The Blue Ridge Mountains, Washington DC, Charleston & Savannah
The Blue Ridge Mountains, Washington DC, Charleston & Savannah
11 Days
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98506
From:
$3638
$3261 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Operator discount: -$376
NB: Prices correct on 04-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Embrace the hospitality and charm of southern America, from the political epicentre of the nation to easy-going coastal towns, with expanses of breathtaking natural beauty in between.
Hit the highways of America’s south and journey through some of its oldest and most classic cities, commencing in the heart of the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. An enlightening, guided tour of iconic landmarks, like the National Mall, ringed by famed monuments and the White House, a symbol of American leadership, provides insight into the hub’s power and political past.
Continue along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and traverse the panoramic Skyline Drive, leading you to the historic allure of Charlottesville. Time will then be spent in Williamsburg and Jamestowne, where the world’s largest outdoor living museum transports you to the period of the 18th-century settlers. A transfer via the majestic Great Smoky Mountains takes you to the artistic haven of Asheville, and an optional visit to the nearby Biltmore House, referred to as ‘America’s largest home’, is sure to amaze.
Charleston, a port city steeped in Southern grace and heritage is the following stop. Ramble along its cobblestone lanes and promenade before observing the poignant Fort Sumter that saw the firing of the first shots of the Civil War. Welcome the warmth of friendly Savannah then seek out shade in its park-like squares, veiled by Spanish moss and traverse the districts during an optional trolley tour. Atlanta, Georgia’s capital and largest metropolis, serves as the last destination of this captivating heritage trail.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly To Washington
Today, you’ll land in Washington Dulles airport and be welcomed by your friendly, local tour manager. A coach will then transfer you to your hotel in Alexandria, a vibrant waterfront city just across from Washington D.C. Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the evening will be free to get settled and explore the surrounding area.
Day Two – Included Tour Of Washington D.C. And Afternoon At Leisure
You’ll travel to the heart of Washington D.C. this morning, and under the guidance of your tour manger be introduced to the nation’s capital. The group will be shown several of the major sights and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of each.
The National Mall, one of the highlights, is a sprawling green space fringed with some of the country’s most iconic monuments and museums. From here, you can gaze at the towering obelisk of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, an architectural spectacle depicting Lincoln and his famous Gettysburg Address adorning a wall. You’ll also be shown the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a poignant homage to those that served during the Vietnam War, and of course, the exterior of the world-famous White House, the official workplace and home of the President of the United States.
Further stops of interest include the United States Capitol, the seat of the US Congress and the assortment of Smithsonian Museums, like the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum and the National Gallery of Art. You’ll also see at the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world known for its beautiful architecture and wealth of rare books and documents.
For the rest of the afternoon, you can explore at your own pace, perhaps doing some museum hopping, wandering down the delightful streets of historic Georgetown, or relaxing in one of D.C.’s pretty parks, like Botanic Garden or Meridian Hill Park.
Day Three - Take The Skyline Drive To Charlottesville
An incredibly scenic journey awaits as you check out of the hotel and drive towards Charlottesville in Virginia, the former home of two US presidents, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. The coach will take you via the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway, America’s longest linear park, and Skyline Drive, bordering expanses of wilderness and mountainous landscapes.
You’ll stop off at Charlotteville, positioned in Virginia's Piedmont region, to stretch your legs, perhaps viewing the University of Virginia, designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. The tour will then continue to the town of Williamsburg, enriched in history to check into the hotel and stroll around before finding somewhere for dinner.
Day Four – Included Visit To Colonial Williamsburg And Jamestowne
The meticulously preserved Colonial Williamsburg will be explored today and you can observe as costumed interpreters bring history to life, showcasing daily activities in the 18th century. You’ll walk around the world’s largest outdoor living museum, passing historic buildings, and hearing locals in period costume discuss the day's events in the dialect of the time.
During your visit, you’ll learn about how this city was an important hub of political and revolutionary activity leading up to the American Revolution. The tour will also showcase numerous well-preserved historical landmarks, including the Governor's Palace, the Capitol Building, and the College of William & Mary, which is one of the oldest universities in the United States.
Jamestowne is next, and your tour manager will take you through the first permanent English settlement in America, dating back to 1607. Positioned on the banks of the Jamestowne River, this settlement features the replicas of three ships that brought colonists to Virginia, an archaeology site, and an island, teeming with wildlife. You’ll also get to visit a replica of a colonial glasshouse, where interpreters produce glass in a similar manner to those of the former colonists, see the living museum that re-creates life in the Jamestowne colony, and a gallery packed with artifacts on display.
The evening is free to relax and have dinner at your leisure.
Day Five – Travel To Asheville
Check out of your hotel and board the coach, heading towards North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains. Later in the day, you’ll arrive in the city of Asheville, enclosed by a mountainous landscape and popular for its art scene and beautiful historic architecture.
Once you’ve arrived, you can check into your hotel, and perhaps take advantage of its diverse culinary offerings and locally brewed craft beer. The city has a high number of breweries per capita and is often referred as ‘Beer City, USA’.
Day Six – Day At Leisure In Asheville Or Optional Tour To Biltmore Estate
Today, you’re free to explore Asheville at your own pace, perhaps seeking out its vast assortment of art galleries and museums and wandering around its downtown area, with well-preserved Art Deco, Victorian and neoclassical-style buildings.
Alternatively, you can join an optional tour to Biltmore House, a historic mansion and one of the most famous and impressive houses in the United Stations. Regarded as ‘America’s largest home’, this 250-room French Renaissance-like château spans 175,000 square feet and has 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and a luxurious indoor swimming pool. This imposing building was constructed between 1889 and 1895 by George Washington Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family. Your excursion will include access to the interior as well as the extensive estate, with its landscaped garden, winery and farm.
The evening will be free for further exploration.
Day Seven – Travel To Charleston, South Carolina And Orientation City Tour
This morning, after checking out, you’ll travel to Charleston, set along the Atlantic Ocean and one of the oldest cities in the United States. Here, you’ll check into your hotel before your tour manager takes you on an orientation tour of this delightful port city. Home to pastel antebellum houses and cobblestone lanes, you’ll be introduced to the French Quarter and Battery districts, as well as the promenade, Waterfront Park, and Fort Sumter – the point at which the first shots of the Civil War were fired.
For the rest of the day, you can amble around the sights, and find somewhere for dinner, perhaps sampling the Southern cuisine, like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup and Lowcountry boil.
Day Eight – Morning At Leisure, Transfer To Beaufort And Continue To Savannah
You’ll have a free morning once you’ve checked out today, allowing you to explore further points of interest, perhaps the lively harbour lined with waterfront restaurants. A walk through the historic district is also recommended, particularly along streets like Rainbow Row and Meeting Street, both bordered by brightly hued buildings.
Board the coach and make a stop at coastal Beaufort, positioned on Port Royal Island, one of South Carolina’s Sea Islands. You’ll have some time to walk around its downtown historic district and observe the houses built in an antebellum design.
Later, you’ll continue on to nearby Savannah, immersed in history and featuring 22 leafy public squares and a lively waterfront area. When you’ve checked into your hotel, you can head straight out to soak up the nightlife and try more seafood delicacies and the local fried chicken. Don’t miss indulging in a sweet treat either, like the city’s popular pralines and pecan pie.
Day Nine – Free Day In Savannah Or Optional Guided Trolley Tour
A whole day of self-exploration awaits you today, ensuring ample time to tick off the city’s highlights. River Street, along the waterfront is a good starting point, buzzing with shops and restaurants. The historic district in the centre is also a must-see, with its pedestrianised cobblestone streets and park-like public squares, swathed in Spanish moss and shaded by oak trees. You can also see Chippewa Square, where the infamous “life is like a box of chocolates” scene from Forrest Gump was filmed. The bench itself can be found in the Savannah History Museum, which is worth visiting, as well as the Davenport House Museum and the SCAD Museum of Art. For shopping, the City Market is a hub packed with boutiques and stalls selling locally crafted goods.
If you’d prefer a guided tour alternative, you can board an optional trolley tour, which allows you to explore on a 90-minute narrated sightseeing experience. This is an ideal way to traverse the sights and squares of Savanah while listening to the stories and historical facts of Georgia’s first city and its notable residents. You can sit back in an open-air trolley and appreciate the scenery.
As it’s your last evening, be sure to get your fill of Southern cuisine and visit the local breweries and taprooms – Savannah has a burgeoning craft beer scene, too.
Day 10 – Transfer To Atlanta And Fly Back To The Uk
You’ll check out of your hotel and travel to Atlanta for your evening overnight flight back to the UK.
Day 11 – Uk Arrival
Arrive back in the UK following an exploration of America’s oldest cities and a deep dive into the past.
What's Included
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Tour of Washington D.C.
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Nine nights' room-only accommodation in a series of good-quality hotels in Alexandria (2 nights), Williamsburg (2), Asheville (2), Charleston (1), Savannah (2), plus one night on the aircraft
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Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive
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Visit to Charlottesville
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Drive through the Great Smoky Mountains
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Orientation city tour of Charleston
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Excursion to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestowne
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Return flights to Washington and from Atlanta
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Visit to Beaufort
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Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
Passports and visas
When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $21 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.
Tipping
Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver or Tour Manager is about $5 per person per day. It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.
On your flight
All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Hotel rooms
Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.
Passports and visas
When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $21 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.
Tipping
Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver or Tour Manager is about $5 per person per day. It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.
On your flight
All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Hotel rooms
Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
Friday - Monday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Friday - Monday
May 02, 2025 - May 12, 2025Friday - Monday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025Friday - Monday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Friday - Monday
Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 17, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.