Best of the East(Trip #60254)

Tour Overview

Contrasting America's biggest brashest cities with the timeless charm of rural landscapes and scenic National Parks.

Experience the best of the East's cities, national parks, attractions and culture, and get "off the beaten track" to the lesser known special places and people that make up this fascinating region of America. From the scenic national parks of the Appalachian Mountains to the big-city sights and sounds of Chicago, the 18th century world of Amish country to the slow-paced life of the rural South.

Flexible Night Stops
The itinerary shown is intended as a guide only indicating a typical itinerary & series of activities. While our intention is to adhere to the published day by day route, the itinerary, distance travelled, type of accommodation and available activities may vary due to group input, weather, road conditions & local restrictions.

Departs our New York hotel at 0730 hrs.

1. Washington DC
2. Washington DC
3. Shenandoah Nat'l Park
4. West Virginia
5. Great Smoky Mountains
6. Great Smoky Mountains
7. Nashville
8. Mammoth Caves Nat'l Park
9. Chicago (H)
10. Chicago (H)
11. Ohio
12. Niagara Falls
13. Finger Lakes
14. New York

This trek may operate in either direction.

(H) indicates hotel nights paid locally. All other nights are camping included in the price.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1-2: - New York & Washington DC
Washington D.C. is the perfect introduction to the social, cultural and political history of the United States. Stand before the awe-inspiring monuments and explore the world renowned museums, such as the Smithsonian. Take advantage of the great nightlife in Georgetown before setting off for five days of adventure in the national parks.
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 3-6: - Shenandoah National Park, West Virginia & Great Sm
Hiking & horseback riding are some of the activities awaiting you amidst the lush, natural beauty of the Appalachians - home to the American black bear and former haunt of the Cherokee Indians. Follow the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park for stunning views across the Shenandoah Valley and visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park with over 800 miles of maintained trails. Looking for a bit more excitement? Try rafting in West Virginia, boasting some of the best whitewater in America.
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 7-8: - Nashville & Mammoth Caves National Park
Leaving the Appalachians we head to the center of American country music in Nashville, Tennessee. Check out the music at the Grand Ole Opry, learn to country dance, walk the riverfront or shop at the many stores downtown. Next we visit Mammoth Caves national park, the world's longest cave system, with more than 365 miles explored. Take our included tour and explore the subterranean labyrinths.
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 9-10: - Chicago
Travel out of the woods and into the wildlife, Chicago that is! The nation's third largest city, home to North America's tallest building, the Sears Tower, and the "Loop", has incredible nightlife, including the blues music scene on famous Halstead Street.
Accommodation: 2 nights Chicago hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally

Day 11-12: - Ohio & Niagara Falls
Then it's on to one of America's greatest natural attractions, Niagara Falls. By day, get as close as you dare on the boat ride to the foot of the Falls, and at night see them lit up in all their glory.
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 13-14: - Finger Lakes & New York
A last stop in the lovely and rural Finger Lake region of New York State, before returning to the excitement of the "Big Apple", New York City.
Accommodation: Camping included

Tours ends at 18:00 hrs in New York on day14

Flexible Night Stops
The itinerary shown is intended as a guide only indicating a typical itinerary & series of activities. While our intention is to adhere to the published day by day route, the itinerary, distance travelled, type of accommodation and available activities may vary due to group input, weather, road conditions & local restrictions.