Skip to main content
Proudly Australian owned & operated Speak to one of our experienced consultants 1300 414 198 · 7 days a week
Tour · Insight Vacations · 9 nights

Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA

  • Visit a pioneer mountain farm-village with over 250,000 artifacts
  • Taste signature wines at Veritas Winery in Virginia
  • Explore the formal gardens of The North Carolina Arboretum
From
$8,475 pp twin share
9 nights
Departs 26 September 2026 Returns 5 October 2026
Duration9 nights
OperatorInsight Vacations
StyleTour
HighlightDiscover the spectacular National Parks and eclectic cities of the Eastern USA on this 10-day guided tour
Revel in wide-open spaces, striking landscapes and iconic city sights. Enjoy the region's food, music and art. Explore the influence of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted

Discover the spectacular National Parks and eclectic cities of the Eastern USA on this 10-day guided tour. Revel in wide-open spaces, striking landscapes and iconic city sights while enjoying the region’s food, music and art. Starting in Washington, D.C., admire the vivid colours of Shenandoah National Park, taste signature wines at Veritas Winery and reconnect with nature at New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, America’s newest National Park. In Asheville, explore the formal gardens of The North Carolina Arboretum and discover the influence of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted amid the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Continue to the vast Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home. Uncover the region’s fascinating history at Oconaluftee Indian Village as you join a Cherokee cultural expert for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Picnic in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and explore the intricate caves of Mammoth Cave National Park before ending your journey on a crescendo in Nashville, the toe-tapping home of country music.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
26 September 2026
Returns 5 October 2026
Returns
5 October 2026
Duration
9 nights
From pp twin share
$8,475 pp
  • 26 Sep 2026 - 05 Oct 2026
    from $8,475 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 5

    A feast of music and food in Asheville N.C.

    After breakfast, visit The North Carolina Arboretum, a 434-acre public garden set within the forested coves and meandering creeks of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Explore its formal gardens as your guide reveals the history of the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, its role in conservation and the influence of Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Admire thoughtfully designed horticultural displays that bring nature, artistry and scientific research together. Later, discover Asheville’s culinary character on a walking food tour, stopping to sample an array of local flavours during a late lunch. Your evening is at leisure.

  6. 6

    The Biltmore Estate

    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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 10

    Depart Nashville

    This morning, bid farewell to Nashville at your leisure, or extend your stay in Music City.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

  • 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
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

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.
Ready to lock in?

Book this tour

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this tour
Travel at 60 Social Getaways

Travel further when you're not travelling alone

Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.

Open to solo travellers too. Many of our travellers book on their own and find their feet quickly in a friendly group of like-minded Australians. Reduced single-supplement options are available on most departures — ask one of our consultants and we'll talk you through what's offered on this trip.

  • A friendly Travel at 60 host — an Australian face on the ground, looking out for the group from day one.
  • Curated local guides & boutique suppliers — the same operators we'd book for our own families.
  • Real itineraries, not whirlwind tours — comfortable transfers, breathing room, and the “off the beaten track” stops the big bus tours skip.

Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.

— The team at Travel at 60

A Travel at 60 host with travellers on a Social Getaway
From (twin) $8,475 pp
Enquire