breakfast Breakfast

Day 7

LEXINGTON, KY–GATLINBURG Travel to Tennessee, with a stop at Corbin for a short visit to Colonel Sanders’ 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 at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8

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

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. Continue into North Carolina and stop at the 8,000-acre grounds of the magnificent Biltmore Estate, built by George Vanderbilt, grandson of railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. Take a self-guided tour of America’s Largest Home® and immerse yourself in the grandeur of days gone by.
Continental Breakfast Continental Breakfast

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. Take in a portion of the parkway today, from Fancy Gap to Roanoke. Visit Mount Airy, North Carolina, Andy Griffith’s hometown. Affectionately known as Mayberry, the town is the inspiration for the setting of The Andy Griffith Show that ran in the 1960s. There is time to stroll Main Street, visit Floyd’s Barber shop and enjoy a taste of the past at Walker’s Soda Fountain. This afternoon, stop at the tranquil setting of Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots in the country. Next up: a visit to Natural Bridge, a 215-foot-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.
Breakfast Breakfast

Day 11

LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA–MONTICELLO–RICHMOND–WILLIAMSBURG Visit the graceful home of the third U.S. president, Thomas Jefferson. The Monticello Estate reflects Jefferson’s skills as an artist, architect, and designer. It is the only house in the U.S. that is on the UNESCO World Heritage list of international treasures. Enjoy an orientation tour of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Then, we make our way to Williamsburg, between the James and York Rivers, where the very earliest English settlers established their first colonies.
Continental Breakfast Continental Breakfast

Day 12

WILLIAMSBURG. EXCURSION TO COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG Today is dedicated to Colonial Williamsburg, where American heritage is proudly preserved in the reconstructed buildings and historical displays. Stroll down quaint streets and browse through homes, gardens, taverns, shops, and exhibits. In the House of Burgesses, listen as costumed interpreters debate the controversial steps that led to the Declaration of Independence.
Breakfast Breakfast

Day 13

WILLIAMSBURG–MOUNT VERNON–WASHINGTON DC This morning, visit Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George and Martha Washington, overlooking the banks of the Potomac River. Take time to explore the most popular historic estate in America. The final leg of your journey takes you back to Washington DC, where you overnight amidst the ambiance of this quintessential political city. Cap off your memorable adventure on our optional Farewell Dinner followed by an illumination tour of the stately monuments.
Breakfast Breakfast

Day 14

WASHINGTON DC Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the nation’s capital further.

 Tour Director

With Cosmos, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

PATRICK NEILSON

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

" An educator by trade, I hold post-graduate degrees in English Emersion and Tourism & Marketing. I speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I use my training and experience to bring the history and culture of each place alive. I love to share my passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge with guests while providing a unique local perspective."

Tour Director -  PATRICK NEILSON

BARBARA BURYIAK

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

" As a Tour Director for more than two decades, I've always had a passion for travel. At 18, I traveled solo throughout Europe. A few years later, I was one of three youth ambassadors on a cultural exchange to Burkina Faso. As a Tour Director, I enjoy showing off America's Heartland. I encourage my guests to talk to the locals and try the regional foods. Guests often tell me that their fondest memories are of their time spent in small towns with "real Americans.""

Tour Director -  BARBARA BURYIAK

HILLARY JOHNSON

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

" During a summer in Ireland when I was 12, I was bitten by the "travel bug." I lived in Europe and became a Tour Director after graduating with a degree in European Languages. I am never as alive as when I am on the road. The haunting echo of a saxophone on a New Orleans street, the heady evening perfume of Jasmine in bloom, the sweet taste of a beignet, and the joyous "AA-eeeee!" of a Cajun dancer all need to be experienced... observing them from afar is not enough."

Tour Director -  HILLARY JOHNSON

 Accommodation

WASHINGTON DC

HYATT PLACE WASHINGTON DC/US CAPITOL

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

GETTYSBURG

QUALITY INN GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior Tourist-Class
  Free Wifi

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK

SKYLAND RESORT

Hotel as shown or similar
Moderate First-Class
  Free Wifi

BECKLEY

HAMPTON INN BECKLEY

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior Tourist-Class
  Free Wifi

GATLINBURG

GLENSTONE LODGE

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

ASHEVILLE

HAMPTON INN ASHEVILLE - TUNNEL ROAD

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior Tourist-Class
  Free Wifi

LEXINGTON

BEST WESTERN LEXINGTON INN

Hotel as shown or similar
Tourist Class
  Free Wifi

WILLIAMSBURG

COMFORT INN WILLIAMSBURG GATEWAY

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior Tourist-Class
  Free Wifi

 Optional Excursions

Contact your Travel Consultant for more information.
Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)



* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).
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