Discover
Capital Region USA
A unique and comprehensive selection
of accommodation and fly-drives across
Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Welcome to the
Capital Region USA
Immerse yourself in the authentic American experience by visiting
the Capital Region USA. From the memorable monuments of
Washington, DC to the beautiful beaches and majestic mountains
of Maryland and Virginia, history and natural beauty abound.
America As You Like It brings you the best of the Capital Region.
Whether you are a lover of shopping, nightlife, fine dining, music,
art, theatre, museums, Colonial and Civil War history or are looking
for mountain scenery, crystal lakes, wide sandy beaches, harbours
and bays, the Capital Region USA offers it all, and more!
The driving distances are not large and there is time to experience
things en-route if you want to. We can tailor make any of the
holidays to suit you and the stays in each place can be lengthened
to make them more relaxing, or we can add additional stops to your
fly-drive if you would like. Just let us know what you are looking
for and we will be happy to help. There are also additional holiday
ideas on our website at www.americaasyoulikeit.com.
Make the most of your Capital Region USA holiday
When to visit A true year-round destination, the seasons bring different, yet pleasant
weather. Spring is renowned for the beautiful blossom and lush green countryside, whilst
Autumn brings spectacular foliage and balmy weather from mid-October until early November.
Summers are hot and sunny, perfect for the beach and water activities on the bay, but the
mountains are cooler and more moderate. January and February are great months for skiing in
the mountains, while the rest of the region experiences quite moderate winters.
Travel There are direct flights between London and both Washington Dulles and Baltimore,
as well as regional connections from other parts of the UK. On arrival there are airport shuttle
services or taxis to take you into the heart of the city, or if you are beginning your holiday on
the road, you can either collect your car straight away or overnight at an airport hotel and head
off the next day. Amtrak offer good connections from other cities on the East coast to both
Washington, DC and Baltimore as well as other parts of the region.
Arlington and Alexandria are good alternatives to staying in Washington, DC with easy links into
the city and good access to the rest of the region.
Car hire
We have competitive, all inclusive car hire rates on a wide range of vehicles,
and you can either collect your car from the airport or a downtown location. Car hire is not
necessary in Washington, DC as the subway and buses make it easy to get around and parking
can be expensive.
Places to stay
As one of the first colonised areas in America, the Capital Region has a long
history offering hospitality to overseas visitors. In addition to world class hotels and resorts and
comfortable motels, there are a wealth of historic inns and bed and breakfasts. If you are looking
for a longer stay at the beach or in the mountains, we also have a number of self-catering
homes. A selection of properties are listed on our website, but we have access to many others,
so if what you are looking for is not listed, please just let us know.
Activities As you will see from the various holiday ideas, you will not be short of things
to do whilst in the Capital Region and we have listed the places and sights within each of the
itineraries. If you have a particular interest, please let us know and we can help with additional
suggestions. You might like to extend your stay in one of the itineraries to have more time to
enjoy the activities on offer in the area. Some of the popular attractions and activities include
hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, horse riding, fishing, golf, visits to plantation homes and
estates, wineries, gardens and spa resorts.
Shopping You couldn’t choose a better area in which to shop! The Washington, DC
metropolitan area alone has more shopping facilities than any other part of the Eastern USA,
outside of New York City.
Throughout the region there are large urban stores, charming boutiques and arts and crafts
shops, as well as huge suburban shopping malls. Particularly well known is Potomac Mills with
more than 220 shops, including leading names such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bally, Donna Karen
and more, and only 30 minutes from Washington, DC. Other malls include Leesburg Corner
Premium Outlets(Leesburg, VA), the MacArthur Center (Norfolk, VA) and Tysons Corner and
Tysons Galleria (close to Washington Dulles airport).
Longer stays The Capital Region USA has some lovely places for relaxation. Why not add
some additional days to your holiday and choose to base yourself in one place and take day trips
from there. Some of our favourite spots include:
Virginia Beach – one of the most popular resorts in Virginia. Wide expanses of golden sands,
water sports, dolphin watching, great shopping and dining make this an ideal choice for
chilling out.
Chincoteague Island – much quieter than Virginia Beach, Chincoteague is home to a National
Wildlife Refuge with more than 300 species of birds, while its neighbour Assateague Island is
uninhabited except for wild ponies, a unique species of squirrel, small Sika deer and a wide
variety of waterfowl.
Mountain Resorts – properties such as Wintergreen and the Homestead are beautiful resorts
with a range of amenities on site, meaning that you can relax without having to go anywhere,
or use them as a base for the many Civil War sites and outdoor activities.
Maryland’s Eastern Shore – picturesque harbour villages, such as St Michaels, are very
relaxing, slow paced and ideal for a longer stay if you enjoy watching the world go by!
Vibrant Cities, Secret Gardens and Magnificent Mountains (11 nights)
Prices from £965 per person, including flights, car hire and accommodation.
The Capital Region features some of America’s landmark parks and gardens, such as Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, Monticello and Mount Vernon;
Assateague Island National Seashore and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Maryland; and Washington, DC’s famous annual Cherry Blossom Festival and the
US Botanic Gardens. Meander along its scenic byways discovering a dramatic, varied landscape punctuated by distinctive historic and botanic gardens and wineries
which reflect the heritage of Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC.
Day 1 – Arrive Washington, DC
Washington’s 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, like the
Smithsonian Institution, National Gallery of Art and the Library
of Congress.
The city’s
outdoor parks
and gardens
are not to
be missed.
Located in
view of the US
Capitol are the
US Botanic
Gardens,
featuring an
exotic jungle,
a tropical rain
forest and
more than
5,000 varieties of orchids in its collection. Perched on one of
DC’s highest points, the National Arboretum rambles over 444
acres. Whether blanketed in spring green or autumn gold, it
offers a welcome refuge for the naturalist. Designed for cereal
heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, the gardens at Hillwood
contain more than 3,500 varieties of plants and trees, along
with ivy clipped from Buckingham Palace. Spend 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 and great attractions including the
National Aquarium and its 16,000 creatures, and the nearby
American Visionary Art Museum, displaying unique works
by self-taught artists. Garden lovers should visit the Howard
Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens, home to 35
flowerbeds that provide a kaleidoscope of colour from early
spring until late fall. A short drive from Baltimore brings you
to the 22-acre Ladew Topiary Gardens, considered the most
outstanding topiary garden in the USA by the Garden Club of
America. Or head west to Frederick for a visit to Surreybrooke,
a family run farm with a variety of beautiful gardens & historic
outbuildings. Stay two nights in Baltimore.
Day 5 – Baltimore to Annapolis
Approx. 30 miles
Sail away to Annapolis and let the Chesapeake Bay soothe your
soul. Feast on steamed crabs, stroll the historic downtown, or
just relax and watch the boats go by. Annapolis is Maryland’s
capital city,
and the
state house,
completed
in 1779,
has become
an iconic
landmark. In
the heart of
downtown is
the William
Paca Garden,
a two-acre
oasis of natural
beauty and
artful elegance.
Quiet Waters Park offers 6 miles of trails, formal gardens and
paddle boating amidst 336 beautiful acres. Sandy Point State
Park features sandy beaches along the Chesapeake Bay with
swimming, hiking, fishing and excellent views of the majestic
Bay Bridge. Spend one night in Annapolis.
Day 6 – Annapolis to Chincoteague
Approx. 140 miles
Today’s drive takes you across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge
and down Maryland’s Eastern Shore, home to quaint fishing
villages, wildlife preserves and a gentler way of life. Visit the
Adkins Arboretum in Ridgely, a 400-acre native garden and
preserve dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of
the region’s native plants. Near Cambridge, the Blackwater
National Wildlife Refuge was created as
a haven for ducks and geese migrating
the Atlantic flyway. It’s home to the
largest population of bald eagles on the
East Coast. Driving, walking and cycling
trails make it easy to get close to local
wildlife. Further south your day’s journey
brings you to the serene fishing village
of Chincoteague, your gateway to a
national seashore and a national wildlife
refuge. Enjoy the beautiful sunrises
and sunsets, animals in their natural
habitat and beaches that go on forever.
Be sure to visit the wild horses on
Assateague Island. Stay for one night
in Chincoteague.
Day 7 – Chincoteague to
Williamsburg
Approx. 140 miles
Head south today and cross the
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a
modern engineering wonder. Take
time for a stop in Norfolk and maybe
visit a majestic tall ship or watch
world-reknowned artists blow glass
at the Chrysler Museum Glass
Studio. Continue on to Colonial Williamsburg,
America’s most extensively restored 18th century town. So
complete and compelling is the restoration that visitors feel
they are in a crown colony 300 years ago. Tour the meticulously
restored buildings and stroll the cobbled streets with costumed
interpreters plying their trades. Behind most buildings you’ll
find tidy flower or formal clipped boxwood gardens. For thrills
and spills visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg (in season), voted
America’s most beautiful theme park for 18 consecutive years.
The flowers and lush landscaping are awesome, as are the
rides! Enjoy two nights in Williamsburg.
Day 9 – Williamsburg to Richmond
Approx. 60 miles
West from Williamsburg along Virginia’s
historic Route 5 brings you to the James
River Plantations, dating to the 1700s
and once home to Virginia’s social and
economic elite. Continue on to Richmond,
Virginia’s capital city and capital of
the confederacy during the Civil War.
Its historic origins have given way to a
modern vibrant city. The Shockoe Slip and
Carytown neighbourhoods have plentiful
shopping and dining options. The Virginia
Museum of Fine Arts is noteworthy for its
collection of Art Deco, Art Nouveau and
contemporary American Art. The Lewis
Ginter Botanical Garden offers more than
40 acres of spectacular gardens and
a classical domed Conservatory – the
only one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic.
Maymont, a 100-acre Victorian estate
reflecting the splendour of the Gilded Age,
features magnificent gardens and animal
exhibits including bison, black bear and
otters. Don’t miss a drive down grand
Monument Avenue, lined with statues to
Civil War generals. Stay one night in Richmond.
Day 10 – Richmond to Charlottesville
Approx. 70 miles
Charlottesville offers a delightful blend of college town, small
city sophistication, and an active arts and cultural scene, all
served up with a dash of history. Mix with locals and students
on the downtown pedestrian mall, home to quirky shops,
coffee houses, street musicians and fine dining. Thomas
Jefferson’s mountaintop home,
Monticello, is surrounded by extensive
flower and vegetable gardens and
a vineyard, all following his original
plan. Nearby is the University of
Virginia, an architectural treasure
designed by Jefferson and featuring
historic gardens lovingly restored
by the Garden Club of Virginia. Both
Monticello and the University are
listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage
List. Take a short drive into the
rolling Virginia countryside to
tour a local vineyard and sample
award-winning Virginia wine.
Spend one night in Charlottesville.
Day 11 – Charlottesville to
Shenandoah National Park
Approx. 60 miles
As you wind your way north from
Charlottesville, take in a portion of the
Skyline Drive, one of the most beautiful
parkways in the nation. Enjoy views of
the Shenandoah Valley below, featuring
picture-postcard farms and charming
villages. Shenandoah National Park
offers 100 species of trees, a variety
of wildflowers, 54 different mammals
and 59 species of birds – 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. Fall is a
spectacular time to visit, when warm days combine with
crisp, cool nights to turn the foliage into delightful displays
of yellows, reds and golds. Visit Luray Caverns, a national
landmark and home to the world’s only “Stalacpipe” Organ that
plays its hauntingly beautiful music on natural formations. Try
and unravel the mystery of the maze inside Luray’s ornamental
garden, where over 1,500 American
Arborvitae create a half-mile pathway
enhanced with misting fog! Enjoy one
night on the Skyline Drive.
Day 12 – Shenandoah National
Park to Washington
Approx. 75 miles
Head north today into Virginia’s
hunt country, where horse farms
and vineyards are set in the
shadows of the Blue Ridge
Mountains. The quaint village of
Middleburg or bustling Leesburg
are good stops for specialty and
boutique shopping and lunch.
Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets
offer 110 name brand outlet
stores. Before turning in the car at
Dulles Airport, visit the Steven F.
Udvar-Hazy Center, companion to
the National Air & Space Museum
in DC, which together house the
world’s largest collection of aviation
and space artefacts.
Virginia Vineyard Discovery (8
Hip and Historic (14 nights)
Prices from £809 per person, including flights, car hire and ac
Prices from £1110 per person, including flights, car hire and accommodation.
The historical significance of the Capital Region cannot be underplayed, with Jamestown, Virginia being
the first permanent English speaking settlement in America, and much of the Civil War having taken place within
the area. However the Capital Region also has a very much more fashionable and up-to-date side to it, making it an ideal
choice for couples and families alike, with world class attractions, great shopping, internationally renowned restaurants
and trendy nightlife.
Day 1 – Arrive in Washington, DC
Begin your holiday in the nation’s capital, packed with famous
sights, free attractions and museums, and an endless calendar
of special events. Washington, DC offers year-round inspiring
experiences. It boasts some great undiscovered neighbourhoods
and alternatives to traditional sightseeing, such as ‘Bike the Sites’,
world-class shopping, restaurants and nightlife.
Explore the ‘must sees’ such as the Washington Monument
and the National Mall, Capitol Building, Smithsonian Museums,
International Spy Museum or stop for a picture at the White House.
After that do some shopping at Union Station, in Georgetown or at
the Eastern Market on Capitol Hill, dine by the river in the South
West Waterfront area or take a dinner cruise on the Potomac and
end the day with a show or sporting event or in one of the bars or
nightclubs in Adams Morgan. Stay two nights in Washington, DC.
Day 3 – Washington, DC to Baltimore
Approx. 40 miles
Baltimore is a city of neighbourhoods, each
more charming than the last and all with
different styles. It has nearly 300 years
of history to discover, yet has a wealth of
shopping, dining, sporting events and more
to enjoy. Visitors of all ages should take
a Duck Tour and see the harbour sights
from land and water in an amphibious
vehicle, and families will enjoy the National
Aquarium, Port Discovery or the Maryland
Science Center. Buy an all-day pass for
the water-taxis and experience the city
from a different angle, take a cruise on the
Chesapeake Bay or an informative walking
tour of the city. Stay two nights in Baltimore.
Day 5 – Baltimore to St Michaels
Approx. 70 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
or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Wander
through the art galleries and boutique shops
of the town, visit the outstanding Chesapeake
Bay Maritime Museum, try your hand at sailing,
take a fishing trip or play a round of golf. In the
evening enjoy some freshly caught crab or
other locally caught delights. The nearby town
of Oxford and Tilghman Island are also fun
places to visit whilst in St Michaels. Stay two
nights in St Michaels.
Day 7 – St Michaels to Virginia Beach
Approx. 185 miles
Your journey down the Eastern Shore will
take you past Chincoteague and Assateague
Islands, both with wonderful wildlife refuges,
pristine Atlantic beaches and small local inns
and restaurants, definitely worth a visit if your
time permits. Another good stopping point
is Crisfield, ‘Crab Capital of the World’ and
gateway to Smith and Tangier Islands.
Virginia Beach has the usual beachfront hotels and not only boasts
a boardwalk strip of bars, restaurants and nightclubs but also has
some long stretches of golden sands and is popular with young
and old alike. There is much to do here and you can surf, skim or
boogie board all summer-long, take a kayak through the pristine
waters of the back bay, explore some of the many bike trails, visit
First Landing State Park where the early settlers first came ashore
in 1607, or spread out your beach towel and relax on the beach!
Stay three nights in Virginia Beach.
Day 10 – Virginia Beach to Williamsburg
Approx. 60 miles
Head to Norfolk this morning and take a tour on a majestic tall
ship, watch world-renowned artists blow glass at the Chrysler
Museum Glass Studio, or you can sign up for a boat or land tour of
the world’s largest Naval Base before you head on to Williamsburg.
Explore this 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.
The cobbled streets and lush green commons make an enjoyable
afternoon stroll. Take the scenic Colonial Parkway to the
Jamestown Settlement, a reconstruction of the first permanent
English settlement in America. Yorktown is also a ‘must see’,
where America finally won its independence by defeating the
British in 1781.
Nearby the thrills and spills of theme park
Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water
Country USA will bring you straight back
to the 20th century. Stay two nights in
Williamsburg
Day 12 – Williamsburg to the
Shenandoah National Park
Approx. 150 miles
The Shenandoah Valley features picturepostcard farms and inns along country
roads and the popular Skyline Drive
and Blue Ridge Parkway, probably the
most beautiful parkway in the nation.
A hundred species of trees, a variety of
flowering shrubs and wildflowers as well
as 54 different mammals and 59 species
of birds live along the parkway and you are
quite likely to see a bear! If you’re interested
in the great outdoors, you’ll love the hiking
and gentle biking trails along with many
other recreational activities.
The park is a fabulous attraction year round,
but the Autumn colours are particularly
popular and the season begins around the
middle of October. Stay two nights in the
Shenandoah National Park area.
Day 14 – Shenandoah National
Park to Charlottesville
Approx. 45 miles
Charlottesville is a captivating blend
of colourful history, distinctive
architecture, Southern hospitality
and small city sophistication. It is a
charming town with many shops,
boutiques, antique shops and
bookstores all situated amongst a
cobbled Main Street with restaurants,
wine tasting rooms and coffee / tea
shops. The University of Virginia is
situated here, so Charlottesville is a
vibrant student city, as well as having been the home to Thomas
Jefferson. You can visit the Thomas Jefferson home, Monticello,
an architectural masterpiece and his beloved mountaintop home.
Guided tours of the house are offered daily throughout the year,
with outdoor gardens and plantation tours offered daily between
April and October. Stay one night in Charlottesville.
Day 15 – Charlottesville to Washington Dulles
Approx. 95 miles
Take time to pass through the quaint village of Middleburg or
bustling Leesburg, or do some last minute shopping at Tysons
Corner before returning to the airport. Enjoy the scenic drive back
to the airport for your return trip to the UK, or stop off en-route at
one of the vineyards in the area.
Wine has been made in Virginia for centuries and there are no
the state. In recent years Virginia wines have become well kno
growing. America As You Like It have put together an eight nig
best wineries, along with its beautiful scenery, fascinating his
the best that Virginia has to offer.
Day 1 – Arrive in Washington, DC
Begin your holiday in the Nation’s capital, packed with famous
sights, free attractions and museums, world class shopping, great
restaurants and nightlife. Try an alternative sightseeing tour with
‘Bike the Sites’ or get a different perspective of the city with a
dinner cruise on the Potomac River.
With the popularity of ‘farm to fork’ dining, many of the city’s
top restaurants serve meals prepared with the freshest local
produce, including Virginia’s best wines, and there are numerous
wine bars and wine shops that offer tastings. Stay two nights in
Washington, DC.
Day 3 – Washington, DC to Williamsburg
Approx. 150 miles
Collect a car and head south through the
Virginia countryside to Williamsburg.
Williamsburg Winery is Virginia’s largest
winery and in its 26th year of production
with over 65,000 cases annually. For the
sixth consecutive year, Williamsburg Winery
is recognised as producing some of the
“Best Wines in the World” by Decanter
Magazine’s World Wine Awards in 20072012. Daily tours are available followed by
a sampling of 7 different wines.
Spend some time at Colonial Williamsburg,
a restored town operated as a living
history museum reflecting colonial life in
the 18th Century capital of Britain’s largest
colony. Take the Colonial Parkway to the
Jamestown Settlement, a reconstruction of
the first permanent English settlement in
America. Nearby Yorktown is another ‘must
see’, where America won its independence
by defeating the British in 1781. Spend two
nights in Williamsburg.
Day 5 – Williamsburg to
Charlottesville
Approx. 120 miles
Virginia’s wine making history began in
Charlottesville, when Thomas Jefferson
first started making wine at his home
Monticello in the 1770s. The eastern
slopes of the Blue Ridge and the rolling
countryside to the east offer excellent
topography, fertile granite-based clay soil
and a growing season of over 200 days.
Stay two nights here.
As well as touring Monticello, you can
visit several vineyards in the area, such
as Keswick Vineyards – a 400 acre
winery built on Edgewood Estate, a property rich
with history dating to 1727. Today they are wining awards for their
Chardonnay, Viognier and Heritage. Keswick’s tasting room is
reminiscent of a grand horse-country barn with stunning views.
Barboursville Vineyards is a magnificent and historic Virginia
estate between Monticello and Montpelier. Virginia’s most honored
winery, Barboursville was founded in 1976 by a family prominent
in Italian viticulture since 1821. They are the producer of Octagon,
the most renowned red wine of Virginia.
Veritas Winery, a family business owned by Andrew and Patricia
Hodson, opened for business in June 2002. They have succeeded
in consistently producing a range of complex and elegant wines,
using classic old world principles whilst at the same time using
state of the art technology to capture varietal and regional character.
White Hall Vineyards is just 15 minutes from downtown
Charlottesville, in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge
Mountains. The cosy tasting room is the perfect place to stop,
relax and sample some of their award-wining wines, after touring
the state of the art winery.
8 nights)
ccommodation.
ow over 230 wineries throughout
own throughout the USA and their popularity is
ght Wine Discovery fly-drive taking in some of the areas
story and exciting cities, so that you can savour some of
Day 7 – Charlottesville to Shenandoah National Park
Approx. 60 miles
No visit to Virginia would be complete without a trip along
the Skyline Drive through the Shenandoah National Park.
This section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is considered one of
the most beautiful drives in the country. There are numerous
stop-off points, hiking trails and also one of the natural wonders
of the world – the 100 million year old Natural Bridge. Spend
the night at the Skyland Resort on the Skyline Drive.
Day 8 – Shenandoah National Park to Leesburg
Approx. 80 miles
En-route there are three notable wineries to visit:
Rappanhannock Cellars realised the promise of Virginia
wines and moved their winery from California to the Blue Ridge
Mountains. Their experienced wine
making team, coupled with careful
tending of the vineyard and
exacting knowledge of the cellar, is
producing exquisite, internationally
recognised wines.
Philip Cater Winery is a family
operated vineyard with a legacy
dating back over 250 years to 1762
as producers of the first internationally
recognised fine wines in America.
Located in Hume, Virginia, Philip
Carter Winery is seated on 27 acres
among rolling hills and vineyards
in the heart of Fauquier County’s
Wine Country.
Pearmund Cellars has been voted
by People’s Choice as Virginia’s
Favourite Winery. They boast
25 acres of Chardonnay grapes
originally planted in 1976. Probably
the most popular is their Old
Vine Estate Chardonnay, but they
also produce, Riesling, Viognier,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Malbec and others.
Leesburg itself has a historic downtown
area with small boutiques, nice
restaurants and wine bars, and there
is great outlet shopping close by at
the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets.
Spend your last night in Leesburg.
Day 9 – Leesburg to
Washington Dulles
Approx. 15 miles
Before heading home this evening,
discover why Loudoun County is
considered DC’s Wine Country. The rolling countryside offers a
lovely backdrop to the area’s wineries and you could easily visit
the following properties before making your way to the airport.
Veramar is a 100-acre private estate and winery in the heart of
Virginia’s wine country. They are dedicated to producing fullbodied Virginia wines that are distinctly elegant and powerful
while representing the best of their Virginia Terroir.
Breaux Vineyards’ wines are internationally acclaimed and
the 404 acre estate has over 100 acres planted in 18 different
grape varieties. Great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains can
be enjoyed from the tasting room and landscaped terraces.
Rather than you struggling to get wine home from Virginia,
some of the vineyards are able to arrange for a delivery of wine
direct to your home (minimum of one case) – so you will have
experienced the winery, personally selected the wines and
have memories to share. Alternatively, many of the wines you
will sample at these wineries are available in the UK, and we
can provide information on where to buy these wines if you
would prefer to buy single bottles or mixed cases.
Civil War Trail (9 nights)
Prices from £869 per person, including flights, car hire and accommodation.
Civil War history is very much alive throughout the Capital Region. It played a major role in the war
of the 1860s, Washington being the Union Capital and Maryland a Union State, with neighbouring Virginia
a Confederate State. Virginia alone has more than 200 war sites, and was the location of more Civil War battles than
any other state. Maryland’s best known battlefield, Antietam was the site of the bloodiest battle of the War, where
more than 23,000 soldiers were wounded or killed in one day. Our itinerary is designed to show you some of the major
points of interest of the Civil War, but if you have any specific interests, please let us know and we would be happy to
include these.
Day 1 – Washington DC to Manassas
Approx. 25 miles
Arrive Washington Dulles Airport. Overnight in Manassas.
Day 2 – Manassas to Hagerstown
Approx. 95 miles
Tour Manassas National Battlefield Park commemorating two
great battles of the Civil War. The 1861 battle of Manassas
(Bull Run) was the first major land battle of the war. Here
General Thomas J Jackson earned his name as ‘Stonewall’
Jackson. The second Battle of Manassas in 1862 demonstrated
Robert E Lee’s generalship when 70,000 Federal troops under
John Pope were defeated by Lee’s 55,000 Confederates. Travel
north via historic Leesburg with its strong links to Mosby’s
Rangers and nearby Ball’s Bluff. Cross into Maryland and
head for Hagerstown where you will spend the next two nights.
Day 3 – Hagerstown
Approx. 90 miles
The next two days are spent re-living
Lee’s two invasions of the North.
Drive to Gettysburg (1863) and tour
the battlefield. Visit the museum and
its restored Gettysburg Cyclorama,
depicting the final fury of Gettysburg –
“Pickett’s Charge”. Drive the tour route
to visit the Peach Orchard, Devil’s Den
and Little Round Top. Follow Pickett’s
charge to the high water mark of the
Confederacy. Return to Hagerstown.
Day 4 – Hagerstown to Winchester
Approx. 65 miles
Visit Antietam Battlefield (1862), scene of the
bloodiest day in American history. Walk the
Cornfield, Sunken Lane and re-live Burnside’s
attack across the lower bridge.
Then, like the Army of Northern Virginia,
head south to Virginia. Visit Harpers Ferry at the
confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah
rivers. Here John Brown’s famous raid (1859)
was ended by Federal soldiers under the
command of Robert E Lee. Stonewall Jackson
captured the town en route to the battle of
Antietam. Continue to Winchester,
a town that changed hands more than 70
times during the Civil War. Visit Jackson’s
Headquarters in Braddock Street.
Overnight in Winchester.
Day 5 – Winchester to Lexington
Approx. 130 miles
Travel south down the Shenandoah Valley,
the breadbasket of the Confederacy.
Drive to Middletown to visit Belle Grove,
Sheridan’s headquarters during the
battle of Cedar Creek (1864). Continue
to New Market Battlefield (1864) where
young cadets from the Virginia Military
Institute were rushed north to assist in this
Confederate victory. Continue south to Lexington, home of the
Virginia Military Institute. Visit Jackson’s tomb, the Jackson
Museum and the Lee Chapel.
Overnight in Lexington.
Day 6 – Lexington to Richmond
Approx. 170 miles
Head towards Richmond. Visit Appomattox Court House where
on 9th April 1865 Robert E. Lee, commanding general of the
Army of Northern Virginia surrendered his men to Ulysses
S Grant and the Armies of the Potomac and the James thus
effectively ending the war. En route to Richmond stop at Sailor’s
Creek, site of the last major battle of the Civil War in Virginia
(1865). If time allows visit Drewry’s Bluff where Confederate
batteries above the James River repulsed Union gunboats
in 1862. On to Richmond where you will spend the next
three nights.
Day 7 – Richmond
Approx. 80 miles
Tour the Petersburg National Battlefield site of the long siege
commencing in 1864. Visit City Point the site of Grant’s
headquarters throughout the siege and Pamplin Historical
Park where Union forces finally broke through the Confederate
defences and ended the siege of Petersburg (1865). Pamplin
Historical Park is also the site of the National Museum of the
Civil War Soldier.
Day 8 – Richmond
Approx. 40 miles
Spend the day in and around Richmond,
capital of the Confederacy. Tour the
White House of the Confederacy and the
Museum of the Confederacy. Drive the
length of Monument Avenue with its
famous statues of Confederate leaders.
Visit Hollywood Cemetery where
approximately 18,000 Confederate
soldiers, including Generals George
Pickett and J E B Stuart are buried.
Richmond National Battlefield is on
the site of Chimborazo, Richmond’s
wartime hospital, and traces the Seven
Day Battles to save Richmond in 1862.
Visit the battle sites of the campaign
that started on 26th June 1862 at Beaver
Creek Dam and ended in the bloodbath
at Malvern Hill on 1st July 1862.
Day 9 – Richmond to Alexandria
Approx. 120 miles
Head north towards Washington. Within
a 17 mile radius of Fredericksburg
four major battles, Fredericksburg
(1862) Chancellorsville (1863)
the Wilderness (1864) and
Spotsylvania Court House (1864)
are memorialised. View the famous
stone wall on Marye’s Heights, site
of fierce fighting in December 1862.
Visit the Stonewall Jackson Shrine
at Guinea Station where Jackson
died in May 1863 shot in error by his
own men after his triumphant victory
at Chancellorsville. Continue north
to Alexandria for your overnight stay.
Day 10 – Alexandria to
Washington
Approx. 40 miles
Visit Fort Ward Museum where one of the 68 forts that ringed
the Federal capital has been restored or drive to nearby
Arlington where Robert E Lee left his home and his career
in the Federal army to take command of the Virginia forces
in April 1861. A spiteful Federal government began burying
Union soldiers in the grounds of the house in 1864 and thus
began Arlington National Cemetery. Before returning to
Washington Dulles take time for some last minute shopping at
Tysons Corner or Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets. Return to
Washington Dulles Airport.
Capital Region highlights
The Capital Region offers a wealth of wonderful destinations and below are some of our favourites.
With beaches, mountains, cities, gardens and national parks, there is plenty to see and do on any of
our fly-drive holidays. Our holidays that include these stops are listed below each destination so you
can easily see which holiday idea might suit you, or just ask us to customise your own holiday for you.
Fairfax County
Minutes from Washington, DC, Fairfax
County is steeped in history, fine and
performing arts, and National Parks.
The ultimate urban experience with the
culture of a big city grounded by the
charm of small towns. Fairfax County’s
history and heritage tells America’s
story. Unique to the county is the space
shuttle Discovery, the Rodeo Drive of
the East Coast – Tysons Corner, Mount Vernon Estate and the two closest wineries
to DC in stunning countryside. Metro Silver line opened in February 2014.
Loudoun, Virginia:
DC’s Wine Country ®
An exquisite culinary and heritage
destination is just 45 miles from the US
capital of Washington, DC Loudoun is
DC’s Wine Country boasting over 50
award-winning wineries, tasting rooms,
breweries, and distilleries offering
visitors an experience of tastings
and tours. Discover unique gifts and
delightful bargains at individually-owned boutiques or browse world-famous labels
and brands at Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets. Loudoun is also easily accessible
internationally with arrivals via Washington Dulles International Airport.
Norfolk
With 144 miles of shoreline, there’s
so much to do while visiting Norfolk,
Virginia. Take a tour on a majestic tall
ship, sip on wine at Virginia’s very first
urban winery, or watch world-renowned
artists blow glass at the Chrysler
Museum Glass Studio. Sign up for a
boat or land tour of the world’s largest
Naval Base or jam out to some of the
nation’s best music at the downtown venue NorVA. There’s something for everyone!
Virginia Beach
A Virginia Beach holiday is so much
more than sunny shores and ocean
waves. With waterways to kayak, lush
park trails to explore, Bay waters to fish
and dolphins ready to shepherd you
through the waves, natural adventure
is all yours. Work up an appetite as
you learn to master the stand-up
paddleboard or bike your way through
pristine coastal trailways, then enjoy the fresh flavours of Atlantic seafood,
fresh-caught and deliciously prepared.
2 Oxford House, 24 Oxford Road North, London W4 4DH
Tel: (020) 8742 8299 Fax: (020) 8747 4331
e-mail: [email protected] www.americaasyoulikeit.com
© America As You Like It 2014.
Top 5 Cultural Icons
1. THE WHITE HOUSE: For the closest view of the President’s iconic residence,
see it from the north side along Lafayette Park.
2. NATIONAL MALL: This two-mile park connects the Lincoln Memorial and
US Capitol with more than 25 famous monuments, memorials and museums
within and along its borders.
3. MONTICELLO: Just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, tour the scenic
mountaintop home and gardens of President Thomas Jefferson.
4. COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG: Step back in time with a visit to this historic
town that recreates early colonial life in Williamsburg, Virginia. It features more
than 500 buildings and thousands of artefacts.
5. ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD: This national park in Sharpsburg,
Maryland commemorates the American Civil War Battle of Antietam. It has a
visitor centre and field hospital museum.
Top 5 Nature Escapes
1. NATIONAL ARBORETUM: In DC, nine miles of roads wind through
gardens featuring aquatic plants, bonsai trees, historic roses and the national
herb garden.
2. BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS: Noted for their bluish colour when seen from
a distance, Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains include Shenandoah National Park,
a breathtaking park known for hiking, fishing, biking and scenic overlooks.
3. GREAT FALLS NATIONAL PARK: This 800-acre national park in Virginia along
the Potomac River features viewing platforms for the waterfalls, 15 miles of
hiking trails and cliffs for rock climbers.
4. ASSATEAGUE & CHINCOTEAGUE NATIONAL SEASHORES: View wildlife on
these pristine Atlantic Coast islands.
5. BLACKWATER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: This Maryland bird sanctuary
has paddling and hiking trails and a visitor centre with an eagle cam.
Top 5 Unique Tours
1. PHOTO SAFARI: See Washington, DC from a unique perspective.
Practise photography techniques as you tour the nation’s capital on a full-day
or half-day tour with a professional photographer.
2. SPY IN THE CITY: Take a GPS-guided walking tour of Washington, DC’s
famous espionage spots.
3. KAYAK & WINE TOUR: Flex your muscles and your palate as you paddle to
wineries along the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
4. BAY CRUISE: Sail past historic lighthouses and under the Chesapeake Bay
Bridge on this peaceful cruise out of Annapolis, Maryland.
5. FOOD TOURS: Get a taste of the region’s cities with Frederick Food Tours,
DC Metro Food Tours and Real Richmond.