Cruisin' The Capital Region - 14 nights

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.

 

Baltimore boasts an astounding array of shopping choices from upscale malls to designer shops. The city also has fantastic restaurants like those in lively Fells Point, where many old bars and pubs have been restored. The inner harbor is alive with street performers, musicians, paddle boats and harbour tours.

 

Make your way to the “Sailing Capital of the Chesapeake” – lovely Annapolis. The vibe is laid-back, the scenery awe-inspiring and the local fare is seasoned with the flavours of the Chesapeake Bay. Overlooking the town’s baroque web of streets, the Maryland State House was completed in 1779. The narrow streets border historic homes and buildings, and the waterfront allows for ship watching. The lively cafes and shops of Market House are an inviting place to relax.

 

Explore Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Begin in beautiful St. Michaels where you can feast on the local specialty, crab, whilst overlooking the small picturesque harbour. Visit Tilghman Island, home port for many of the Chesapeake Bay’s remaining skipjacks. The arts are alive and well in Easton, rated one of the top 100 artist communities in America. Cambridge has a rich maritime heritage that can be explored in museums, through historic district tours and river cruises.

 

Cross the amazing 20 mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Virginia Beach, the world’s longest pleasure beach, 300-feet wide and lined by a three-mile concrete oceanfront boardwalk. Many waterfront restaurants serve fantastic seafood. At night, the beachfront comes alive. Enjoy a cocktail on the boardwalk, watch the sunset and indulge in a delicious meal before being lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the waves.

 

Colonial Williamsburg is the most extensively restored 18th century town in the US. Minutes from Colonial Williamsburg is Busch Gardens Williamsburg – the ultimate family experience, with more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions and great stage shows. Be sure not to miss the recently expanded, Prime Outlets – Williamsburg. Showcasing spectacular outlet shopping, this beautiful boutique-like center offers savings of up to 65% at 120 top designer and brand name outlet stores.

 

Charlottesville, once home to American statesman Thomas Jefferson, is a charming college town with many shops, restaurants and tea rooms. In addition to historic homes and living history, there are plenty of outdoor activities including hiking, biking and tubing on the James River. There are vineyards and orchards to tempt the palette.

 

Drive along the splendid Skyline Drive, stopping at overlooks for views of the valley below. With more than 500 miles of hiking trails, take some time to explore the lush forests, streams, waterfalls and wildflowers. Then, visit Luray Caverns, the largest caverns on the east coast.

 

Flight home or extend your stay.

 

Hotel accommodation is offered on two quality levels: “standard” typically 2/3 star hotels providing clean and moderate accommodations with several basic facilities, some with a limited dining room and sometimes a swimming pool. “Select” indicates a more superior style of accommodation typically of a 3/4 star quality, in a central location with extended facilities including a dining room and usually a swimming pool. Rooms in both levels of accommodation choice provide private facilities and are based on the hotels standard or lead in room type.