Capital Region Cruiser

Your road trip itinerary pack is the perfect companion to help you explore the city’s highlights and neighbourhoods. You may want to begin by taking a self-guided tour of some of Washington’s most iconic buildings; the White House, Capitol Hill and the Lincoln Memorial are just some of the essential structures that can be seen. Cross the Potomac River to Arlington, a must-visit for any history or military enthusiast, with the moving National Cemetery a great place to wander around.

Georgetown is a distinguished neighbourhood on the western side of the city, a part of Washington that’s sometimes overlooked. Its beautiful red-brick buildings are dotted with boutique shops and cafes, which bring the area to life. During the evening, you can enjoy a refreshing drink overlooking the city, try the Observatory in Georgetown for a superb view.

Maryland’s capital welcomes visitors with open arms and a host of opportunities. Some call it a museum without walls, with four centuries of architecture mixed with 21st-century living. Sailing is a way of life here, so consider a voyage on Chesapeake Bay during your stay or a visit to the US Naval Academy.

Start your day with a visit to Liberty Bell and Independence Hall (pictured), where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. A visit to the city wouldn’t be complete without trying an authentic ‘Philly Cheese Steak’ sandwich. You can find these guilty pleasures throughout downtown. To burn off those calories, recreate the famous scene from the film ‘Rocky’ by climbing the steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

After leaving Philadelphia behind, you’ll emerge into the lovely Pennsylvanian countryside, where you can opt to spend an hour or two exploring Lancaster County. Here, you can have an authentic Amish experience, learning about the religious communities’ history, art and culture. You’ll then arrive in Gettysburg, which was, of course, the location of the historic Gettysburg Address and a notable battlefield that you can tour by car, bicycle, and even on foot. The Pennsylvania Monument stands proud of the battlefield where 50,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed or injured during the Civil War in 1863. The brilliant visitor centre makes the site’s historical significance really come to life. The quaint town of Gettysburg also boasts a wealth of activities and things to do beyond those historic acres.

Spend the morning driving through Shenandoah National Park, enjoying vast mountain views from the numerous vista points that line Skyline Drive. After exiting Shenandoah National Park, you’ll turn left and cruise south to Charlottesville. This town sits on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia and is close to Thomas Jefferson’s famous home in Monticello.

Spend the morning exploring Williamsburg and watch for historical reenactments as you wander around the cobbled streets of this former colonial powerhouse. Spend the afternoon visiting the nearby Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum chronicling 17th-century explorers and their interactions with Native Americans. If you’ve had enough history for one holiday, then you can spend the day thrill-seeking at Busch Gardens Theme Park. Tomorrow, you’ll return to Washington Dulles International Airport and fly home.