Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains 2024
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
87204
Start City:
Washington DC
End City:
Washington DC
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
Budget
Tour Length:
14 days
Physical Rating:
3 - Explorer
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Jun 08, 2024 | Friday, Jun 21, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Sep 14, 2024 | Friday, Sep 27, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
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Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers
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The Welcome Back Credit is awarded upon completion of Globus family of brands vacations. Credit amount can only be applied to the land/cruise or cruise only portion of a new Globus family of brands vacation (excluding 2022 Custom/Charter vacations). Credit amount is per person and must be redeemed for a future vacation with a deposit within 2 years from date of credit issue. Bookings can be made by calling the Globus family of brands, online, or by contacting your preferred travel advisor. Passenger must activate redemption credit prior to redemption. Combinable with all applicable consumer promotions except those with any Globus family of brands special discount programs. Credit must be applied before final payment on a future booking. Credit is not redeemable for cash, non-refundable deposit, airfare, transfers, travel insurance, prepaid gratuities, pre/post nights, or optional excursions and is non-transferrable. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Valid for all participating Globus family of brands offices. Additional restrictions may apply.
Tour Itinerary
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.
Alexandria , Asheville, NC , Bardstown, KY , Beckley, WV , Charleston, SC , Gatlinburg, TN , Gettysburg, PA , Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, WV , Hodgenville, KY , Lexington, MA , Monticello, VA , Mount Vernon, VA , Richmond, VA , Shenandoah National Park, VA , Virginia City, MT , Washington DC , Williamsburg, VA
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Day 1
WASHINGTON DC AREAEnjoy time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
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Day 2
WASHINGTON DC AREA–GETTYSBURGToday 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
GETTYSBURG–HARPERS FERRY–SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARKThis 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK–NEW RIVER GORGE–BECKLEYTravel 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.
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Day 5
BECKLEY–CHARLESTON–KENTUCKY HORSE PARK–LEXINGTON, KENTUCKYBefore 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
LEXINGTON–HODGENVILLE–BARDSTOWN–LEXINGTON, KYTravel 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 7
LEXINGTON, KY–GATLINBURGTravel 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
GATLINBURGAs one of America’s most popular mountain retreats, Gatlinburg offers something for everyone. The day is free for independent activities. (CB)
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Day 9
GATLINBURG–GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK–ASHEVILLEDrive 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. (CB)
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Day 10
ASHEVILLE–BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY–MOUNT AIRY– LEXINGTON, VIRGINIABlue 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 11
LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA–MONTICELLO–RICHMOND–WILLIAMSBURGVisit 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. (CB)
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Day 12
WILLIAMSBURG. EXCURSION TO COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURGToday 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 13
WILLIAMSBURG–MOUNT VERNON–WASHINGTON DCThis 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 14
WASHINGTON DCYour vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the nation’s capital further.
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8 breakfasts, 3 continental breakfasts
Health and Safety Protocols for Cosmos Tours
The world is waiting to be rediscovered! And Cosmos helps you reunite with your favorite destinations through our ongoing commitment to travel with the ease and confidence travelers have come to expect on tour with us. No matter where you travel, our global network of travel experts has you ready to reconnect.
And along the way, we’re step-for step with you to remove the worries and hassles that might make aspiring globetrotters hesitate when taking that first step in discovering dream destinations once again. With exceptional health and safety protocols and on-trip contingency plans for unexpected surprises, Cosmos travelers see more of the world with more peace of mind.
A SAFE & WARM WELCOMEWe will conduct tour check-in procedures and pre-trip health screenings to offer guests a safe start and peace of mind throughout the journey. This includes proof of vaccination for all guests. See our complete Health & Safety Pre-Trip Screening Instructions on our website for full details.
BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCEThere may be times on tour or on the motorcoach when social distancing is required. We will take care in assuring any local guidelines are followed in a safe and comfortable way for our guests. For any cases where masks are required due to local guidelines, we ask that guests bring their own approved N95 (FFP2) masks for their own comfort and safety. Our wireless listening technology enables safe distances between our guests and other travelers during excursions.
FOCUS ON GUEST AND TEAM MEMBER HEALTHTo ensure a healthy environment for each of our guests and our team, our Tour Directors, Local Hosts, and motorcoach drivers are fully vaccinated, and we are also requiring that all travelers are fully vaccinated before joining our trips. Additionally, we will conduct regular guest checks, and, when required by local guidelines, masks will be worn by our guests and by our team when accompanying guests. In all other cases, masks are optional for guests.
TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDSTraveling with Cosmos removes many of the “touch points” of travel, including luggage handling, check in/out, expedited entry into attractions and more. Cosmos are further reducing risk with hands-free service, meaning all self-services replaced by staff, including buffet meals replaced with table service. Cosmos will also ensure hand sanitizing is available throughout each trip, on coach and in hotels.
COMMITMENT TO CLEANAs a part of Cosmos' commitment to clean, Cosmos is requiring enhanced cleaning procedures with hotel partners, on motorcoaches, vehicles and throughout every trip, including additional daily disinfecting procedures that go above-and-beyond already strict health and safety procedures. And our motorcoaches are equipped with air filters that clean the air as well as provide constant ventilation.
PARTNERS IN DISCOVERY AND IN HEALTHCosmos has strict health and safety protocols, which have been in place for years, focused on ensuring all aspects of operation- from vehicles and equipment used on trip to excursions and hotel procedures. This process will continue with new, elevated health and safety checks, to maintain their promise that each touch-point on tours and cruises are considered in their commitment to guest and team member well-being.
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Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: What airport do you fly into?
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
This trip was fantastic! It met all of our expectations and more. The only fly in the ointment was the hotel in Gatlinburg. It was old, needed work and dirty. Very disappointing. We would have been happy to pay more money and go to the Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn close by. All the other hotels were great. The tour director was wonderful, very informative and a good sense of humor. Also, the driver did a great job getting us from place to place in a timely manner. All in all, the trip was terrific!
The tour was nearly what I expected, however I felt like there was too much time riding on the coach and not enough time at the historical sites.
Please exdend our thanks and appreciation to our tour director, for his kindness, exellent presentation and pleasant jokes, etc., . We enjoyed every minute of our trip Same goes to our bus driver, for his tireless and safe driving.
The tour to Historic Eastern Sites was wonderful. The Tour Director and Bus Driver were exceptional, Thank you!
My trip "Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains" with Cosmos, far exceeded my expectations, again!! It was very educational, as well as entertaining! My tour guide is very knowledgeable about American History, and kept us entertained, even during the long drives, with educational videos & period music! We saw so many historic sites & landmarks! I'd do it again in a pinch! Our driver is also a very experienced & skilled driver, especially on those small winding mountain roads! This is my 5th Cosmos trip, & I will be sure to book again, next year!! I've also recommended "Affordable Tours" to a fellow traveler on this trip!!
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Very good itinerary. Hotel services are not as good as in the past due to Covid-19. In past tours, almost every hotel Cosmos selected provide breakfast - no longer the case.