Day 1
Fly to Washington DC
Arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport where you can either pick up your car or take a taxi, and drive to your hotel in the US capital
Overnight: Courtyard Marriott Washington DC US Capitol (prices are based on a family of four sharing a Standard Room, but two or more rooms are available at a supplement)
Day 2
Washington DC
A full day to get your bearings and explore this fascinating city, with so many sights familiar from the TV and movies such as the White House, Lincoln Memorial and reflecting pool. There are many ways to tour this city, either on foot, by bike or perhaps opt for a Segway tour. The International Spy Museum has appeal for all ages, where you can lose yourself in a world of espionage and intrigue. The Newseum is also worth a visit for its interactive experiences and thought-provoking exhibits. And of course there are plenty of shopping opportunities around Capitol Hill, Downtown, Penn Quarter and Chinatown.
Overnight: Courtyard Marriott Washington DC US Capitol
Day 3
Washington DC – Shenandoah National Park (97 miles)
Pick up your hire car (if you didn't on the arrival at the airport) and head out to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and the beautiful Shenandoah National Park. You will be staying at the Skyland Resort for the next three nights, set in 16-acres within the national park with breathtaking views over the Shenandoah Valley.
Overnight: Skyland Resort Shenandoah (prices are based on a family of four sharing a Traditional Room, but two or more rooms are available at a supplement)
Days 4 & 5
Shenandoah National Park
Using the Skyland Resort as your base, you can explore this stunning region, taking in the Shenandoah River, George Washington National Forest and Peidmont Region. You can go hiking, horse-riding, rock-climbing and rapelling during the day, and enjoy star-gazing at night with the clean mountain air making the constellations come into clear view.
Overnight: Skyland Resort Shenandoah
Day 6
Shenandoah National Park – Virginia Beach (226 miles)
It’s time to head to the beach, perhaps pausing for a break in the old Confederate Capital of Richmond and taking a walk along the banks of the James River. In charming Richmond you can discover more than 400 years of American history with historic buildings lining the lovely cobbled streets and world-class museums to browse. Once you arrive at Virginia Beach, you can kick back and relax with a four night stay at the superb Oceanfront Inn, right by the boardwalk, restaurants and shops of Virginia Beach.
Overnight: Oceanfront Inn Virginia Beach (prices are based on a family of four sharing a Standard Room, but two or more rooms are available at a supplement)
Days 7, 8 & 9
Virginia Beach
A classic seaside resort with gorgeous beaches and amusement rides, Virginia Beach is a great family destination. The energetic can try sea kayaking, surfing or paddle boarding, whilst those wanting to relax can just sit back on the beach. The Virginia Aquarium is a popular attraction with not just the usual aquarium tanks, but also boat trips to go dolphin and whale-spotting. There is also the Adventure Park here, where you can take a tree-top trail and go zip-lining. There is Hunt Club Farm, perfect for animal-loving children, and you can cool off at Ocean Breeze Waterpark. With hundreds of restaurants to choose from, there’s something for all tastes and budgets, but if you want to stay around the hotels indoor pool, you can choose the boardwalk café or oceanfront restaurant.
Overnight: Oceanfront Inn Virginia Beach
Day 10
Virginia Beach – Williamsburg (62 miles)
Today you will take a short drive north to the historic town of Williamsburg…but don’t worry, this is no dull day out amongst dusty old buildings, but a living museum with costumed actors bringing everyday life in colonial Virginia to life. You will be spending the final two nights of your holiday in a two bedroom villa at the Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort, which has an outdoor pool and hot tubs, games room and children’s play area. If you don’t want to eat out, you can rustle up a family favourite in your villa, or take advantage of the barbeque facilities on site
Overnight: Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort (prices are based on a family of four sharing a two bedroom villa)
Day 11
Williamsburg
Whilst the central attraction of Willilamsburg is the living history museum, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy including the Busch Gardens just 15 minutes drive away, with rides, river attractions and shows set in a leafy park. There is also a treetop adventure course and the award winning Water Country USA nearby.
Overnight: Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort
Day 12
Williamsburg – Washington Dulles International Airport (166 miles)
Heading back to the airport today, you can break up your journey with a stop in charming Fredericksburg, where you can stroll the historic streets, shop for last minute souvenirs and have a bite to eat.
Overnight flight home