2012 |

 

HISTORIC TRAILS & BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

Tour Code - 8720

14 days Washington D.C. to Washington D.C. Washington DC Area, Gettysburg, Shenandoah National Park, Beckley, Lexington, Bardstow, Gatlinburg, Asheville Area, Lexington Area, Williamsburg

All inclusive prices starting at: $1779

This is a scenic and educationally packed 14-day trip beginning and ending in the capital of the United States, Washington DC. There's plenty of sightseeing to be done here before venturing south to colonial Williamsburg and Lexington, Virginia. Ride along a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville. Drive through the center of the Great Smoky Mountains to a popular mountain retreat, Gatlinburg. Visit Kentucky Horse Park and learn about racing legends. For magnificent views of Shenandoah National Park, ascend the Blue Ridge Mountains. These are just a few of the many features you'll enjoy on this historic holiday.

Civil War Anniversary Special departure - July 5. This special departure includes all activities on our regular departures, one extra night in Washington DC, and additional activities as described in the full Civil War Sepcial departure itinerary

Meals

  • Breakfast - 6
  • Lunch - 0
  • Dinner - 0

Standard Features

SIGHTSEEING: In Washington DC; orientation tour in Richmond; Mount Vernon, Gettysburg Battlefield, Harpers Ferry, Luray Caverns, Kentucky Horse Park, Sinking Spring Farm, Whiskey Distillery, Colonel Sanders, Museum of Appalachia, Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock, Monticello, Colonial Williamsburg.
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS: Harpers Ferry National Park, Kentucky Bluegrass Country, Shenandoah National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Natural Bridge.
GUIDES: Local Guides for sightseeing in Washington DC and Gettysburg; services of a professional Tour Director.
TRANSPORTATION: Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.
HOTELS: Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, service charges, and tips for baggage handling.
MEALS: 2 breakfasts (B), 4 continental breakfasts (CB)
OPTIONALS: Customise your vacation experience with a range of convenient optional excursions.
Inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.

HISTORIC TRAILS & BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

Day by Day

DayDescription
1

WASHINGTON DC AREA.

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

2

WASHINGTON DC AREA-GETTYSBURG.

The day begins with a visit to MOUNT VERNON, the beloved home of George and Martha Washington, overlooking the banks of the Potomac River. Afterward, cross the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania today for a visit of the hallowed GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD, site of the decisive campaign of the Civil War and where Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address in November 1863. Tonight we offer an optional outing to a local restaurant to enjoy the flavour of the area.

3

GETTYSBURG-HARPERS FERRY-LURAY CAVERNS-SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK.

Head for HARPERS FERRY, where in 1859 John Brown made his ill-fated raid on the U.S. Arsenal. Time to stop at LURAY CAVERNS for a guided tour, then up to the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains for magnificent vistas of the Shenandoah Valley. (CB)

4

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK-NEW RIVER GORGE-BECKLEY.

Through lumber and limestone country into wonderfully wild West Virginia. After a lunch break in Lewisburg, a Civil War battlefield, travel to Fayetteville and stop at New River Gorge Bridge, the world's largest steel-span bridge, rising 276 metres above the river. Then, on to Beckley, the heart of West Virginia's "smokeless" coal industry for an overnight stay.

5

BECKLEY-LEXINGTON,KENTUCKY.

Before entering Kentucky we stop in the state capital of Charleston, one-time home of 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. 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. (CB)

6

LEXINGTON-BARDSTOWN.

Travel along Bluegrass Parkway and stop at SINKING SPRING FARM, where Abraham Lincoln was born. A replica of the original log cabin is preserved as a shrine to the best-loved of American presidents. Visit a true working WHISKEY DISTILLERY, and learn about the production of the very finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon, for which Kentucky is famous. Overnight in Bardstown, Kentucky's second-oldest city. Evening is at leisure.

7

BARDSTOWN-GATLINBURG.

This morning's journey takes you along Kentucky's scenic backroads. After lunch, on to 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 26 hectares 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. (CB)

8

GATLINBURG.

As one of America's most popular mountain retreats, Gatlinburg offers something for everyone. You might want to spend a day at world-famous Dollywood, a 36-hectare 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 filled with friendly North and South competition, thrilling horse-riding stunts, spectacular special effects, and phenomenal musical productions.

9

GATLINBURG-GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK-ASHEVILLE AREA.

Drive right through the centre of the Smokies along the spectacular Newfound Gap Road, peaking at 1,538 metres. Into North Carolina and a stop at the 3,035-hectare grounds of BILTMORE ESTATE, built by George Vanderbilt, grandson of the famous railroad magnate, Cornelius Vanderbilt. Then on to dramatic CHIMNEY ROCK. Take an elevator carved through solid rock up to the granite monolith for views over Hickory Nut Gorge. Overnight in the Asheville area, hometown of American author Thomas Wolfe.

10

ASHEVILLE AREA-LEXINGTON,VIRGINIA AREA.

Blue Ridge Parkway runs from the Great Smokies to Shenandoah National Park without a single traffic light along its 756-kilometre (470-mile) route. Take in a portion of the Parkway today, from Fancy Gap to Roanoke. Stop at the tranquil setting of Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots in the country. This afternoon, visit Natural Bridge, a 66-metre (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. (CB)

11

LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA AREA-RICHMOND-WILLIAMSBURG.

This morning's highlight is 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. We follow with a short sightseeing tour of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. The day ends in Williamsburg, between the James and York Rivers, where the very earliest European settlers established their first colonies.

12

WILLIAMSBURG.

Today is dedicated to 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. (B)

13

WILLIAMSBURG-WASHINGTON DC AREA.

This morning, return to Washington DC. Upon arrival, included sightseeing with a Local Guide shows you the graves of American heroes, including those of John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert, in beautiful Arlington National Cemetery. Your guided sightseeing tour of the capital continues with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House, as well as visits to the Lincoln, Vietnam, and National WWII Memorials. This evening, join an optional evening outing featuring a delicious dinner followed by an illumination tour of Washington's famous memorials. (B)

14

WASHINGTON DC AREA.

The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Dulles or Reagan International Airports are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Washington DC further with a variety of exciting optional activities.

HISTORIC TRAILS & BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

Dates/Prices

NB: All prices listed are per person

May 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
19 May 201201 Jun 2012On Request $1779 AUD $2438 AUD Hotel List

Jun 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
02 Jun 201215 Jun 2012On Request $1779 AUD $2438 AUD Hotel List

Sep 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
01 Sep 201214 Sep 2012Open $1779 AUD $2438 AUD Hotel List
08 Sep 201221 Sep 2012Open $1779 AUD $2438 AUD Hotel List
15 Sep 201228 Sep 2012Open $1779 AUD $2438 AUD Hotel List
22 Sep 201205 Oct 2012Open $1779 AUD $2438 AUD Hotel List
29 Sep 201212 Oct 2012Open $1779 AUD $2438 AUD Hotel List

Accommodation Prices

Pre & Post TourCityStart DateEnd DateSingle PriceTwin PriceTriple Price
POSTWashington D.C.01 Jan 201231 Dec 2012 $137 AUD $74 AUD $50 AUD
PREWashington D.C.01 Jan 201231 Dec 2012 $137 AUD $74 AUD $50 AUD

Charges

TypeNamePrice
OPTIONALGratuity122 AUD

HISTORIC TRAILS & BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

Tour Code - 8720

14 days Washington D.C. to Washington D.C. Washington DC Area, Gettysburg, Shenandoah National Park, Beckley, Lexington, Bardstow, Gatlinburg, Asheville Area, Lexington Area, Williamsburg

See more information about the ships on this cruise:

HISTORIC TRAILS & BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

Tour Map

8720

HISTORIC TRAILS & BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

Optional Excursions

To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour. Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.

PriceDetails
47  USD

Name: DOLLY PARTON'S DIXIE STAMPEDE PIGEON FORGE
Location: PIGEON FORGE
Description: Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show offers food, fun, and excitement all in one! The stars of Dixie Stampede are 32 magnificent horses along with beautiful southern belles and gallant heroes, competitive events, a friendly North/South rivalry, illusions, comedy, a fabulous four-course feast and a "Stand on your feet" patriotic finale written by Dolly Parton herself entitled "Colour Me America." Dinner show lasts approximately 3 hours.
55  USD

Name: DOLLYWOOD
Location: PIGEON FORGE
Description: Dolly's one wish for you during your visit to Dollywood is that the wonder of the Great Smoky Mountains will touch your heart. Experience a theme park with wholesome fun and entertainment featuring music, crafts and rides.
28  USD

Name: HISTORIC GETTYSBURG DINNER
Location: GETTYSBURG
Description: Dine in Gettysburg, and drift back over 200 years of history while enjoying casual fine dining at the oldest, most historic home in town! This is a colonial restaurant where candlelit elegance, superior food, and gracious service bring back the sights, sounds and tastes of two centuries ago. Subject to availability.
47  USD

Name: WASHINGTON DC BY NIGHT & DINNER AT OLD EUROPE RESTAURANT
Location: WASHINGTON DC
Description: Begin your evening at a popular local restaurant "Old Europe", then continue with an illumination tour of several of the most famous memorials, as well as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
55  USD

Name: WILLIAMSBURG COLONIAL TAVERN DINNER
Location: WILLIAMSBURG
Description: All menus trace America's culinary heritage from its British ancestry and celebrate the transformation of dishes through the use of ingredients commonly found in the colonies. Enjoy this evening dining experience made possible by Colonial Williamsburg chefs!
 
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