Appalachian Mountains by Rails and Trails

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation
• Four night hotel accommodations 
• Baggage handling (1 bag per person)
• Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
• All tours and admissions as listed per itinerary
• Local guided tours 
• All taxes and gratuities
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Rivers of Steel - Explorer Riverboat Cruise
• Monongahela Incline 
• Amtrak train ride to the Horseshoe Curve
• Altoona Railroaders Museum
• Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
• Thrasher Carriage Museum
• Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre 
• Green Bank Observatory 
• Cass Scenic Railroad

Itinerary 

Thursday, September 19: Travel to Pittsburgh, Rivers of Steel Riverboat, Monongahela Incline

6:00AM: Motorcoach will depart from Lititz,  Penn Cinema, 541 Airport Road, Lititz.

7:00AM: Depart from Harrisburg, AAA Central Penn, 2301 Paxton Church Road; travel to Pittsburgh. 

**Departure times are approximate and will be confirmed closer to travel. 

Arrive in Pittsburgh, know both as "the Steel City" for its more than 300 steel-related businesses and the "City of Bridges" for its 446 bridges. This afternoon we'll enjoy a river cruise on The Rivers of Steel Riverboat, the only way to see Pittsburgh and truly learn about the past, present and future. The tour starts on the Monongahela River and continues on the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers all while the captain and narrator relay the interesting facts, tales and river lore that make Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania so special. After the cruise we'll have a delightful dinner at the Grand Concourse Restaurant, which is housed in the beautifully preserved Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station. Then we'll take a ride on the Monongahela Incline for the best way to see the city from Mt. Washington. Check into the hotel with the remainder of the evening to enjoy at your leisure.  Hotel: Hampton Inn University/Medial Center, Pittsburgh, PA.  (Dinner)

Friday, September 20: Horseshoe Curve, Altoona Railroaders Museum, Travel to Cumberland, MD

After breakfast we'll depart for Union Station to board the Amtrak Train to Altoona. Sit back and enjoy the 2 1/2 hour train ride that winds through the countryside of the Allegheny Mountains and around the Horseshoe Curve. We'll arrive at the famous Horseshoe Curve, which is a National Historic Landmark. You'll have time to visit the museum and the visitor center as well as the viewing area to watch trains round the Curve.  Next, we'll meet our guide to visit the Railroaders Memorial Museum to learn about the massive railroad history of this area of Pennsylvania and tour this fascinating interactive museum. Ride the "Funicular", up to the overlook, which will provide spectacular views of the countryside and of trains rounding this stunning horseshoe curve. After our catered picnic lunch we'll depart for Cumberland, Maryland to check into the hotel to freshen up for dinner and show at the Town Hill Inn.  Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Cumberland, MD. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

Saturday, September 21: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Thrasher Carriage Museum, Gandy Dancer Dinner Theater

After breakfast depart with our local guide to see the 1833 Toll House, the National Road and several of its 100 year-old inns, downtown Cumberland with its exquisite Victorian architecture and murals, the Footer's Dyeworks Building, houses inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Narrows and so much more. We'll make a stop at St. Paul's Lutheran Church before we board the Western Scenic Railroad for a one hour excursion through the beautiful mountain scenery to the depot in Frostburg. Visit the Thrasher Carriage Museum, home to a portion of James Richard Thrasher's horse-drawn vehicle collection, the third largest of its kind in the nation. This afternoon we'll tour the Gunter Hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a show at the Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre. (Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner)

Sunday, September 22: Green Bank Observatory, Cass Scenic Railroad 

After breakfast, reach for the stars at the Green Bank Observatory, an astronomical observatory with the world's largest steerable radio telescope, located in the National Radio Quiet Zone in Green Bank, WV. Then its onto the Cass Scenic Railroad for a thrilling experience that will go to the top of Bald Knob, the third highest point in West Virginia. on this 22-mile trip we'll see panoramic views of the lofty Appalachian Mountains all while enjoying a box lunch. Check into the hotel with time to freshen up before dinner. Hotel: Hampton Inn, Elkins, WV. (Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner) 

Monday, September 23: Travel to Central Pennsylvania

After breakfast depart for Central Pennsylvania with appropriate rest and fast food meal stops en-route. (Breakfast)

Hotel and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation.

Tour Activity Level: 3
This tour requires moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected. 

General Information

Travel Documents

As travel policies are rapidly changing due to COVID-19, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information. 

Payment

A $300 per person deposit is due at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by   June 2, 2024.
 

Cancellation/Penalties

A $25 per person cancellation fee will be charged by Discoveries in addition to any other supplier’s fees. From  June 2, 2024 to day of departure no refunds.

Insurance

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures for Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia in September average in the 70s. Casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended; be prepared for potential inclement weather.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP6924

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