Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA
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 colours 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.
- 26 Sep 2026 – 05 Oct 2026
from $7,627.50 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- 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.:
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 flavours, cuisines, local produce, and drinks. - Day 6 – The Biltmore Estate Relaxed Start:
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.
Highlights
- Explore America’s newest National Park, New River Gorge, and the vast Biltmore Estate.
- Uncover the region’s fascinating history with a Cherokee cultural experience.
- Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of a vinyl record press factory in Asheville.
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 colours 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.
Inclusions
- Nashville: This truly unique park, Mammoth Cave National Park features the longest known cave system in the world.
- Take a self-guided 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: Visit 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.
- Asheville: Enjoy a fun and educational walking food tour of Asheville’s culinary favourites that spotlight the region’s signature farm-to-table, local flavours.
- 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.
FAQs
- Fraye, Nashville
- Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, Asheville
- Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle
- Skyland Lodge, Shenandoah National Park
- The Park Vista: A DoubleTree by Hilton, Gatlinburg
- The Resort at Glade Springs, Daniels
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 10 days and 9 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 26 Sep 2026 and 05 Oct 2026, subject to live availability.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: Insight VacationsFine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.