History, Culture and Outdoor Adventures in America’s Capital Region
A place of rich heritage and dynamic contrasts, the Capital Region offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Just a seven-hour flight from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles Airport, this captivating destination invites you to explore its historic streets, scenic landscapes, and thriving culinary scene. From the iconic monuments of Washington, DC, to the rolling vineyards of Virginia and the coastal charm of Maryland, each moment reveals something new to discover.
Whether you’re drawn by history, gourmet experiences, or the call of the great outdoors, the Capital Region is a destination where every day feels distinct, inviting you to experience the USA in ways you never imagined.
Find exactly what you’re looking for via the links below – or keep scrolling to discover the delights of the Capital Region for yourself:
5-Day Washington DC City Break | 16-Day Washington and The Capital Region Self-Drive | 15-Day Historic Trails and Coastal Escapes Self-Drive | 11-Day Historic East Escorted Tour
Discover The Best Of The Capital Region’s Highlights With These Recommended Tour Itineraries
5-Day Washington DC City Break
Immerse yourself in Washington, DC’s history and culture on a four-night city break, exploring iconic monuments, museums, and neighbourhoods with guided tours, a Monuments by Moonlight tour, and time for culinary delights.
From £1,299pp
Including flights
Operated by Discover North America
- Take an elevator to the top of the Washington Monument for panoramic views of the city
- Explore iconic landmarks like the U.S. Capitol and Smithsonian museums on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour
- Head to Arlington National Cemetery and witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visit JFK’s gravesite
- Experience illuminated landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial at night on a “Monuments by Moonlight” trolley tour
- Visit George Washington’s historic estate, mansion, gardens, and museum exhibits at Mount Vernon
- Explore cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and enjoy lunch in the historic waterfront district of Old Town Alexandria
- 4 nights 4* centrally-located hotel accommodation
- Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour*
- Monuments by Moonlight Trolley Tour*
- Mount Vernon & Old Town Alexandria Tour*
- *subject to availability
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
16-Day Washington and The Capital Region
Discover Washington, DC, and the Capital Region with an immersive journey through iconic landmarks, rich history, diverse culture, and scenic landscapes across Virginia and Maryland, blending past and present in a captivating experience.
From £1,499pp
Operated by Discover North America
- Explore the iconic monuments and world-class museums of Washington, DC, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian
- Discover Annapolis, Maryland’s charming waterfront and rich naval history at the U.S. Naval Academy
- Experience the natural beauty of the Eastern Shore, from Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to serene kayaking routes
- Relax on the pristine sands of Virginia Beach and stroll along the lively boardwalk
- Step back in time in Colonial Williamsburg, where living history and historic streets bring the past to life
- Visit Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate, and enjoy Charlottesville’s vineyards and scenic Blue Ridge Mountain views
- Drive the breathtaking Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, with hiking trails and panoramic vistas
- Enjoy thrilling rides and attractions at Busch Gardens Williamsburg for a fun-filled adventure
- 15 nights hotel accommodation
- 13-day full-size car rental, including unlimited mileage & zero excess
- A personalised Roadbook containing essential travel information, daily itinerary highlights and routing maps
- Taxes unless otherwise specified
- ABTA & ATOL protected
15-Day Historic Trails and Coastal Escapes
Explore Washington, DC’s landmarks, relax on Virginia Beach, experience Colonial Williamsburg, hike Shenandoah National Park, visit Luray Caverns, discover Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and admire Annapolis’s waterfront on this immersive Mid-Atlantic journey.
From £1,789pp
Operated by Discover North America
- Wander through the historic streets of Georgetown and enjoy its charming boutiques and waterfront dining
- Experience the powerful exhibits at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Ride along Virginia Beach’s famous three-mile Boardwalk, lined with cafés, shops, and entertainment
- Visit First Landing State Park for scenic nature trails and a glimpse into early American history
- Tour Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, a UNESCO-listed estate with stunning architecture and gardens
- Marvel at the Great Stalacpipe Organ inside Luray Caverns, an extraordinary natural musical instrument
- Explore Fell’s Point in Baltimore, a historic district with cobblestone streets and vibrant nightlife
- Cruise the Chesapeake Bay from Annapolis for picturesque views of historic lighthouses and sailboats
- 14 nights hotel accommodation
- 13-day full-size car rental, including unlimited mileage & zero excess
- A personalised Roadbook containing essential travel information, daily itinerary highlights and routing maps
- 2-day Hop-on Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour in Washington DC
- Colonial Williamsburg Admission
- Taxes unless otherwise specified
- ABTA & ATOL protected
11-Day Historic East
Explore Washington’s landmarks, Richmond’s Civil War history, and Jamestown’s origins. Visit Charlottesville, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Gettysburg, Amish country, and Philadelphia before concluding in the vibrant metropolis of New York City.
From £3,499pp
Including flights
Operated by Discover North America
- Visit Arlington National Cemetery and the Kennedy grave site via a trolley tour
- Stroll through Old Town Alexandria, with its charming 18th-century architecture and vibrant King Street
- Explore Richmond’s historic Shockoe Slip, filled with stylish boutiques and restaurants
- Experience 17th-century life at Jamestown Settlement, the site of America’s first English colony
- Tour Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop plantation, and its beautifully preserved gardens
- Drive the scenic Skyline Drive along the Blue Ridge Mountains with breathtaking overlooks
- Discover the historic battlefield of Gettysburg with a local expert guide
- Sample Amish delicacies and a Philly cheesesteak at Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market
- 9 nights hotel accommodation
- 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner and welcome drink
- Holiday Director and specialist local guide
- Overseas transfers and other transportation
- Porterage
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
Find Your Perfect Place in the Capital Region
There’s a wealth of experiences in store for you to uncover when you explore the Capital Region. We’ve selected the locations we think you’ll love most.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC, blends history and culture with a thriving dining scene. Iconic landmarks and world-class museums sit alongside dynamic neighbourhoods filled with character. Stroll the National Mall to take in awe-inspiring monuments, then dive into the Smithsonian museums, where everything from art to aerospace history comes to life.
Georgetown’s cobbled streets offer chic boutiques, historic charm, and waterfront dining, while Dupont Circle is alive with galleries, indie bookstores, and café culture. Adams Morgan and U Street bring bold flavours and live jazz, reflecting the city’s rich musical heritage. For an unforgettable meal, Michelin-starred restaurants, global cuisine, and classic half-smokes at Ben’s Chili Bowl make DC. a must-visit for food lovers.
Virginia
Virginia’s landscapes shift from the rolling peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the serene waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Shenandoah National Park invites adventure with winding trails, hidden waterfalls, and panoramic overlooks, while the Blue Ridge Parkway offers one of America’s most scenic drives, especially in autumn.
The Chesapeake Bay is a haven for seafood lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, where charming waterfront towns, kayaking routes, and fresh oysters define the experience. In the west, the Shenandoah Valley unfolds with lush farmland, caverns waiting to be explored, and picturesque vineyards. Along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, wild ponies roam Assateague Island, and quiet coastal villages offer a glimpse of a slower, more peaceful way of life.
Maryland
Maryland’s diverse landscapes stretch from the tranquil shores of the Chesapeake Bay to the rolling Appalachian foothills. The bay’s picturesque waterfront towns, such as St. Michaels and Oxford, offer sailing, fresh seafood, and relaxed coastal charm. Assateague Island’s wild horses roam windswept beaches, while Deep Creek Lake provides year-round adventure, from boating in summer to skiing in winter.
Western Maryland’s scenic byways wind through dense forests and mountain trails, perfect for hiking and cycling. The C&O Canal offers a glimpse into the past with historic locks and towpaths, ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. In Baltimore, cobblestone streets lead to the vibrant Inner Harbor, where world-class seafood and cultural gems like the American Visionary Art Museum leave a lasting impression.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore’s charm lies in its waterfront energy, historic streets, and thriving arts scene. The Inner Harbor buzzes with attractions like the National Aquarium and waterfront dining, while Fell’s Point offers cobblestone streets, lively pubs, and indie shops. The Baltimore Museum of Art and American Visionary Art Museum showcase everything from Impressionist works to bold, outsider art. Lexington Market’s legendary crab cakes are a must-try, while Hampden’s quirky boutiques and cafés reflect the city’s creative spirit. In Federal Hill, panoramic skyline views reward those who climb its historic park, adding to the city’s mix of history, grit, and undeniable character.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville blends history, scenic beauty, and a thriving wine scene. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s home to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate, and the University of Virginia, both rich in architectural charm and cultural significance. The surrounding countryside boasts rolling vineyards, picturesque farmlands, and award-winning wineries, perfect for tastings with sweeping mountain views. The historic Downtown Mall offers brick-lined streets filled with boutique shopping, art galleries, and farm-to-table dining, while nearby hiking trails lead to breathtaking overlooks, offering peaceful retreats for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Frederick County, Maryland
Frederick County, Maryland, is a charming blend of rural beauty and historic sites. Nestled between the Catoctin Mountains and the scenic rolling hills of the Piedmont region, it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking, biking, and wildlife watching opportunities in areas like Cunningham Falls State Park. The historic town of Frederick offers quaint boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved 18th-century buildings. Civil War history is woven throughout the county, with sites like the Monocacy National Battlefield and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Nearby, local wineries and breweries provide a taste of the region’s growing craft scene.
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia, is a city where history and modernity converge. Along the James River, it’s home to Civil War landmarks like the American Civil War Museum and historic sites such as the Virginia State Capitol. The city’s vibrant arts scene shines at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Institute for Contemporary Art, showcasing everything from classical masterpieces to cutting-edge exhibits. In the trendy Shockoe Bottom district, cobblestone streets are lined with unique shops, craft breweries, and eclectic restaurants. Nearby, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking on the James River or explore scenic trails and parks.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg, Virginia, offers a captivating journey into America’s colonial past. The heart of the Historic Triangle, it is home to Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum where costumed interpreters bring 18th-century life to vivid reality. Just a short drive away, the stunning grounds of the College of William & Mary add to the city’s historic charm. The surrounding countryside is dotted with scenic parks, plantations, and gardens, including the beautifully restored Governor’s Palace. For a more leisurely experience, Williamsburg’s charming streets feature boutique shopping, cafés, and delightful restaurants, with nearby Busch Gardens offering thrills for the whole family.
Speak With An Expert
We just need a few details from you and our specialist travel partner will be in touch shortly to discuss these trips in more detail.
