Shenandoah & Great Smoky Mountains National Parks
The place you belong
Epic experiences ahead! See some of America's most beautiful scenery at Shenandoah National Park, the Blueridge Mountains, and the Great Smoky Mountains, all in one trip! This vacation puts you in the driver's seat as you wind through the proudest landscapes of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Whether you want to spend the whole trip hiking and biking, shopping, or investigating each area's entertainment, this trip will get you there - taking the scenic route, of course!
What's Included
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Washington, D.C. (IAD) and out of Knoxville (TYS)
- Automatic rental car for the duration of your trip
- Pick up IAD and drop off TYS
- 2 nights in Shenandoah National Park at the Skyland Resort, or similar
- 2 nights in Asheville at the Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville, or similar
- 3 nights in Gatlinburg at the Edgewater Hotel & Conference Center, or similar
- Detailed day-by-day itinerary with trip highlights, hotel information, local guides, maps and daily driving instructions
Great Ways to Explore
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Drive the stunning Skyline Drive, which runs the entire length of Shenandoah National Park.
Bike the Blue Ridge in Asheville.Â
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Visit a moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg.
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See Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains.
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Breathe in the fresh mountain air and bask in the sunshine while you explore the great outdoors.
The mountains, the scenery, and the best of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. All that and more is waiting for you on this 7-night road trip through some of America's most prized national parks.
Whether you're driving along the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking the Appalachian Trail, or staring up at the starry night sky, you'll know that this trip is exactly what you needed to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Washington, D.C. (IAD) and out of Knoxville (TYS)
- Automatic rental car for the duration of your trip
- Pick up IAD and drop off TYS
- 2 nights in Shenandoah National Park at the Skyland Resort, or similar
- 2 nights in Asheville at the Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville, or similar
- 3 nights in Gatlinburg at the Edgewater Hotel & Conference Center, or similar
- Detailed day-by-day itinerary with trip highlights, hotel information, local guides, maps and daily driving instructions
-
Drive the stunning Skyline Drive, which runs the entire length of Shenandoah National Park.
Bike the Blue Ridge in Asheville.Â
-
Visit a moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg.
-
See Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains.
-
Breathe in the fresh mountain air and bask in the sunshine while you explore the great outdoors.
The mountains, the scenery, and the best of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. All that and more is waiting for you on this 7-night road trip through some of America's most prized national parks.
Whether you're driving along the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking the Appalachian Trail, or staring up at the starry night sky, you'll know that this trip is exactly what you needed to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Virginia!
After touchdown, pick up your rental car and head for the great state of Virginia. Your first stop is Shenandoah National Park, a wonderland bursting with spectacular vistas, sparkling waterfalls, and serene wooded hollows.Â
Check-in - Skyland Resort
Skyline Resort is located at the highest elevation of Skyline Drive (3680 feet) in Shenadoah National Park, giving the accommodations incredible views from every angle. Guests will be immersed in their beautiful surroundings while still enjoying a comfortable stay. The property includes a gift shop, small "grab and go" cafe, main dining room and Mountain Taproom. Wi-fi is only available in the main dining area and lobby depending on your provider, but guests typically enjoy this; it gives everyone the chance to unplug and reconnect with nature.
Day 2. Shenandoah National Park
Leap into the action at Shenandoah National Park. Hike a section of the famous Appalachian Trail, see the historic summer retreat of President Herbert Hoover, and dive into the history and science of the park.
Day 3. Shenandoah National Park - Asheville
Hit the Blue Ridge Highway for one of the most scenic drives the country has to offer. The ride from Shenandoah National Park to Asheville, North Carolina can take 5-6 hours, so be sure to plan a stop or two for a bit of sightseeing or souvenir shopping along the way!
Check-in - The Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville
The Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville has everything guests could ever need. Guests have access to a saltwater lap pool, heated outdoor pool, golf course, tennis courts, fitness center, children's playground and more! The common areas of the property have been recently renovated to reflect comfort and luxury. Rooms are spacious and equipped with cable televisions and free Wi-Fi.
Day 4. Asheville
If you're ready for another beautiful day in the great outdoors, make your way to Pisgah National Forest or the Botanical Gardens of Asheville. If you prefer to stay in the city to explore the thriving arts scene, there are tons of offerings to explore. Take a brewery tour, visit a museum or two, or head downtown to check out the buskers performing on nearly every street corner!Â
Day 5. Asheville - Gatlinburg
The road is calling! Your drive from Asheville to the Great Smoky Mountains will take about 2 hours. Once you've arrived, treat yourself to a tasty meal and some of Gatlinburg's lively entertainment.Â
Check-in - Edgewater Hotel & Conference Center
Situated just under a mile from the Great Smoky Mountains, Edgewater Hotel & Conference Center offers guests comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi. Within walking distance is also the Ripley's Aquarium, Space Needle, an observation tower and the Mountain Mall. The property features a fitness center, hot tub and pool on site for those who wish to relax at the hotel.
Day 6. Gatlinburg
The Great Smoky Mountains are waiting! Why not spend the day in Cades Cove, the most popular destination in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This verdant valley is prime for spotting wildlife, immersing yourself in history, and hiking beautiful nature trails.Â
Day 7. Gatlinburg
Grab some quality time with the family today. Ride the Gatlinburg Space Needle's glass elevator 407 feet straight up to get an unparalleled 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg, After, you may enjoy a visit to Acadia, located below the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
Day 8. Depart Tennessee
It's time to head back to the airport, return your rental car, and catch your flight home.Â