Wild Horses & Coastal Secrets: The Carolina Coast

Package Price Per Person:

$2450 Double Occupancy

$3235 Single Occupancy

$2150 Triple Occupancy

$1975 Quad Occupancy

Tour Dates: June 5-13, 2027

 

From the misty majesty of the Smoky Mountains to the untamed shores of the Outer Banks, get ready for a journey filled with scenic splendor, coastal charm, and captivating secrets! Imagine winding through spectacular mountain landscapes aboard a scenic train, watching wild Spanish mustangs roam sandy beaches from the seat of an adventurous 4x4 vehicle, standing beneath towering historic lighthouses, and uncovering one of America’s greatest unsolved mysteries. This 8-night, 9-day adventure blends breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, seaside beauty, and a little Southern sass into one unforgettable getaway—with a grand finale in the legendary music city of Nashville!

Our adventure begins in the magnificent Smoky Mountain region, where nature puts on a spectacular show of rolling peaks, lush forests, winding rivers, and mountain valleys. Climb aboard the Smoky Mountain scenic train ride and settle in for a relaxing journey through some of the region’s most picturesque landscapes. As the train travels along historic rail lines, enjoy ever-changing views of forest-covered mountains, sparkling waterways, and charming mountain scenery. The rhythmic sounds of the rails, fresh mountain air, and sweeping vistas create a nostalgic travel experience that invites you to sit back, take in the scenery, and savor the journey. Whether gazing out at the rugged mountain slopes or capturing that perfect photograph, this memorable rail excursion sets the stage for the adventures ahead. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes the journey itself is just as spectacular as the destination!

 

Then it’s onward to North Carolina’s enchanting Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands where wild beauty meets fascinating history. Here, the Atlantic Ocean shapes the landscape, sandy dunes stretch toward the horizon, and stories of daring aviators, lost settlers, and ships claimed by the sea linger along the coast.

One of our most exciting adventures awaits as we set out on a 4x4 wild horse tour through the sandy terrain of the northern Outer Banks. Buckle up for an exhilarating ride as our specialized four-wheel-drive vehicle navigates the coastal landscape in search of the famous Corolla wild horses. Descendants of Spanish mustangs, these remarkable horses have roamed the barrier islands for centuries, adapting to life among the dunes, maritime forests, and windswept beaches. Keep your camera ready as we explore their natural habitat and watch for these magnificent animals grazing or wandering freely along the shore. Seeing wild horses in such a beautiful and rugged setting is an extraordinary experience—and the adventurous 4x4 ride makes the journey just as exciting as the destination!

 

No Outer Banks adventure would be complete without discovering its iconic lighthouses. We’ll explore three historic Outer Banks lighthouses, each with its own distinctive personality, striking architecture, and fascinating maritime story. These towering beacons have guided sailors through dangerous coastal waters for generations, and their dramatic settings offer wonderful opportunities for sightseeing and photographs. From classic black-and-white stripes to distinctive coastal silhouettes, these beloved landmarks embody the spirit and history of North Carolina’s shores.

Step into a world of historic elegance at the Whalehead Club, a distinctive waterfront mansion overlooking the beautiful Currituck Sound. Built as a luxurious winter retreat in the early 20th century, this remarkable residence offers a glimpse into a bygone era of lavish entertaining, hunting expeditions, and coastal leisure. Admire its striking architecture, explore its intriguing history, and enjoy the peaceful waterfront setting that makes this one of the region’s most memorable historic attractions.

Prepare to be amazed by the natural beauty of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest natural sand dunes on the East Coast. These immense, rolling dunes create a landscape unlike any other along the Carolina coast. Feel the breeze sweeping across the sand, admire expansive views of the surrounding waterways, and discover why this extraordinary natural landmark is one of the Outer Banks’ most treasured destinations.

At the Wright Brothers National Memorial and Museum, we’ll celebrate the courage and ingenuity that changed the world. In 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first successful powered, controlled airplane flights here at Kill Devil Hills, launching a new era of transportation and exploration. Discover the story behind their groundbreaking accomplishment and visit the historic grounds where their dream of flight became reality. It’s an inspiring tribute to two determined innovators who dared to reach for the skies.

The coast’s fascinating history takes a more mysterious turn at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. Discover the stories of ships lost to treacherous shoals, violent storms, and perilous ocean conditions along North Carolina’s shoreline. Through maritime artifacts, exhibits, and tales of shipwrecks and rescue efforts, we’ll learn why these waters earned their haunting nickname. The museum offers a compelling look at the dangers sailors faced and the enduring connection between the Outer Banks and the sea.

Our journey into America’s colonial past continues at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island, the setting of England’s early attempts to establish a permanent settlement in the New World. Here, we’ll explore the history of the colonists whose fate remains one of the nation’s most enduring mysteries. What happened to the settlers of 1587? Why did the colony disappear? The unanswered questions surrounding the Lost Colony have fascinated historians and visitors for generations.

As evening approaches, experience the drama and excitement of The Lost Colony outdoor drama, a celebrated theatrical production that brings this extraordinary chapter of American history to life. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Roanoke Island, the performance tells the story of the settlers, their hopes for a new life, and the mystery that continues to surround their disappearance. With powerful storytelling, memorable performances, and a spectacular outdoor setting, it’s an unforgettable way to experience the legend that gives this stretch of coastline its captivating allure.

After days filled with mountain scenery, coastal discoveries, and fascinating history, our journey begins its return home with a final stop in Nashville, Tennessee—the legendary Music City! Enjoy an overnight stay in the heart of a city celebrated for its country music roots, lively entertainment, and unmistakable Southern hospitality.

From the misty mountains of the Smokies to the windswept beaches of the Atlantic, this extraordinary journey blends scenic rail travel, wild coastal beauty, iconic landmarks, and stories that have stood the test of time. With wild horses, historic lighthouses, aviation milestones, maritime legends, and the mystery of a vanished colony, every day reveals another side of America’s captivating coast. Come for the coastal beauty, stay for the legends, and leave with memories as unforgettable as the Outer Banks themselves!

Tour Package Includes:

roundtrip motorcoach transportation

9 days/8 nights lodging

11 meals (7 breakfast, 1 lunch, 3 dinners)

Smoky Mountain National Park Train Ride

Wild Horse Tour Outerbanks

Three Lighthouses Outerbanks

Whalehead Club

Jockey Ridge State Park

Wright Brothers National Memorial and Museum

Graveyard of the Atlantic

Fort Raleigh Historical Site

Lost Colony Outdoor Drama

Little Rock Tours Tour Director

All taxes and fees