Explore the Capital Region Self-Drive

Day 1 & 2

Washington D.C.

Fly to Washington D.C. and make your way independently to your chosen hotel.This cosmopolitan city is packed with famous sights, free attractions and is home to some of the world’s best-known museums and galleries, including the Smithsonian Institution. Combine this with hip new restaurants and bars, stunning hotels, great nightlife, charming neighborhoods and terrific shopping.

Day 3

Washington D.C. - Charlottesville, VA (115 miles)

Pick up your rental car and drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway, ascending well over 3,000 feet to the dominating views of the Skyline Drive through the Shenandoah National Park. Then to Charlottesville, once home to American statesman Thomas Jefferson. Today Charlottesville is a charming college town with many shops, restaurants and tea rooms.

Day 4 & 5

Charlottesville, VA - Richmond, VA (73 miles)

Before heading to Richmond visit one of the loveliest American homes, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. After time viewing the house and gardens continue to Richmond. The Capital of the Confederacy remains one of the most handsome capitals in the south. Old waterfront warehouses have been restored into trendy shops; Shockoe Bottom and Shockoe Slip feature restaurants, entertainment and boutiques. Visit the Museum & White House of the Confederacy, the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, drive along Monument Avenue, with its statues, and see Maymont, a lovely plantation-style home and gardens

Day 6

Richmond, VA - Williamsburg, VA (52 miles)

Today visit Colonial Williamsburg, the most extensively restored 18th century town in the US. So compelling is the restoration that you feel that you are in a crown colony over 300 years ago. Perhaps visit Busch Gardens with more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions, great stage shows and a wide variety of food and world-class shops.

Day 7 & 8

Williamsburg, VA - Virginia Beach, VA (60 miles)

Depart Williamsburg for fascinating visits to Jamestown, founded in 1607 as the first English settlement in the “New World” and Yorktown, historic site of one of the most definitive battles of the American Revolution. Later head for Virginia Beach, the world’s longest pleasure beach, where you can find some of the best seafood in town at Waterman’s Beachwood Grill overlooking
the ocean. At night the beachfront comes alive and you can enjoy cocktails on the boardwalk while watching the sunset.

Day 9

Virginia Beach, VA - Annapolis, MD (241 miles)

Make your way to the “Yachting Capital” of the Chesapeake today – lovely Annapolis. The vibe is laid-back, the scenery awe inspiring and the local fare is seasoned with the flavors of the Chesapeake. Overlooking the town’s baroque web of streets, the Maryland State House was completed in 1779. This is also home of the U.S. The narrow streets have historic homes and buildings and the waterfront allows for ship watching. The lively cafes and shops of Market House are an inviting place to relax.

Day 10

Annapolis, MD - Baltimore, MD (31 miles)

Drive to “Charm City” – Baltimore. It has an astounding array of shopping choices from upscale malls to designer shops. The city also has fantastic restaurants and lively Fells Point, where many old bars and pubs have been lovingly restored. Sample an array of cuisines, including crab for which Baltimore is famous. Visit the bustling Inner Harbor which has an outstanding aquarium.

Day 11

Baltimore, MD - Washington D.C. (41 miles)

On your way back to Washington D.C. stop in Mount Vernon, home to George Washington, before continuing to the airport for your flight home.