Welcome to the US capital! Arrive today in Washington D.C. for the start of your self drive holiday along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Explore the city’s most famous sites which are mostly concentrated along the National Mall, often called the ‘Nation’s Front Yard’. These include the majority of the 18 museums that comprise the Smithsonian Institution, War Memorials, and the Washington Monument which offers rides to the top of the obelisk and lies south of the illustrious White House.

The Melrose Georgetown Hotel or similar

Pick up your hire car and enjoy a day exploring Shenandoah National Park, known as “Virginia’s Crowning Glory”. The park is well-known for its stunning panoramic views along Skyline Drive. Within the park there is a myriad of outdoor recreational activities to choose from; some of the favourites include hiking and nature walks along the over 500 miles of trails, horseback riding, bicycling, fishing, and canoeing.

Washington D.C. > Shenandoah National Park | 115 miles

Skyland Resort or similar

Continue through the National Park along Skyline Drive, before embarking on the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway. This road weaves its way through the mountains and every turn reveals a stunning view. Drop into the history and music of the mountain people of this region, exploring such places as the Blue Ridge Music Centre and Mabry Mill.

Shenandoah National Park > Roanoke | 180 miles

Holiday Inn, Tanglewood or similar

Continue your cruise south along the amazing Blue Ridge Parkway through the Plateau and Highlands Regions and crossing the border from Virginia to North Carolina. You’ll be taking in endless views out across North Carolina and the perfectly surfaced parkway leading you to one of America’s greatest and most famous roads. Tonight will be spent in the charming mountain town of Blowing Rock with its boutique shops and gastropubs.

Roanoke > Blowing Park | 175 miles

Holiday Inn Express, Blowing Rock or similar

As you drive through North Carolina this morning, you will be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Asheville is an inviting destination complete with architectural gems from several eras and a lively cultural scene. Here you will find Biltmore Estate, the 250 room French Renaissance style chateau built by George Washington Vanderbilt. Why not enjoy a twilight railway excursion through the Blue Ridge Mountains?

You can also visit the Cherokee Reservation to learn about this ancient culture that is the root of the Old South. There are many things to do in Cherokee; attend the breathtaking outdoor Mountainside Theatre, visit the Cherokee Museum and experience a working village with demonstrations, mask carvings and plenty more. Beyond the cultural attractions, there are many outdoor activities on offer and you will be blown away by the warmth of the Cherokee people. 

Blowing Rock > Asheville | 90 miles

Crowne Plaza Asheville or similar

Nestled within the Chattahoochee National Forest is the picturesque town of Blue Ridge. With more than 100,000 acres of woodlands, 300 miles of hiking trails and 100 miles of trout streams, Blue Ridge is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy nature.

Asheville > Blue Ridge | 142 miles

Hampton Inn Blue Ridge or similar

Better known as the Music City, Nashville is the heart and soul of country music. We suggest dropping your car off then catching a taxi to your hotel, as most of the museums and music venues you’ll be visiting are in walking distance of each others.

Whilst in the city, take the time to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame where you can enjoy historic country video clips and recorded music. Also, visit Historic RCA Studio B, ‘The Home of 1,000 Hits’ to get an up-close look at what was once the second home of music legends Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton and more. In the evenings consider a dinner cruise on a paddlewheel riverboat or a night at the Grand Ole Oprey, a classic Nashville experience.

Blue Ridge > Nashville | 235 miles

Hyatt Place Opryland or similar

Enjoy this final day in Nashville at leisure before heading to the airport for your flight home, or on to your next destination.