Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Let’s head to the North Georgia mountains where the summer heat fades under the protective, cooling leaves spread among the thousands of acres of national forests spreading from the northeastern corner clear to the northwest corner of the state. Within this expansive wooded landscape we’ll find winding trails, roaring waterfalls. bubbling streams, and amazing scenic vistas around every bend.
You may just fall in love with the charming mountain towns, each with its own character and history. Lucky for us, this mountainous region presents the perfect climate and terrain for winemaking, so there will be a lot to taste! We’ll explore the region’s rich history and culture with ties to Native American heritage, Southern Appalachian Folk culture, the Blue Ridge Railway, and the site of the first major gold rush.
Each night we’ll be tucked away in a cozy luxury tiny cabin in the serenity of the Chattahoochee National Forest with all the amenities and everything you need but nothing you don’t. Remember, this is Glamping, not camping! Each tiny cabin has its own private bathroom, real beds, large windows for forest views, and a private fire pit with Adirondack chairs for evening relaxation. It’s only a short airplane ride away to a fun but relaxing mountain getaway, so grab your bag and let’s get started!
Day One: Darling Dahlonega
A scenic drive will take us straight from the airport, north into the mountains to our first charming town, darling Dahlonega.
Take your time to wander the delightful downtown filled with historic buildings, art galleries, and unique boutiques while finding a tasty Southern lunch on your own along the way.
Consolidated Gold Mine:
As site of the nation’s first major gold rush in 1829 we must visit the nearby Consolidated Gold Mine where we’ll travel 200 feet underground and 100 years back in time as we experience life as a miner at the turn of the century.
Postcard Cabins Chattahoochee:
Our next stop along the curvy mountain roads is Georgia’s highest community, Suches, known as the “Valley Above the Clouds”.
Its here where we can get away completely once we check into our tiny, luxury Postcard Cabins nestled in the serenity of the forest.
Evening Happy Hour:
Take some time to settle in and relax with an evening wine happy hour before heading out to a local spot for an included dinner.
Then sleep tight!
Day 2: Long Creek Falls
After our leisurely home cooked breakfast by Chef Creed, we’ll make our way through the winding mountain roads to the beautifully lush Three Forks creek valley in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Some of the most stunning stretches of the Appalachian Trail runs through here leading to the sparking, rushing cascade of Long Creek Falls that flows under a verdant forest canopy.
It’s only a 2 mile walk out and back and the scenery will keep you captivated the entire way.
Local Lunch:
Once we return to civilization, there’s a really great local place where we must stop for an included lunch.
Red Oak Lavender Farm:
Although we missed the lavender blooms, we’ll still enjoy the varieties of wildflowers blooming in the fields of the Red Oak Lavender Farm.
While we aren’t able to cut our own lavender, the shop is filled with a hundred different lavender products made right here at the farm.
Sip & Stroll:
A brush with beautiful butterflies is next on our agenda at the Dahlonega Butterfly Farm.
It’s a special evening here where you can Sip and Stroll with a local wine in hand as you visit with your fluttery friends.
Dinner at the Cabins:
This will be a good evening to pick up an included dinner takeout on the way back to our cabins and just sit and enjoy the forested, starry night.
Day Three: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Today we travel to the cute, historic town of Blue Ridge where we’ll take a nostalgic journey along the Toccoa River through the North Georgia countryside aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
Starting at the historic depot, we’ll travel to the quaint sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee nestled deep in the mountains on each state’s line.
There will be time to explore both towns and find some lunch before returning through the scenic forest back to Blue Ridge
Minnehaha Falls:
We can’t leave yet before exploring the town and the short, easy trail to view Minnehaha Falls spilling its waters over a cliff in a gorgeous multi-tiered cascade before continuing downstream to the Lake Raburn shore.
Enjoy Our Last Night:
Tonight we’ll enjoy one last included dinner together either at a local restaurant or at the cabins and then relax and sleep in the peacefulness of the forest.
Day Four: Say Goodbye
As we wind our way out from the mountains towards the airport, we’ll wave goodbye to our peaceful forest home but will bring our serene moments with us all the way to New Jersey and beyond.
Pricing & Departures:
Air transportation is provided by United Airlines. A surcharge will apply if United Airlines increases the price of its airfare. One piece of luggage per person (baggage fee by United is not included) and one small carry-on are permitted. A valid, government-issued picture ID is required to board the plane.
Wednesday, July 9: Flight # departs Newark at AM and arrives in Atlanta at PM
Saturday, July 12: Flight # departs Atlanta at PM and arrives in Newark at PM
*Due to the changes in airline booking policies, airfare will need to be booked before the cancellation date, Once flights are booked, we cannot refund that portion of the tour unless you’d like to pay an additional cost for refundable tickets.
*Pricing is based upon estimated airfares. Due to the erratic nature of airline pricing, the trip price may need to be increased accordingly at the time of airline booking. We will notify you of any increases before airfare is purchased. We will do our best to find the most affordable airfare while maintaining non-stop flights.
Price per person is $ Twin & $ Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to “Group Tours & Travel” and mail to our address above. Final payment is due April 5, 2025. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after April 5, 2025. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended, but not included. Educated Wanderer is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change the itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
Upon submitting final payment you are agreeing to our new policy.
Wet Blanket Policy:
Wet blanket
– a person who makes it difficult for other people to enjoy themselves by complaining, acting negatively, creating drama, etc.
– one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure
- Our philosophy of travel involves getting out of the ordinary to experience other cultures and places with an open minded attitude and flexibility. Since as in daily life, anything can and will happen, let’s embrace these situations with acceptance and understanding because they will either lead to an unexpected, amazing experience or positive learning experience.
- If anyone brings along excess baggage such as incessant complaining, under the breath rude comments, outward negativity or other such behaviors that infect the entire group or individuals, we have the exclusive right to remove them from the tour at their own cost with no refunds. (yes, this means you)
- If any major concerns arise during a tour, please just come talk to us and we’ll work it out!
The Educated Wanderer
PO Box 35 Henryville, PA 18332
973-513-9001
