American Heritage Self Drive Tour
New York, NY
Get a taste of historical highlights from where it all began in Philadelphia to the pulse of American politics in Washington, D.C. to a peek at its future at Epcot Center in Orlando. It’s an exciting jaunt that kicks off in the city that never sleeps, New York City, and its world-famous skyscrapers. No American Heritage tour would, of course, leave out Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, where you’ll visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. You’re sure to breathe in more history in colonial Virginia with Roanoke, Thomas Jefferson’s plantation home, Monticello, the romantic Antebellum city of Savannah, the tree-lined streets and sweet-smelling garden plazas of Charleston, and one of the nation’s oldest cities, St. Augustine where the Fountain of Youth was once said to be hiding (maybe for you to find). Also, waiting for you are the magnificent Smokey Mountains and its rich Cherokee Indian heritage, the lush Shenandoah Valley, and the Everglades with its teeming flora and fauna, including its famous alligators. End your tour in modern Miami.
Highlights
- See New York City like a true New Yorker from taking in a run around popular Central Park to visiting its most iconic neighbourhoods like Battery Park, Fifth Avenue, and Times Square.
- Go to the historical birthplace of the United States in Philadelphia where Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence was signed) and the Liberty Bell.
- Put yourself at the heart of the America, Washington, D.C. to meet its most visited monuments like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Shrine, and many more important sites.
- Trek through the Great Smokey Mountains where the Cherokee Indians once called home and cross through the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah Valley, some of the lushest, picturesque greenery in the country.
- Discover one of America’s oldest cities, St. Augustine, and its mix of Old World Charm and modern amenities, where the legendary Fountain of Youth could be hiding.
- Experience the heart of the Antebellum South in charming, cobblestone-lined Charleston and romantic, sweeping Savannah.
- See modern wonders that preserve much American Heritage like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and more in contemporary Orlando.
- Shop and dine in the unique playground of modern metropolis Miami with its lively beachside life and luxurious landscape and scintillating seascape.
- Day 1 - New York Arrival
- Day 2 - New York
- Day 3 - New York - Washington, D.C.
- Day 4 - Washington, D.C.
- Day 5 - Washington, D.C. - Shenandoah National Park
- Day 6 - Shenandoah National Park - Blue Ridge Parkway - Roanoke
- Day 7 - Roanoke - Gatlinburg
- Day 8 - Gatlinburg - Great Smoky Mountains - Cherokee - Charleston
- Day 9 - Charleston - Savannah
- Day 10 - Savannah - St. Augustine
- Day 11 - St. Augustine - Orlando
- Day 12 - Orlando
- Day 13 - Orlando - Sarasota
- Day 14 - Sarasota - Venice - Everglades National Park - Miami
- Day 15 - Miami
- Day 16 - Miami Departure
- Additional Information
Today, arrive in New York City, known as the Big Apple. Transfer independently to your hotel.
Meals Included: RoThe Roosevelt Hotel, New York City
Property Location With a stay at The Roosevelt Hotel, New York City, you'll be centrally located in Manhattan, minutes from Grand Central Terminal and Chrysler Building. This 4-star hotel is close to Rockefeller Center and Broadway.
A full day is yours to explore this exciting city filled with people, famous sights, and skyscrapers. See the Statue of Liberty, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, the United Nations, and much more.
Meals Included: RoThe Roosevelt Hotel, New York City
Property Location With a stay at The Roosevelt Hotel, New York City, you'll be centrally located in Manhattan, minutes from Grand Central Terminal and Chrysler Building. This 4-star hotel is close to Rockefeller Center and Broadway.
Collect your rental car this morning and start your drive southwest to Philadelphia, home of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Ben Franklin. Your destination this evening is the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 240 MI / 390 KM
Meals Included: RoCapitol Skyline Hotel
In the heart of Washington DC’s hottest new neighborhood, the Capitol Skyline Hotel redefines the notion of an urban chic hotel. First designed in 1962 by Morris Lapidus – architect of the renowned Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach – and recently refreshed by New York interior designer Scott Sanders – the creator of the Ralph Lauren Interior Design Department – our hotel boasts uber-chic architecture and interiors unlike any hotel in the nation’s capital.
The broad streets of America’s seat of government enhance the dramatic effect of Washington’s memorable monuments: the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the White House. At the National Mall, the Smithsonian’s complex of museums is a repository for the nation’s historic treasures.
Meals Included: RoCapitol Skyline Hotel
In the heart of Washington DC’s hottest new neighborhood, the Capitol Skyline Hotel redefines the notion of an urban chic hotel. First designed in 1962 by Morris Lapidus – architect of the renowned Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach – and recently refreshed by New York interior designer Scott Sanders – the creator of the Ralph Lauren Interior Design Department – our hotel boasts uber-chic architecture and interiors unlike any hotel in the nation’s capital.
Explore Virginia’s colonial and Civil War heritage. Visit the site of the strategic Battle of Bull Run, where the historical influence of America’s founders is reflected in its institutions and architecture. Pass by Thomas Jefferson’s home in Monticello before ascending to the highlands of Shenandoah National Park for the night.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 86 MI / 138 KM
Meals Included: RoQuality Inn Shenandoah Valley
Property Location Located in New Market (Thorton Gap Entrance Shenandoah), Quality Inn Shenandoah Valley is convenient to The Shenvalee Golf Course and New Market Battlefield. This hotel is within the vicinity of Shenandoah Valley Flea Market and Endless Caverns.
Today, follow the crest of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, which in the summer have a distinctly bluish cast. Then continue along the lush, green Shenandoah Valley en route to your destination tonight, Roanoke, Virginia.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 147 MI / 235 KM
Meals Included: RoHoliday Inn Roanoke Tanglewood
Enjoy Your Stay in Roanoke, VA at Our HotelSituated in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Holiday Inn® Tanglewood - Roanoke hotel has a picturesque location. We're right off of Routes 419 & 220 and close to I-581, which allows for easy travel to attractions and businesses in downtown Roanoke, VA.
The destination today is Gatlinburg. Nestled at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National park, Gatlinburg welcomes its guests with a taste of Appalachian hospitality at its best.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 250 MI / 400 KM
Meals Included: RoEdgewater Hotel and Conference Center Gatlinburg
Greetings from the Edgewater!Whether you’re planning to play in the mountains, conduct business or relax with family and friends, The Edgewater Hotel & Conference Center is the natural choice.
Enjoy the scenery while driving through the Great Smoky Mountains, famous for the distinctive blue haze which cloaks them. Pass through the ancestral homeland of the Cherokee Indians en route to historic Charleston, a city built for walking. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic district and note its unsurpassed Antebellum architecture. It was in Charleston that early shots of the Civil War were fired, starting a fouryear battle that ended with the defeat of the Confederate States and the reemergence of the United States as one nation.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 264 MI / 422 KM
Meals Included: RoHoliday Inn Charleston Riverview
Property Location With a stay at Holiday Inn Riverview in Charleston (West Ashley), you'll be convenient to Charleston City Marina and College of Charleston. This hotel is within close proximity of Medical University of South Carolina and The Citadel.
After leaving historic Charleston, many people choose to visit the Mag- nolia Plantation and Gardens. Drivesouth to the port city of Savannah. The historic district of Old Savannah has been beautifully restored, recreating the gracious atmosphere of the Antebellum South.
Driving Distance: 200 mi / 320 km
Meals Included: RoBest Western Savannah Historic District
Property Location With a stay at Best Western Savannah Historic District, you'll be centrally located in Savannah, steps from First African Baptist Church and Franklin Square. This hotel is within close proximity of Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum and Ellis Square.
Follow the lush, semi-tropical coastline of Georgia, and see the influence of 18th century English settlers in the charming architecture of Brunswick. Pass Jacksonville en route to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. Time this evening to wander the streets of St. Augustine and enjoy a relaxing dinner.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 200 MI / 320 KM
Meals Included: RoThe Ponce St. Augustine Hotel
Property Location Located in St. Augustine, The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel is on the waterfront and minutes from Limelight Theatre and Mission of Nombre de Dios. This hotel is within close proximity of Florida Heritage Museum and Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
Searching for the Fountain of Youth, Ponce de León landed here in 1513, and that eternal search continues today by sun worshipers on Florida’s beaches. Join them this morning or explore the Spanish heritage of the city before driving south along the coast to Orlando.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 120 MI / 200 KM
Meals Included: RoChampions World Resort
Property Location With a stay at Champions World Resort in Kissimmee (Four Corners), you'll be close to Lake Davenport and Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. This family-friendly resort is within the vicinity of Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course and Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park.
Enjoy a full day exploring the entertainment complex of Walt Disney World Resort - home to the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, and Disney-MGM Studios, or experience Disney’s wildest adventure yet, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. (Admissions not included)
Meals Included: RoChampions World Resort
Property Location With a stay at Champions World Resort in Kissimmee (Four Corners), you'll be close to Lake Davenport and Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. This family-friendly resort is within the vicinity of Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course and Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park.
Make the short drive to the western shores of Florida and Tampa Bay which sheltered the pirates and buccaneers of a bygone era. The stunning natural beauty of Sarasota is enhanced by the barrier islands, known as “Keys,” lying just offshore.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 150 MI / 240 KM
Meals Included: RoComfort Suites Sarasota
Property Location With a stay at Comfort Suites Sarasota in Sarasota (Bee Ridge), you'll be close to Evie's Golf Center and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota. This hotel is within close proximity of Serenoa Golf Club and Gulf Gate Golf Club.
Follow the Tamiami Trail and drive through the heart of the largest sub-tropical wilderness in North America, the Everglades. The watery River of Grasses is a sanctuary for a myriad of birds and animals. East of the Everglades, the sandy beaches of South Florida await you.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 230 MI / 370 KM
Meals Included: RoLexington Hotel - Miami Beach
Property Location With a stay at Lexington Hotel - Miami Beach in Miami Beach (Mid Beach), you'll be convenient to Mount Sinai Medical Center and Lincoln Road Mall. This beach hotel is within close proximity of Miami City Ballet and Bass Museum of Art.
A full day at leisure in Miami to explore South Beach or to shop at the many superb malls. Spend your last evening in lively South Beach. Dine or dance the night away.
Meals Included: RoLexington Hotel - Miami Beach
Property Location With a stay at Lexington Hotel - Miami Beach in Miami Beach (Mid Beach), you'll be convenient to Mount Sinai Medical Center and Lincoln Road Mall. This beach hotel is within close proximity of Miami City Ballet and Bass Museum of Art.
Return your rental car today before your departing flight.
- Walk or run in Central Park
- View the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park
- Bring history lessons from school to life in historic Philadelphia, the Birthplace of Freedom
- See the Liberty Bell and Declaration of Independence
- Delight in DC’s celebrated monuments and memorials showcasing the history of the U.S.
- Capture a photo of the White House
- Pass Monticello, the house Thomas Jefferson built for himself and his family
- Hike one of the many trails along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park
- Experience outstanding scenery along “America’s Favorite Drive”, the Blueridge Parkway
- View the deep blue haze of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Stroll down Charleston’s quaint alleyways or trot through the streets in a carriage
- Stand where the first shot of the Civil War was fired
- Explore Savannah’s beautifully preserved historic neighborhoods
- Travel along the southeastern coastline of Georgia, home to the area’s first European settler
- Visit St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest permanently occupied European settlement
- Sip the Fountain of Youth waters and hear the history behind its legendary benefits
- Immerse yourself in world-famous theme parks and unforgettable adventure in Orlando
- Embrace the maritime history of the Tamp Bay area
- Experience an abundance of sun, sand and water in Sarasota
- Escape into the wilds of Florida on the Tamiami Trail Scenic Byway
- Explore Florida’s Everglades, a subtropical refuge to a unique array of wildlife
- Discover South Beach, Miami’s hot spot for fun
*Admission fees not include
**The cost of this fly drive includes the hotel accomodation only. Car rental and flights are not included. Our reservations staff will be able to provide a personalised quote for you inclusive of flights and car rental
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