America’s Historic Heartland
Journey through America’s birthplace, from iconic capitals and Civil War battlefields to scenic mountain roads, colonial towns and the beautiful Atlantic coastline.
Discover where America was born on this fascinating self-drive journey through the Capital Region. Explore the iconic landmarks of Washington DC, wander the charming waterfront streets of Annapolis, immerse yourself in Philadelphia’s revolutionary history and stand on the battlefields of Gettysburg before escaping to the spectacular scenery of Shenandoah National Park.
Continue through Virginia’s historic heart, where Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown bring America’s earliest days vividly to life. Round off your adventure beside the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach, with time to explore the wild beauty of North Carolina’s Outer Banks and visit Kitty Hawk, where the Wright Brothers made aviation history. Blending world-famous landmarks, scenic drives, rich history and beautiful coastline, this itinerary offers the perfect introduction to one of America’s most fascinating regions.
Remember: We’re UK-based, and every holiday we create is fully flexible – you can add nights, upgrade hotels, or enhance your itinerary. We love designing tailor-made self-drive adventures just for you!
15 night self drive holiday from £2,449pp including flights
Highlights
Explore Washington DC’s world-famous monuments, memorials and Smithsonian museums.
Journey through America’s history from Philadelphia and Gettysburg to Colonial Williamsburg.
Cruise Skyline Drive through the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park.
Relax in Virginia Beach and discover Kitty Hawk and North Carolina’s beautiful Outer Banks.
Your itinerary
Days 1–3: Washington, dc
Monuments, museums and the heart of American democracy
Welcome to the USA’s fascinating Capital Region. Spend three nights discovering one of the world’s most influential cities, where history, politics and culture combine at every turn. Wander the National Mall between iconic landmarks including the White House, Capitol Building, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial before visiting Arlington National Cemetery and the moving military memorials. With over a dozen free Smithsonian Museums to choose from, you could spend days exploring everything from the Apollo moon missions at the National Air & Space Museum to priceless treasures at the National Museum of Natural History. In the evenings, enjoy Georgetown’s historic streets, waterfront restaurants and lively atmosphere before watching Washington’s famous monuments beautifully illuminated after dark.
3 Nights in
Washington, DC
Arrive &
Explore
Days 4 & 5: Annapolis, maryland
Chesapeake Bay charm and America’s sailing capital
Collect your rental car before making the short drive to Maryland’s beautiful capital. Annapolis perfectly blends colonial architecture with a thriving waterfront atmosphere, where colourful yachts fill the harbour and seafood restaurants overlook Chesapeake Bay. Spend time wandering the brick-lined streets, visiting the prestigious United States Naval Academy and browsing independent boutiques around City Dock. A scenic harbour cruise offers another perspective of this elegant maritime city, while the relaxed pace makes Annapolis one of the East Coast’s most charming hidden gems.
2 Nights in
Annapolis, MD
35 miles
Days 6 - 8: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Walk through the birthplace of the United States
Travel north into Pennsylvania to discover the city where America declared its independence. Visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. Climb the famous Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, sample an authentic Philly Cheesesteak and browse the bustling Reading Terminal Market, packed with local produce and Amish specialities. Beyond the historic landmarks, Philadelphia offers vibrant neighbourhoods, colourful murals, riverside parks and one of America’s finest food scenes, making it an exciting city to explore at your own pace.
3 Nights in
Philadelphia, PA
125 miles
Day 9: gettysburg, Pennsylvania
One of America’s most significant historic landscapes
Leave Philadelphia behind as you journey through Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with the option to visit Lancaster County and experience the traditions of Amish communities. Continue to Gettysburg, where one of the defining battles of the American Civil War unfolded in 1863. Explore the extensive battlefield by car, visit the outstanding museum and visitor centre, and learn about President Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address. The charming town itself is filled with independent shops, restaurants and beautifully preserved historic buildings.
1 Night in
Gettysburg, PA
125 miles
Days 10 & 11: Shenandoah National Park, virginia
Scenic mountain roads through Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Journey south through historic Harpers Ferry before arriving in the welcoming mountain town of Luray, your base for exploring Shenandoah National Park. Spend a full day driving the spectacular Skyline Drive, one of America’s greatest scenic roads, stopping at panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Choose from gentle walks or more challenging hikes to waterfalls, rocky summits and peaceful woodland trails, while keeping an eye out for deer, wild turkeys and even black bears. If time allows, don’t miss the magnificent Luray Caverns, home to soaring underground chambers filled with spectacular limestone formations.
2 Nights in
Shenandoah NP, VA
155 miles
days 12 & 13: williamsburg, va
Colonial America comes vividly to life
Travel through the beautiful Virginia countryside, perhaps stopping to visit Thomas Jefferson’s magnificent Monticello estate before arriving in Williamsburg. Over the next two days explore America’s Historic Triangle, including Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown. Watch costumed interpreters recreate everyday colonial life, visit the site of America’s first permanent English settlement and stand where the decisive Battle of Yorktown secured American independence. For something completely different, nearby Busch Gardens offers one of America’s finest theme parks.
2 Nights in
Williamsburg, VA
180 miles
Day 14 & 15: VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA
Steel City skylines, museums and Pennsylvania’s Lincoln Highway heritage
Complete your journey on Virginia’s beautiful Atlantic coastline. Relax along Virginia Beach’s famous boardwalk, enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the ocean or simply unwind on miles of golden sand. During your stay, cross into neighbouring North Carolina for a spectacular drive through the famous Outer Banks. Discover windswept beaches, towering sand dunes and charming coastal villages before reaching Kitty Hawk, where Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the world’s first powered flight in 1903. The impressive Wright Brothers National Memorial provides a fitting finale to a holiday packed with iconic moments, breathtaking scenery and unforgettable American history.
2 Nights in
Virginia Beach, VA
60 miles
May- Jun & Sept- Oct: Weather is likely to be pleasant for the entire trip. The midwest shouldn’t be too cold and the southwestern states shouldn’t be too hot.
We would expect maximum temperatures to be in the 20°C - 30°C range in the midwest and 25°C - 35°C in the south and southwestern states
Flight times to/from Chicago is around 8 hours and Los Angeles is approx 11 hours. You’ll drive through 3 time zones. Chicago is 5 hours and Los Angeles is 8 hours behind the UK.
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