Thursday, April 16
Today we depart on a tour featuring two of our nations well known spring floral festivals, the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC and the Festival of Flowers at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Upon arrival in Washington, DC we will enjoy a luncheon cruise aboard the Odyssey. This will give us the opportunity to view the Cherry Blossoms and some of DC’s highlights from the water, as well as enjoy a delicious lunch. We will then have a guided tour of our nations Capital with a local step on guide. Our lodging for this evening will be in Richmond, VA. L

Friday, April 17
As we continue south a stop will be made in Durham, NC at Sarah P. Duke Gardens located at Duke University. Duke Gardens is one of the finest examples in the Southeast of garden as an art form. The 55 acres of landscaped and woodland gardens features more than 2,000 kinds of plants, 5 miles of walks and pathways, bridges, grottos, waterfalls and ponds. Later we continue to Asheville, the location of our lodging for the next two evenings.

Saturday, April 18
A full day at Biltmore Estate will allow for a tour of the Biltmore House, Gardens and Conservatory; lunch at the Deerpark Restaurant and a visit to the Winery and Wine Shop. During Festival of Flowers the estate’s seasonal beauty is showcased with a stunning tulip display in the Walled Garden, cascades of native and exotic blooms in the natural gardens and walking trails and delicate arrangements inside the Biltmore House. The Biltmore House offers festivities including dance, music and skits. Biltmore’s Winery joins the celebration with a commemorative “Festival of Flowers” wine and music programs. CB, L

Sunday, April 19
This morning we will re-enter the Biltmore Estate for the last time allowing you to see what you missed yesterday, or return to that favorite floral spot. By early afternoon we will head north for our overnight accommodations in Roanoke, Virginia. CB

Monday, April 20
Continuing north into the Shenandoah Valley we will stop in Edinburg, Virginia for a tour and lunch at Shenandoah Vineyards. Here we’ll walk through the wine cellar and discuss the winemaking facility, enjoy a box lunch and taste a selection of wines. We’ll then continue our journey homeward with an arrival scheduled for early evening. CB, L

Tour Protection: $40 per person