Tour Code: 955-68

4-Day Tennessee, Shenandoah, Smoky Mountain, Lost Sea Bus Tour from New York

Buy 2 Get 3rd Free on sharing one room. Price already adjusted.

We will depart in the morning for Virginia's cool caverns (either Shenandoah or Luray) to escape the region's heat. Adventurous children and adults alike will enjoy exploring the intricate network of caverns, which were formed just one drip of water at a time, growing into vast expansive chambers decorated by towering columns over millions of years. The caves’ crystal formations range greatly in variety, resembling all types of structures. Some loom ten stories tall, others look like flowing waterfalls. There are even formations that are compared to giant homes! During our underground exploration, you’ll hear the rich histories of the caves, some of which were even rumored to have been hiding places for escaped slaves on their way to freedom!

This morning our tour continues to Tennessee with a trip through the Great Smoky Mountains. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life and ancient and beautiful mountains, Great Smoky Mountain Park is America’s most visited national park, We will also visit Gatlinburg, a family friendly getaway with numerous restaurants and theaters, and specialty shops featuring homemade candies and rustic mountain wares. There are even amusement arcades with magic shows, miniature golf and go cart rides. After exploring the town, we will continue to the Dixie Stampede*, a Western show spectacular and restaurant conceived by the famous country singer Dolly Parton. Visitors are treated to a lively opening show featuring country and bluegrass musical acts, followed by exciting horse riding exhibitions in the arena. Each exhibition features 32 horses, dozens of costumed cast members, buffalo, and even ostrich and pig races. Visitors enjoy the show while partaking in a special dinner prepared onsite, which includes Southern favorites such as barbecue pork loin and rotisserie chicken.

From Chattanooga in the morning, we’ll make our way to scenic Lookout Mountain via Ruby Falls. A favorite tourist attraction for more than 70 years, Ruby Falls* offers a 1000 foot descent into the caverns of Lookout Mountain, where visitors can see a fantastic 145 foot waterfall. Then atop Lookout Mountain we’ll visit Rock City Gardens*, which boasts large rock formations and lush gardens, the whimsical Mother Goose Village and Fairyland Caverns, as well as a unique panoramic view of seven neighboring states. Our tour will then hop aboard the Incline Railway*, which will climb a mile up the side of the mountain on the world's steepest railway. Then in the afternoon, we’ll continue on to the Lost Sea*, Americas largest underground lake. At the bottom of the cave you will board a glass-bottomed boat for an exciting trip on its dark and silent waters, and view the rare and beautiful crystal “cave flowers” that have grown over the millennia.

On the final day of our tour, we will head into Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley to visit the Natural Bridge*, a natural rock formation that stands 20 stories tall, and was admired by both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson in their day. (Washington's initials are even carved into the rock face!) Walk in the footsteps of the Monacan Indians along the Cedar Creek Trail and admire the beautiful landscape around you. The Natural Bridge even features its own system of caverns, wax and toy museums, and an indoor butterfly garden for you to explore. After our visit, we’ll make our return journey to New York, where we should arrive around 8:00 pm.

*Extra fee; activity not included in tour price. See “Exclusions” for cost details.