Discover
Capital Region USA
A unique and comprehensive selection
of fly-drives across Washington, DC,
Maryland and Virginia.
© Bob Peterson
Welcome to the Capital Region USA
Immerse yourself in an authentic American
experience. Known for iconic monuments
and museums, the Capital Region is also a
great destination for beaches, mountains,
cuisine, shopping, family fun, thrilling
attractions and more. Whether you want
to soak up American culture, stroll along
the ocean, drive a Scenic Byway or hike a
country trail, you will find all this and more
on a holiday to the Capital Region USA.
Washington, DC is the starting point for all our holiday
ideas, and is known for its world-famous monuments,
renowned museums, eclectic neighbourhoods, a
booming food scene, and diverse entertainment and
nightlife. Maryland stretches from the Atlantic Ocean,
around the Chesapeake Bay to the mountains in the
west. Discover big cities and small towns, maritime
heritage, beaches, outdoor adventure on and off the
water, and a great deal of tasty, fresh seafood!
Virginia has long been known for its Colonial and
Civil War history and is a ‘must’ for any history
lovers. Take in the stunning scenery of the Blue Ridge
Mountains, sample wines from over 250 wineries or
listen to authentic country music.
One of the best ways to enjoy your
Capital Region USA holiday is to
drive some of the Scenic Byways,
which take in not only some
beautiful vistas, but also highlight
the history, culture and attractions that make the
region unique. A selection of our favourites are listed
here and noted in bold in our Holiday Ideas.
1. Chesapeake Country National Scenic Byway:
Washington Dulles International Airport is the
gateway to the Capital Region and there are direct
flights from the UK with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic
and United.
America As You Like It offers a selection of Holiday
Ideas for the Capital Region USA, the most popular of
which you will find in this brochure, and there are many
others on our website at www.americaasyoulikeit.com,
including some escorted tours and ‘Virginia’s Crooked
Road’, highlighting the music history of the state. We
can tailor-make any holiday to suit you, so just let
us know what you would like to do and we would be
happy to put something together for you.
Please call us on 020 8742 8299, or see our website
for more details.
Hike or paddle the shorelines, bike the back roads and
walk the streets of old cities throughout this series of
trails connecting Maryland’s eastern shore.
2. Colonial Parkway: Journey through history
on this 23-mile scenic drive connecting Historic
Jamestowne, Colonial Williamsburg, and the
Yorktown Battlefield.
3. George Washington Memorial Parkway:
Discover Mount Vernon and Great Falls National Park
on the Potomac River along this Washington-area
scenic drive.
4. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway:
Learn the stories of those seeking freedom from
slavery on this self-guided driving tour in Maryland.
5. Journey through Hallowed Ground Byway:
Travel roads connecting some of America’s most
historic sites, including the Civil War battleground of
Gettysburg and Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello.
6. Maryland Historic National Road: This byway
covers scenic natural areas, historical railroad stops,
small towns and the cosmopolitan hub of Baltimore.
7. Skyline Drive: Take in the beauty of the Blue
Ridge Mountains on this road spanning Virginia’s
Shenandoah National Park.
© Robert Peterson
Hip and Historic (14 nights)
Prices from £1129 per person, including flights, car hire and accommodation
The Capital Region features some of America’s landmark parks and its historical significance cannot be underplayed. However, it is also a very
vibrant and exciting area with trendy nightlife, internationally acclaimed restaurants and world-class shopping. You can enjoy both sides of the region against a
backdrop of stunning scenery, along many of the Scenic Byways, or from the roof-top of a top-notch hotel.
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.
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. 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. 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. There are gardens
and parks where you can stroll through formal gardens,
hike trails, fish, swim or venture onto the water on a paddle
boat, sailing boat, kayak or paddle board, and you can’t
help but take in the views of the majestic Bay Bridge. 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. You can
browse the art galleries and boutique shops of the town
and then enjoy some freshly caught crab or other locally
caught delights. Nearby Oxford and Tilghman Island are
also fun places to visit. 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! 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 before taking in the host of boardwalk bars,
restaurants and nightclubs.
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. Take the scenic 23-mile
Colonial Parkway to the Jamestown Settlement, a
reconstruction of the first permanent English settlement
in America, and on to Yorktown, another ‘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 21st century. 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.
You can visit the Thomas Jefferson home, Monticello, an
architectural masterpiece and his beloved mountaintop
home. 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 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. 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. One of the other natural wonders of this world
is the 100- million-year-old Natural Bridge! 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, Alexandria is a destination in its own
right, as well as a great base to see any of the sights you
missed at the beginning of your holiday. Alexandria is
known for its rich history and beautifully preserved
18th and 19th Century architecture, world-class restaurant
scene, unique shopping and vibrant arts and culture, as
well as being a welcoming and walkable city. To the south
you can visit Mount Vernon (home of George Washington),
either by boat, bike or car along the George Washington
Memorial Parkway. Also close by is the Arlington National
Cemetery where you can visit the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier, the John F Kennedy Gravesite and memorials to
the Space Shuttle Challenger and Columbia. Spend your
last night in Alexandria.
Day 15 – Alexandria to Washington Dulles International
Airport
Approx. 30 miles
© Richard Norwitz
© Visit Baltimore
© Charlottesville Albemarle CVB
City Lights and Beyond (8 nights)
Wine Trails and Culinary Del
of the Capital Region (14 nig
Prices from £969 per person, including flights, car hire and accommodation
Experience the best of both worlds, with world-class cities, local towns and villages,
and sleepy backwaters which really portray the diversity of this region. Discover
history, outdoor attractions and activities, culture and scenic beauty as you travel through
some well-known and lesser travelled areas.
Day 1 - Arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport
Washington, DC is a cosmopolitan capital city, packed with
many famous sights and free attractions and is home to some
of the world’s best-known museums and galleries, including
the Smithsonian Institution and the International Spy
Museum. Combine this with hip new restaurants and bars,
stunning hotels, great nightlife, live music, theatres, charming
neighbourhoods and terrific shopping options and you have a
fantastic city break destination. With the added attraction of
year round events and festivals, it all comes together to make
Washington, DC the perfect choice for a taste of the American
experience. Spend two nights in Washington, DC.
Day 3 – Washington, DC to Cumberland
Approx. 135 miles
Head north-west from the city to Cumberland. Home to
history, innovation, scenic beauty and adventure, Western
Maryland is unique in its wealth of opportunities for enjoying
outdoor activities, exploring US history and architecture, and
more. Bike the C&O Canal and Great Allegheny Passage,
see George Washington’s Headquarters – a one room cabin,
built in 1754-55 and the only remaining structure of Ft.
Cumberland. Wander the brick streets of historic downtown
Cumberland and enjoy the vibrant Arts and Entertainment
district. Stay one night in Cumberland.
museums and the USS Constellation. There are harbour
cruises available or you could take a water taxi to Fort
McHenry or Fells Point. Spend two nights in Baltimore.
Day 7 – Baltimore to Easton
Approx. 125 miles
Head north and around the top of the Chesapeake Bay to
Chesapeake City, where you can pick-up the Chesapeake
Country National Scenic Byway. Explore the picturesque
waterfront villages of the Eastern Shore, paddle or hike along
some of the coastline, stroll on a beach, take to the bay on
a fishing charter, or see migrating birds and other wildlife in
one of the many refuges. The back roads through the Eastern
Shore will take you back to a time when life was lived at a
much slower pace. Visit nearby Tilghman Island, home of the
Maryland Skipjack Fleet, or take the Bellevue Ferry across the
Tred Avon River to Oxford, an original ‘Port of Entry’ for the
early settlers.
Stay two nights in Easton, where you can stroll the tree lined
streets with its unique shops and art galleries, or watch eagles
soar at the nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. You
could also take the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad
Byway which shares the remarkable stories of freedom
seekers who risked their lives to escape slavery in the 1800s.
Explore the secret network of the Underground Railroad, visit
the National Historical Park and take the driving tour showing
you the places where Tubman grew up, worshiped, laboured,
and led others to freedom. The whole area offers a quiet
charm and relaxation and makes a great end to your holiday.
Day 9 – Easton to Washington Dulles International Airport
Approx. 100 miles
© Jill Jasuta, Dorchester Tourism
Day 4 – Cumberland to Ellicott City
Approx. 130 miles
Travel out on the Maryland Historic National Road. This
National Road facilitated America’s westward expansion,
originally connecting Cumberland with the Ohio River, and
then extending eastwards to Baltimore. You will pass through
places such as Hagerstown and Antietam, a significant Civil
War battle site, through farmland and countryside, and small
towns offering farm to table dining and unique shopping. Stay
one night in Ellicott City where you can tour the B&O Railroad
Museum: Ellicott City Station, the destination of the first 13
miles of railroad in America. Enjoy the five block historic
district lined with boutiques and bistros, and discover some of
its old world and bohemian charms.
Prices from £1249 per person, including flights, c
Day 5 – Ellicott City to Baltimore Approx. 15 miles
‘Charm City’ as it is known, is surrounded by waterfront
restaurants, serving fresh local seafood as you overlook the
Chesapeake Bay. If it’s pizza and pasta that whet your taste
buds, head off to one of the cosy restaurants in Little Italy
before spending the evening amongst the lively area of Fells
Point, where many old bars and pubs have been restored. Be
sure to find time to stop and shop in Harborplace Shopping
Mall, crammed with named shops and more cafes and
restaurants.
Great food and wine are often high on the list of most peop
Capital Region will certainly not disappoint! Wine has been
widely recognised internationally. Maryland also boasts so
the chance to sample both, along with great craft beers an
farm to table produce. Savour the best of what the Capital
fascinating history and exciting cities.
Day 1 – Arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport
Begin your holiday in the Nation’s capital, packed with
famous sights, free attractions and museums, world class
shopping, and great restaurants and nightlife. With more
than 200 restaurant openings since 2012, it’s no surprise
DC was recently ranked in the Top 10 ‘America’s Best
Restaurant Cities’. Explore the city while getting a true taste
of the nation’s capital on one of the city’s food tours. DC
Metro Food Tours offers fourteen walking food tours in the
unique neighbourhoods of Washington, DC including a tour
of Eastern Market, the city’s oldest continuously running food
market. Spend three nights in Washington.
Day 4 – Washington, DC to Frederick
Approx. 50 miles
From DC, head northwest to Frederick, Maryland. Named one
of the top 25 ‘Small Art Cities’ in the US, Frederick is a historic
and cultural hub. Embark on a 3-hour guided walking tour
and culinary adventure through the historic downtown with
Taste Frederick Food Tours. The Frederick Wine Trail travels to
six wineries located in the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains
while beer lovers should be sure to check out Brewer’s Alley,
Monocacy Brewing Company and Flying Dog Brewery. When
it’s time to eat, head to one of Top Chef contestant Bryan
Voltaggio’s two restaurants in Frederick – the fine dining VOLT
or the more casual Family Meal. Stay two nights in Frederick.
Day 6 – Frederick to Annapolis Approx. 70 miles
Head to Annapolis, Maryland’s capital city. Long known as
a sailing destination, Annapolis is host to splendid colonial
buildings clustered around the 18th Century Maryland State
House. The city’s scenic waterfront, which includes the US
Naval Academy, is packed with art galleries, boutiques,
restaurants and historic memorials. Head to Ego Alley to
watch the yachts or book a sailing tour. Locals love nothing
more than to dive into a bushel of steamed Chesapeake Bay
crabs, heavily seasoned with Old Bay. Cantler’s Riverside Inn is
a popular waterfront crab shack where you can grab a mallet
and start cracking. Stay one night in Annapolis.
Day 7 – Annapolis to the Eastern Shore Approx. 40 miles
Finish your journey of Maryland along the state’s tranquil
Eastern Shore. Easton is considered to be the heart of
the Shore’s art and culture scene and is an ideal base for
exploring the region’s small towns and natural beauty. Visit
Two If By Sea Restaurant to sample Maryland’s official state
dessert, the many layered Smith Island Cake. End the day with
a seafood dinner at Stars restaurant at The Inn at Perry
Cabin or The Crab Claw Restaurant in
St. Michaels. Spend one night in St
Michaels or Easton.
It’s not just food and drink that make the city so popular.
Baltimore is home to the National Aquarium, Maryland
Science Center, IMAX theatre, Historic Federal Hill, maritime
Day 8 – Eastern Shore to Norfolk Approx. 185 miles
Head south to Norfolk, Virginia. Along
the way you’ll cross the Chesapeake
Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a 23-mile-long
bridge and tunnel system designated
‘One of Seven Engineering Wonders
of the Modern World’. Norfolk’s
144 miles of coastline means you’re
© Clark Vandergrift
lights
ghts)
Civil War Trails of the Capital Region
(9 nights)
car hire and accommodation
Prices from £859 per person, including flights, car hire and accommodation
ple’s holiday requirements, and a trip to the
n made in Virginia for centuries and is becoming
ome world-class wines and this holiday will give you
nd micro-brews, freshly caught local seafood and tasty
l Region has to offer along with beautiful scenery,
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. Visit the major points of interest
of the Civil War, but also stunning landscapes, local towns and a wealth of other history. Take in the
Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway which stretches from Gettysburg south to Charlottesville.
never far from the water. Explore the charming Ghent
neighbourhood where you’ll find the city’s first winery,
Mermaid Winery. Take a tour and sip on a pint at O’Connor
Brewing Company or SmartMouth Brewing Company. End
the day with a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk. Spend
one night in Norfolk.
Day 9 – Norfolk to Richmond
Approx. 90 miles
Travel to Richmond, the capital of Virginia. Recently
ranked #3 in Travel & Leisure’s Best Places to Visit in
2016, Richmond’s high ranking is attributed to the region’s
historic attractions, world-class food, growing slate of
breweries and outdoor adventures along the roaring
James River and the newly opened Virginia Capital Trail.
Savour the flavours of more than 900 area restaurants.
Virginia is also known as the oyster capital of the East
Coast. Sample from more than a dozen breweries including
Virginia’s oldest operating microbrewery, Legend Brewing
Company. Stop by Hardywood Park for a Gingerbread
Stout which scored a perfect 100 from Beer Advocate or
sample one of Strangeway Brewing Company’s unique
concoctions. Stay two nights in Richmond.
Day 11 – Richmond to Shenandoah National Park Approx. 150 miles
Head towards the Blue Ridge Mountains to tour the
Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA). 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. You can
visit several wineries and vineyards in the area, including
Barboursville Vineyards. After touring the wineries, hop
on 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 and hiking trails along the
way. As you head north into the Northern Virginia Wine
Region, explore wineries such as Glen Manor Vineyards
and Chester Gap Cellars. Stay two nights in or close to the
Shenandoah National Park.
Day 13 – Shenandoah National Park to Leesburg Approx. 70 miles
In Leesburg you’ll discover why Loudoun County is
considered DC’s Wine Country. The rolling countryside
offers a lovely backdrop to the area’s wineries. Some of the
best views and wines can be sampled at wineries such as
Breaux Vineyards, Sunset Hills Vineyard and Stone Tower
Winery. Explore Leesburg’s historic
downtown area with small boutiques,
restaurants and wine bars, and great
outlet shopping at the Leesburg Corner
Premium Outlets. Stay two nights in
Leesburg.
Day 15 – Leesburg to Washington
Dulles International Airport
Approx. 15 miles
Day 1 – Arrive at Washington Dulles International
Airport and head to Manassas
Approx. 20 miles
Stay one night in Manassas. A great starting point for your
Civil War Trail, Manassas boasts not only the National
Battlefield Park but also great small town restaurants and
shops, perfect for beginning your holiday on the right foot!
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 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
Battlefield and National Cemetery. Cross into Maryland to
Hagerstown for two nights. From here you can re-live one
of Lee’s invasions of the North – Gettysburg (1863). Tour
the battlefield, visit the museum and use the electric map
to get an overview of the three-day battle. Follow Pickett’s
charge to the high water mark of the Confederacy.
Day 4 – Hagerstown to Winchester Approx. 65 miles
Visit Antietam Battlefield (1862), scene of the bloodiest
day in American history. Then, like the Army of Northern
Virginia, head south into Virginia. Along the way, 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 on 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. Stay one night in Lexington.
Day 6 – Lexington to Richmond Approx. 170 miles
Visit Appomattox Court House, where on
9 April 1865 Robert E. Lee surrendered
his men to Ulysses S Grant thus effectively
ending the war. 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.
Carry on to Richmond where you will spend the next three
nights.
Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy. Tour the
White House of the Confederacy and the Museum of the
Confederacy. Drive Monument Avenue with its 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 sites of the
campaign that started on 26 June 1862 and ended in the
bloodbath at Malvern Hill on 1 July 1862.
From Richmond tour the Petersburg National Battlefield
site, visit City Point, the site of Grant’s headquarters and
Pamplin Historical Park where Union forces finally broke
through the Confederate defences. Pamplin Historical Park
is also the site of the National Museum of the Civil War
Soldier.
Day 9 – Richmond to Alexandria Approx. 120 miles
Head back 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. Spend your final night in Alexandria. 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 on the grounds of the house in 1864 and
thus began Arlington National Cemetery.
Day 10 - Alexandria to Washington Dulles International
Airport
Approx. 30 miles
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.
Arlington, Virginia
Top 5 Cultural Icons
Stay, shop, dine and play in Arlington,
Virginia – just across the Potomac
River from Washington, DC! With
fantastic capital views, and more
than 40 hotels conveniently located
in vibrant neighbourhoods along the
region’s Metro system, Arlington is
home to historic treasures, world-class
shopping, diverse dining and eclectic
arts experiences.
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.
© David Hills
Fairfax County, Virginia
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.
Find incredible historic sites, museums
and world-class shopping – all in
Fairfax County. Fairfax County enjoys
the best of both worlds: proximity to
Washington, DC, but with all of the
advantages and unique history of
Northern Virginia. Explore this amazing
area and get the most value out of
your holiday.
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.
Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Discover where American presidents go
for fun! Alexandria’s cobblestone streets
and scenic waterfront make the perfect
home base for your DC vacation. Take a
river cruise or bike to DC monuments,
explore acclaimed restaurants and
independent boutiques, and tour the
sites where American history was made
for family fun.
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.
© C Davison for Virginia Tourism Corp.
Virginia Beach
With three distinct beach experiences,
pristine natural wonders and fresh
coastal cuisine, Virginia Beach is the
perfect holiday. Just a 4 hour drive
from Washington, DC, this coastal
city features wide sandy beaches,
outdoor adventures and endless
opportunities to explore nature. Embark
on a kayaking excursion with dolphins,
paddle in the Chesapeake Bay, climb to
the treetops or Skydive indoors while
continuing to discover the fun, the food
and the culture.
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.
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 2016. Cover photo credits: Blue Ridge Mountains: Nate Dennison; Annapolis Sailing: VisitAnnapolis.org; Barboursville Vineyards: Virginia Tourism Corporation