Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA
Discover the spectacular National Parks and eclectic cities of the Eastern USA on this 10-Day guided tour. Revel in wide open spaces, stunning landscapes, iconic city sights and enjoy a bounty of food, music and art. Starting in Washington D.C., enjoy the spectacular colors of Shenandoah National Park, taste signature wines at the Veritas Winery and reconnect with nature at New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, America’s newest National Park. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Citizen Vinyl Record’s press factory in Asheville, and explore the vast Biltmore Estate, America's largest privately owned home. Uncover the region’s fascinating history at the Oconaluftee Indian Village as you join a Cherokee cultural expert for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and explore the intricate caves of Mammoth Cave National Park, ending your trip with a crescendo in Nashville, the toe-tapping home of country music.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
- Nashville: This truly unique park, Mammoth Cave National Park features the longest known cave system in the world. Join a Park Ranger for a tour of the intricate cave system and learn about thousands of years of human history and rich biodiversity that earned this park a title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
- Nashville: Visit the National Museum of African American Music, the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. For music lovers of all generations, this museum inspires, educates, and transforms the appreciation of American music all while celebrating the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack.
- : Join your Travel Director and meet fellow guests at a private Welcome Dinner with drinks at 18:00.
- Asheville: Enjoy a fun and educational walking food tour of Asheville’s culinary favorites that spotlight the region’s signature farm-to-table, local flavors. Taking a seat at several acclaimed eateries, enjoy outstanding food and drink pairings, designed by some of Asheville’s most notable chefs, brewers, and mixologists.
- Smoky Mountains National Park: Enjoy an intimate picnic lunch while overlooking the Smoky Mountains. The secluded Collins Creek picnic site sits near a scenic creek, and here you can relax, enjoy tasty delights and bask in nature’s beauty.
- Nashville: Experience Southern hospitality at one of the locals' favorite restaurants, Puckett's, whose history stretches back to the 1950s.
- Nashville: This truly unique park, Mammoth Cave National Park features the longest known cave system in the world. Join a Park Ranger for a tour of the intricate cave system and learn about thousands of years of human history and rich biodiversity that earned this park a title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
- Nashville: Visit the National Museum of African American Music, the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. For music lovers of all generations, this museum inspires, educates, and transforms the appreciation of American music all while celebrating the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack.
- 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.
- Shenandoah Valley: Taste signature wines, and enjoy a tasty farmhouse lunch, while overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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.
- Cherokee: Be transported to the 1760s at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, as you discover living history. Learn the stories and lifestyle of the Cherokee with a Cultural expert, and together walk winding paths, flanked with traditional dwellings, work areas and sacred ritual sites. Here you can also interact with villagers as they hull canoes, sculpt pottery and masks, weave baskets and fashion beadwork. Your visit directly supports UN Global Goals 10 & 11 - Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Washington, D.C.: Take a tour of the history lined streets of Washington, D.C. and learn about the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, the striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the somber World War II Memorial.
- Washington, D.C.: This striking museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts that reflect history, politics, sports, arts and entertainment. Explore the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it helped shape this nation.
- Shenandoah Valley: Famous for its stunning views, colors and foliage, the scenic Skyline Drive is one of America’s National Scenic Byways. The route runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the full length of the Shenandoah National Park.
- Luray: Meander your way along a gently winding trail, with the most breathtaking views out over Shenandoah National Park. This 1.5 mile hike takes in part of the famous Appalachian trail, and explores the slopes of Stony Man Mountain, the most northernly peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- New River Gorge National Park: Scenic mountains and breathtaking gorge views await at New River Gorge National Park, the nation’s newest National Park, situated over 70,000 acres along the New River. The whitewater river is one of only a few in the world that flows northward, winding dramatically through deep canyons and spanned by magnificent bridges.
- Asheville: A must for music lovers and history buffs, enjoy a fascinating behind the scenes look at how this vinyl pressing operation fits into Asheville’s cultural legacy. Take a factory and studio tour and see the original WWNC radio station, now home to Citizen Studios. Citizen Vinyl also now serves as a community space, serving to celebrate the history of manufacturing and craft.
- Asheville: America's largest privately owned home is as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Built by George Vanderbilt between 1889 and 1895, this 250 room French Renaissance chateau was the largest undertaking in residential architecture at its time. Once completed, the Vanderbilt’s luxurious family home consisted of 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. Discover Biltmore’s rich and fascinating history, explore the gardens and arboretum and browse specialty shops.
- Gatlinburg: Explore the United States' third most-visited park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Smoky Mountains National Park: The Mountain Farm Museum is a unique collection of farm buildings assembled from locations throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Highlighting the importance and culture of agriculture within the park, explore a log farmhouse, barn, apple house and working blacksmith shop, to see how families may have lived 100 years ago.
- Clinton: The pioneering Museum of Appalachia is set in 65 picturesque acres and features over 250,000 artifacts, lending a voice to the people of Appalachia through the artifacts and stories they left behind. Step into a recreated community complete with 35 log cabins, barns, churches, schools and gardens. Browse folk art, musical instruments and Native American artifacts. Followed by a delicious lunch with traditional bluegrass music from The Museum of Appalachia Band.
- Nashville: Enjoy an orientation tour of Nashville and see the major landmarks of this proud, musical city. Then visit the Ryman auditorium - the original home of the grand ole opry. Built in 1885 as a building for religious gatherings, it held its first concert in 1892, before opening its doors to Hollywood greats. It is here Johnny Cash first met June Carter, where bluegrass was born and where country music found an audience.
- National Parks and Preserves
Find the journey right for you with our selection of tour styles. Whether you're looking to see a number of destinations in a single tour, explore a single destination in depth or you want to take the road less traveled, we have the perfect holiday for you.
Discovery Journeys
Discovery Journeys are the ideal style for first-time travelers, showing you the very best your destination has to offer. Each tour will introduce you to multiple countries in one journey.
Regional Journeys
Travel deeper by picking one place that you’ve always longed to visit. Our Regional Journeys are carefully planned to let you explore one region or country in depth, in order to really know its people, traditions and culture.
Country Roads
Step off the beaten track and discover a different side of your destination. Steering clear of the well-trodden tourist trail, our Country Roads program sends you off to hidden retreats and unexpected adventures with lots of local flavor.
Easy Pace
Love full days at leisure while on holiday? Take more time to explore on your own, with a minimum of three nights in each destination and plenty of free time - including more Relaxed Starts - built into the itinerary.
Special Interest Tours
Explore our collection of Special Interest Tours that are themed around particular local festivals, events or cultural interests. These tours include stops at the Chelsea Flower Show in England, Oktoberfest in Germany and more.
Group Travel
Private Custom Groups
We offer the option to customize your own group tour. Our dedicated team of travel experts will create a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs.
Groups on Set Departures
Pricing Scales to your group size. Our group sizes have no upper limits and our competitive pricing scales according to your group size and your budget.
Our history of traveling sustainably
OVER A DECADE OF POSITIVE IMPACT
There are few things more stylish and elegant than being a responsible tourist. That's why sustainable and responsible tourism is at the heart of what we do. As a premium travel brand, we recognize that it's our duty to set the right example. We work diligently to leave a positive impact on the planet, its people, and its wonderful wildlife. To cement our commitment, we created our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy and our not-for-profit organization, the TreadRight Foundation.
OUR COMMITMENT
- Sustainability and conservation: We ensure that we’re protecting our invaluable landscapes and natural resources.
- Cultural preservation: We ensure that the true economic benefit of travel is felt by local communities.
- Protection of our world’s wildlife: We advocate for the highest standard of ethical wildlife experiences.
Our 5-year sustainability strategy
HOW WE TREAD RIGHT
Our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy is based on 11 measurable goals anchored to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which address the issues of climate change, sustainable food production, waste reduction, travel experiences, diversity and inclusion, and wildlife.
By traveling with Insight Vacations, you're supporting a responsible travel company that truly works hard to make a difference.
How you have a positive impact
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences
Travel is education and experience is the best teacher. Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences teach you about the world all while making it better. Whether that's through supporting local economies, preserving age-old traditions, or advancing conservation efforts for native ecosystems. Find out more about how you can be a truly sustainable traveler.
Climate Action
OUR JOURNEY TO NET ZERO
Since the inception of our sustainability strategy, the global community has continued to rally in response to the urgent need for climate action. We're committed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2050. Our dedication to this goal is outlined in our Climate Action Plan, with science-based targets that address our carbon footprint. We are proud of the fact that, alongside our sister brands, we became the first global tour operator to have near-term, long-term and net zero targets that are validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). Gain a deeper insight into our Climate Action Plan and how we're meeting our targets.
Our strategic plan
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We believe diversity is the foundation of meaningful travel. We set out with a curious mind, and the desire to meet new people, hear fresh perspectives and experience different cultures. Embracing and empowering diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of life requires a conscious effort – whether at home, at work, or in our communities.
At the Travel Corporation (TTC), our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey started many years ago, with the development of our DEI strategy. We’ve formalized goals in the following areas: People & Culture, Product & Experiences, and Marketing & Communications, to ensure we’re upholding our end.
Find the journey right for you with our selection of tour styles. Whether you're looking to see a number of destinations in a single tour, explore a single destination in depth or you want to take the road less traveled, we have the perfect holiday for you.
Discovery Journeys
Discovery Journeys are the ideal style for first-time travelers, showing you the very best your destination has to offer. Each tour will introduce you to multiple countries in one journey.
Regional Journeys
Travel deeper by picking one place that you’ve always longed to visit. Our Regional Journeys are carefully planned to let you explore one region or country in depth, in order to really know its people, traditions and culture.
Country Roads
Step off the beaten track and discover a different side of your destination. Steering clear of the well-trodden tourist trail, our Country Roads program sends you off to hidden retreats and unexpected adventures with lots of local flavor.
Easy Pace
Love full days at leisure while on holiday? Take more time to explore on your own, with a minimum of three nights in each destination and plenty of free time - including more Relaxed Starts - built into the itinerary.
Special Interest Tours
Explore our collection of Special Interest Tours that are themed around particular local festivals, events or cultural interests. These tours include stops at the Chelsea Flower Show in England, Oktoberfest in Germany and more.
Group Travel
Private Custom Groups
We offer the option to customize your own group tour. Our dedicated team of travel experts will create a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs.
Groups on Set Departures
Pricing Scales to your group size. Our group sizes have no upper limits and our competitive pricing scales according to your group size and your budget.
Our history of traveling sustainably
OVER A DECADE OF POSITIVE IMPACT
There are few things more stylish and elegant than being a responsible tourist. That's why sustainable and responsible tourism is at the heart of what we do. As a premium travel brand, we recognize that it's our duty to set the right example. We work diligently to leave a positive impact on the planet, its people, and its wonderful wildlife. To cement our commitment, we created our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy and our not-for-profit organization, the TreadRight Foundation.
OUR COMMITMENT
- Sustainability and conservation: We ensure that we’re protecting our invaluable landscapes and natural resources.
- Cultural preservation: We ensure that the true economic benefit of travel is felt by local communities.
- Protection of our world’s wildlife: We advocate for the highest standard of ethical wildlife experiences.
Our 5-year sustainability strategy
HOW WE TREAD RIGHT
Our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy is based on 11 measurable goals anchored to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which address the issues of climate change, sustainable food production, waste reduction, travel experiences, diversity and inclusion, and wildlife.
By traveling with Insight Vacations, you're supporting a responsible travel company that truly works hard to make a difference.
How you have a positive impact
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences
Travel is education and experience is the best teacher. Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences teach you about the world all while making it better. Whether that's through supporting local economies, preserving age-old traditions, or advancing conservation efforts for native ecosystems. Find out more about how you can be a truly sustainable traveler.
Climate Action
OUR JOURNEY TO NET ZERO
Since the inception of our sustainability strategy, the global community has continued to rally in response to the urgent need for climate action. We're committed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2050. Our dedication to this goal is outlined in our Climate Action Plan, with science-based targets that address our carbon footprint. We are proud of the fact that, alongside our sister brands, we became the first global tour operator to have near-term, long-term and net zero targets that are validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). Gain a deeper insight into our Climate Action Plan and how we're meeting our targets.
Our strategic plan
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We believe diversity is the foundation of meaningful travel. We set out with a curious mind, and the desire to meet new people, hear fresh perspectives and experience different cultures. Embracing and empowering diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of life requires a conscious effort – whether at home, at work, or in our communities.
At the Travel Corporation (TTC), our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey started many years ago, with the development of our DEI strategy. We’ve formalized goals in the following areas: People & Culture, Product & Experiences, and Marketing & Communications, to ensure we’re upholding our end.
About Insight Vacations
PREMIUM TOURS FOR CURIOUS TRAVELERS
Insight Vacations is a premium tour operator that promises a superior experience from start to finish, with an elevated level of detail and attention at every step. Discover more about the Insight Vacations premium travel experience.
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
Exclusive, crafted experiences that get you up close and personal to every destination. Enjoy Insider Access before and after opening-hours and skip the line access at key sights. Take your pick from one, two or three curated Insight Choice experiences. Plus, Insightful Encounters with Local Experts and Specialists that add even more life, color and storytelling for a truly enlightening experience.
PREMIUM DINING
Whether you’re being welcomed into the workspaces of chefs or taking your seat at top-rated restaurants, you’ll find yourself dining on regional favorites with a seasonal twist. Take your seat for wine-paired meals and enjoy indulging your preferences from a curated choice of restaurants on Dine-Around evenings. Get hands-on with Cooking Demonstrations and enjoy an industry-leading vegetarian offering at every mealtime.
About Insight Vacations
PREMIUM TOURS FOR CURIOUS TRAVELERS
Insight Vacations is a premium tour operator that promises a superior experience from start to finish, with an elevated level of detail and attention at every step. Discover more about the Insight Vacations premium travel experience.
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
Exclusive, crafted experiences that get you up close and personal to every destination. Enjoy Insider Access before and after opening-hours and skip the line access at key sights. Take your pick from one, two or three curated Insight Choice experiences. Plus, Insightful Encounters with Local Experts and Specialists that add even more life, color and storytelling for a truly enlightening experience.
PREMIUM DINING
Whether you’re being welcomed into the workspaces of chefs or taking your seat at top-rated restaurants, you’ll find yourself dining on regional favorites with a seasonal twist. Take your seat for wine-paired meals and enjoy indulging your preferences from a curated choice of restaurants on Dine-Around evenings. Get hands-on with Cooking Demonstrations and enjoy an industry-leading vegetarian offering at every mealtime.
