DAY 1:

ARRIVE WASHINGTON, D.C..

Arrive in Washington, D.C., meet your Tour Director and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay in the nation’s capital. Tonight enjoy a Washington D.C. Twilight Illumination Tour of the famous monuments including those dedicated to Lincoln, Jefferson & Washington.

Overnight: Washington, D.C.

DAY 2:

POTOMAC SCENIC EAGLE RAIL

This morning drive by the Patsy Cline Historic House in Winchester, VA. She was the first woman inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973. Then, arrive at Wappocomo Station to board the Potomac Scenic Eagle Railroad. The memorable 3-hour experience aboard the vintage diesel train leads you through pastures and farms dating back to the 1700s. Winding along the South Branch of the Potomac River, enter a beautiful gorge known as the Trough, which is home to American bald eagles. Later, board your motorcoach and travel to Elkins, WV for a two-night stay. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers in the Elkins area. (B,L,D)

Overnight: Elkins, WV

DAY 3:

NEW TYGART FLYER TRAIN

Mountains, waterfalls, and splendid fall scenery are all on today’s itinerary as you board the New Tygart Flyer at the restored Elkins Station. Enjoy the 4-hour, 46-mile round trip journey  through the West Virginia wilderness. Vintage diesel-powered locomotives climb along the cascading Shavers Fork of the Cheat River to the High Falls of Cheat, a massive waterfall in one of the most remote and tranquil settings in the region.  Travel through S curves and along steep mountain grades. Then visit the West Virginia Railroad Museum, located in the historic Darden Mill and showcasing West Virginia’s rich railroad heritage through exhibits and artifacts. (B,L)

Overnight: Elkins, WV

DAY 4:

GREENBRIER RESORT & BUNKER

Take in the mountain scenery as you travel to the famous Greenbrier Resort for an overnight stay.  This afternoon, get an insider’s look with a docent-led Bunker Tour of the now declassified secret bunker built underneath the hotel in 1958. This bunker was built during

the Cold War for the possible evacuation of the President, Senate, and the House of Representatives. This evening, enjoy fine dining in the resort’s well-appointed Main Dining Room with your fellow travelers. (B,D)

Overnight: Greenbrier Resort

DAY 5:

GREENBRIER - MONTICELLO

This morning enjoy breakfast at the Greenbrier Resort then motorcoach to Charlottesville and visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Tour the Smith Gallery filled with fascinating exhibits, see a film about Jefferson, tour the classical architecture and view the gardens of his mountaintop home. Later, arrive in historic Williamsburg for a three-night stay. Enjoy this evening at leisure. (B)

Overnight: Williamsburg

DAY 6:

JAMESTOWN - YORKTOWN

Today a short ride brings you to Jamestown, founded in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Visit the restored full-scale Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia history and culture. Near the site of the original colony, discover the story of America’s beginnings through immersive films, gallery exhibits and outdoor re-creations. Later visit Yorktown, where British commander Lord Cornwallis  surrendered to Washington’s troops in 1781.  Visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown which tells the story of the nation’s founding. Exciting indoor galleries feature period artifacts, immersive environments and films including “The Siege of Yorktown.”  Outdoors explore a re-created Continental Army encampment and a 1780’s farm with costumed interpreters re-creating daily life. (B)

Overnight: Williamsburg

DAY 7:

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

Today visit Virginia’s largest historical attraction, Colonial Williamsburg, a 173-acre living history museum. The immersive and authentic experience starts at the Visitor’s Center  then explore at your own pace the 88 restored and reconstructed 18th century buildings. Mingle with costumed townspeople and witness craftsmen demonstrations. Maybe visit Raleigh Tavern, the meeting place for Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and other patriots. Tonight enjoy a traditional Colonial Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers. (B,D) Overnight: Williamsburg

DAY 8:

WILLIAMSBURG - FLY HOME

Today travel to the Washington DC area for your return flight home filled with wonderful memories of your West Virginia Rails & Williamsburg Tour. (B)