Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA
Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA
Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA
10 Days Starting in Washington D.C. and ending in Nashville (TN)
Visiting: Washington, D.C., Shenandoah Valley, New River Gorge National Park, Asheville, Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Nashville
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:
Tour Overview
Discover the spectacular National Parks and eclectic cities of the Eastern USA on this 10-Day guided tour. Revel in wide open spaces, stunning landscapes, iconic city sights and enjoy a bounty of food, music and art. Starting in Washington D.C., enjoy the spectacular colors of Shenandoah National Park, taste signature wines at the Veritas Winery and reconnect with nature at New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, America’s newest National Park. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Citizen Vinyl Record’s press factory in Asheville, and explore the vast Biltmore Estate, America's largest privately owned home. Uncover the region’s fascinating history at the Oconaluftee Indian Village as you join a Cherokee cultural expert for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and explore the intricate caves of Mammoth Cave National Park, ending your trip with a crescendo in Nashville, the toe-tapping home of country music.
Choice Highlights
- Nashville: This truly unique park, Mammoth Cave National Park features the longest known cave system in the world. Join a Park Ranger for a tour of the intricate cave system and learn about thousands of years of human history and rich biodiversity that earned this park a title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
- Nashville: MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® with a visit to the National Museum of African American Music, the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. For music lovers of all generations, this museum inspires, educates, and transforms the appreciation of American music all while celebrating the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack.
Top Rated Highlights
- Asheville: The Biltmore Estate is America's largest privately owned home and is as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Your self-guided house visit spans three floors and the basement of the luxurious family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt. Explore the stories of the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and employees through displays of vintage clothing, accessories, art, and furniture.
- Washington, D.C.: Take a city tour of the history lined streets of Washington, D.C. and learn about the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, the striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the somber World War II Memorial.
- Shenandoah Valley: Famous for its stunning views, colors and foliage, the scenic Skyline Drive is one of America’s National Scenic Byways. The route runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the full length of the Shenandoah National Park.
- Luray: Meander your way along a gently winding trail, with the most breathtaking views out over Shenandoah National Park. This 1.5 mile hike takes in part of the famous Appalachian trail, and explores the slopes of Stony Man Mountain, the most northernly peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- New River Gorge National Park: Scenic mountains and breathtaking gorge views await at New River Gorge National Park, the nation’s newest National Park, situated over 70,000 acres along the New River. The whitewater river is one of only a few in the world that flows northward, winding dramatically through deep canyons and spanned by magnificent bridges.
- Asheville: A must for music lovers and history buffs, enjoy a fascinating behind the scenes look at how this vinyl pressing operation fits into Asheville’s cultural legacy. Take a factory and studio tour and see the original WWNC radio station, now home to Citizen Studios. Citizen Vinyl also now serves as a community space, serving to celebrate the history of manufacturing and craft.
- Asheville: America's largest privately owned home is as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Built by George Vanderbilt between 1889 and 1895, this 250 room French Renaissance chateau was the largest undertaking in residential architecture at its time. Once completed, the Vanderbilt’s luxurious family home consisted of 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. Discover Biltmore’s rich and fascinating history, explore the gardens and arboretum and browse specialty shops.
- Gatlinburg: Visit the United States' third most-visited park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Smoky Mountains National Park: The Mountain Farm Museum is a unique collection of farm buildings assembled from locations throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Highlighting the importance and culture of agriculture within the park, explore a log farmhouse, barn, apple house and working blacksmith shop, to see how families may have lived 100 years ago.
- Clinton: The pioneering Museum of Appalachia is set in 65 picturesque acres and features over 250,000 artifacts, lending a voice to the people of Appalachia through the artefacts and stories they left behind. Step into a recreated community complete with 35 log cabins, barns, churches, schools and gardens. Browse folk art, musical instruments and Native American artifacts. Followed by a delicious lunch with traditional bluegrass music from The Museum of Appalachia Band.
- Nashville: Enjoy an orientation tour of Nashville and see the major landmarks of this proud, musical city. Then visit the Ryman auditorium - the original home of the grand ole opry. Built in 1885 as a building for religious gatherings, it held its first concert in 1892, before opening its doors to Hollywood greats. It is here Johnny Cash first met June Carter, where bluegrass was born and where country music found an audience.
Make Travel Matter
Washington, D.C.: This striking museum has collected more than 36,000 artefacts that reflect history, politics, sports, arts and entertainment. Explore the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it helped shape this nation.
Cherokee: Be transported to the 1760s at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, as you discover living history. Learn the stories and lifestyle of the Cherokee with a Cultural expert, and together walk winding paths, flanked with traditional dwellings, work areas and sacred ritual sites. Here you can also interact with villagers as they hull canoes, sculpt pottery and masks, weave baskets and fashion beadwork. Your experience advances UN Global Goals 10 & 11 - Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities
Authentic Dining
: Join your Travel Director and meet fellow guests at a private Welcome Dinner with drinks at 18:00.
Asheville: Enjoy a fun and educational walking food tour of Asheville’s culinary favorites that spotlight the region’s signature farm-to-table, local flavors. Taking a seat at several acclaimed eateries, enjoy outstanding food and drink pairings, designed by some of Asheville’s most notable chefs, brewers, and mixologists.
Smoky Mountains National Park: Enjoy an intimate picnic lunch while overlooking the Smoky Mountains. The secluded Collins Creek picnic site sits near a scenic creek, and here you can relax, enjoy tasty delights and bask in nature’s beauty.
Nashville: Dine at one of the locals' favorite restaurants, Puckett's.
Insight Choice
Nashville: This truly unique park, Mammoth Cave National Park features the longest known cave system in the world. Join a Park Ranger for a tour of the intricate cave system and learn about thousands of years of human history and rich biodiversity that earned this park a title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
Nashville: MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® with a visit to the National Museum of African American Music, the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. For music lovers of all generations, this museum inspires, educates, and transforms the appreciation of American music all while celebrating the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack.
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.
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 Valley
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 Valley
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 the New River Gorge National Park and your resort hotel, where the evening is yours 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. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the park and hotel amenities at your leisure. 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.
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. Maybe try out the famous craft-beer scene? Guests can also choose an optional experience of the River Arts District Tour. Visiting some of the working studios where local artists produce and display their works, this guided tour offers a unique insight into the creative culture of the city.
Day 7: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Asheville, Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg
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: Gatlinburg, 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 and get acquainted with Music City on an orientation tour. Visit the picturesque Riverfront Park, Tennessee State Capitol and the 132-acre Centennial State Park, where you'll encounter an exact replica of the Parthenon. 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
Accommodation: Renaissance Hotel, Nashville
Accommodation Name: Hotel Fraye, Nashville
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
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Meals
Includes 8 Breakfasts (B), 3 Lunches (L), and 3 Dinners with Wine (DW).
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Unique Experiences
Tour Mammoth Cave National Park, visit the National Museum of African American Music, enjoy a walking food tour in Asheville, taste wines in Shenandoah Valley, explore the Biltmore Estate, and more.
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Accommodations
Stay in carefully selected hotels throughout the tour, including unique lodges and resorts.
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Transportation
Travel comfortably throughout the tour with all transportation included.
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Expert Guides
Benefit from the knowledge and insights of expert local guides and a professional travel director.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International and domestic airfare are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Costs for optional activities and experiences outside the planned itinerary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, and additional meals are not included.
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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.
Check out our Q&As
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What are the highlights of the Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA tour?
The highlights of the Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA tour include: 3 Dinners with Wine, 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, tours of Mammoth Cave National Park and the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, a Welcome Dinner in Washington DC, a walking food tour in Asheville, wine tasting and a farmhouse lunch at Veritas winery in Shenandoah Valley, a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., scenic drives through Shenandoah Valley and New River Gorge National Park, a visit to Biltmore Estate, exploring the Mountain Farm Museum in Smoky Mountains National Park, a tour of the Museum of Appalachia, and an orientation tour of Nashville including the Ryman Auditorium.
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How many meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 3 Dinners with Wine, 8 Breakfasts, and 3 Lunches.
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What type of activities are included in the tour?
Activities included in the tour are: guided tours of national parks, museum visits, a walking food tour, wine tasting, scenic drives, hiking, a visit to America's largest privately owned home, exploring a mountain farm museum, and an orientation tour of Nashville.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Mammoth Cave National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
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What is the starting location of the tour?
The starting location of the tour is Washington, DC, USA.
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What is the ending location of the tour?
The ending location of the tour is Nashville, TN, USA.
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Does the tour include any visits to wineries?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Veritas winery in Shenandoah Valley for wine tasting and a farmhouse lunch.
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Is there a visit to any national museums on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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