This enchanting self-drive begins in the USA’s capital before heading into Virginia’s beautiful and diverse countryside. The spectacular ranges of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the great Shenandoah Valley await you. Visit colonial towns and fascinating museums. The rolling hills then flatten into a sandy coastal plain as you continue towards the Atlantic coast and the sun-kissed shores of Virginia Beach.

Visit Washington, DC
Escape to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains
Admire beautiful parks and historic towns
Relax in Virginia Beach

Day 1   Washington, DC
On arrival into Washington, DC make your way to your downtown hotel, perfectly located for city exploration. The remainder of the day is free to discover the famous landmarks and monuments of this vibrant capital city, from the White House to the Capitol Building.
Overnight: Washington DC

Day 2   Washington, DC - Shenandoah
95 miles. This morning you may wish to further explore some of the world’s best-known museums and galleries, including the Smithsonian Institution. Later, leave the city and discover why this region is known as “Virginia’s crowning glory” - your route takes you through lush rolling countryside, past gracious horse farms to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You may wish to make a short detour to visit Manassas National Battlefield Park commemorating the two Civil War battles or visit the celebrated Luray Caverns, the largest caverns on the east coast, adorned with extraordinary stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Overnight: Shenandoah

Day 3   Shenandoah - Shenandoah Valley - Charlottesville
60 miles. Today, travel through an area that Thomas Jefferson called the “Eden of the country”. Take a leisurely journey through the beautiful and historic Shenandoah Valley with its quaint towns and breathtaking natural scenery. We suggest taking the scenic route along the Skyline Drive mountain pass with its views of the majestic Shenandoah National Park and Blue Ridge Mountains. Later today, head towards the charming college town of Charlottesville, with its many shops, restaurants and tearooms. Just outside the town you will find Jefferson’s mountaintop house, gardens and plantation, Monticello. Well worth a visit, the estate is described as one of the country’s foremost architectural masterpieces.
Overnight: Charlottesville

Day 4   Charlottesville - Richmond
70 miles. A short drive east today to The Capital of the Confederacy, which 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 and White House of the Confederacy. Other attractions include the Annabel Lee Riverboat, a replica ship offering dinner and theme cruises on the James River, and the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, a glimpse into early 19th century Richmond where the American author lived and worked.
Overnight: Richmond

Day 5   Richmond - James River - Williamsburg
50 miles. Drive the length of Route 5, a scenic byway, to the city of Williamsburg. Travel along the north banks of the James River and cross the Chickahominy River via the Judith Stewart drawbridge. En route you may want to visit one of the many historic James River Plantations, several of which are noted for their magnificent gardens and architectural details.
2 nights: Williamsburg

Day 6   Williamsburg & The Historic Triangle of Virginia
Spend the day exploring Williamsburg, don’t miss the historic area of the city, Colonial Williamsburg, the most extensively restored 18th century town in the USA. So compelling and complete is the restoration that visitors feel they are in a crown colony 300 years ago. A similar sensation occurs on Jamestown Island where the USA’s first English settlement was established. Jamestown and Williamsburg, along with Yorktown, form the highly popular Historic Triangle of Virginia, linked by the Colonial Parkway, a 23 mile long National Scenic Byway and the toll free Jamestown Ferry.

Day 7   Williamsburg - Newport News - Virginia Beach
60 miles. Head southeast towards Virginia Beach, perhaps stopping en route in Newport News to visit the impressive Mariner’s Museum, a national treasure and one of the finest nautical museums in the USA. Alternatively, go to the Virginia Living Museum, a spectacular combination of a native wildlife park, science museum, aquarium and botanical preserve. Continue to the Atlantic Coast and charming Virginia Beach.
2 nights: Virginia Beach

Day 8   Virginia Beach & Norfolk
Spend time on the beach, wander along the oceanside boardwalk or simply soak up the atmosphere of your surroundings. A visit to the excellent Virginia aquarium and Marine Science Museum are well worth it. Nearby, stroll through the 75 acres of azaleas, camellias and roses in the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.

Day 9   Virginia Beach - Washington, DC
280 miles. We recommend you take the slightly longer yet more scenic route back to Washington, DC via Assateague Island, a 37-mile long wildlife refuge and recreational area 90 miles north of Virginia Beach.
This evening is yours to discover the city’s terrific shopping and a wealth of restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Overnight: Washington, DC

Day 10   Washington, DC
Enjoy some time for shopping or visiting one of the city’s free attractions before returning your car to Washington, DC airport.

Holiday Includes
• 9 nights accommodation, including tax.
• 10 days fully inclusive compact car hire, as detailed.
• A personalised travel kit featuring full itinerary and vouchers.

Holiday Excludes
• Airfares and airport taxes.
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated.
• Optional airport transfers on arrival.
• Petrol and parking charges and national park entrance fees.

Your Accommodation
• 1 night Hilton Washington, Washington, DC
• 1 night Skyland Lodge, Shenandoah/Luray
• 1 night Omni Charlottesville, Charlottesville
• 1 night Omni Richmond, Richmond
• 2 nights Ramada Inn 1776, Williamsburg
• 2 nights Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach
• 1 night Hilton Washington, Washington, DC

Hotels may be altered, upgraded or extended upon request
Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be substituted. This will be advised at the time of booking. Added Value offers featured in the Accommodation and Excursions section are not applicable on this self drive.