Washington D.C. Pre-tour

DAY 1:  EN ROUTE TO WASHINGTON D.C.

Our Pre-tour Adventure, exploring the awe-inspiring treasures of America’s capital city, begins today at our strategically located Arlington hotel, near Reagan National Airport (DCA).  Since travelers will be arriving throughout the day, the only scheduled activity is a Welcome Reception at our hotel this evening.

DAY 2: ACTIVITIES FROM WASHINGTON D.C. (B)
Washington D.C. National Mall Walk, DC – 11 km, rated 1+

A short Metro ride across the Potomac whisks us to our first walk of the tour, a full-day immersion into some of our country’s most cherished sites and monuments. This treasure trove of a walk takes us past numerous spectacular highlights along the National Mall and offers endless opportunities to experience museums and memorials that pique your interest.

DAY 3: ACTIVITIES FROM WASHINGTON D.C. (B)
Iwo Jima Memorial Walk, DC & VA – 10 km, rated 2

This morning’s walk focuses on the Virginia side of the Potomac, near our hotel, where we tread on the hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetery and visit the impressive Iwo Jima Memorial. The afternoon and evening is free to further investigate the many wonders of “the District” that may have been missed on yesterday’s walk.

DAY 4: ACTIVITIES FROM WASHINGTON D.C. (BD)
Annapolis & U.S. Naval Academy Walk, MD – 10 km, rated 1

The capital of Maryland awaits our laced-up sneakers this morning, as we stroll the historic streets of Annapolis, encountering the beautiful State House on our way to the campus of the United States Naval Academy. Following our satisfying day on the Chesapeake Bay, we enjoy a group dinner together near our Virginia hotel.

DAY 5: ACTIVITIES FROM WASHINGTON D.C. (B)
Mount Vernon Walk, VA – 5/10 km, rated 1+

America’s first Commander-in-Chief, George Washington, called Mount Vernon home for more than 40 years. Today, we take a short drive south to explore this popular historic estate on foot and return with a newfound appreciation for the life and legacy of our Founding Father. This evening we gather at the hotel with the incoming Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage participants for a Welcome Reception and Orientation Meeting.

Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage

DAY 1: EN ROUTE TO WASHINGTON D.C.

Our Smoky Mountain Adventure, soaking up the multi-hued highlights of the Appalachians, begins today at our strategically located Arlington hotel, near Reagan National Airport (DCA).  Since travelers will be arriving throughout the day, the only scheduled activity is a Welcome Reception and Orientation Meeting at our hotel this evening.

DAY 2: WASHINGTON D.C.—LURAY, VA (B)
Harpers Ferry Walk, WV – 5/10 km, rated 3+

Our morning begins with a West Virginia walk in historic Harpers Ferry, best known for John Brown’s raid on the Armory in 1859 and its role in the Civil War. Following lunch, we ascend through scenic vistas on Skyline Drive as we enjoy the autumn colors of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Our lodging this evening is Skyland Resort, set atop the spine of the mountain ridge with breathtaking views of the valley below.

DAY 3: LURAY—CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (BD)
Shenandoah/Madison’s Montpelier Walk, VA – 6 km, rated 2

The day begins with an underground tour at gorgeous Luray Caverns, with its unique Stalacpipe Organ. Back on the high ground of Skyline Drive, we enjoy a short Shenandoah hike before descending the eastern slope of the mountains for lunch and a visit to President James Madison’s Montpelier, where a pleasant walk and tour of the grounds awaits us. We continue to lovely Charlottesville for an included dinner and two-night stay in the heart of town.

DAY 4: ACTIVITIES FROM CHARLOTTESVILLE (BL)
Charlottesville Walk, VA – 5/10 km, rated 1

We spend this autumn day walking in the footsteps of the great Thomas Jefferson, first exploring the beautiful University of Virginia, the only university in the United States to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following our walk, enjoy a scrumptious 18th century lunch at Michie Tavern, a Virginia Historic Landmark. Perhaps the highlight of the day comes in the afternoon as we visit Jefferson’s mountaintop estate at Monticello. The evening is free to explore the wonderful Downtown Pedestrian Mall of Charlottesville.

DAY 5: CHARLOTTESVILLE—ROANOKE, VA (B)
Lexington Walk, VA – 10 km, rated 2

More presidential history is in store this morning as we tour the Ash Lawn-Highland home of James Monroe, our country’s fifth chief executive. Traveling to the western slope of the mountains, we stop for lunch and a walk in the noteworthy town of Lexington, where Confederate heroes Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson are buried at the Virginia Military Institute. In the afternoon, we take in scenic fall views along the famed Blue Ridge Parkway on the way to our Roanoke hotel.

DAY 6: ROANOKE—BOONE, NC (B)

Today’s activities feature a colorful Blue Ridge drive to the photogenic Mabry Mill, followed by lunch in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, the home of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for Mayberry.  Evading arrest by Barney Fife, we continue back to the spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at 19th century Brinegar Cabin en route to our Boone lodging, where we settle in for another two-night stay.

DAY 7: ACTIVITIES FROM BOONE (B)
Blue Ridge Parkway Walk, NC – 10 km, rated 3

Stroll along estate carriage roads and trails this morning as we walk in Moses Cone Memorial Park in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Then enjoy eye-popping views of the High Country and the Mile High Swinging Bridge of Grandfather Mountain. On our scenic loop in the afternoon, a fun stop at the old fashioned Mast General Store in Valle Crucis serves as a nice break before we arrive for a free evening back in the beautiful Appalachian town of Boone.

DAY 8: BOONE—ASHEVILLE, NC (BD)
Linville Falls Walk, NC – 5 km, rated 2+

Traversing the lofty vistas of the Parkway, our first stop of the morning takes us to the pristine cascades of Linville Falls, where we enjoy a jaw-dropping walk. Then it’s off to the highest point east of the Mississippi River as we drive to the summit of Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet above sea level). Descending the Blue Ridge, a brief visit to the Folk Art Center introduces us to the finest traditional crafts of the Southern Appalachians, before we arrive in Asheville for a 2-night hotel stay and dine together in the charming downtown district.

DAY 9: ACTIVITIES FROM ASHEVILLE (B)
Asheville—Biltmore Estate Walk, NC – 5/10/12 km, rated 3

The magnificent 250-room house and grounds of the Biltmore Estate serve as the site of our walk this morning. Dubbed “America’s Largest Home”, this palatial property, built by George Vanderbilt, is sure to impress as we tour not only the popular tourist areas but also paths and trails not normally seen by visitors. In the mid-afternoon, we offer an optional excursion at nearby Chimney Rock, breathlessly set above Lake Lure, with stunning granite balds, trails, and waterfalls to explore. This place served as the climactic setting in the movie “Last of the Mohicans.”

DAY 10: ASHEVILLE—GATLINBURG, TN (B)

Our morning drive takes us through multiple tunnels and to several superb viewpoints along the last stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway, with Mt. Pisgah and Looking Glass Rock among the many highlights. At the terminus of the Parkway, we pause for lunch and a visit to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian before entering the famous Smoky Mountains National Park for an afternoon arrival at the exciting resort town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

DAY 11: GATLINBURG—NASHVILLE, TN (BD)
Great Smoky Mountains Walk, TN – 5 km, rated 2

Our first and only full day in Tennessee features a foray into the lovely fall foliage of the Smokies, with its diverse hardwoods and mountains streams. Following our morning stroll, we make a lunch stop as our westward journey brings us into Music City USA, Nashville, Tennessee, where we savor a Farewell Dinner together before calling it a night at our airport hotel.

DAY 12: DEPARTURE FROM NASHVILLE (B)

Our colorful exploration of Shenandoah, the Blue Ridge, and the Smokies comes to a close today. Since travelers depart from Nashville at different times throughout the day, the hotel’s complimentary airport shuttle will provide your ride to the airport, returning you home full of fond foliage memories from our time together.