Travel Kuoni

Capital Region Self-Drive

10-night road trip from Washington D.C, through Virginia and Maryland.

The Capitol Region of the USA is a treasure trove of the nation’s history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s an easily explorable region with manageable journeys between the highlights. Drive a 700-mile loop through Virginia and Maryland starting and finishing in Washington D.C., and visit a beautiful national park, historic towns, and seaside cities along the way. 

Virginia is home to the capital, Washington, D.C., the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park, and lovely towns like wine-producing Charlottesville and colonial Williamsburg. You’ll drive through Maryland, too, with the chance to get to know a couple of the Atlantic beach towns and see where the Jamestown colonists landed.

Self drive
8 nights
Washington D.C. Shenandoah National Park, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Ocean City, Baltimore

Itinerary overview

Days 1-2

Touch down in Washington, D.C., a city steeped in history and culture. The White House and the Ca...

Day 3

Drive west from Washington, D.C., and you’ll reach Shenandoah National Park. The scenic 105-mile-...

Day 4

A short drive south from Shenandoah brings you to Charlottesville. Stroll along the historic down...

Day 5

Drive southeast through Richmond to Williamsburg, a town known for its well-preserved historic di...

Day 6

Continue your south-easterly drive to the Atlantic Coast and Virginia Beach. This beach city is k...

Day 7

Drive north up the Eastern Shore that sits between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and...

Day 8

Drive 150 miles west, crossing the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bay Bridge to Baltimore, a c...

Day 9

It’s just a short drive back to Washington D.C. from Baltimore, closing the loop on a memorable r...

Days 1-2

Washington D.C.

Touch down in Washington, D.C., a city steeped in history and culture. The White House and the Capitol Building may be the headline landmarks, but there’s plenty more here besides. Dive into the numerous Smithsonian Museums (they’re free to enter) or take a tour of the Arlington National Cemetery. Spend a couple of days exploring the city and relaxing over delicious food at the city’s best restaurants before picking up your hire car.

National Hockey League (NHL) Tickets
Florida

The National Hockey League (NHL) is something of an institution across North America. Established in 1917, 32 teams compete against each other in ice hockey from October to June. Subject to availability, we can arrange tickets so that you can be rink side to witness the power and speed of the players as they attack and defend across the ice.

National Basketball Association (NBA) Tickets
Miami

If you are travelling to the United States or Canada between October and June, you may wish to include tickets to see a National Basketball Association (NBA) game. Subject to availability, we can arrange tickets so you can witness the speed of the game as the players power across the court to shoot at the hoop. As each quarter unfolds, the atmosphere being part of the crowd can be electrifying.

Arlington National Cemetery Tour
Washington D.C. & the Capital Region

The Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most recognised cemeteries in the United States and the final resting place for many American heroes. This bus tour journeys around the vast grounds, with hop-off points so that you can explore further. You'll learn about the key monuments and memorials that tell the personal stories of individuals who have made a mark in the course of American history. With the help of the guide, hear stories of the war victims and characters that made a difference in the world of exploration, medicine, science and sports. See the gravesite of John F. Kennedy, one of two US Presidents who are buried in the cemetery, and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the striking and solemn Amphitheatre. The honoured ceremonies continue to take place here, such as the Changing of the Guard, which happens every hour on the hour, and as you walk or drive around the cemetery, you'll have time to reflect.

Sightseeing tour A guided tour to hear stories of American heroes Chances to stop and walk, before re-joining the bus tour

Unlimited Biking - Washington D.C. Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour
Washington D.C. & Virginia

Washington D.C is packed to the rafters with monuments, memorials and museums, and this guided bike tour is your chance to box off every sight and attraction. Take a historical deep dive into the history of the capital, as well as all the lore and latest goings-on. This tour lasts for approximately three hours, with plenty of photo opportunities and hidden gems thrown in for good measure.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Start time: 10am (additional 2.30pm tour from April to October)
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Day 3

Shenandoah

Drive west from Washington, D.C., and you’ll reach Shenandoah National Park. The scenic 105-mile-long Skyline Drive runs through the park and along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains – bound to be a highlight of your trip. It takes around three hours to complete the drive, with a maximum speed of 35mph, making sure to stop at plenty of the 75 lookout points as you go.

Day 4

Charlottesville

A short drive south from Shenandoah brings you to Charlottesville. Stroll along the historic downtown, lined with farm-to-table restaurants, independent shops, and bijou galleries. Take advantage of a visit to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, which is a fascinating place to explore. This beautiful area is also home to the Monticello Wine Trail, with ample opportunities to sip some of the producers’ best tipples on vineyard tours.

Day 5

Williamsburg

Drive southeast through Richmond to Williamsburg, a town known for its well-preserved historic district. As you visit the Governor's Palace, the Capitol Building, and the Bruton Parish Church, you'll feel like you've travelled back to the era of early American colonists. Check out Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum where you can watch reenactors dressed in period clothing demonstrating traditional crafts, cooking techniques, and other aspects of daily life in colonial times.

Day 6

Virginia Beach

Continue your south-easterly drive to the Atlantic Coast and Virginia Beach. This beach city is known for being where the Jamestown colonists from England landed, and you can see America’s first lighthouse here. If you want to continue exploring US history, the Military Aviation Museum houses an impressive collection of vintage planes, including World War II aircraft.

Day 7

Ocean City

Drive north up the Eastern Shore that sits between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and cross into Maryland, where Ocean City sparkles. This popular beach destination is known for its wide sandy beaches, on-the-water adventures, and eight-mile boardwalk.

Day 8

Baltimore

Drive 150 miles west, crossing the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bay Bridge to Baltimore, a city with a rich maritime heritage, historic neighbourhoods, and delicious seafood. The city is also home to several historic sites, such as the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, which played a pivotal role in the War of 1812 and the place that inspired the words that became the US national anthem.

Day 9

Washington D.C.

It’s just a short drive back to Washington D.C. from Baltimore, closing the loop on a memorable road trip through the USA’s Capitol Region.

Personalise your trip

Get in touch with one of our travel experts and we'll help plan your perfect holiday.

Call our North America experts on

01306 744 988

Available until 5pm

Call our North America experts on

01306 744 988

Available until 5pm

Email us