Day 1: A Monumental Time in Washington, D.C.
Welcome to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital and a haven for history and art buffs alike. This eveing, join your Travel Director and meet fellow guests for a dinner.
Day 2: Washington, D.C. to Shenandoah National Park
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. 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 colourful 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
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
Today explore New River Gorge National Park, the newest park in America’s National Park System, encompassing over 70,000 acres of land. Visit the Canyon Rim Visitor Centre 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. 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.
After breakfast, visit The North Carolina Arboretum, a 434-acre public garden set within the forested coves and meandering creeks of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Explore its formal gardens as your guide reveals the history of the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, its role in conservation and the influence of Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Admire thoughtfully designed horticultural displays that bring nature, artistry and scientific research together. Later, discover Asheville’s culinary character on a walking food tour, stopping to sample an array of local flavours during a late lunch. Your evening is at leisure.
Day 6: The Biltmore Estate
Enjoy a Relaxed Start morning 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, or you may choose to join an Optional Experience to North Asheville Arts District, where you'll meet resident artists and discover the area's craft heritage.
Day 7: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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. Savour 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 state line of North Carolina and Tennessee. The rest of the day is yours at leisure.
Day 8: The Museum of Appalachia and on to Nashville
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
This morning, explore Nashville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the National Museum of African American Music and celebrate the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack. Alternatively, visit Mammoth Cave National Park and explore its intricate cave system. 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 dinner and enjoy timeless southern hospitality at a local restaurant.
Day 10: Depart Nashville
This morning, bid farewell to Nashville at your leisure, or extend your stay in Music City.
