ARTA Washington DC, Williamsburg & Biltmore
April 3 - 10, 2011



Day One - Depart Little Rock for Knoxville. We'll have lunch along the way. Enjoy a true split wheel paddleboat as we board the Watts Bar Belle at Fort Loudon Marina. Afterward, we'll check in to our west Knoxville hotel for some good sleep so we can depart early the next morning. (D)

Day Two - A breakfast is included at the hotel after which we depart for the Biltmore Mansion. Upon arrival in Ashville, we'll tour this grand estate as well as the gardens, grounds, and gift shop., Luuch at the Biltmore is also included. Tonight we arrive in Williamsburg. With multiple restaurants and shopping opportunities nearby, take your pick of the many fabulous offerings. Dinner is on your own tonight (B.L)

Day Three - We'll begin the day in Yorktown by visiting the Yorktown Battlefield and Visitor Center and Yorktown Victory Center. See the site where the American Revolution was won. Learn how General George Washington surrounded and defeated Cornwallis and the British. For lunch today we'll head to the Riverwalk Landing for lunch on the shores of the York River.  Lunch is on your own. Stroll throught he quaint village stores for a pleasant shopping experience. Late afternoon return to the hotel to freshen up for a special dinner.  (B,D)

Day Four - No trip to Virginia is complete without a full day in Colonial Williamsburg. This living museum encompasses 301 acres, which include 88 original buildings and 500 reconstructed buildings. With varous exhibits, homes, gardens, trade shops and hands-on activities, Colonial Williamsburg offers a remarkable experience for everyone. Begin the day with a 30 minute orientation walk for the latest information on dining, shopping and events. Departing every 10 - 15 minutes form the Gateway Building, these guided tours offer a wonderful overview of this 18th century community. Continue on to explore the vast number of historical sites including the Governor's Palace, the Peyton Randolph House and Kitchen and Capitol. Visit the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (inlcuding the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and Bassett Hall) dine at one of the local Taverns for lunch. These unique eateries offer a variety of traditional food and drinks set in the backdrop of the 18th century. In the heart of the Historic Area, the shops at Merchant Square offer and incredible selection of handcarafted items, gourmet foods, fine wine, clothing, toys and much more. Offering different programs throughout the day, Colonial Williamsburg's Revolutionary City engages its audience through interactive speeches and scenes based on real life history. Meet and talk to colonial farmers, artists, preachers, rebels and even General George Washington himself. For dinner eat at one of the area's first rate restaurants before taking part in the evening programs. From a witch trial to 18th century vaudeville entertainment, drama and dance activities vary in topic. We depart for our hotel at the end of the evening after a long and exciting day of history! (B)

Day Five - We start out day at Historic Jamestown where we'll visit the site of the original James Fort, the first permanent English settlement in America, You'll not only learn about the archaeological dig that unearthed the clues to this nation's past, you'll also experience and witness the excavation's continuation. Hike through the forest and swamp lands of Jamestown Island while observing and learning about the area's wildlife. Choose one of the many nearby dining options for lunch on your own. From there we'll head to Washington DC where we check in to our hotel. A special dinner is planned tonight as well as an evening tour of our national monuments and memorials (B,D)

Day Six - We deaprt for Arlington National Cemetery. You'll explore the Visitor Center before we hop on a tram which will navigate its way thought he cememtery for a more emjoyable tour. Our first stop is JFK's burial site, and then the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to see the Changing of the Guard. Then it's on to the graves of the Iran Hostages, the Challenger and many other of our nation's heroes. Next stop is the Iwo Jima Memorial. As we travel, glimpse the Pentagon and the Air Force Memorial. This afternoon you'll see the Smithsonian Museums where you are free to have lunch and tour. You'll have several hours along the national mall.  (B)

Day Seven -After breakfast we'll depart for Virginia's Natural Bridge, a scenic wonder.  Late afternoon we check in to our en-route hotel and our farewell dinner is included this evening. (B,D)

Day Eight - Today we tour the Secret City, also know as Atomic City, the site of the Manhattan Project. For those that wish to sleep in, the bus will return to the hotel before continuing on. We have a lunch stop in Nashwille to experience the sights and sounds of Music City before continuing on to Little Rock. (B)

Included Features