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Lynn Cove, Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

Blue Ridge Cruiser

Visit Washington DC, Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock, Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Nashville.

Two iconic cities linked by two legendary roads

12 Nights from £1,599pp
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‘from’ prices are based on off peak travel, 2 people sharing a standard car, economy flights and 2-3* Hotels. All trips are completely bespoke so just tell your expert any requirements you have.

Cruise down Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway – both considered among America’s most legendary drives – as you link the nation’s capital, Washington DC, to Music City Nashville. Along the way on this popular 12-night road trip, you’ll drive on scenic roads for the vast majority of the route and visit America’s most popular National Park – Great Smoky Mountains National Park. So, should you enjoy US politics, world-class museums, scenic mountain driving and incredible music, then this is the perfect road trip for you.

Key road trip highlights:

  • Spend 2-3 days exploring Washington DC’s outstanding museums and monuments.
  • Drive along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway – two of America’s most iconic roads.
  • Look out for Black Bears and other amazing wildlife in Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • Learn how Country Music grew from its humble beginnings to a worldwide phenomenon.
  • Party in Nashville’s lively bars and Honky Tonks, which line Broadway in the heart of Music City.
  • What’s included? Direct flights with a premier carrier, accommodation, car rental and a detailed road trip pack.
Blue Ridge Cruiser route with The American Road Trip Company

Our Favourite Hotels

We’ll suggest properties to match your preferred budget, be it low-cost, mid-range or high-end luxury that you’re looking for. We can also mix it up so you’ll experience a range of standards and experiences along your road trip.

Skyland Resort, Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway

Hotel:

Skyland Resort

Location:

Blue Ridge Parkway

Peaks of Otter Lodge, Blue Ridge Parkway

Hotel:

Peaks of Otter Lodge

Location:

Blue Ridge Parkway

Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown

Hotel:

Hyatt Place Downtown

Location:

Nashville

Dolly Partons Dollywood's DreamMore Resort, Pigeon Forge Great Smoky Mountains

Hotel:

Dolly Partons Dollywood's DreamMore Resort

Location:

Great Smoky Mountains

Thompson Hotel, Nashville

Hotel:

Thompson Hotel

Location:

Nashville

The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville

Hotel:

The Omni Grove Park Inn

Location:

Asheville

Eaton DC, Washington DC

Hotel:

Eaton DC

Location:

Washington DC

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Hotel:

1 Hotel Nashville

Location:

Nashville

Road Trip Itinerary

All of our American road trips can be tailored to meet your requirements. Do you have more or less than 12 days for your road trip? No problem, we can bolt on extra nights to allow more time to explore or shorten the number of destinations as required.

1

the world's most powerful city - washington dc

After landing at Washington’s Dulles International Airport, you’ll make your way to your hotel in the heart of Washington or the historic Georgetown area. You can reach the city easily by taxi or take the Metro directly from the airport if you prefer. You’ll have three nights and two full days to allow you to really appreciate this city’s outstanding attractions and neighbourhoods. There’s no need for a car just yet; you’ll collect this when you leave town.

Location:

Washington, DC

Drive:

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Capitol Building, Washington DC, USA
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Discover DC's iconic sights and superb museums

Your Road Trip Pack is the perfect companion to commence exploring Washington. You may want to begin by taking a self-guided tour of some of Washington’s iconic buildings. The White House, Capitol Hill and the Lincoln Memorial are just some of the key buildings and monuments on offer. Across the Potomac River lies Arlington, an essential visit for any history or military buff, with the moving National Cemetery a great place to wander around.

Location:

Washington, DC

Drive:

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Washington DC, Capital Region of the USA. The White House
3

A third day to explore wonderful Washington

You may want to dip into the renowned Smithsonian Museums today – there are a whopping 17 to choose from. The most famous, the Air & Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History, are on the National Mall, in the city’s heart. Best of all, these world-class museums are free to visit. Our favourite establishment is the Newseum, which has incredible artefacts chronicling how the ‘news’ has changed over the last 100 years. You can even try your hand behind a TV studio desk if you wish.

Location:

Washington, DC

Drive:

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Cherry Blossoms. Washington Monument in Washington DC, USA
4

Collect your car and head for Skyline Drive

After collecting your car, you can head straight for the majestic mountains of Shenandoah National Park. Alternatively, you can opt to visit more historical US sites en route. Mt. Vernon, Harpers Ferry and Antietam National Battlefield are all doable on your way to the natural wonders found along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Your detailed Road Trip Pack will tell you about these options and many more.

Location:

Shenandoah NP

Drive:

113 miles

Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park in the autumn
5

Drive the iconic Skyline Drive through Shenandoah NP

You’ll spend your day driving along two of America’s very best roads today. The first half of the day will be spent on Skyline Drive as you cruise through Shenandoah National Park, and the second half of the drive will be spent weaving your way south on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway.

Location:

Blue Ridge Parkway

Drive:

150 miles

Balloon over the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains USA
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Cruise down the famous Blue Ridge Parkway

Cruise along farm-dotted valleys unfurling between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail roll across the hills here, home to scenic rivers, streams and lakes. Old-time mountain music can be heard regularly, and wineries and craft breweries offer tastings in small towns and on mountain slopes.

Location:

Blue Ridge Parkway

Drive:

207 miles

Blue Ridge Parkway, USA - Mabry Mill, Meadows of Dan, Virginia
7

Continue along the BRP to happening Asheville

Get an early start, and then hit the road with a full belly and fuel tank. Along the way today, you’ll pass over the Lynn Cove Viaduct, which hugs the side of Grandfather Mountain. Later today, you’ll arrive in Asheville, where you’ll spend the afternoon and evening enjoying this thriving mountain town. This town is littered with chocolate shops, microbreweries and delicious eateries. The North Carolina Arboretum and the incredible Biltmore Estate are well worth a visit. Want more great views? Then, venture 25 miles south of Asheville, and you’ll be rewarded with a captivating vista from Chimney Rock. Please let us know if you want a second night to enjoy Asheville.

Location:

Asheville, NC

Drive:

112 miles

Blue Ridge Parkway , USA - Linn Cove
8

Great Smoky Mountains - USA's most visited National Park

Complete the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway on your way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In this famous National Park, you’ll find ridge upon ridge of forest, which straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The Smokies is world-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

Location:

Great Smoky Mountains NP

Drive:

117 miles

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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A second day to enjoy The Smoky Mountains

A second day to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its neighbouring attractions is essential. Watch out for the beautiful wildlife which roams this area, including black bears, bobcats and elk. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an awesome place to visit at any time of year. However, in the autumn, the trees put on a dazzling show of colour for hikers and drivers to enjoy.

Location:

Great Smoky Mountains NP

Drive:

0 miles

Great Smoky Mountains National Park -Water Falls
10

Hit the highway for Music City... Nashville

Country music takes the primary focus for the rest of the road trip as you leave the Appalachian Mountains and head west to ‘Music City’, Nashville. En route, you can stop by the fun Dollywood Theme Park, named after its proprietor and local legend, Dolly Parton.

Location:

Nashville, TN

Drive:

222 miles

Skyline of Nashville, Tennessee
11

Time to enjoy Music City's attractions and nightlife

Nashville is the motherland of Country Music, and it’s so proud of it. Nashville boasts about its music heritage at every opportunity, including the outstanding Country Music Hall of Fame. However, it’s not all about Country. There is also a rich blues history here, and singer-songwriters from every genre enjoy playing the bars in this town. Tonight, for the complete tourist experience, head down to Broadway and stop by a honky tonk or two for a one-of-a-kind night.

Location:

Nashville, TN

Drive:

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Nashville, USA. Country Music band, American Music Tour
12

a second full day and third night in Nashville

Rest up after the night before, and then spend the last full day of the trip at your pleasure. If you’ve got the Country Music bug, then head out to the legendary Grand Old Opry. Since 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has broadcast a live concert show with a variety of different performers playing gospel, country and bluegrass in a fun celebration. Alternatively, food lovers could spend the day touring some of the many fabulous food joints this city offers.

Location:

Nashville, TN

Drive:

0 miles

Guitar, Nashville, Memphis Tennessee, USA

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Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll find answers to most of your questions right here. If you still need assistance, Feel free to get in touch, and we’ll be sure to get back to you promptly!

Can I Add Extra Nights To The Road Trips?

Not a problem. If you are lucky enough to have extra time to explore more places or add more rest days, then just let us know and we’ll adjust your trip to match your preferred timescale.

Must I Have Travel Insurance?

We strongly advise that you purchase travel insurance for your holiday to cover you against medical expenses, theft and other financial costs. Should you need to cancel before travelling, some insurance policies may pay out for any loss of funds that have been paid to us and which cannot be refunded under our cancellation policy.

Can I Do A One-Way Rental?

Many of our trips have a different end destination than the starting point, so this is not a problem. Please note a fee sometimes applies for one-way rentals between other regions or states, which will be paid to the supplier directly when collecting the vehicle. We’ll endeavour to inform you of this charge within your quote.

Am I Limited To Certain Hotels Or Chains?

No, far from it. We work with a range of properties from 3* to 5*, so we can adapt the trip to match most budgets. We have access to rooms in more than 800 hotels, motels, lodges and B&Bs across North America.

How Old Do I Need To Be?

The minimum age to rent a car is 21 in the United States or Canada, although, in addition, any drivers under 25 years of age will generally incur a surcharge.

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Our Trusted Partners And Providers

ARTCo customers can be confident that we only work with the very best service providers, such as Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Alamo. Any payments made to us are fully protected via the government’s ATOL scheme (Flight packages) or Financial Failure Insurance (Non-Flight Packages).

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