Capital Region Hip and Historic

Day 1 – Arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport Begin your holiday in the nation’s capital, with a two-night stay. Its inspiring museums, powerful monuments and memorials attract guests from around the globe. The city is diverse and cosmopolitan, its neighbourhoods brimming with hip shops and restaurants. Many attractions are free and the city’s outdoor parks and gardens are not to be missed. The ‘must see’ sights such as the Washington Monument, Capitol Building, Smithsonian Museums and the White House should be top of any first-time visitor’s list. Discover the city by bike as an alternative to a more traditional sightseeing tour or try kayaking on the Potomac River. Explore The Wharf: DC’s Newest Neighbourhood.

Stay two nights in Washington, DC.

Day 3 – Washington, DC to Baltimore Approx. 40 miles

Baltimore’s famed Inner Harbor is a vibrant downtown waterfront area, home to dining (try a Maryland crab cake) and shopping opportunities, as well as attractions such as the National Aquarium, Port Discovery, the Maryland Science Center and the American Visionary Art museum. Explore some of the city’s neighbourhoods, including Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles baseball team, or M&T Bank Stadium where the National Football League’s Baltimore Ravens play. The city has over 300 years of history, and Historic Charles Street, one of only four urban National Historic Byways, stretches 12 miles through national landmarks and local historic districts.

Spend two nights in Baltimore.

Day 5 – Baltimore to Annapolis Approx. 30 miles

Annapolis is Maryland’s capital city and the State House, completed in 1779 has become an iconic landmark. Wander the historic downtown with its boutiques and restaurants, feast on steamed crabs, or just relax and watch the boats go by on the Chesapeake Bay. Stay one night in Annapolis.

Day 6 – Annapolis to St Michaels Approx. 50 miles

Nestled on the Chesapeake Bay Eastern Shore, the charming town of St Michaels is a great spot to enjoy some of the maritime heritage of the Bay. Visit the outstanding Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, try your hand at sailing, take a fishing trip or play a round of golf.

Stay one night in St Michaels.

Day 7 – St Michaels to Virginia Beach Approx. 195 miles

Your journey down the Eastern Shore will take you past Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, both with wonderful wildlife refuges and pristine Atlantic beaches, making this a great place to break your day up, if your time permits. Another good stopping point is Crisfield, ‘Crab Capital of the World’ and gateway to Smith and Tangier Islands, where the local inhabitants still have broad Devonian accents. Virginia Beach is your home for the next two nights, with its long stretches of golden sands. There is so much to do here!

Day 9 – Virginia Beach to Williamsburg Approx. 60 miles

Explore this extensively restored town, a living museum recreated to reflect the colonial 18th Century capital of Britain’s largest, wealthiest and most populous colony. Tour the meticulously restored buildings, various interpretive activities and craft workshops.

Stay two nights in Williamsburg.

Day 11 – Williamsburg to Charlottesville Approx. 125 miles

Charlottesville is a captivating blend of colourful history, distinctive architecture, Southern hospitality and small city sophistication. It is a charming town with many quirky shops, boutiques, antique shops and bookstores all situated amongst a cobbled Main Street with restaurants, wine tasting rooms and cafes. The University of Virginia is situated here and so Charlottesville is a vibrant student city, as well as having been the home to Thomas Jefferson.

Stay two nights in Charlottesville.

Day 13 – Charlottesville to Shenandoah National Park Approx. 60 miles As you wind your way north from Charlottesville towards the Blue Ridge Mountains, take in a portion of the Skyline Drive, one of the most beautiful parkways in the nation. Shenandoah National Park boasts over 100 species of trees, a variety of wildflowers, 54 different mammals and 59 species of birds, so you are bound to see some form of wildlife! You can hike along the Appalachian Trail or explore the wonders of the park with a Ranger-guided tour.

Stay one night in or just outside Shenandoah National Park.

Day 14 – Shenandoah National Park to Alexandria Approx. 100 miles Located on the other side of the Potomac River to Washington, DC, is historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia: DC’s oldest neighbourhood. A nationally designated historic district and once part of Washington, DC, Alexandria boasts historic charm with its brick lined streets and colonial architecture, combined with views of the DC skyline. Stroll the cobblestone and brick lined streets, exploring more than 200 independent restaurants and shops.

Stay one night in Alexandria.

Day 15 – Alexandria to Washington Dulles International Airport Approx. 30 miles