9-Nights Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA from $4,950

Insight Vacations

OFFER ID 1556475

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 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.

Dining Summary

2 Dinner (D)
9 Breakfast (B)
4 Lunch (L)

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: 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.

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: Experience Southern hospitality at one of the locals' favorite restaurants, Puckett's, whose history stretches back to the 1950s.

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: 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.

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.

Make Travel Matter

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 visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Top Rated Highlights

Washington, D.C.: Take a 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.
Washington, D.C.: This striking museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts 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.
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 le

9 nights from $4,950 per person

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

Insight Vacations: Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA

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.
Accommodations: Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle
Meals: 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 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.
Accommodations: Skyland Lodge, Shenandoah National Park
Meals: Breakfast

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.
Accommodations: The Resort at Glade Springs, Daniels
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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 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.
Accommodations: The Resort at Glade Springs, Daniels
Meals: Breakfast

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 flavors, cuisines, local produce, and drinks.
Accommodations: Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, Asheville
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 - The Biltmore Estate Relaxed Start
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.
Accommodations: Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, Asheville
Meals: Breakfast

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. 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 state line of North Carolina and Tennessee. The rest of the day is yours at leisure.
Accommodations: The Park Vista: A DoubleTree by Hilton, Gatlinburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 - The Museum of Appalachia and on to Nashville Relaxed Start
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 artifacts 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.
Accommodations: Fraye, Nashville
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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 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 dinner and enjoy timeless southern hospitality at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Fraye, Nashville
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Depart Nashville
This morning, bid farewell to Nashville at your leisure, or extend your stay in Music City.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Daniels

Shenandoah National Park

Nashville

Gatlinburg

Sitting at the edge of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and its neighbors Pigeon Forge and Sevierville form the busiest tourism hub in eastern Tennessee. The area is popular with vacationing families, and its many wedding chapels also draw couples.

The towns owe their existence, in part, to the steady flow of visitors heading to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park puts the focus on nature, but the gateway towns are much more about man-made attractions such as water parks, shrines to country-music performers, miniature-golf courses and music theaters.

They're the type of high-volume travel destinations people either love or hate. You'll need a high tolerance for commercialization to enjoy them, but the attractions can be fun and the setting is beautiful.

The highest-profile Gatlinburg attraction is the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park. It sits high on Mount Harrison, and the preferred way of getting there is aboard the aerial tram that runs from downtown Gatlinburg.

Winterfest is when Gatlinburg truly glitters, with 2 million lights illuminating the town. Spring's wildflower pilgrimage showcases the area's natural beauty. Other activities include skiing in winter, amusement-park rides and a bear habitat in the warmer months, and shopping year-round.

In town, there's a large collection of attractions owned by Ripley's, including a Believe It or Not! Museum, a "Moving Theater" and the Aquarium of the Smokies. Among the many other amusement attractions in town, consider a visit to Mysterious Mansion, a haunted house with moving floors, secret panels and the like.

Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens mixes sightseeing with religion, offering dioramas depicting biblical scenes. Downtown Gatlinburg is also the site of the prestigious Arrowmount School of Arts and Crafts, which offers classes in everything from woodworking and warm glass to paper and fiber arts and drawing, painting and sculpture. The galleries and gift shop are open year-round to visitors.

Golfers will be pleased with the scenic and challenging golf courses in the area. And there's plenty of opportunity to shop for arts-and-crafts items. They're especially prominent during the Craftsmen's Fairs in July and October.

Asheville

Nestled firmly between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has many great qualities that attract a truly diverse population, hence the city's moniker: "Asheville: Discovery, Inside and Out."

Although Asheville is nationally known for the Biltmore Estate, George W. Vanderbilt's palatial home built in the 1890s, it represents just one of the attractions the western North Carolina city has to offer.

Since the railroads created easier access to western North Carolina in the late 19th century, swarms of people have been drawn to Asheville's magnificent beauty and hospitable climate. People-watching from one of the city's many outdoor cafes reveals its character more than any tour could: Among the constant flow of tourists, you'll see plenty of young professionals and hippies, retired couples, street performers and mountain folk.

The number of attractions in Asheville is astounding for such a modest city. In addition to the Biltmore Estate, you'll find seemingly countless restaurants of almost every variety, museums, art galleries, theaters, cozy pubs, breweries, eclectic shops and pristine natural attractions. Nearby Pisgah National Forest is a favorite place for locals to squeeze in a weekend hike or simply relax in the woods.

If you're strolling through downtown on a Friday night, you might happen upon an odd sight. In Pritchard Park, hundreds of people of every description, both young and old, gather to dance to the rhythms of a local drum circle. Strange as it might seem at first, it's sights like these that may just entice you to stay in Asheville for good.

In September 2024, Asheville experienced widespread, destructive flooding when Hurricane Helene dumped massive amounts of rain in the mountains of western North Carolina. The storm washed away homes, flooded businesses and destroyed infrastructure, including interstate highways and other roads. Recovery efforts are underway, but the damage to the city and surrounding communities was devastating, and it will take time to fully rebuild.

The region is again welcoming visitors, as tourism dollars are crucial to the local economy, but please exercise patience and compassion when you visit.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is the nations capital and is full of things to see and do. See where the President lives or even where the laws are made; take a tour of the Capitol building and White House. Washington D.C. is situated perfectly between Virginia and Maryland which allows its visitors the convenience of great attractions and activities. There are tons of museums, historical landmarks, art galleries, monuments, and all the government buildings right in Washington D.C. for you to visit. For a little more excitement visit Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, and Six Flags America close by.

Excursions

Washington DC: Deluxe Private DC Monuments & Memorials Pedicab Tour - 3 Hours

Washington DC: Washington DC by Land & Sea Private Experience - 7 to 8 Hours

Overview:

Get ready for a fun-filled day of biking and boating around Washington DC! Your expert guide will kick off the excitement with a private bike tour where you’ll take in the city’s iconic monuments and memorials. Afterward, there’ll be time for a bite to eat before boarding your private sport boat where your US Coast Guard licensed captain will entertain you with stories and history of the landmarks you spot along the way. Don’t miss this unique adventure!

Tour Itinerary & Highlights:

Note: This is a suggested itinerary – we can customize based on your preferences.

Let’s Get Rolling: Your DC bike tour begins when your guide arrives at your hotel complete with your bike, helmet, water and even snacks!
Biking Bliss: Pedal through history, passing the White House, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial and more.
Reflect on Freedom: Pause by the Reflecting Pool and soak in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial’s solemnity.
Lincoln’s Legacy: Visit the grand Lincoln Memorial and be inspired by Honest Abe.
War Stories: Explore the Korean War, Martin Luther King Jr., Roosevelt and Jefferson Memorials on two wheels.
Lunch Break: Fuel up for your next adventure with a stop for lunch.
Speed Boat Soiree: Climb aboard a private speed boat for a 90-minute tour of iconic monuments from the Potomac River.
Refreshments Included: Your DC boat tour comes with complimentary soft drinks, bottled water and ice.

More Information:

The duration of the tour is seven (7) to eight (8) hours.
This tour is seasonal and operates from April through November, seven (7) days a week.
Important Information for guests traveling with young children: Adults and teens can enjoy riding appropriately sized bicycles while smaller children can either ride kids’ bikes or be chauffeured safely by the DC Cycling Concierge in his custom family bike and/or tag-along.
Please inquire with your sales representative for information on wheelchair accessibility.

Click here for additional information

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

05/09/2026 - 05/18/2026

from $4,950 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $4,950 per person

Length

9 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1556475

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