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

Experience a guided journey through Shenandoah National Park. As we travel north along historic Skyline Drive, our guide will share insights into the park’s rich history and the fascinating lives of the resilient individuals who once called this land home. Shenandoah is known for its natural beauty and is one of the most treasured areas in the national park system.

 

Our tour includes a visit to the Byrd Visitor Center at Big Meadows, where you can learn more about the park. Native wildlife thrives in the park’s forests and meadows, and we’ll make stops at several scenic overlooks, offering breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley stretching 4,000 feet below.

 

New Market Battlefield

The Virginia Museum of the Civil War at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park delves into Virginia’s Civil War history and the Battle of New Market, where a Union soldier earned the Medal of Honor and young Virginia Military Institute cadets fought bravely—the only time a U.S. college student body engaged as an independent unit in pitched battle. Guided tours include access to museum exhibits, the historic Bushong Farm, and the Emmy-winning film "Field of Lost Shoes." Expert interpreters share insights into the battle's impact, the role of the cadets, and the lasting effects on the Bushong family and the town of New Market.

 

Skyland Resort

Skyland Resort, originally known as Stony Man Camp, was founded in 1888 by conservationist George Freeman Pollock Jr., whose vision later helped establish Shenandoah National Park. Named "Skyland" for its breathtaking perch near the highest point along Skyline Drive, this historic resort offers visitors a true mountain escape.

 

Luray Caverns

Luray Caverns, one of the largest caverns in the eastern U.S., features vast underground rooms connected by natural corridors and paved walkways adorned with vibrant rock formations—some as delicate as lace, others impressively massive. A highlight of the tour is the world’s only “Stalacpipe” Organ, a unique instrument that creates symphonic music from stone formations. Admission includes a self-guided tour of Luray Caverns, plus access to 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:

 

Historic Glen Burnie House

Explore this gem filled with art and antiques from one of the Valley's most notable private collectors.

 

Stunning Gardens

Discover six acres of breathtaking gardens around the historic house. The Glen Burnie Gardens, among Virginia’s most beautiful public gardens, range from the elegant Grand Allee to the intimate Hidden Garden.

 

Museum Galleries

Inside the newly opened museum, visitors can enjoy four main galleries, including the Shenandoah Valley Gallery, where multimedia displays, dioramas, and historical artifacts bring Valley history to life.

 

Monticello

Discover Monticello, the stunning mountaintop estate of Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. president and author of the Declaration of Independence. Designed by Jefferson himself over 40 years, Monticello features original furnishings, beautiful gardens, and scenic views. The Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center offers engaging exhibits and an introductory film to enrich your visit.

 

Michie Tavern

Michie Tavern has welcomed travelers for more than 200 years. 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, serves hearty Midday Fare, with dishes delivered by servers in period attire. In this rustic setting, families can savor a dining experience steeped in Southern culture and hospitality. Enjoy a delicious buffet featuring classic 18th-century recipes, bringing the flavors of the past to life.

 

Natural Bridge

Owned once by Thomas Jefferson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the stunning 215-foot Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge sculpted by the flow of Cedar Creek. Begin your visit at the Visitor Center, where you’ll find informative exhibits and a gift shop. Then, follow the Cedar Creek Trail, which leads you past a Civil War-era saltpeter mine used for raw materials, a hidden river, and a lush 40-foot cascade called Lace Falls.

 

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on Day One is included at Wood Grill Buffet.

Buffet menu includes Fried Chicken, Wings, Meatloaf, Pot Roast, Fried Shrimp, Fish, Salad, with a variety of sides and desserts.

 

Lunch on Day Two is included at at Skyland Resort. Choices are:

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

• Impossible Burger (Vegetarian) - 6 oz. plant based patty, Swiss Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickle, Brioche Bun, House Chips

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

 

Lunch on Day Three is included at Michie Tavern.

Lunch is served buffet style and includes:

Colonial Fried Chicken, black-eyed 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 are available upon request: baked chicken, baked fish, or vegetarian chef's choice entree.

 

Lunch on Day four is included at Bulls & Bears Restaurant.

Lunch is served buffet style and includes sliced roast beef, chicken & broccoli alfredo, vegetable medley, and whipped potatoes and house salad. Water, iced tea, and lemonade are included.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

 

Need to Know:

• Tour guests should dress appropriately for Shenandoah National Park, as temperatures may be chilly.

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• The Luray Caverns tour covers 1.2 miles with no resting spots along the route. The caverns maintain a constant 54°F with high humidity, making it feel closer to 65°F. A light jacket may be comfortable, along with sturdy walking shoes

• At Monticello, please note that all bags, purses, backpacks, and similar items will be inspected. Bags larger than 11" x 15" x 6" (28 x 38 x 15 cm) are not permitted.

 

 

Accessibility:

• At Shenandoah National Park, some walking is required; please wear appropriate footwear.

• At Natural Bridge, the walk from the visitor center to the bridge involves 137 steps down. A shuttle accommodating 18 passengers operates continuously between the visitor center and the bridge area. From the bridge, there is a 10-12 minute walk to the Indian Village and another 10-12 minute walk to the waterfall, with benches available along the way.

• At Luray Caverns, an ADA-accessible path provides entry into the caverns via a gently sloping, covered route from the main building to the entrance room. Inside, the 1.2-mile path has moderate grades and is not fully ADA compliant, but the step-free access now allows many visitors who previously couldn't enter to enjoy the caverns. Most motorized wheelchairs can navigate the tour.

• 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

 

The hotel features an indoor pool, fitness room and restaurant.

 

Guestrooms include coffee maker, hair dryer, iron/board, and mini-fridge.