North Carolina Fly-Drive

Fly-drive holidays in North Carolina

Departing from London Gatwick (direct with US Airways) or Manchester and Edinburgh (via Atlanta with Delta)

(For flights with CO from Bristol, Belfast, Birmingham and Glasgow or UA or AA from Heathrow are all available please call for a quote.)

Day 1
Fly from the UK to Charlotte, on arrival collect your Hertz compact car hire (all inclusive) and drive to the Omni in Uptown Charlotte for 2 nights.

Day 2
Day at leisure to explore all the Queen City has to offer, We suggest a walking tour of uptown Charlotte and then a visit to Discovery Place, or perhaps drive out to Lowes Motor Speedway (www.lowesmotorspeedway.com) the home of "Days of Thunder"

Day 3 (124 miles)
Drive across the Piedmont of North Carolina through the delights of Uwharrie National Forest to the town of Lumberton on the banks of the Lumber River. The halfway point for anyone making the long drive from New York to Florida!  Stay at the Quality Inn & Suites for 1 night

Day 4 (79 miles)
Today head for the coast! Follow the Cape Fear River to the town of Wilmington - Gateway to Cape Fear. The hotel for the next 2 nights is the Comfort Inn Executive Center.

Day 5
Day at leisure, perhaps take a break from driving and relax on the five mile stretch of Wrightsville Beach, home of white sand, sparkling waters and seafood restaurants.

Day 6 (215 miles)
Back in the car for a longer drive today as you head to the historic Outer Banks (www.outerbanks.com) in the north eastern corner of North Carolina. Arrive for 2 nights at the Holiday Inn Express Kitty Hawk (B&B).

Day 7
Day at leisure to explore all that the Outer Banks have to offer, stroll to the beaches or visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial (www.nps.gov/wrbr/).

Day 8 (165 miles)
Head back inland to historic Raleigh, an irresistible bend of big city excitement and Carolina charm, stay 1 night at the Holiday Inn Crabtree, just steps from one of the biggest malls in the area.

Day 9 (144 miles)
Continue westbound across the Piedmont to Jonesville, this small town has ten vineyards within 20 miles and has shops and restaurants nearby, overnight at the Comfort Inn Jonesville

Day 10 (186 miles)
Head high into the Smoky Mountains for two nights in the native American settlement of Cherokee. Stay at the Holiday Inn Cherokee
Day 11
A free day to explore the mountains! We recommend the museum of the Cherokee Indian (www.cherokeemuseum.org) or for the more adventurous hit the water with our friends at Whitewater Ltd Rafting in Nantahala (www.whitewaterrafting.com).

Day 12 (40 miles)
Drop down the mountains to the city of Asheville, a fine base to explore the region. Why not visit the grand Biltmore Estate (www.biltmore.com) and its winery. Stay 2 nights at the Crowne Plaza Asheville

Day 13
A day free to explore all Asheville and its area has to offer. We recommend a drive out to two well known film locations in North Carolina. The spectacular Chimney Rock (www.chimneyrockpark.com) (location for Last of the Mohicans). The more daring can try an introductory rock climb (contact www.foxmountainguides.com). Also a must see is Lake Lure (www.lakelure.com), the location for Dirty Dancing

Day 14 (142 miles)
Drive back down onto the Piedmont to the city of Winston-Salem, perhaps call at the Yadkin Valley (www.yadkinvalleywineries.com) enroute for some wine tasting, be sure to visit Reynolda House (www.reynoldahouse.org) and the cities many Arts Centres, we recommend www.piedmontcraftsmen.org.  Overnight at La Quinta Inn & Suites

Day 15 (81 miles)
Time for some last minute shopping at Hanes Mall (www.shophanesmall.com) before the drive back to Charlotte, return your hire car before your flight back to the UK.

Prices

Please contact us for an up to date price on this tour - it operates all year round and can be tailor made to include flights from your favourite local airport with an airline of your choice. Durations are all flexible and things can be shortened or extended to suit your time and budget.