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Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains Cosmos

Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains

Taking a comfy tour through the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains will introduce you to both the history and magnificence of the American south. History-buffs will be fascinated as they discover a host of Civil War landmarks as well as other historical sites as you travel from Washington, D.C. to Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina. Journey through breathtaking mountain passes and along panoramic routes as you enjoy the stunning landscapes that this region is known for.

Enhance your highlight-filled tour by visiting such diverse places as Washington, D.C., Gettysburg, Shenandoah National Park, Harper’s Ferry, the Civil War Museum, the famous Biltmore Estate, Monticello, Mount Vernon and Colonial Williamsburg, where you will feel you are stepping back in time. Stroll along the unique mountain town of Gatlinburg in the Smoky Mountains and visit the 215-foot-high limestone Natural Bridge that is sculpted by nature in a peaceful wooded setting. Nature-lovers and history aficionados are sure enjoy this incredible tour.


14 Days • fr. $2,999

  • Sightseeing with Local Guide in Washington, DC
  • Visit the National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center in Gettysburg including a guided tour Gettysburg Battlefield
  • Visit Harpers Ferry Historic National Park
  • Sightseeing at Shenandoah National Park including an overnight stay inside the park
  • Visit the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky
  • Take a scenic drive on the Bluegrass Parkway
  • Visit Sinking Spring Farm anf the Lincoln Museum in Hodgenville, Kentucky
  • Visit the Civil War Museum
  • Visit the Bourbon Distillery & tasting in Bardstown, Kentucky
  • Visit the Museum of Appalachia, a 65-acre historic farmland
  • Take a scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains
  • Drive right through the center of the Smokies along the spectacular Newfound Gap Road
  • Visit Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina
  • Take a scenic drive on teh Blue Ridge Parkway and visit Mabry Mill
  • Visit Thomas Jefferson’s beloved home of Monticello Estate
  • Enjoy an orientation tour of Richmond, Virginia
  • Visit Colonial Williamsburg
  • Visit George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon
  • Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring with free Wi-Fi
  • Gratuities are included for services during the land stay of your vacation, except on Cosmos Lite vacations and unless otherwise noted above. This includes wait staff at included meals, and porterage at hotels for one suitcase per person. Gratuities for your Tour Director, Local Hosts®, Local Guides, driver, and ship’s crew are not included in the vacation price (unless otherwise noted in pricing details) and are discretionary. Gratuities are not included on Cosmos Lite vacations and are discretionary.
  • All items of a personal nature (room service, beverages, telephone charges, laundry, special food requests, etc.) and meals not specified on the tour itinerary are not included and must be paid by the client.
  • All rates exclude airfare unless expressly noted.
6 breakfasts, 1 continental breakfast
  • Holiday Inn Alexandria Carlyle in Alexandria, VA (1 night)
  • Quality Inn Gettysburg Battlefield in Gettysburg, PA (1 night)
  • Skyland Resort in Luray, Virginia (1 night)
  • Hampton Inn Beckley in Beckley, WV (1 night)
  • Hilton Lexington Downtown in Lexington, KY (2 nightS)
  • Glenstone Lodge in Gatlinburg, TN (2 nightS)
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Area in Asheville, NC (1 night)
  • Best Western Lexington Inn in Lexington, VA (1 night)
  • Comfort Inn Williamsburg Gateway in Williamsburg, VA (2 nights)
  • Washington Marriott Wardman Park in Washington DC (1 night)
  • The hotels listed are intended to be used on all departures however Cosmos reserves the right to substitute other hotels than those listed. If a change becomes necessary for any reason, the hotel substituted will be of equivalent quality to those listed. No refunds are provided for hotel changes and full cancellation penalties apply.

ARRIVE IN WASHINGTON, DC Location Information Description

Alexandria/Virginia, United States

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

Holiday Inn Alexandria Carlyle

WASHINGTON DC Location Information Description

Washington, D.C., United States

Today begins with a guided sightseeing tour that shows you the graves of American heroes, including those of John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert, in beautiful Arlington National Cemetery. Your guided tour of the capital continues, with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House and visits to teh Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials.

GETTYSBURG Location Information Description

Gettysburg, United States

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.

Quality Inn Gettysburg Battlefield Hotel

GETTYSBURG Location Information Description

Gettysburg, United States

This morning enjoy 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.

HARPERS FERRY Location Information Description

Harpers Ferry, United States

Afterward, head for Harpers Ferry Historic National Park, where, in 1859, John Brown made his ill-fated raid on the U.S. Arsenal. The park shares 2,178 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Take free time to hike a portion of the trail to historic Jefferson Rock to enjoy extraordinary scenery.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK Location Information Description

Luray, United States

En route to Shenandoah, crest the Blue Ridge Mountains for magnificent vistas of the Shenandoah Valley. Overnight in Shenandoah National Park.

Breakfast

Skyland Resort

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK–NEW RIVER GORGE–BECKLEY Location Information Description

Beckley, United States

Travel through lumber and limestone country into wonderfully wild West Virginia. After a lunch break in Lewisburg, a pre Civil War town, 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.

Hampton Inn Beckley

CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA Location Information Description

Charleston/West Virginia, United States

Before entering Kentucky, we stop in the state capital of Charleston, West Virginia, one-time home of American frontiersman Daniel Boone.

LEXINGTON, KY Location Information Description

Lexington, United States

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, a fascinating visit to the Kentucky Horse Park, from where legends like Man o’ War and Secretariat conquered the racing world.

Breakfast

Hilton Lexington Downtown

LEXINGTON–HODGENVILLE Location Information Description

Hodgenville, United States

Travel on Bluegrass Parkway and stop at Sinking Spring Farm, a one-room cabin 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.

BARDSTOWN Location Information Description

Bardstown, United States

Afterward, we head to Bardstown and visit the fourth-largest civil war museum in teh United States. Unlike other museums, this one focuses mainly on the War of the Western States. Viitors move through a series of exhibits featuring artifacts from both the Union and the Confederacy.

LEXINGTON, KY Location Information Description

Lexington, United States

End your day by visiting 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

Hilton Lexington Downtown

LEXINGTON, KY–GATLINBURG Location Information Description

Gatlinburg, United States

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 fronter privy! The next two nights are in Gatlinburg at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Glenstone Lodge

GATLINBURG Location Information Description

Gatlinburg, United States

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, an 88-acre landscaped theme park inspired by Dolly Parton.

Glenstone Lodge

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Location Information Description

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States

Drive right through the center of the Smokies along the spectacular Newfound Gap Road, peaking at 5,046 feet.

ASHEVILLE Location Information Description

Asheville, United States

Continue into North Carolina and stop at the 7,500-acre grounds of the Biltmore Estate, built by George Vanderbilt, grandson of railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. Overnight in the Asheville area, hometown to singer Roberta Flack.

Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Area

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY Location Information Description

Lexington, United States

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. Stop at the tranquil setting of Mabry Mill, one of hte most photographed spots in teh 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 inititals are still visible on the cliffside, from his work here as a young surveyor.

Breakfast

Best Western Lexington Inn

MONTICELLO Location Information Description

Monticello, United States

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.

RICHMOND Location Information Description

Richmond, United States

Enjoy an orientation tour of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Stop at the Capitol Building for photographs before making our way to Williamsburg, between the James and York Rivers, where the very earliest English settlers established their first colonies.

Breakfast

Comfort Inn Williamsburg Gateway Hotel

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG Location Information Description

Williamsburg, United States

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 Hall of Burgesses, listen as costumed interpreters debate the controversial steps that led to the Declaration of Independence.

Breakfast

Comfort Inn Williamsburg Gateway Hotel

MOUNT VERNON Location Information Description

Mount Vernon/Virginia, United States

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.

WASHINGTON, DC Location Information Description

Washington, D.C., United States

The final leg of your journey takes you back to Washington DC, where you overnight in close proximity to quintessential D.C. The evening is free for independent activities.

Breakfast

Washington Marriott Wardman Park

WASHINGTON DC Location Information Description

Washington, D.C., United States

Your vacation ends this morning. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the nation’s capital further.

Departure Date
Price
Sat, Sep 14, 2024
$2,999.00
SELECT

Important information:

  • All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.

ALL guests must carefully verify the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation DIRECTLY WITH THEIR LOCAL CONSULATES OR EMBASSIES or with a visa service, as these requirements may change. Guests without proper documentation may be denied entry and will not be entitled to a refund
  • 45-22 days prior to commencement of services: 20% of total price*
  • 21-8 days prior to commencement of services: 30% of total price*
  • 7-1 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price*
  • On departure day and later: 100% of total price*
  • *Total price does not include any Instant Purchase Air or Instant Purchase Air service fees, which are non-refundable after 24 hours from purchase. Intra-vacation air is non-refundable after final payment.
  • Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including extra night accommodations, independently supplied services, and optional excursions reserved prior to, during, and after the tour. If flight changes, including, but not limited to, flight cancellations or name changes, are requested after full land and air deposits are received, revision fees, change fees, or airline cancellation fees will apply.
  • In many instances, airline revision or change fees can be up to $300, but in some instances may be up to 100% of the ticket price. Cancellation penalties will be quoted at time of cancellation.
  • All cancellations must be received in writing prior to tour departure. The cancellation policy will apply according to the date that the cancellation notification is received. The MINIMUM cancellation penalty is the deposit amount.
  • The purchase to trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
  • Land only “from price” is per person based on two people sharing a room together and does not include airfare unless expressly stated.
  • All prices are in US Dollars.
  • A $250 non-refundable, non-transferable, per-person, per-vacation deposit is required to reserve space for you, with some limited exceptions, as noted below. Payment of the deposit indicates you have read and accepted theseall Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit payment is processed and you receive a confirmation invoice.
  • Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure, with some limited exceptions, as noted below. Within the final payment date, payment in full is required at time of booking to reserve space. Reservations (land, cruise, and air) are canceled if final payment is not received by the due date. The payment policy may vary for group reservations.
  • Additional deposits or payments are required for international air added to the start and/or end of your vacation and/or for intra-vacation air, as specified in the itinerary (“air-inclusive vacations”). Air-inclusive vacation pricing is guaranteed upon receipt of full land plus air deposit or land deposit plus full airfare price, depending on type of airfare purchased (Flex-Air or Instant Purchase Air).
  • For complete terms and conditions please visit the Globus Terms & Conditions for more information.
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