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Autumn at the Greenbrier & Historic Trains

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You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
20242025
9 days From $3,495 per person
4.2 stars(20 reviews)
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The nation’s history comes to life on this exceptional fall tour through the mountains, featuring time in Washington D.C., rides aboard four scenic and heritage trains, and a stay at one of the nation’s oldest resorts.

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

Mobility Rating 2

2024 Tour code: AGB24

About the tour

Vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow grace the mountainsides of West Virginia and Virginia on this autumn journey. Enjoy the beautiful scenery aboard four heritage railways and enjoy the landscape from one of the oldest and most luxurious resorts in America. The journey begins in our nation's capital, Washington, D.C., a modern metropolis rooted in history. Your time here is highlighted by a guided tour of the city and ample time to explore at leisure. From museums to monuments, there is no shortage of sights to behold. Our journey continues into rural West Virginia and Maryland, where nostalgic rail excursions are perhaps the most wonderful way to soak in the mountain scenery. Ride aboard the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, the New Tygart Flyer, and the Cass Scenic Railroad before making the scenic drive by deluxe motorcoach to White Sulphur Springs, WV, home to the magnificent Greenbrier Resort, where we enjoy a two-night stay. One last dose of American history and natural beauty rounds out the tour with a day trip to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Charlottesville, VA. Ideal for train enthusiasts, history buffs and leaf peepers alike, this journey through the Virginias is sure to please.

Unforgettable Experiences

View the Foliage Aboard Four Scenic Rail Journeys
View the Foliage Aboard Four Scenic Rail Journeys
Enjoy four scenic rail journeys: Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, New Tygart Flyer, and Cass Scenic Railroad
The Greenbrier Resort
The Greenbrier Resort
Stay at the Greenbrier, a world-class resort in West Virginia's majestic Allegheny Mountains. Enjoy a guided tour of the now-declassified secret bunker built underneath the hotel in 1958.
Washington D.C.'s historic landmarks
Washington D.C.'s historic landmarks
With thoughtful narration to guide the way and add insight, enjoy some of the most famous landmarks throughout the city, including the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and the Washington Monument
Explore Monticello
Explore Monticello
Enjoy a dose of American history and natural beauty on a day tripto Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Charlottesville, VA

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Washington, D.C.

Arrive in Washington, D.C. and transfer on your own to your conveniently located hotel. You have time to settle into your comfortable accommodations ahead of meeting with your group and Tour Manager for a quick briefing of the extraordinary adventures to come. Following the meeting, the evening is yours to enjoy the ambiance of the capital. Perhaps check out one of the many fine-dining establishments or visit the monuments and memorials to see them aglow in soft lighting. Overnight Washington, D.C.

Day 2 – Washington, D.C. Sightseeing Tour

After breakfast, get a lay of the land with a motorcoach tour of the city. With thoughtful narration to guide the way and add insight, enjoy some of the most famous landmarks throughout the city, including the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Washington Monument and its reflecting pool, and many of the highlights of the National Mall.

The remainder of the day is yours to further your explorations. The Smithsonian Museums are truly spectacular, as is the National Gallery of Art. Explore the historic homes of Georgetown or venture out to Arlington National Cemetery to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Overnight Washington, D.C.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 – Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

We depart the nation's capital by motorcoach this morning and make our way to Romney, WV. On arrival, we board the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad for a memorable 3-hour train trip through the colorful Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. The route takes us through the Trough, a 6-mile gorge on the South Branch of the Potomac River. Vibrant hues of autumn blanket the mountains and make this ride memorable. As the train pulls back into the station, we reboard the motorcoach and continue our travels to Winchester. Overnight Winchester, WV.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Today we travel to Cumberland, MD, for a ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. This heritage train featuring historic diesel-electric locomotives takes passengers on a scenic fall excursion through "the Narrows" and past beautiful mountain scenery. After, we travel by deluxe motorcoach to Elkins, where we stay for two nights. Overnight Elkins, WV.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 – New Tygart Flyer

Mountains, waterfalls and splendid fall scenery are all on the itinerary as we join the New Tygart Flyer for a mountain railroad adventure. We board the train at the restored Elkins station and enjoy a 4-hour, 46-mile round trip journey through the West Virginia wilderness. We set out on vintage, diesel-powered trains for an excursion along the Cheat River. Travel through S curves and along steep mountain grades. Breathtaking panoramas abound, as do the scenes of fall foliage that engulf the forests at this time of the year. The ride culminates at the High Falls of Cheat, a massive waterfall located in one of the most remote and tranquil settings in the region. Overnight Elkins, WV. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – Cass Scenic Railroad / White Sulphur Springs

Following breakfast this morning, we travel by coach to Cass to board the Cass Scenic Railroad. This railroad dates to 1901 and follows the same route that lumber millers traveled over 100 years ago. Ride aboard vintage Shay steam locomotives and enjoy picturesque views of mountain and milling towns as you traverse the 11-mile route. You have a chance to explore the buildings of the onsite museum, as well. Our journey continues by deluxe motorcoach to White Sulphur Springs and the ever-impressive Greenbrier Resort, which has been a premier resort destination in the Allegheny Mountains since the 1770s. Over 11,000 acres of pristine land surrounds the luxurious hotel, putting the best of mountain recreation at your fingertips. Dinner this evening is in the resort's impeccable Main Dining Room. Dress code is enforced. Overnight White Sulphur Springs, WV. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – The Greenbrier Resort

Get an insider's look at one of the most unique features of the Greenbrier Resort today, with a docent-led tour of the now-declassified secret bunker built underneath the hotel in 1958. This bunker was built during the Cold War for the possible evacuation of the President, Senate and the House of Representatives. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the resort's amenities. Pamper yourself with a treatment in the mineral spa or play a game of chance in the casino. The golf courses at the resort are some of the finest in the nation and have played host to myriad tournaments throughout the years. Falconry, fishing, horseback riding, off-roading and kayaking are just a sampling of the excitement to be had on the expansive grounds. Enjoy more fine dining in the resort's well-appointed Main Dining Room tonight. Overnight White Sulphur Springs, WV. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Charlottesville and Monticello

We depart the resort by coach this morning and cross the border into Virginia. Our destination is the beautiful city of Charlottesville, just outside Richmond. This city is filled with history and culture and is home to a hallmark of American history, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. On arrival at this exceptional property, you have a chance to explore both the house and the grounds, both of which were designed, redesigned, and perfected throughout the years. Admire the incredible architecture of the building, and soak in the awe-inspiring views from the gardens. There is so much to love about this property. Our day continues with a coach ride to Arlington, where we stay for the night. Overnight Arlington, VA.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 9 – Tour Conclusion

Your autumn tour featuring the historic trains and amazing scenery of Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia concludes this morning with a transfer via hotel shuttle to Reagan National Airport for your return flight home.

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Elkins

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Elkins

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The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs

The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs

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The George Washington A Wyndham Grand Hotel, Winchester

The George Washington A Wyndham Grand Hotel, Winchester

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Phoenix Park Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Phoenix Park Hotel, Washington, D.C.

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Hilton Arlington, Arlington

Hilton Arlington, Arlington

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Trains

Cass Scenic Railroad
New Tygart Flyer
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

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Reviews

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 20 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (8)
  2. 4 stars
    (10)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

SHARON CROCKER

2 stars

Submitted 27 Oct 2023

The trains were a major disappointment. They were old and in bad shape.Nothing nice about them. I was disappointed that they went from point A to point B and back to point A. I think it could’ve been arranged where the motorcoach would go on and pick us up at the end of the train, and take us on instead of doubling back on the route. There was not much color to see, and that was a disappointment, but no fault of the tour company. The last hotel we were in was a dump. Our TV would not work for more than 10 minutes at a time and then it would go off and we would have service, and it would happen again. I did not ever like schlepping my own luggage, which happened once or twice. I got sick on the trip with Covid and ended up in the hospital one night. David French, our tour guide, was exceptionally excellent, rising to the challenge, and taking great care of me at all times. He even arranged for a limo to pick me up at the hospital and take me to the Greenbrier, as there is no other option. He was an exceptional tour guide. However, there was a problem with microphone. You need to buy him a very good, dependable microphone and not make him pay for it himself. That is a big big issue.

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Peter Thompson

4 stars

Submitted 20 Oct 2023

Would recommend.

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EFFIE LIACOURAS

3 stars

Submitted 17 Nov 2022

It would have been nice to know one of the trains was an open lumber train so we would have brought the right outer garments! We were rushed to the Bunker Tour shortly after arrival to Greenbrier so did not have time to eat lunch that day. Poor planning.

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JEANNINE GILBERT

5 stars

Submitted 01 Nov 2022

Eric our guide was full of facts presented in an interesting way.Eric was caring and enthusiastic. We would definitely sign up on another trip with him. My husband and I had walked through the memorials two days before yet still learned more on our guided tour. We liked the variety of trains,each different. The Potomac Eagle was our favorite.The dining experience was wonderful. The train, we did not enjoy, was the Cass was the one train we didn’t like.It was open air and unfortunately, the weather was awful, cold and light snow. Very uncomfortable. The Hobo lunch was unappetizing,with stale buns.The historic steam engine was what we liked about it..This was our first time in West Virginia, the scenery was beautiful and the history interesting.We liked the way Eric recommended restaurants in walking distance for each evening, The Greenbrier Inn was was very interesting in a beautiful location. We enjoyed learning about the history and seeing all the extravagant chandeliers. The formal dining was fun and a chance to get to know new friends better. Rick our driver was skilled and personable. The whole experience was a 5.

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MICHAEL NIPPER

4 stars

Submitted 01 Nov 2022

Train rides were a disappointment as views were obstructed by trees. All the other features of trip were good.

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Jane R

5 stars

Submitted 01 Nov 2022

The trip was fun, well organized and engaging. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and a lot of fun.

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