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- Historic Colonial Highlights
Historic Colonial Highlights
From £2,086 pp
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14 nights
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Economy flights
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Available April - October
This exciting and varied fly-drive itinerary covering Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia takes in some fascinating historic sites of the American Civil War, the spectacular scenery of Shenandoah National Park and the cultural vibrancy of the capital city of the USA, Washington DC. To ensure you see everything our packed itinerary has to offer, we suggest the best time to travel is between May and November.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 14 nights
- 12 days compact car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Save up to £500 per booking
Book by 31st October and take advantage of our exclusive savings
• Save £500 on bookings over £10,000
• Save £350 on bookings between £7,500 - £9,999
• Save £300 on bookings between £5,000 - £7,499
• Save £250 on bookings between £2,500 - £4,999
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Discounted Hotel Rates
Save up to 15% on hotel prices
This month, we’re delighted to be offering savings of up to 15% on selected hotels. Book by 31st October 2024.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-3
Arrive in Philadelphia
After collecting your car and checking in at your hotel, enjoy the afternoon and evening exploring downtown Philadelphia as you get your bearings in this great city of culture and history. Visit the city’s attractions, including the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Franklin Court and Independence Hall, and dine in some of the country’s best restaurants. You can also take advantage of the state’s tax free status on clothing and shoes with some retail therapy at the shops at Belle Vue or Liberty Place.
Day 4
Philadelphia to Lancaster, 79 miles
Embrace a more tranquil life as you head towards Amish Country in Pennsylvania. Visit the Amish Farm and House or the President James Buchanan’s Wheatland, the historic colonial estate of the former US President.
Day 5
Lancaster to Gettysburg, 52 miles
Leave the Amish Country behind and travel to the fascinating and historically important scenes of the Civil War battlegrounds of Gettysburg. Absorb the history of the region by visiting the Gettysburg National Military Park, Museum and Visitor Centre and the Gettysburg Museum of History. Enjoy lunch or dinner at Dobbin House Tavern which doubles as a historic building and a working tavern.
Day 6
Gettysburg to Luray, 141 miles
Leaving Gettysburg, you’ll enjoy a fantastic drive to Shenandoah National Park, where you will travel on Skyline Drive which follows the ridge of the mountains through the park. There are lookout points every few miles where you can stop to admire the majestic views and take some fabulous photographs. We recommend a visit to the Luray Caverns, located to the west of the park entrance. Once at the Skyland Resort, take one of the many short hiking trails to experience some of the natural wonders the park has to offer.
Day 7-8
Luray to Charlottesville, 55 miles
Today, you journey the remainder of the scenic Skyline Drive to your next destination, Charlottesville. En route, take a slight detour to the birthplace of former President Woodrow Wilson, Staunton, and visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Museum and Library before lunchtime. After lunch it’s on to Charlottesville, where you can visit Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home, and see its many historical rooms, gadgets, furniture, buildings, and artefacts, which tell the story of the 3rd US president who built it and lived there. The area is rich with wineries that include the Trump Winery, Jefferson Vineyards and Blenheim Vineyards.
Day 9-10
Charlottesville to Williamsburg, 123 miles
Williamsburg has much to offer, including the famous Colonial Williamsburg - the world’s largest living history museum. The 301 acres feature iconic sites, working tradespeople, historic taverns, and two world-class art museums (please note that admission tickets are not included). Other historic attractions to visit are Jamestown, Jamestown Settlement and the Governor’s Palace.
Day 11
Williamsburg to Fredericksburg, 104 miles
Fredericksburg, located on the Rappahannock River in Virginia, is known for its colonial and Civil War history and is home to the 4 battlefields of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. The park’s Fredericksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place of thousands of Union soldiers. Take in the historic Kenmore, a restored plantation house of the 1700s, or take a walk through Old Town with its boutique shops and retailers.
Day 12-14
Fredericksburg to Washington DC, 53 miles
Today involves a short drive to your final destination and the capital city of the United States of America. Leave early and take in Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, where you can learn about his many endeavours, military and entrepreneurial successes, and political influence. After returning your car, explore the many attractions of this vibrant city. Visit the United States Botanic Garden located by the Capital Building, take a walk to the White House and stroll down the National Mall. You can also take the metro over to Alexandria in Virginia and marvel at the views across the Potomac River to downtown D.C. Visit the site of the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial and take in the solemnity of Arlington cemetery or take a tour of the Pentagon.
Day 15
Homeward Bound
Travel to the airport by taxi or on the newly opened Silver Line on the Metro, which takes approximately 60 minutes from downtown, for your homebound flight.
Related Itineraries
This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note selected national parks in the USA require reservations for vehicles in order to enter the parks. Reservations are required in advance. This is in addition to purchasing a national park entrance ticket. Early booking is recommended.
Further information on the parks, where vehicle reservations are required and how to book can be found on:
USA National Parks
