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Tour Info

Leave Fri. May 10
Return Sat. May 25

$3,895 - Total Package

$75 - possible Sign-up Discount

* This program may be back
   in 5 to 8 years.

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2019 America's Historic Trails Returned

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Honolulu Departure.

Our America's Historic Trails journey starts with an evening departure for Denver. The preliminary flight schedule is displayed online at doldworldjourneys.com under the journey's page.

Day 2 Arrival in Washington DC.

Welcome to our Nation's Capital! After a brief stop in Denver, we make direct connections to our Washington DC flight. Touching down in DC in the early afternoon we are met by the effervescent Barbara Buryiak (special director) and transferred to the Holiday Inn Alexandria Carlyle. The balance of our day is at leisure to relax or wander. Barbara and Alex, our Hawaii host, will be on hand to assist us.

Day 3 Discovering our Capital and on to Gettysburg.

Our guided sightseeing begins at the graves of American heroes, including those of John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert, in beautiful Arlington Cemetery. Continue our discovery of our capital with visits to Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, National Mall and end with a photo stop of the White House.

Afterward, cross the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania for a guided exploration to the hallowed Gettysburg Battlefield, site of the decisive Civil War campaign and where Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address in November 1863. Tonight, we dine in Gettysburg's oldest and most historic home! The candlelit charm of this colonial restaurant brings to life the charm, ambiance, and flavors of two centuries ago. As a truly authentic colonial tavern, patrons of the Dobbin House may "eat, drink and be merry." Quality Inn Gettysburg Battlefield. (D)

Day 4 Via Harpers Ferry to Shenandoah National Park.

This morning our coach takes us south into West Virginia. We'll feel like we are steeping into the past as we enter Harpers Ferry Historic National Park. Here, in 1859, John Brown made his ill-fated raid on the U.S. Arsenal. After some free time to wander town we continue to Shenandoah. En route we crest the Blue Ridge Mountains and take in magnificent vistas of the Shenandoah Valley. Overnight in Shenandoah National Park. Overnight at the Skyland Resort located inside the park. (B)

Day 5 Via New River Gorge to Beckley.

Today we travel through lumber and limestone country into wonderfully wild West Virginia. Take a lunch break in the historic town of Lewisburg which Frommer's labels as America's Coolest Small Town. It was once a Civil War battlefield. Then on to Fayetteville and stop at New River Gorge Bridge. It's the world’s third-longest steel-span bridge, rising 876 feet above the river. End our day in Beckley, the heart of West Virginia’s “smokeless” coal industry, for an overnight stay. Hampton Inn.

Day 6 Via Charleston to Lexington, Kentucky.

Before entering Kentucky, we stop in the state capital of Charleston, West Virginia, one-time home of American frontiersman Daniel Boone. As we cross the state border, the scenery changes to green pastures, white-board fences, and the columned estates of Kentucky bluegrass country—backdrop for the movie Seabiscuit. Arriving in Lexington, the “Heart of the Bluegrass” we enjoy a fascinating visit to the Kentucky Horse Park, from where legends like Man o’ War and Secretariat conquered the racing world. Be sure to take time to experience the Showplace for Saddlebreds at the Saddlebred Museum. Hilton Lexington Downtown is our home for the next two nights. (B)

Day 7 Excursion to Hodgenville and Bardstown.

Travel this morning on Bluegrass Parkway making a stop at Sinking Spring Farm, a one-room cabin where the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, was born. A replica of the original log cabin is preserved as a shrine to one of the best-loved American presidents. Then we visit the Lincoln Museum, dedicated to Lincoln’s life and times as president. The museum features 12 historically accurate scenes from Lincoln’s life and Civil War memorabilia. Later walk out to the center of Town Square for a photo op in front of the Lincoln Statue, and the Lincoln Boy Statue.

Afterward, we head to Bardstown and visit the fourth-largest Civil War Museum in the United States. Unlike the other museums, this one focuses mainly on the War of the Western States. Visitors move through a series of exhibits featuring artifacts from both the Union and the Confederacy. End our day (Alex's favorite place) by visiting a true working Bourbon Distillery and learn about the production of the very finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon (and try a sample or two), for which Kentucky is famous. Return to Lexington for the night.

Day 8 To Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Our coach continues south today and into Tennessee, with an interesting stop at Corbin for a visit to Colonel Sanders' original fried chicken restaurant, which is now a museum. This afternoon explore the fascinating Museum of Appalachia, a living history pioneer museum recognized by the Smithsonian. It contains 65 acres of farmland and several historic cabins, barns, and other buildings—even a frontier privy! The Museum of Appalachia's Hall of Fame & Display Barn House is one of the nation's finest collections of Appalachian folk art. The next two nights are in Gatlinburg at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. Glenstone Lodge.

Day 9 Discovering Unique Gatlinburg.

Start the morning with a 1,800 feet ride up to the top of the Crockett Mountain on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. From here take in breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. Head over to main street for some free time to browse the shops and eateries or return to the hotel and relax.

We start our afternoon with a visit to the Sill House of the Sugarland’s Distillery to see first-hand how Sugarland's Shine is made and sample a few hand-crafted cocktails made by their expert TasteMakers. Then spend a little time at Cooter's Place, a shrine to the 80's "good ol' boys" hit Dukes of Hazzard. The mini-museum features original scripts, costumes, the 1969 orange Dodge Charger known as the General Lee and, of course, a giftshop (smile).

Finally head over to Pigeon Forge to savor Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show. The show features 32 magnificent horses along with beautiful southern belles and gallant heroes. A delicious (hand eaten) four-course feast will be served (no try sneak in your Hashi). (D)

Day 10 Via the Great Smoky Mountains to Asheville, North Carolina.

Keep your eyes peeled for dear and bears as we drive right through the center of the Smokies along the spectacular Newfound Gap Road, peaking at 5,046 feet. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is world renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. The United Nations has designated the National Park as an International Biosphere Reserve.

Our coach continues into North Carolina and makes a stop at the 7,500-acre grounds of the impressive Biltmore Estate, built by George Vanderbilt, grandson of railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. Overnight in the Asheville area, hometown of American author Thomas Wolfe. Hampton Inn & Suites.

Day 11 Via the Blue Ridge Parkway to Lexington, Virginia.

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from the Great Smokies to Shenandoah National Park without a single traffic light along its 470-mile route. We travel the scenic portion of the parkway today, from Fancy Gap to Roanoke. Along the way we take our first break at Mount Airy, the hometown of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry RFD. We'll make a quick visit to Floyd's Barber Shop before continuing to the tranquil setting of Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots in the country.

This afternoon we experience the Natural Bridge, a 215-foot-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. For those with the energy, take a nature trail through the Great Stone Archway and alongside Cedar Creek. Overnight in Lexington at the Best Western Inn. (B)

Day 12 Via Monticello to Williamsburg, Virginia.

Start our day with a exploration of the graceful home of the third U.S. president, Thomas Jefferson. The Monticello Estate reflects Jefferson’s skills as an artist, architect, and designer. A large of percentage of the furnishings on display are original. It is the only house in the U.S. that is on the UNESCO World Heritage list of international treasures. Then head over to Williamsburg, between the James and York Rivers, where the very earliest European settlers established their first colonies. We spend the next two nights at the Country Inn Williamsburg Gateway. (B)

Day 13 Excursion to Colonial Williamsburg.

Our day is dedicated to Colonial Williamsburg, where American heritage is proudly preserved in the reconstructed buildings and historical displays. Stroll down quaint streets and browse through homes, gardens, taverns, shops, and exhibits. It’s a living history museum where you can step into certain homes or shops and see reenactments of how things were in the 18th century. Be sure to experience the Courthouse and pretend to be justices, defendants, and witnesses. In the Hall of Burgesses, listen as costumed interpreters debate the controversial steps that led to the Declaration of Independence. (B)

Day 14 Via Richmond and Mount Vernon to Washington DC.

This morning begins with a short orientation drive of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Stop at the Capitol Building for photographs before making our way to Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George and Martha Washington, overlooking the banks of the Potomac River. Take time to explore the most popular historic estate in America. The final leg of our journey takes us back to the Washington DC area. Here the Holiday Inn Alexandria Carlyle is our home for our last two nights. (B)

Day 15 Exploring Washington DC.

Start our day with a visit to Capitol Hill. In addition to being a metonym for the United States Congress, it's the largest historic residential neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Stand in awe of the magnificent Rotunda; browse the Statues of National Statuary Hall; enter the Crypt; and possibly see one of our Hawaii State Senators or Congress Members.

Later we take a scenic cruise down the Potomac from Georgetown to Alexandria for a unique vantage point of our Nation's Capital. Tonight, we celebrate the culmination of our amazing America's Trails journey at celebrity Myron Mixon's Pitmaster BBQ. (D)

Day 16 To Honolulu.

Wonderful memories of our historical adventure are with us as we head to the airport this morning. We leave with a deeper appreciation of our country's early beginnings and beautiful scenery of the Appalachian Mountain range. Our flight arrives home in the early evening.