We will depart in the morning for Virginia's cool caverns to escape the region's heat. Adventurous children and adults alike will enjoy exploring the intricate network of caverns. These spectacular natural creations were formed just one drip at a time, growing into vast expansive chambers decorated by towering columns. These 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! Visitors will walk through meandering pathways underground, some narrow enough to fit only visitors in single file while others are immense chambers. Rich histories of the caves abound, as some were rumored to have been hiding places for escaped slaves on their way to freedom!

Our tour continues to Tennessee, with a trip through the Great Smoky Mountains. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the Great Smoky Mountains is America’s most visited national park. Most visitors come to the park hoping to see a bear - there are plenty of opportunities, with nearly 1,500 bears residing in the area. There is of course the mountains themselves, ancient and beautiful, featuring 800 miles of trails wrapped around its ascent. We will also visit Gatlinburg, a family friendly getaway with many attractions. Numerous restaurants and theaters dot the town, offering visitors a chance to take in local foods and culture. There are many 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 Dixie Stampede (optional). Dixie Stampede is a Western show spectacular and restaurant conceived by the fabulous singer Dolly Parton. Visitors are treated to an opening act with live country and bluegrass musical acts, then escorted into the show arena, where exciting horse riding exhibitions are carried out. Each show features 32 horses, dozens of costumed cast members, buffalo, even ostrich and pig races. Visitors enjoy the show while partaking dinner prepared onsite. Southern style cuisine such as barbecue pork loin and rotisserie chicken awaits!

We will spend our third day exploring Chattanooga, a city full of wonders both natural and man made. We will also drive through scenic Lookout Mountain on our way to Ruby Falls. A favorite tourist attraction for more than 70 years, the 30 million year old destination offers a 1000 feet deep trip into the caverns of Lookout Mountain, where visitors can see a fantastic 145 foot waterfall. Atop Lookout Mountain is Rock City Gardens, which boasts large rock formations and lush gardens with more than 400 plants along with the whimsical Mother Goose Village and Fairyland Caverns. The site also offers a unique panoramic view of seven neighboring states. The tour will then hop aboard the Incline Railway, a trolley ride unlike any other. It is the world's steepest railway, climbing a mile up the side of Lookout Mountain. In the afternoon, the bus tour will go to the Lost Sea, which is Americas largest underground lake. At the bottom of the cave you will board a glass-bottom boat for an exciting trip on the Lost Sea.

We will head into Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah valley, and visit the Natural Bridge. Like the name says, the bridge was carved by nature, a seemingly impossible feat. The entire structure stands 20 stories tall, and was admired by both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. 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 landscapes. The Natural Bridge even features its own system of caverns, a toy museum, and a wax museum. Our tour then concludes and returns to New York.