Country Roads, Mountains & Nashville
Discover Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains and Nashville on a scenic American adventure.
Inspired by the timeless lyrics of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” this unforgettable 13-night holiday invites you to follow winding ridge-top highways, misty valleys and mountain towns that feel lifted straight from a country song. Beginning in Washington DC, you’ll travel south along the Skyline Drive and legendary Blue Ridge Parkway — two of the most celebrated scenic routes in the USA, known for sweeping panoramas, forested ridgelines and peaceful overlooks that change beautifully with the seasons.
Along the way, you’ll walk the trails of Shenandoah National Park, discover the wild beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, and unwind in Asheville’s artsy, bohemian charm. Your journey ends in Nashville — a city where the sounds of country, rock and Americana spill from every stage and neon-lit honky-tonk. Blending breathtaking landscapes with culture, history and music, this itinerary offers an authentic taste of America’s mountain soul.
Remember: We’re UK-based, and every holiday we create is fully flexible – you can add nights, upgrade hotels, or enhance your itinerary. We love designing tailor-made self-drive adventures just for you!
13 night self drive holiday from £2,399pp including flights, accommodation & car rental
Highlights
Experience the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, two of the most beautiful drives in the USA.
Visit Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains — home to waterfalls, trails, and mountain vistas.
Relax in Asheville with the Biltmore Estate, craft breweries, and vibrant mountain culture.
Celebrate your journey in Nashville with live music, southern dining, and country heritage
Your itinerary
Days 1–3: Washington DC – Monuments & Museums
Explore America’s capital and its world-famous landmarks
Fly into Washington DC for a three-night stay in the nation’s capital. Discover iconic landmarks such as the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and U.S. Capitol. Wander through the free Smithsonian Museums or take a stroll around the Tidal Basin to see the Jefferson Memorial. Just across the Potomac River lies Arlington National Cemetery, where you can pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In the evenings, enjoy dining in lively Georgetown or the Wharf waterfront district.
3 Nights in
Washington, DC
Arrive &
Explore
Day 4: Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive
Enter the Blue Ridge Mountains and savour Skyline Drive’s scenic beauty
Collect your car and leave Washington DC behind as you head west into Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. Drive along the stunning Skyline Drive, a 105-mile route that winds through mountain ridges, forests, and overlooks offering panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley. Stop for short hikes or picnic spots along the way, keeping your camera ready for deer and black bear sightings.
1 Night at
Shenandoah NP, VA
100 miles
Day 5: Roanoke & Blue Ridge Parkway
Journey through rolling hills and mountain ridges to Virginia’s Star City
Continue your drive along the Skyline Drive before merging onto the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway — America’s favourite scenic road. With countless overlooks and gentle curves, the route leads you through unspoiled countryside and the foothills of the Appalachians. End your day in Roanoke, known for its vibrant downtown and the iconic Mill Mountain Star that shines over the city at night.
1 Night in
Roanoke, VA
180 miles
Day 6: blue ridge parkway - Blowing Rock
Cross into North Carolina along the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway
Today you’ll follow the parkway south through the Plateau and Highlands regions, crossing from Virginia into North Carolina. Stop at scenic viewpoints such as Mabry Mill or Linville Falls to enjoy postcard-perfect mountain views. Spend the night in Blowing Rock, a picturesque town perched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, filled with boutiques, cosy cafés, and local art galleries.
1 Night in
Blowing Rock, NC
175 miles
Days 7–8: Asheville & the Biltmore Estate
Discover Asheville’s mountain magic and explore America’s largest home
Arrive in Asheville, a creative and lively mountain town surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tour the grand Biltmore Estate — a French château-inspired mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt II — and its beautiful gardens and winery. Wander the River Arts District, sample local craft beers, or enjoy live bluegrass in a downtown bar. With two nights here, you’ll have time to relax and soak up the unique atmosphere.
2 Nights in
Asheville, NC
90 miles
Day 9: Great Smoky Mountains – Nature & Heritage
Explore America’s most visited national park from a town rich in Cherokee heritage
Continue along the final stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the town of Cherokee, gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Spend the night here exploring misty mountain peaks, waterfalls, and scenic drives like Clingmans Dome Road and Newfound Gap. Visit the Museum of the Cherokee People for insight into the area’s Native American heritage or ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad from nearby Bryson City for spectacular views.
1 Night at Great
Smoky Mountains NP, TN
100 miles
Days 10–11: Pigeon Forge – Dollywood & Mountain Views
Enjoy two fun-filled nights in one of Tennessee’s most beloved mountain towns
Drive through the Smokies to Pigeon Forge, a lively town best known for Dollywood, spectacular mountain scenery and warm Appalachian charm. Spend two nights enjoying attractions, shows, restaurants and relaxed Southern hospitality. Ride the coasters at Dollywood, watch live music, or explore the nearby Great Smoky Mountains via scenic drives, easy hikes or the Ober Mountain tramway (from adjacent Gatlinburg). This extended stay gives you time to unwind, enjoy family-friendly fun, or experience the region’s famous mountain culture.
2 Nights in
Piegon Forge, TN
45 miles
Optional Add-On: Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg
Relax and enjoy these mountain towns before heading to Nashville
If you’d like to extend your journey, consider adding a night or two in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, lively mountain towns on the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg offers charming alpine-style streets, artisan shops, and scenic views from the Ober Mountain tramway, while Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, the famous theme park inspired and owned by country legend Dolly Parton. Both towns make a perfect stop for relaxing, family fun, or immersing yourself in classic Appalachian hospitality before continuing on to Nashville.
2 Nights in Pigeon
Forge or Gatlinburg, TX
45 miles
Days 12–13: Nashville – The Soundtrack of the South
End your adventure in Music City, USA
Drive through the Great Smoky Mountains into Tennessee and arrive in Nashville for the final leg of your adventure. Spend two memorable nights in Music City, USA — exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, and RCA Studio B. Enjoy the live bands that fill Broadway’s honky-tonks day and night, and catch an unforgettable show at the Grand Ole Opry. If time allows, take a day trip to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, just 75 miles away. On your final morning, relax in Centennial Park or browse Nashville’s boutiques before returning your car and boarding your flight back to the UK.
2 Nights in
Nashville, TN
260 miles
June - mid Sept: Many lodgings and transport links are only open during the Summer. Amazing wildlife including bears, bald eagles, whales, sea otters and seals can be spotted.
Daytime temperatures are usually cool but very comfortabl, generally in the 15-20°C range and even into the high 20s. Days are long during the with July being the peak month.
You’ll need a connecting flght from the UK, probably via Seattle or Vancouver, we highly recommend a couple of days to explore the connecting city. Alaska is 8 or 9 hours behind the UK.
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