HISTORIC TRAILS and BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS WITH SPECIAL CIVIL WAR DEPARTURE (87102012)

A 15-Day Cosmos Tours tour starting from $2,139

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Starting Price: $2,139 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 15 Days
Countries Visited: United States
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  • 10% Discount for Travelers under 18 yrs old
  • Pay $25 Less For Your 2nd & Subsequent Vacations
  • Vacations start as low as $115 a day
  • Lower prices during the low season (October–March)
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 Escorted Tour
Tour Category: Other Cosmos Tours
Tour Operator: Cosmos Tours
Tour Code: 8710-2012
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Cities Visited:
See Description

Title
Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains with Special Civil War Departure

Vacation Overview
This is a scenic and educationally packed trip beginning and ending in the capital of the United States, Washington DC. There’s plenty of sightseeing to be done in Washington DC, and your sightseeing tour covers the highlights. History comes alive in Washington DC and in other locations throughout this tour. In Colonial Williamsburg, see history recreated as costumed villagers add charm and authenticity to the quaint streets. Visit Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home; Sinking Spring Farm, where Lincoln was born; Harper’s Ferry, where John Brown made his raid on the U.S. arsenal; and Gettysburg Battlefield, where Lincoln delivered the famous Gettysburg Address. This vacation also includes beautiful scenery. Enjoy vistas of the Shenandoah Valley from the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains sits the popular mountain retreat of Gatlinburg, where you’ll spend two nights. In Kentucky, the scenery changes to the green pastures, whiteboard fences, and columned estates of Kentucky Bluegrass Country. These are just a few of the many features you’ll enjoy on this vacation. History and beauty—this trip has it all!Special note: On this special tour, be a part of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. Retrace the steps of the Gray on Antietam Battlefield and be a part of the epic battle at the Gettysburg Battle Anniversary reenactment.

Vacation Type
y

 

Guides
Local Guides for sightseeing in Washington DC and Gettysburg; services of a professional Tour Director.

Hotels


WASHINGTON DC AREA
Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria (F),

GETTYSBURG
Quality Inn Gettysburg (ST),

SHENANDOAH
Skyland Resort (MF),

BECKLEY
Quality Inn Beckley (MF),

LEXINGTON, KY
Hilton Lexington Downtown (SF),

BARDSTOWN
Best Western General Nelson Inn (ST),

GATLINBURG
Glenstone Lodge (F),

ASHEVILLE AREA
Quality Inn & Suites Biltmore South (ST),

LEXINGTON, VA AREA
Natural Bridge Hotel (MF),

WILLIAMSBURG
Country Inn & Suites Williamsburg (F)

Meals
2 breakfasts (B), 4 continental breakfasts (CB)

Transportation
Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.

 
Day 1:
Washington DC Area. Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
Washington DC Area – Alexandria – Mount Vernon – Washington DC Area. Your day begins with a visit to old town Alexandria, a quaint historic town on the Potomac River that boasts some of the finest historical architecture, galleries and shops. Alexandria's riverfront was an important port during the Colonial, Revolutionary and Civil War periods. During a guided walking tour learn about the events leading to the union occupation of Alexandria and life in the city during the civil war. This afternoon visit MOUNT VERNON, the beloved home of George and Martha Washington, overlooking the banks of the Potomac River. Time to explore the most popular historic estate in America. Your evening is free for independent activities.

Day 3:
Washington DC Area–Gettysburg. Cross the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania today with a visit to the hallowed GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD where your visit will coincide with the annual Gettysburg re-enactment, one of the largest and finest of its kind where you will learn why this was the decisive campaign of the civil war. Enjoy a number of living history events with people dressed in clothes and uniforms of the era and you will experience the cannon fire, cavalry charges and infantry battles of the Union and Confederate armies as you watch the two forces re-enact the events of July 1863.

Day 4:
Gettysburg–Harpers Ferry–Luray Caverns–Shenandoah National Park. This morning begins with a stop at the BATTLEFIELD OF ANTIETAM for a guided tour which highlights the events of the bloodiest battle during the Civil War with over 23,000 casualties in a single day. Afterwards, head for HARPERS FERRY, where in 1859 John Brown made his ill-fated raid on the US arsenal. Time to stop at LURAY CAVERNS for a guided tour of the spectacular caverns, and then up to the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains with magnificent vistas of the Shenandoah Valley. (CB)

Day 5:
Shenandoah National Park–New River Gorge-Beckley. Through lumber and limestone country into wonderful and wild West Virginia. After a lunch break in Lewisburg, a Civil War battlefield, travel to Fayetteville with a stop at New River Gorge Bridge, the world’s largest steel-span bridge rising 876 feet above the river. For the more adventurous, an optional float trip down the New River, a perfect way to see the West Virginia backcountry. Then on to Beckley, the heart of West Virginia’s "smokeless" coal industry for an overnight stay.

Day 6:
Beckley–Lexington, Kentucky. Before entering Kentucky we stop in the state capital – Charleston, one-time home of Daniel Boone. As you cross the state border, the scenery changes to green pastures, which board fences, and columned estates of Kentucky bluegrass country and the backdrop for the movie Seabiscuit. Arrive in Lexington, the ‘Heart of the Bluegrass’. This morning, it's time for a fascinating visit to the KENTUCKY HORSE PARK. Legends like Man o' War and Secretariat conquered the racing world from here. The visit includes the International Museum of the Horse, the Hall of Champions, where famous horses from the past enjoy their retirement, the Parade of Breeds, and many other exhibits and demonstrations. (CB)

Day 7:
Lexington–Bardstown. Travel the Bluegrass Parkway and stop at SINKING SPRING FARM, where Abraham Lincoln was born. A replica of the original log cabin is preserved as a shrine to the best-loved of American Presidents. Visit a true working WHISKEY DISTILLERY, and learn about the production of the very finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon, for which Kentucky is famous. Overnight in Bardstown, Kentucky's second-oldest city. Evening is at leisure.

Day 8:
Bardstown–Gatlinburg. This morning's journey takes you along Kentucky's scenic backroads to Bardstown to visit the CIVIL WAR MUSEUM with its story of the Civil Wars Western Front and one of the largest collections of rare Civil War memorabilia in the country. After lunch it's on to 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 frontier privy! The next two nights are in Gatlinburg nestled at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. (CB)

Day 9:
Gatlinburg. One of America's most popular mountain retreats 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 and her love for the mountains, family, and country music. Tonight's optional outing features the Dixie Stampede, an action packed evening filled with friendly North and South competition, thrilling horse riding stunts, spectacular special effects, phenomenal musical productions plus a mouth-watering four-course feast complete with a delicious dessert!

Day 10:
Gatlinburg–Great Smoky Mountains National Park–Asheville Area. Drive right through the Centre of the Smokies along the spectacular Newfound Gap Road peaking at 5,046 feet. Into North Carolina and a stop at the 7,500-acre grounds of BILTMORE ESTATE, built by George Vanderbilt, grandson of the famous railroad magnate, Cornelius Vanderbilt. Then onto the dramatic CHIMNEY ROCK. Take an elevator carved through solid rock up to the granite monolith for views over Hickory Nut Gorge. Overnight in the Asheville area, hometown of American author Thomas Wolfe.

Day 11:
Asheville Area–Lexington, Virginia Area. The 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 the most photographed spots in the country. This afternoon visit Natural Bridge, a 215-feet high arch in a wooded setting, once owned by Thomas Jefferson. George Washington's initials are still visible on the cliffside, from his work here as a young surveyor. Afterward, head to Lexington, where on a guided tour you will see the Lee Chapel, Jackson Memorial Cemetery, and the family home of confederate General Stonewall Jackson. Also visit the MUSEUM OF THE VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUE and discover its Civil War past. (CB)

Day 12:
Lexington Area–Richmond–Williamsburg. This morning's highlight is the graceful home of the third President, Thomas Jefferson. The estate, named MONTICELLO, reflects Jefferson's skills as an artist, architect, and designer. It is the only house in the US that is on the United Nations' World Heritage List of international treasures. We follow with a short sightseeing tour of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy in the Civil War. The day ends in Williamsburg, between the James and York Rivers, where the very earliest European settlers established their first colonies.

Day 13:
Williamsburg. Today is dedicated to COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG, where American heritage is proudly preserved in the reconstructed buildings and historical displays. Take a 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. (B)

Day 14:
Williamsburg–Washington DC Area. This morning return to Washington DC. Upon arrival, included sightseeing with a Local Guide shows you the graves of American heroes, including those of John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert, in beautiful Arlington National Cemetery. Here, visit ARLINGTON HOUSE, home of Robert E Lee, the renowned confederate general. Afterward, your guided tour of the capital continues with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House, as well as visits to the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials. View landmarks such as the Willard Hotel and enjoy a visit to Ford's Theatre where Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. This evening, join the optional evening outing featuring a delicious dinner followed by an illumination tour of Washington's famous memorials. (B)

Day 15:
Washington DC Area. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Dulles or Reagan International Airports are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Washington DC further with a variety of exciting optional activities.

 

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Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
7/5/2012 - 7/19/2012
$2,139
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Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
         

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

City Highlights
Sightseeing in Washington DC; orientation tour in Richmond; Mount Vernon, Gettysburg Battlefield, Harpers Ferry, Luray Caverns, Kentucky Horse Park, Sinking Spring Farm, Whiskey Distillery, Colonel Sanders, Museum of Appalachia, Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock, Monticello, Colonial Williamsburg.

Scenic Highlights
Harpers Ferry National Park, Kentucky Bluegrass Country, Shenandoah National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Natural Bridge.

 

Cosmos Disclaimer - Indicates that this departure and vacation is available for 2012 early booking. Book early, secure the best departures and protect yourself from any price modifications. All tours will be open for 2012 bookings in the Fall of 2011. Vacation upgrades and/or additions will not be available for early booking, as well as, any extra pre- or post-night pricing until the Fall of 2011. With the exception of Journeys Club discounts, future travel promotions are not applicable and are not retroactive on early bookings.

Price Details US
Prices based on double-room occupancy.Single Room Supplement: $838Triple Room Reduction per person: $210Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available.

Related Tours
8720|Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains

SAVE $125 Per Person On Cosmos 2012 Air-Inclusive Europe Tours

Save $125 per person on Cosmos 2012 air-inclusive Europe vacations

 

Discover the best of Europe - for less!


For 50 years Cosmos has offered savvy, value-minded travelers the most affordable travel packages to the world's most fascinating places—places like the snowcapped peaks of Switzerland, sunny Spain, the ancient splendor of Greece and Egypt, festive France, the snowcapped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, North America’s breathtaking national parks, the volcanic wonders of Hawaii, and America’s historical East Coast. Because Cosmos specializes in packaged travel arrangements, you can visit exciting cities at a remarkable price. Our clout with suppliers is concentrated and we pass the savings on to you. It's the very best way to travel more…for less!

 

 

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions: Book a 2012 Cosmos Europe air-inclusive vacation to receive $125 off the air price per person. Must be booked, under deposit and discount applied between February 28 and May 22, 2012 for travel between April 2 and October 25, 2012. Offer not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2012 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Total air price includes all government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking. Your air quote will include all air taxes, surcharges and fees applicable for your itinerary at the time of booking. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Air price, air tax and security fees are non-commissionable. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. For the most current airline-imposed baggage fees, please check the following website, www.iflybags.com. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

Cosmos Year Round Deals

Cosmos Year Round Discounts



 

Young Traveler Discounts

      

 

With Cosmos, travel is definitely a family affair. Young travelers ages 8-17 receive a 10% discount on the land-only portion of their Globus vacation.



Discount for Repeat Travelers

      

 

Journeys Club members can save 5% on any 2012 Cosmos vacation. This is on top of other great member benefits, including exclusive deal alerts throughout the year, unique travel accessories, and special partner discounts and benefits. 



Second Tour Discount

      

 

It pays to travel more often! Book two Cosmos vacations traveling in the same year and receive 5% off the land portion of your second tour. And if you take three tours, you save 5% on each of your next two.





Triple Room Reduction

      

 

You can also save when three people travel together and share accommodations. Refer to the itinerary pages for the specific reduction per tour.



Big Savings for Small Groups

      

 

Traveling with family and friends has always been rewarding, and now the rewards can really pile up. Small groups of 5, 6, or 7 can save 5% per person off the land-only portion of Cosmos tour vacations. 

And don't forget: in groups of 8 to 15, one person travels at half-price; in a group of 16+, one person travels free. So, bring others along and multiply the fun—and the savings!

Traveling party of 5, 6 or 7 must travel from same origination point and must be advised at the time of booking. Discount on the land-only portion of core tour, not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes/fees, tips and supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 10, 2011 and December 31, 2012, for travel commencing by December 31, 2012. Does not apply to Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon Waterways. Not combinable with any other offer or discount other than the Journeys Club repeat traveler benefit. Not combinable with other group allowances. Travelers already traveling at a discount, such as children, do not count toward the party total. Offer reliant on space availability, and applies to new 2012 bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


 

Avoid the Single Room Supplement

      

 

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!

 


 

 
 

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.