DC to Dollywood

Welcome to the District of Columbia - Washington DC. After check-in get to know your Guide, driver and fellow travellers at an informal welcome meeting. Perhaps use tonight's free time to experience the music and atmosphere found locally.

Today we will cross the Potomac River into Virginia to pay a visit To the Arlington National Cemetery - the final resting place of the Nation's Fallen Military. Then we'll enjoy a driving tour around Washington DC's fantastic monuments and iconic buildings including the Capitol Building and the White House. After our return to the hotel you will be free to enjoy an evening at leisure.

It's a free day to discover what Washington DC has to offer at your own pace. There is so much to do and see, we think you will enjoy strolling along the tree lined streets, climbing up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or just sitting quietly by the side of the Reflecting Pool. Maybe a visit to one of the city's many museums is on your list…if so, you will be spoilt for choice. Tonight we will enjoy an evening meal and entertainment around the city's Logan Circle.

As we wave goodbye to the Nation's Capital it is time for us to take to the "Country Roads" of West Virginia. Our first stop is in the small town of Thomas, here we will enjoy lunch and live music at the Purple Fiddle before continuing on to Charleston, West Virginia - our home for the next three nights. This evening the group will enjoy live music at the amphitheatre and have dinner at one of the many local eateries before catching some more live music in a popular local venue.

Plenty of time to explore Charleston. We will visit the historic shopping district and the West Virginia State Capitol before popping in to a local distillery. This evening you can enjoy Charleston's varied nightlife at leisure.

After breakfast we will set out for a visit to the local Salt Works, an attraction with a difference. Then, after a short rest at our hotel, it is time to enjoy a live Mountain Stage Show. Mountain Stage first produced their live radio show back in 1983. Afterwards we will go to the Empty Glass for one of their famous Jam Sessions.

On our way to Pigeon Forge, we will drop in on the Carter Fold in Hilton, Virginia on the Tennessee Border. Then its off to Pigeon Forge which is nestled in the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park and home to The Parkway's Five Miles of Fun and Dollywood! After checking in and relaxing for a while, we will make our way to The Country Tonight Theater for a fantastic show.

Today we will visit the one and only Dollywood. The entertainment park is known for its down-home charm and is as unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton! When you visit this magical place time slows down and you will soon be enjoying award winning shows, mountain craft demonstrations, live music, rides and attractions. Best of all - the Dollywood hosts will welcome you with a smile and fantastic tales about their Tennessee mountain home. This evening your time is your own to spend on The Parkway. Perhaps you'll want to take in another show or just enjoy dinner and a stroll exploring some of the wonderful attractions that can be found there.

Following a leisurely breakfast, we will travel to Gatlinburg for the day. You will have free time to explore this mountain town. Take the sky lift up to the four seasons world of Ober Gatlinburg. Visit Ober's Wildlife Encounter where you'll meet native animals like Black Bears, Otters, Owls and Racoons. Perhaps you'll want to spend some time at The Village Shoppes or the Mountain Mall looking for some last minute gifts to take home with you.

Sad but true, our tour ends today and it is time to say goodbye to the friends you have made on the "DC to Dollywood Tour" Our bus will be travelling to Nashville Airport - but maybe you'll want to stay a while longer in Music City USA!