Mountains & Coast
Enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains and the South Carolina coast
This 14-night self-drive adventure combines mountain scenery with southern seaside charm. Start in North Carolina’s vibrant city of Charlotte before heading into the Blue Ridge Mountains to discover Asheville’s creative spirit and the majestic Great Smoky Mountains. Cruise the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway — one of America’s most scenic drives — before heading south through Georgia and the Carolinas to explore the culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty of the Deep South.
You’ll visit dynamic cities and tranquil resorts alike — from bustling Atlanta to romantic Savannah, sun-soaked Hilton Head Island, and historic Charleston. This unforgettable journey blends natural wonder, historic treasures, and warm southern hospitality for a true taste of America’s South.
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!
14 night self drive holiday from £2,599pp including flights, accommodation & car rental
Highlights
Discover Asheville, the Biltmore Estate, and the scenic Great Smoky Mountains.
Enjoy breathtaking views along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Stroll the beaches of Hilton Head and explore Charleston’s charming cobblestone streets.
Experience Savannah’s antebellum beauty, Atlanta’s energy, and classic southern cuisine.
Your itinerary
Day 1: Charlotte – Welcome to North Carolina
Begin your southern journey in the Queen City
Fly into Charlotte, North Carolina — a lively city blending modern charm with motorsport heritage. Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame or take a stroll through the city’s tree-lined streets and green parks. Charlotte is a perfect first stop before your adventure through the mountains and coast begins.
1 Night in
Charlotte, NC
Arrival
Day
Days 2–4: Asheville – ART, ARCHITECTURE & BLUE RIDGE BEAUTY
Explore the Blue Ridge Mountains and America’s largest private estate
Drive west into the Blue Ridge Mountains to reach Asheville, one of the South’s most distinctive and creative small cities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture and relaxed mountain atmosphere, Asheville is the perfect place to soak up the character of Appalachia. Spend time wandering the lively downtown filled with galleries, boutique shops, live music venues and excellent farm-to-table restaurants.
A highlight of your stay is the magnificent Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home, where George Vanderbilt’s grand mansion, beautifully landscaped gardens and winery offer a fascinating glimpse into Gilded Age luxury.
3 Nights in
Asheville, NC
130 miles
Days 5–6: Blue Ridge parkway & GReat smoky mountains
Cruise the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway through breathtaking mountain scenery
Leave Asheville and follow the sweeping curves of the Blue Ridge Parkway or scenic mountain highways towards Cherokee, North Carolina — a welcoming gateway town at the southern entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way, stop at panoramic overlooks, waterfalls and forest trails that showcase the dramatic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
Spend two nights exploring the park’s misty ridgelines, wildlife-filled valleys and historic sites. Drive the spectacular Newfound Gap Road for breathtaking mountain views, visit the fascinating Museum of the Cherokee People, or explore Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the nearby Mountain Farm Museum, where historic Appalachian buildings tell the story of early settlers. With hiking trails, scenic drives and elk often grazing in the valley, Cherokee offers a perfect immersion in the natural beauty and living culture of the Smokies.
2 Nights at
Great Smoky Mountains NP
75 miles
Days 7–8: Atlanta – Southern Energy & Heritage
Discover Georgia’s capital city of culture and cuisine
Head into bustling Atlanta, a city known for its rich history and cosmopolitan energy. Visit the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, or Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. For something outdoorsy, explore Stone Mountain Park, home to hiking trails and spectacular views. Enjoy southern dining in the Midtown or Buckhead neighbourhoods before continuing your journey east.
2 Nights in
Atlanta, GA
160 miles
Days 9–10: Savannah – Southern Charm & History
Stroll through squares, live oaks, and antebellum architecture
Drive to Savannah, Georgia’s most romantic and historic city. Wander beneath moss-draped oaks in its 22 leafy squares, explore the riverside markets, and admire beautiful antebellum homes. Don’t miss Chippewa Square, where Forrest Gump sat on his famous bench. Savannah’s peaceful pace, horse-drawn carriages, and atmospheric dining make it one of the South’s most captivating stops.
2 Nights in
Savannah, GA
250 miles
Days 11–12: Hilton Head Island – Beach Bliss & Coastal Relaxation
Enjoy sandy beaches, golf courses, and coastal wildlife
A short drive takes you to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, known for its pristine beaches and world-class golf resorts. Spend two nights here relaxing by the ocean, exploring Harbour Town Lighthouse, or cycling along the island’s scenic trails. Nature lovers can visit the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to egrets, herons, and sea turtles.
2 Nights in Hilton
Head Island, SC
40 miles
Days 13–14: Charleston – History, Culture & Southern Elegance
Walk the cobbled streets of one of America’s most charming cities
Continue to Charleston for two nights of cobblestone charm, colourful Rainbow Row, and sunset strolls along The Battery. Delve into history at Fort Sumter, browse the lively City Market, and consider a plantation visit such as Boone Hall or Middleton Place for gardens and Gullah-Geechee heritage. Savour shrimp and grits or she-crab soup in a waterfront restaurant before your journey’s end. On your final morning, enjoy a last coffee on King Street, then drive back to Charlotte, return your car, and board your overnight flight to the UK — wrapping up a perfect mountains-to-coast adventure.
2 Nights in
Charleston, SC
170 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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