Self-Drive President’s Path

Day 1-3

Washington, D.C.
Welcome to America’s capital! Washington, DC is a cosmopolitan capital city, packed with many famous sights and free attractions and home to some of the world’s best-known museums and galleries, including the Smithsonian Institution. Combine this with hip new restaurants and bars, stunning hotels, great nightlife, live music, theatres, charming neighbourhoods and terrific shopping options and you have a fantastic start to your trip through the Capital Region.
3 nights Washington, DC
Standard: Red Roof
Select: Hilton DC

Day 4

To Shenandoah Valley (95 miles)
Discover why this region is known as “Virginia’s crowning glory.” Your route takes you through lush rolling countryside, past gracious horse farms to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You may wish to make a short detour to visit Manassas National Battlefield Park commemorating the two Civil War battles of Manassas. Visit Luray Caverns, the largest caverns on the east coast. Travel the beautiful Skyline Drive.
1 night Shenandoah Valley.
Standard: Quality Skyline
Select: Skyland Lodge

Day 5

To Charlottesville VA (64 miles)
Today, your journey is through an area which Thomas Jefferson called the “Eden of the country.” You can visit his home, Monticello, atop a mountain in Albemarle County. It is described as one of the country’s foremost architectural masterpieces. Today, Charlottesville is a charming college town with many shops, restaurants and tea rooms.
1 night Charlottesville.
Standard: Quality Inn University
Select: Holiday Inn University

Day 6

To Richmond VA (71 miles)
The Capital of the Confederacy remains one of the most handsome capitals in the south. Old waterfront warehouses have been restored into trendy shops; Shockoe Bottom and Shockoe Slip feature restaurants, entertainment and boutiques. Visit the Museum and White House of the Confederacy. Other attractions include the Annabel Lee Riverboat, a replica ship offering dinner and theme cruises on the James River, the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, Busch Gardens (seasonal) and Paramount’s King’s Dominion, a family theme park (seasonal).
1 night Richmond.
Standard: Comfort Inn
Select: Doubletree Hotel Richmond

Day 7-8

To Williamsburg VA (62 miles)
Take scenic Route 5 to Williamsburg, Virginia; you may want to visit one of the many plantations along the way. Don’t miss Colonial Williamsburg, the most extensively restored 18th century town in the US. So compelling and complete is the restoration that visitors feel they are in a crown colony 300 years ago. A similar sensation occurs on Jamestown Island where America’s first English settlement was established.
2 nights Williamsburg.
Standard: America’s Best inn
Select: Ramada Inn 1776

Day 9-10

To Virginia Beach VA (59 miles)
Visit Newport News’ impressive Mariner’s Museum or the Virginia Living Museum. In Virginia Beach, stroll the beach and 40 blocks of boardwalk or just relax. Visit the Virginia Marine Science Museum, or Assateague Island, a 37 mile long wildlife refuge and recreational area 92 miles north of Virginia Beach. Nearby Norfolk is home to 116 ships at the US Naval Base. Stroll through the 175 acres of azaleas, camellias and roses of the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, visit the fascinating Virginia Air and Space Center in Hampton.
2 nights Virginia Beach.
Standard: Colonial Inn
Select:Hilton Virginia Beach

Day 11

To Washington, DC (205 miles)
Enjoy the scenery en route to Washington to drop off your car and catch your flight home.