Appalachian Mountain Trails

Day 1 – Fly to New York

Fly from London to New York for a 2-night stay in Midtown Manhattan.

Day 2 – Best of New York Cruise

A day to relax, beginning with Circle Line’s definitive Best of New York City Cruise from Pier 83. We circle the whole of Manhattan Island, pass under 20 bridges and see the city’s most iconic landmarks and skyline including an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing.

Day 3 – Transfer to Scranton

We have our own private coach throughout this tour and, after a free morning, we transfer to Scranton for a 2-night stay.

Day 4 – Steamtown

A visit to the premier railway museum in the USA, operated by the US National Parks Service. Relive the era of steam railroading and see the restored locos, passenger carriages and freight wagons plus other artefacts.

Day 5 – Amish Country

We transfer by coach to Lancaster for a 2-night stay.

Day 6 – Strasburg Railroad

Full day visit to the oldest preserved railroad in the USA, home to some beautifully restored trains. The journey takes us through Amish Country where we can see a way of life without the modern conveniences, we now take for granted. The horse-drawn buggies and ploughs are typical sights. The Pennsylvania Railroad Museum is world class and houses more than 100 historic locomotives.

Day 7 – Gettysburg

We visit the Gettysburg Heritage Centre Museum to learn about the Civil War en route to our next centre, Cumberland, where we stay for 4 nights.

Day 8 – Western Maryland Railroad

We ride the “Frostburg Flyer” heritage diesel train and enjoy an exciting mix of mountain scenery (including a horseshoe curve) and transport history. Lunch is included in the vintage dining car.

Day 9 –

The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

After a short transfer to Romney, we board the Potomac Eagle heritage diesel train for its full day trip to Petersburg and return. The train follows the scenic Potomac River Valley and, at one stage, passes through a deep gorge (the Trough) where bald eagles nest. There is a 2-hour stopover in Petersburg before the return journey.

Day 10 – Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum

By road to Baltimore to visit the superb railroad museum located in a huge, converted roundhouse and containing, not only historic locos and stock, but also a myriad of other exhibits outlining the history of American railroading. Return to Cumberland for overnight stay.

Day 11 – Allegheny Mountains

Coach transfer via the Monongahela National Forest to Elkins for a 4-night stay.

Day 12 – Cass Scenic Railroad

We join the Cass Scenic Railroad behind an original Shay steam logging locomotive, climbing up to 4842ft at Bald Knob in Pocahontas Country. The line was built to haul timber to the mill in Cass and there are amazing views from the summit. Lunch is included today.

Day 13 – Greenbrier Express

The Greenbrier Express departs Cass and follows the Greenbrier River to the small mountain village of Durbin. On arrival in Durbin, all ticket holders will be served lunch (included). The journey upriver passes through the Monongahela National Forest featuring beautiful scenes of forested mountains at each turn of the river. Sightings of deer, river otters and black bear, along with a wide variety of eagles, hawks and ospreys are common.

Day 14 – The New Tygart Flyer

Today we take a return trip on the Tygart Flyer from Elkins to High Falls of Cheat. Journey by vintage diesel on this mountain rail adventure. A 4-hour, 46 mile round trip, with miles of unspoiled magnificent views, culminating in High Falls of Cheat, where you will find an impressive waterfall. Lunch is included today.

Day 15 – Return to New York

A full day’s drive brings us back to New York and our Manhattan hotel.

Days 16 – Evening Flight to London

Most of the day is free for sightseeing or last minute gift shopping before we transfer to the airport for our overnight flight.

Day 17 – Home Again

We arrive in London during the morning.