The Best of the Appalachians

ABOUT THE DESTINATION:

Welcome to Washington, D.C., the heart of the United States and a city steeped in history and influence. Immerse yourself in the iconic monuments and memorials on the National Mall, from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. Explore the rich cultural institutions of the Smithsonian museums and visit the impressive U.S. Capitol. Experience the power and prestige of the White House and the historic significance of the Supreme Court. With a diverse array of neighborhoods, vibrant arts scenes, and a palpable sense of political energy, Washington, D.C., is a dynamic destination that invites you to explore the nation's past and present.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Shenandoah National Park, just a short drive from Washington, D.C., is a long, narrow ribbon of protected wilderness running along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The park’s main artery is Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic road that winds past more than 70 overlooks, each offering sweeping views of forested valleys, rolling ridges, and distant farms. In fall, the mountains explode into color, making Shenandoah one of the East Coast’s classic leaf-peeping destinations. For hikers, the park is a true playground, with over 500 miles of trails, including a famed section of the Appalachian Trail. You’ll find everything from easy, family-friendly walks to challenging climbs with rocky scrambles. Popular routes lead to tumbling waterfalls like Dark Hollow Falls, panoramic viewpoints such as Old Rag and Stony Man, and quiet woodland paths where you’re likely to spot deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Good footwear, water, and a trail map are essential, as cell service is often limited. Accommodation options are varied, catering to different travel styles. Inside the park, lodges such as Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge offer rustic comfort and sunset views right from your room, while several campgrounds provide a more immersive nature experience. Just outside the park boundaries, nearby towns like Luray, Waynesboro, and Front Royal have additional hotels, cabins, and bed-and-breakfasts, plus restaurants and shops where you can refuel and relax after a day on the trail. Shenandoah is a four-season destination, and the experience changes dramatically with the calendar. Spring brings wildflowers and rushing streams; summer offers lush greenery and cooler mountaintop air; fall is all about vibrant foliage and crisp mornings; winter can be quiet and contemplative, though parts of Skyline Drive may close due to snow and ice. Before you go, check the National Park Service website for current conditions, fees, and any trail or road closures, and be prepared to slow down—this is a place meant to be savored at the pace of the mountains.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Tucked away in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Waynesboro is a small city with big outdoor appeal and a friendly, laid‑back vibe. It sits at the junction of two legendary scenic routes—the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive—making it a natural base for exploring Shenandoah National Park and the surrounding mountains. The downtown area is compact and walkable, with restored brick buildings, colorful murals, and a growing arts scene that gives the town an unexpectedly creative edge. Waynesboro is a favorite stop for hikers and road‑trippers. The Appalachian Trail passes close by, and there are trailheads within a short drive that range from gentle riverside walks to more demanding climbs with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The South River runs through town, offering opportunities for fly fishing, kayaking, or a peaceful stroll along the Greenway. In autumn, the region becomes a tapestry of reds and golds, making scenic drives and overlooks particularly stunning. Beyond the outdoors, Waynesboro offers a taste of small‑town Virginia culture. Local galleries and the Wayne Theatre host performances, film screenings, and community events throughout the year. You’ll find craft breweries, casual farm‑to‑table restaurants, and classic diners that highlight regional flavors and hospitality. Annual festivals—celebrating everything from fall foliage to arts and trout—add extra energy and give visitors a chance to mix with locals. Waynesboro also works well as a hub for exploring the broader region. Within an easy drive are historic towns like Staunton and Charlottesville, vineyards and cideries along the Monticello Wine Trail, and Civil War and presidential historic sites. Whether you’re planning a dedicated mountain escape or adding a scenic pause to a longer East Coast itinerary, Waynesboro offers a relaxed, affordable base with quick access to some of Virginia’s most beautiful landscapes.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Welcome to Blacksburg, Virginia, a charming town nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its vibrant college atmosphere, thanks to Virginia Tech, Blacksburg offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Whether you’re here for the scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, or the lively arts and culture scene, Blacksburg has something to captivate every traveler’s heart. Start your visit by exploring the Virginia Tech campus, a sprawling and picturesque area with lush green spaces, historic buildings, and cutting-edge research facilities. Don't miss the iconic Burruss Hall, the Lane Stadium for sports enthusiasts, and the Hahn Horticulture Garden, a serene spot perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Moss Arts Center frequently hosts performances, exhibitions, and other cultural events, making it a hub for the arts in the region. Nature lovers will find Blacksburg a paradise, with the nearby Jefferson National Forest offering numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. The Cascades National Recreation Trail is a must-see, leading you through breathtaking scenery to the stunning Cascades Falls. For a more relaxed outdoor experience, visit the Huckleberry Trail, a paved path ideal for walking, running, or cycling that connects Blacksburg to neighboring Christiansburg. Downtown Blacksburg is brimming with local shops, restaurants, and cafes that cater to a wide range of tastes. Savor farm-to-table cuisine at one of the many eateries, or enjoy a cup of coffee at a cozy café while soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. The Blacksburg Farmers Market, held year-round, is a great place to sample local produce, crafts, and baked goods. With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant community, Blacksburg is a destination that promises memorable experiences for every visitor.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: is a city in and the county seat of Buncombe County, North Carolina, United States It is the largest city in Western North Carolina, and the 11th largest city in North Carolina

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Gatlinburg is a city located in Sevier County in the US state of Tennessee. Every year, eight to ten million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And for good reason. You’ll find lots to do and see at this sprawling National Park, and the vista is definitely more than enough to keep anybody coming back. The wealth of flora found at the park is unmatched. The park’s grounds bloom with over 1,660 kinds of flowering plants and wildflowers all-year-round. You can even take wildflower walks to view the many flower species found in the park. Fauna at the National Park is equally abundant. Visitors can expect to spot a wide variety of birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles. The National Park is also the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Gatlinburg is definitely an ideal vacation destination for nature lovers. To fully experience everything the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer, you can opt to literally take a hike with the expert guides of A Walk in the Woods. A Walk in the Woods offers nature entt dhusiasts a wide variety of guided hikes and backpacking trips on the trails at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For this and a lot more reasons Gatlingburg it is an amazing place to visit and to enjoy.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Nashville is a city that belongs to the US state of Tennessee and is the administrative seat of Davidson County. This city is known worldwide as the "City of Music" because there is a big music industry, particularly in country music. If you love music you cannot forget to visit the great Grand Ole Opry is a perfectly designed theater where there are concerts every day. Here they have past stars like Dolly Parton. Furthermore it is known as "The Athens of the South", with its neoclassical architecture and its educational facilities. It is a city with a lively music scene. If you like culture, visit museums such as the Tennessee State Museum where you learn can learn all the story about this town or the Adventure Science Center, where you'll find everything about science. If you like natural parks and nature do not forget to visit the Opryland Hotel Gardens, a huge garden with all kinds of vegetation and which a river passes through, all within a glass dome. As for nightlife, Nashville is a lively city where there are many places to have fun and have a good time at night such as The Big Bang Dueling Pianos bar with a great music atmosphere or the Robert's Western World, a pub with western atmosphere. Undoubtedly, Nashville is the ideal city to come visit family and to have a great experience.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Chattanooga is a city in and the county seat of Hamilton County, Tennessee, along the Tennessee River bordering Georgia. With an estimated population of 180,557 in 2017, it is the fourth-largest city in Tennessee and one of the two principal cities of East Tennessee, along with Knoxville. Served by multiple railroads and Interstate highways, Chattanooga is a transit hub. Chattanooga lies 118 miles (190 km) northwest of Atlanta, Georgia, 112 miles (180 km) southwest of Knoxville, Tennessee, 134 miles (216 km) southeast of Nashville, Tennessee, 102 miles (164 km) east-northeast of Huntsville, Alabama, and 147 miles (237 km) northeast of Birmingham, Alabama. The Chattanooga metropolitan statistical area is the fourth largest in Tennessee and the city of Chattanooga anchors a three-state area that includes Southeast Tennessee, Northwest Georgia, and Northeast Alabama. Major industry driving the economy includes automotive, advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, healthcare, insurance, tourism, and back office and corporate headquarters. The city, with a downtown elevation of about 680 feet (210 m), is at the transition between the ridge-and-valley portion of the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau. Its official nickname is "Scenic City", alluding to the surrounding by mountains and ridges. Unofficial nicknames include "River City", "Chatt", "Nooga", "Chattown", and "Gig City", the latter a reference to Chattanooga's claims that it has the fastest internet service in the Western Hemisphere. Chattanooga is internationally known for the 1941 song "Chattanooga Choo Choo" by Glenn Miller and his orchestra. Chattanooga is home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College.

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Atlanta: vibrant culture, history, modernity, and big moments in Summer 2026

Atlanta is a dynamic city full of character, where history blends seamlessly with modernity and creativity. In 2026, it will take on even greater prominence as it hosts World Cup matches, including a game played by the Spanish national team, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to combine an unforgettable trip with the excitement of football.

The city offers a unique mix of culture, music, history, and entertainment. You can visit the iconic Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, explore the Georgia Aquarium — one of the largest in the world — discover the World of Coca-Cola, or stroll through green spaces like Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine, perfect for relaxing and experiencing the city’s energy.

Atlanta’s neighborhoods are diverse and full of life, with a constantly evolving food scene, creative shops, and a strong connection to music, especially hip-hop and R&B. Between museums, street art, modern architecture, and a lively nightlife, there is always something new to discover.

With TUI, you can create your Atlanta trip exactly the way you want for Summer 2026: combine flights, hotels, tickets, and experiences tailored to you — all booked easily and kept organized in one place.