Colonial America Self Drive Tour
Washington, DC
From the steps of the White House in Washington DC to the home of Thomas Jefferson, your journey into the discovery of Colonial America will take you to some of the country’s richest and most treasured historical sites. Washington is a modern city with a colonial feel, and taking in the multitude of historical museums will whet your appetite for discovery. From the banks of the deep winding's waters of the Potomac, set off to explore self-guided interpretive trails in Gettysburg, to help you recreate the infamous Civil War battle. Head from forest and field to experience the underground wonder of Luray Caverns, dubbed the most beautiful caverns in the world. Your appreciation for the natural beauty of the American landscape will continue in a trip into the heart of Shenandoah National Park. The Southern jaunt along Skyline Drive will leave you stunned with scenic views of forests and the blush peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains around every turn. Return to the water at James River to take in riverside plantations that have been largely preserved for over 200 years. More historic colonies and battlements await appreciation in Jamestown and Yorktown Battlefield. For more modern takes at Colonial American living, look no further than Annapolis, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, cities that are as rich and modern as they are historic.
Highlights
- Stroll America’s Capital City, Washington DC, and experience the bustle of government with visits to The White House, the US Capitol Buildings, Lincoln’s Memorial, and the Washington Monument.
- Enjoy miles of scenic mountain views along Skyline Drive, one of America’s most scenic routes, to marvel at the mountains that appear to have a blush cast, especially in the summer.
- Visit the architectural wonder of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, that Jefferson himself designed, which sits atop a glorious mountaintop in Charlottesville, Virginia.
- Lose all sense of time or place while visiting the carefully preserved James River Plantations, some more than 200 years old that speckle the river banks near Richmond.
- Step back into the past in Colonial Williamsburg, the earliest permanent English settlement, and relive the battles that shaped America’s history in Gettysburg and Yorktown Battlefield.
- Take a long walk on the longest pleasure beach in the world, Virginia Beach, then hop in your car and drive through the longest bridge-tunnel complex in the world at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay.
- Stroll the rebuilt Inner Harbor of Baltimore, a historic seaport and landmark at the mouth of Jones Falls, as you seek out famous local regional dishes at some of the city’s finest restaurants.
- Experience world class dining and shopping in a city full of historic sites, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, as well as a world-class art museum.
- Day 1 - Washington, D.C. Arrival
- Day 2 - Washington, D.C.
- Day 3 - Washington, D.C. - Gettysburg
- Day 4 - Gettysburg - Shenandoah
- Day 5 - Shenandoah - Skyline Drive - Charlottesville - Colonial Williamsburg
- Day 6 - Colonial Williamsburg - Norfolk - Virginia Beach
- Day 7 - Virginia Beach
- Day 8 - Virginia Beach - Eastern Shore - Annapolis - Baltimore
- Day 9 - Baltimore - Philadelphia
- Day 10 - Philadelphia - Washington, D.C.
- Day 11 - Washington, D.C, Departure
Arrive in Washington, D.C. and pick up your rental car at the airport, then proceed to your hotel.
Meals Included: RoCapitol Skyline Hotel
In the heart of Washington DC’s hottest new neighborhood, the Capitol Skyline Hotel redefines the notion of an urban chic hotel. First designed in 1962 by Morris Lapidus – architect of the renowned Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach – and recently refreshed by New York interior designer Scott Sanders – the creator of the Ralph Lauren Interior Design Department – our hotel boasts uber-chic architecture and interiors unlike any hotel in the nation’s capital.
A full day to explore Washington, D.C. Start by strolling along the Mall. Here you will find some of the most important monuments and have the opportunity to lose yourself in some of the world’s most inspired museums. After lunch why not journey across the Potomac to nearby Alexandria or perhaps you would prefer to rent a bicycle and continue your exploration of the city. This evening we suggest a visit to the lively Georgetown area of the city where some of the best chefs vie for your attention.
Meals Included: RoCapitol Skyline Hotel
In the heart of Washington DC’s hottest new neighborhood, the Capitol Skyline Hotel redefines the notion of an urban chic hotel. First designed in 1962 by Morris Lapidus – architect of the renowned Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach – and recently refreshed by New York interior designer Scott Sanders – the creator of the Ralph Lauren Interior Design Department – our hotel boasts uber-chic architecture and interiors unlike any hotel in the nation’s capital.
Leave the seat of government behind today as you travel to the fascinating Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg. There are many excellent self-guided interpretative trails you can follow that will give you an understanding of this formative period in U.S. history.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 90 MI / 150 KM
Courtyard Marriott Gettysburg
Property Location Located in Gettysburg, Courtyard Marriott Gettysburg is close to Gettysburg Railroad Station Museum and Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. This hotel is within close proximity of Majestic Theater and The David Wills House.
Today there is time for further exploration of Gettysburg before you head west to visit Luray Caverns, one of the most beautiful caves in the world. Then enter Shenandoah National Park, a haven for plants, wildlife, and people alike.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 150 MI / 250 KM
Quality Inn Shenandoah Valley
Property Location Located in New Market (Thorton Gap Entrance Shenandoah), Quality Inn Shenandoah Valley is convenient to The Shenvalee Golf Course and New Market Battlefield. This hotel is within the vicinity of Shenandoah Valley Flea Market and Endless Caverns.
Drive south and enjoy the natural wonders along each mile of Skyline Drive, one of America’s most scenic routes. You can see the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains which have a distinctly bluish cast, especially in summer. Then continue to Charlottesville and visit Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson designed and built on a glorious mountaintop. Continue to Richmond, Virginia’s capital, rising high above the sparkling James River, before traveling along the scenic road by the James River Plantations to Williamsburg, where restoration and preservation have turned back the clock 200 years.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 172 MI / 275 KM
Red Roof Inn Williamsburg
Property Location A stay at Red Roof Inn Williamsburg places you in the heart of Williamsburg, convenient to Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center and Governor's Palace. This motel is within close proximity of Powell House and Bassett Hall.
Visit Colonial Williamsburg, then see the earliest permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown. Continue to the Yorktown Battlefield, where Washington’s decisive victory over General Cornwall’s forces turned the colonists’ dream of a new nation into reality. Continue through Norfolk, Virginia’s premier port city, to Virginia Beach, with 30 miles of sandy seashore and a 2-mile-long boardwalk. Time to relax this evening and dip your toes in the ocean.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 63 MI / 101 KM
Quality Inn Little Creek
Property Location When you stay at Quality Inn Little Creek in Virginia Beach, you'll be near the airport and close to Cypress Point Country Club and Lynnhaven House. This hotel is within close proximity of Adam Thoroughgood House and Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Today spend your time in the city that is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having the longest pleasure beach in the world. To continue with this record breaking tradition, the city itself is located at the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the longest bridge-tunnel complex in the world.
Meals Included: RoQuality Inn Little Creek
Property Location When you stay at Quality Inn Little Creek in Virginia Beach, you'll be near the airport and close to Cypress Point Country Club and Lynnhaven House. This hotel is within close proximity of Adam Thoroughgood House and Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Drive north across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to the tranquil Eastern Shore. Cross into Maryland and continue on to Annapolis, home to the U.S. Naval Academy. See the State House and visit the Academy before continuing to Baltimore. This evening, stroll along the magnificently rebuilt Inner Harbor and enjoy a typical dish of the region in one of the many restaurants.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 248 MI /397 KM
Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards
Property Location A stay at Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards places you in the heart of Baltimore, walking distance from Geppi's Entertainment Museum and Hippodrome Theatre. This hotel is within close proximity of Everyman Theatre and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
This morning you are bound for the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia. This historic city is home to both Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Philadelphia also boasts a world class art museum as well as superb shopping and dining.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 100 MI / 160 KM
Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia-Midtown
Property Location Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia-Midtown is in the heart of Philadelphia, walking distance from Academy of Music and Free Library of Philadelphia. This hotel is close to Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall.
Time to explore Philadelphia a little further this morning before driving to Washington, D.C. in the afternoon. If you did not see the monuments of DC by night at the start of your trip then tonight is your opportunity to do so.
DRIVING DISTANCE – 140 MI / 250 KM
Capitol Skyline Hotel
In the heart of Washington DC’s hottest new neighborhood, the Capitol Skyline Hotel redefines the notion of an urban chic hotel. First designed in 1962 by Morris Lapidus – architect of the renowned Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach – and recently refreshed by New York interior designer Scott Sanders – the creator of the Ralph Lauren Interior Design Department – our hotel boasts uber-chic architecture and interiors unlike any hotel in the nation’s capital.
Return your rental car to the airport in time for your departing flight.