The Virginian
Self-Drive Tour
Enjoy the historic charms and scenic beauty of one of America's first states - Virginia - on this leisurely 1
3 day/12 night self-drive tour.
This tour operates on Saturdays (prices for other dates available on request) between 04 April and 13 November (Virginia's autumn colours are stunning - October/November is usually best for leaf-peeping!).
Days 2, 3 & 4. Washington DC. Three full days to explore the museums, galleries, shopping and diverse nightlife of this lovely city. In fact three days is barely sufficient to get to know Washington. A great way to get your bearings is to take the Open-Top Double-decker sightseeing tour. A two-day pass will allow you to hop-on and hop-off at the many stops on the route while the informative narration gives you plenty of tips, history and guidance about the city. There is a stop right outside of the Omni Shoreham Hotel. The International Spy Museum, the Smithsonian Institute, the Kennedy Center, Historic Alexandria, The White House, the Capitol Building and 
much more will leave you wishing you had more time. After a busy day of sightseeing and shopping head back to your hotel for a relaxing swim before exploring the local nightlight of the Adams/Morgan district, or take a short taxi ride to the restaurants and late night shopping at nearby Georgetown. Overnight: Omni Shoreham Hotel.
Day 5. Washington DC to Shenandoah National Park (80 miles). After collecting your car, head west through rolling countryside, past the Manassas Natl.Battlefield and through small towns to the Appalachian Mountains and the beautiful Shenandoah National Park. The short, leisurely drive today should allow you plenty of time to explore the region en route to Shenandoah, or give you time to enjoy Shenandoah this afternoon. Overnight: Skyland Lodge.
Day 6. Shenandoah National Park. Enjoy a full day exploring the Valley, visit the Caverns at Luray, historic Front Royal or hike part of the Appalachian Trail. Overnight: Skyland Lodge.
Day 8. Charlottesville. This is Thomas Jefferson Country; the former president lived near Charlottesville and founded the University of Virginia in the town. The house and gardens at Jefferson's home - Monticello - are a Virginia highlight and are well worth a half-day visit at least. Overnight: Omni Charlottesville.
Day 9. Charlottesville to Williamsburg (125 miles). From Charlottesville and en route to Williamsburg, make a stop in the state Capital - Richmond. Visit the historic 'White House of the Confederacy', The Edgar Allen Poe museum, the State Capitol Building and the Richmond Civil War Battlefield. Overnight: Springhill Suites, Williamsburg. 
Days 10, 11 & 12. Williamsburg. Three full days to enjoy the Williamsburg area. Williamsburg was the capital of the early British colonies in the 18th Century after the Jamestown statehouse burned down in 1698. The historic district was rebuilt and restored over a 30-year period by the Rockerfeller Foundation and today much of the old town is a living museum, with costumed 'in character' guides to explain the life of the early colonists. Nearby Jamestown is well worth a visit to learn just how difficult life was in the early 17th Century for those first British settlers. Of course Pocahontas played her part too, and children will enjoy learning more about this heroine and the area in which she lived. Close to Williamsburg is the Busch Gardens theme park - great fun for all the family; Virginia Beach, and the lovely coastline of Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay. Overnight: Springhill Suites, Williamsburg.
Day 13. Williamsburg to Washington DC (165 miles). The short drive back to Washington D.C. allows time to choose either the direct route via Fredericksburg and a stop at the Potomac Mills Factory Outlet Mall, or a meandering, scenic journey across Chesapeake Bay and through Maryland and the historic naval town of Annapolis. This would add approx.120 miles to your journey i.e. total 285 miles for the day, and we would recommend an extra night be added to the holiday - at Annapolis.
Just America will be pleased to adapt this tour - we recommend that you consider a few days on the beach at Virginia Beach, or book an extra night/s in Annapolis to enable you to take this route more leisurely.
All mileages are approximate. Hotels/Lodges are subject to availability at the time of booking.
