Skyline Drive & the Shenandoah Valley of VA

Skyline Drive & the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia

Trip Duration: 4 Day

 

 

Trip Inclusions:

• Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 1 Dinner

• Tour Director

• Overnight accommodations

• Deluxe motorcoach transportation

• Baggage handling and related gratuities

• Taxes

 

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Shenandoah National Park Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of the Shenandoah National Park. As we travel north along historic Skyline Drive, our guide will provide an informative tour of the park, one of the most popular and scenic areas in the national park system. Learn the park's history and the fascinating story of the rugged individuals who once lived there. The tour includes a stop at the Byrd Visitor Center at the Big Meadows area. Native wildlife is abundant among the park's forests and meadows. Stops will be made at several overlooks which afford breathtaking views of the land of Shenandoah more than 4000 feet below.

 

Some walking may be involved - wear appropriate footwear.

 

New Market Battlefield

Located in New Market, Virginia, The Virginia Museum of the Civil War at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park offers opportunities to reflect upon the Civil War in Virginia and the Battle of New Market where a Union Soldier earned the Medal of Honor and students from the Virginia Military Institute, some as young as 15 years old, fought. Never before, or since, has a U. S. college student body participated as an independent unit in pitched battle. Guided tours include access to museum exhibit galleries and historic Bushong Farm, an Emmy-winning film, "Field of Lost Shoes," and a guided tour with one of their museum interpreters exploring the battle, role of the VMI Cadets, and lasting impact on the Bushong family and town of New Market.

 

Skyland Resort

Skyland Resort, first called Stony Man Camp, was founded in 1888 by George Freeman Pollock Jr, a pioneer conservationist who was later instrumental in establishing Shenandoah National Park. He called the resort Skyland because of its lofty location near the highest point on the Skyline Drive.

 

Luray Caverns

Luray Caverns is one of the largest caverns in the east. Huge underground rooms connected by natural corridors and paved walkways are encrusted with colorful rock formations, some delicate as lace, others massive. In one chamber is the world's only "stalacpipe" organ which produces music of symphonic quality from stone formations. Admission includes self-guided tour of Luray Caverns, and self-guided tour of the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Toy Town Junction and the Shenandoah Heritage Village.

 

Museum of the Shenandoah

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley offers a great overview of the area for all visitors. Experience the Historic Glen Burnie House A historic gem full of art and antiques furnished by one of the Valley's most significant private collectors. Discover the Gardens You'll be amazed by the six acres of spectacular gardens surrounding the historic house. The Glen Burnie Gardens are among the most beautiful public gardens in Virginia. Garden spaces range from a formal Grand Allee to a tiny Hidden Garden. Explore The Museum The newly opened museum houses four major gallery spaces, including the Shenandoah Valley Gallery, where objects, state-of-the-art multi-media presentations, and dioramas help Valley history come alive. In addition to its collection of Valley objects, the museum showcases two outstanding Valley collections.

 

Monticello

Explore the house, gardens and plantation of Monticello, mountaintop home of Thomas Jefferson, 3rd president of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence. Monticello was designed by Thomas Jefferson and built over the course of 40 years. Jefferson died at Monticello on July 4, 1826, and was buried in the family cemetery. This is one of the most beautiful estates in Virginia. Most of the interior furnishings are original. The Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center includes innovative exhibitions and an introductory film.

 

Michie Tavern

Michie Tavern has welcomed travelers for more than 200 years. Imagine arriving by horseback, on foot or by coach. The rooms would be thick with the scent of cooked venison and tobacco. Voices, some raised in heated political debate, would carry from room to room. As you cross the threshold of old Michie's Tavern you enter another time and a costumed hostess welcomes you into the past as "Stranger," an early 18th-century term for a traveler.

 

The Tavern's dining room, the Ordinary, features hearty Midday Fare offered by servers in period attire. The rustic Tavern setting renders a dining experience rich in southern culture and hospitality for families to enjoy. Their southern buffet is based on 18th century recipes.

 

Natural Bridge

Once owned by Thomas Jefferson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. Start at the visitor center where you will find exhibits and a gift shop. Follow the Cedar Creek Trail which features a saltpeter mine used during the Civil War for raw materials, a lost river, and a lush 40-foot cascade called Lace Falls.

 

 

Meal Information:

 

Day 2 Lunch at Skyland Resort offers the following choices:

• Angus Burger - 6 oz. Ground Angus, Swiss Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato,Onion, Pickle, Brioche Bun, House Chips

• Skyland Alto - (V) Avocado, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Vegan Mayo, Multigrain Toast, House Chips

Includes Chef's soup du jour, Signature Blackberry Ice Cream for dessert, choice of coffee, iceed tea, pink or blackberry lemonade, & water. 

 

Day 3 Buffet Lunch at Michie Tavern Includes the following: Colonial Fried Chicken, blackeyed peas, stewed tomatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, hot green beans, whole baby beets, coleslaw, homemade biscuits and cornbread, peach cobbler, coffee, tea, soft drinks, & cold cider.

Alternative options to fried chicken and baked chicken, baked fish, or vegetarian chef's choice entree.

 

 

Need to Know:

Tour guests should dress accordingly when touring Shenandoah National Park - it may be chilly. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

 

Monticello - All bags, purses, backpacks, diaper bags, waist packs, etc., will be examined. Bags and containers larger than 11" X 15" X 6" (28 X 38 X 15 CM) are prohibited.

 

Shenandoah National Park - Some walking may be involved, wear appropriate footwear.

 

Natural Bridge - There are 137 steps down to the bridge from the visitor center. An 18 passenger shuttle runs continuously down trail from the visitor center to the vicinity of the bridge. There is 10-12 minute walk to the Indian Village and another 10-12 minute walk to the waterfall once you are at the bridge. There are benches available.

 

Luray Caverns - There is an ADA accessible path into cavern. This gently sloping covered path leaves the main building and goes through a tunnel into the entrance room of Luray Caverns. Once inside the cavern, the path is 1.2 miles long with moderate grades and is not ADA compliant, but by eliminating the steps down into the cavern, the attraction is now accessible to many that were not able to visit in the past. Those in a motorized wheelchair should be able to take the tour. The caverns is a constant 54 degrees with very high humidity that makes it feel more like 65 degrees. We recommend a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes.

 

 

Accessibility:

Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Hyatt Place Harrisonburg, VA

Hotel features an indoor pool and fitness room.

 

Guestrooms include coffee maker, hairdryer, iron/board, and mini-refrigerator.