North America
Colonial America – Suggested Self Drive
Colonial America
Be whisked back in time as you move deep into the heart of American revolutionary history. Beginning in Washington, DC, this tour takes in sweeping mountain and coastal views and tells the stories of those who forged their own paths on the land hundreds of years ago.
Your itinerary
Arrive in Washington, D.C. and pick up your rental car at the airport, then proceed to your hotel.
A full day to explore Washington, D.C. Start by strolling along the Mall. Here you will find some of the most important monuments and have the opportunity to lose yourself in some of the world's most inspired museums. After lunch why not journey across the Potomac to nearby Alexandria or perhaps you would prefer to rent a bicycle and continue your exploration of the city. This evening we suggest a visit to the lively Georgetown area of the city where some of the best chefs vie for your attention.
Leave the seat of government behind today as you travel to the fascinating Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg. There are many excellent self-guided interpretative trails you can follow that will give you an understanding of this formative period in U.S. history.
Today there is time for further exploration of Gettysburg before you head west to visit Luray Caverns, one of the most beautiful caves in the world. Then enter Shenandoah National Park, a haven for plants, wildlife, and people alike.
Drive south and enjoy the natural wonders along each mile of Skyline Drive, one of America's most scenic routes. You can see the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains which have a distinctly bluish cast, especially in summer. Then continue to Charlottesville and visit Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson designed and built on a glorious mountaintop. Continue to Richmond, Virginia's capital, rising high above the sparkling James River, before traveling along the scenic road by the James River Plantations to Williamsburg, where restoration and preservation have turned back the clock 200 years.
Visit Colonial Williamsburg, then see the earliest permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown. Continue to the Yorktown Battlefield, where Washington's decisive victory over General Cornwall's forces turned the colonists' dream of a new nation into reality. Continue through Norfolk, Virginia's premier port city, to Virginia Beach, with 30 miles of sandy seashore and a 2-mile-long boardwalk. Time to relax this evening and dip your toes in the ocean.
Today spend your time in the the city that is listed in the Guiness Book of Records as having the longest pleasure beach in the world. To continue with this record breaking tradition, the city itself is located at the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the longest bridge-tunnel complex in the world.
Drive north across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to the tranquil Eastern Shore. Cross into Maryland and continue on to Annapolis, home to the U.S. Naval Academy. See the State House and visit the Academy before continuing to Baltimore. This evening, stroll along the magnificently rebuilt Inner Harbor and enjoy a typical dish of the region in one of the many restaurants.
This morning you are bound for the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia. This historic city is home to both Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Philadelphia also boasts a world class art museum as well as superb shopping and dining.
Time to explore Philadelphia a little further this morning before driving to Washington, D.C. in the afternoon. If you did not see the monuments of DC by night at the start of your trip then tonight is your opportunity to do so.
Return your rental car to the airport in time for your departing flight.
- The White House - Capture a photo of The White House, the official residence and work place of the president of the United States.
- Smithsonian Museum - See the 'Discovery' Space Shuttle, Apollo 11 and more at the Smithsonian Museum.
- Gettysburg - Explore the history of the Civil War in Gettysburg and stand on the spot where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address at the National Soldiers Cemetery.
- Shenandoah National Park - Hike one of the many trails along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.
- Virginia Beach - Walk the boardwalk of Virginia Beach.
- Atlantic Ocean - Swim or take a cruise in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Baltimore's Inner Harbor - Shop and dine at one of the many shops or restaurants in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
- Philadelphia - See the Liberty Bell and Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.
Recommended by
Jessica
Our favourite places to stay:
- Washington Hilton, Washington, D.C
- Courtyard Gettysburg, Gettysburg
- Quality Inn, Shenandoah
- Days Inn by Wyndham Willamsburg Historic Area
- Reed Roof Inn Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach
- Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards, Baltimore
- Holiday Inn Express Midtown, Philadelphia
Choosing your Rental Car
Take into consideration the size of the vehicle you require. We recommend a minimum of a medium sized SUV for two adults. This will give you space and freedom when you're travelling, and room for those extra purchases that you may make along the way. Book your car with House of Travel before leaving home as this will save money and ensure you get the car of your choice.
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