Ride the rails back to the glory days of railroading in West Virginia through scenic rolling mountains and past lazy rivers. Experience the best of Appalachian cuisine, culture and history.
Day
1 Arrive in Pennsylvania
Arrive in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and transfer to your hotel. Meet your Tour Manager in the hotel lobby at 6:00 p.m. for a welcome dinner.
Meal: D
Day
2 Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and Don Knotts
At the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum see its extensive collection of trolleys and ride on a trolley. In Morgantown, West Virginia, hear tales of hometown hero Don Knotts and glimpse Fife Street, which inspired the name of his most memorable character, Barney Fife and make a quick stop at Cooper’s Rock.
Meals: B, D
Day
3 C & O Canal Museum and Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
Visit the C & O Canal Museum and the Western Maryland train depot before taking a driving tour of historic Cumberland, rich in French & Indian War history. Also stop at “Candyland,” featuring over 900 kinds of candy. Later, the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad brings you along the picturesque South Branch of the Potomac River. Lunch is included onboard the train and watch for the eagles that nest nearby.
Meals: B, L
Day
4 National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Cass Scenic Railroad
Keep an eye open for rock climbers scaling the only “true peak” in the country at Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. At the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, see the largest steering dish in the world along with exhibits and the historic company town. Later, board the Cass Scenic Railroad for the journey up the mountain to Whittaker Station where breathtaking views and logging camp await. Next, follow the Highland Scenic Highway, SR 150 en route to the pretty town of Lewisburg.
Meal: B
Day
5 The Greenbrier Resort’s “Bunker” and Tamarack
The 5-star Greenbrier Resort is home to The Bunker. Built during the Cold War era, The Bunker was meant to house the Senate and House of Representatives in case of nuclear attack. You will have time for lunch on your own in White Sulphur Springs before coming to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine where you travel underground in authentic mining cars. At Tamarack, over 1,200 artisans gather with their crafts, including Greenbrier-trained chefs who prepare your dinner.
Meals: B, D
Day
6 New River Jetboat Excursion and Adaland Mansion
In Hawk’s Nest State Park take the scenic aerial tram to the bottom of the New River Gorge. Here, climb aboard the 21 foot
Miss M. Rocks jetboat for an exciting journey on the New River. View the stunning New River Gorge Bridge from above at the Canton Rim Visitor’s Center before coming to the Philippi Covered Bridge. It was here that the first land battle of the Civil War occurred. Tonight, enjoy dinner and tour at the 1870 Adaland Mansion, complete with an Appalachian storyteller.
Meals: B, D
Day
7 The Durbin Rocket, Salamander and Gandy Dinner Theatre
Climb aboard the steam-powered Durbin Rocket today for a scenic ride along the Greenbrier River with mountain views of Monongahela National Forest. Enjoy an included lunch before your next excursion aboard the Cheat Mountain
Salamander. Large windows and scenic panoramas combine with a stop at the “High Falls of Cheat” to make this an unforgettable day. Tonight, dinner and live show is at the Gandy Dinner Theatre, a Branson-style variety show with comedy, gospel and bluegrass.
Meals: B, L, D
Day
8 Return Home
We end with a group transfer to Pittsburgh International Airport at 8:00 a.m. for flights home departing after 1:00 p.m.
Meal: B