Capital Region USA
Washington DC Virginia and Maryland
It is difficult to decide when to visit Washington DC and the Capital Region USA. In the spring the parks and orchards are flamboyant with blossom and the stately homes, with their well-manicured gardens, are at their best. The summer has long hot days, which encourage you to spend time in beautiful Chesapeake Bay with its 260 miles of stunning coastline. The autumn, with long hot “Indian Summer days”, transforms the countryside into a riot of colour that equals that of the famed New England in the Fall.
The suggested itinerary below works equally well in reverse.
Day 1: Washington
Fly to Washington DC. Attractions include the Smithsonian Institution, the Holocaust Memorial Museum the Jefferson Memorial, the famous Arlington Cemetery, the Washington Monument and The White House Visitors Centre. Take a cruise on the famous Potomac River.
2 nights Washington DC
Day 3: Baltimore
Drive to Baltimore. Visit the Baltimore Maritime Museum, the USS Constellation, the only surviving Civil War era all sail warship and The National Aquarium in Baltimore. Children particularly love Port Discovery, the interactive children’s museum designed by Walt Disney.
1 night Baltimore
Day 4: Annapolis
Annapolis, the “Sailing Capital for the USA”, is located at towards the northern end of beautiful Chesapeake Bay. Take a yacht excursion or even learn to sail a yacht on Chesapeake Bay
1 night Annapolis
Day 5: Chesapeake and the Eastern Shore
Visit the Chesapeake harbour town of St Michaels, where you can feast on the local speciality, crab. Visit Tilghman Island and take the ferry to Oxford. Cambridge has many historic buildings and museums. Visit the Blackwater National Wildlife reserve. South Dorchester County has been called the “Cape Cod of the South” with its quaint waterman’s villages.
2 nights Eastern Shore
Day 7: Virginia Beach
Drive down the Delmarva Peninsular to Virginia’s Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Kayak the coast to search for dolphins and hike in False Cape State Park.
2 nights Virginia Beach
Day 9: Williamsburg
This 18th Century town was rescued by the Rockafeller family and superbly restored. Today it is a living museum set in over three hundred acres with its own hotels, shops, and old taverns. Visit Busch Gardens Water Country Park.
2 nights Williamsburg
Day 11: Charlottesville
Drive to Charlottesville. Visit the former home of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello. Take a stroll through Charlottesville where you will find some of the best restaurants and bistros in the region. Try the local wines - there are over 20 of the USA’s finest wineries in the area.
2 nights Charlottesville
Day 13: Shenandoah National Park
Take the Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains through the woods and past spectacular vistas. Walk in the shade of oak trees along the Appalachian Trail or discover the stories from Shenandoah’s past. Visit Luray Caverns, the largest caverns on the east coast.
2 nights Shenandoah National Park
Day 15 Washington
Drive back to Washington Dulles Airport and fly home to the UK.
