Virginia for Lovers Private Journey

Arrive in Washington DC and get to know the city. Spend your afternoon or evening strolling along the Mall, home to many of the country’s most iconic structures including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Monument, and the US Capitol building, or explore some of the city’s lively neighborhoods.

Spend the day exploring the nation’s capital. You may want to visit the dizzying array of monuments and memorials: the Jefferson Memorial (and the famous cherry trees lining the surrounding Tidal Basin), the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, National World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and many more. Or visit some of DC’s famous museums, including the Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery of Art, US Holocaust Museum, Museum of African American History, or even the International Spy Museum. DC’s pedestrian-friendly streets and compact design make it easy to pack plenty of sightseeing into your day.

After breakfast, pick up your rental car and discover why Skyline Drive is considering one of the most beautiful drives in the USA. Running along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Skyline Drive winds through a seemingly endless supply of breathtaking views. Stop at one of the many lookout points to enjoy views of green mountains, rolling hills, and the sweeping Shenandoah Valley. For a truly spectacular experience, consider timing your drive with sunrise or sunset – the route offers both eastward- and westward-facing outlooks with incredible views. Spring and summer provide a colorful show of wildflowers while fall dazzles with magnificent reds and golds.

Explore Virginia’s food scene with a day in wine country. Amidst the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley you’ll find outstanding wineries, restaurants, and sustainable farmers producing deliciously fresh fare. Top off your day with dinner at world-famous The Inn at Little Washington’s three-Michelin-star restaurant.

Head south today and further back in time towards Colonial Williamsburg by way of historic Charlottesville. Though Charlottesville is most famously associated with Thomas Jefferson, the area was also home to Presidents James Madison and James Monroe. Take in the lively college town atmosphere of Charlottesville, pay a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s stately home Monticello, and enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants before continuing on to Williamsburg.

Delve into colonial American history starting with a visit to Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Explore the settlement that planted the seeds of a new nation including archaeological digs and new discoveries from this 17th century time. Stroll the streets of Colonial Williamsburg where history comes alive via historical interpreters and meticulous recreations of 18th century life. Then visit Yorktown battlefield, where the British surrender ended the American Revolution and marked the beginning of the American independence.

Return to Washington DC to return your car and board your return flight. Or, extend your stay by a few days to explore the nation’s capital.