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 awardwinning 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.
Hip and Historic (14 nights)
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 picture-postcard
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.
Virginia Vineyard Discovery (8 nights)
Prices from £809 per person, including flights, car hire and accommodation.
Wine has been made in Virginia for centuries and there are now over 230 wineries throughout the state. In recent years Virginia wines
have become well known throughout the USA and their popularity is growing. America As You Like It have put together an eight night Wine
Discovery fly-drive taking in some of the areas best wineries, along with its beautiful scenery, fascinating history and exciting cities, so that you can
savour some of 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 2007-2012. 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.
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
full-bodied 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 winedirect 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.