A 12-night self-drive adventure ideal for couples or families who enjoy iconic sights, historical monuments and wild beaches. Start in America's capital city and slowly work your way down the coast through Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia before finishing in Florida.
CAPITALS AND COLONIES - EAST COAST ROAD TRIP
HIGHLIGHTS
- Drive through the stunning Shenandoah Valley
- Explore the colonies of Jamestown and Williamsburg
- Kayak amidst Charleston Harbour's shrimp boats and dolphins
- Discover vestiges of the civil war in the plantation houses of The Carolinas
- "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" - Savannah's historical homes
- Riding along the wild beaches of Cumberland Island
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Washington DC
Start in America's capital where you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your central hotel in the heart of D.C. for two nights.
Overnight: The Jefferson
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Day 2 Exploring America's Capital
Enjoy your first morning with a local historian to see iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, the powerful Korean War Veterans' Memorial and the Library of Congress; home to the national archives. This afternoon is free for you to further explore at your own leisure; we highly recommend visiting some of the acclaimed museums and galleries that form part of Washington's Smithsonian.
Overnight: The Jefferson
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Day 3 Shenandoah Valley & Fredericksburg
Collect your rental car and set out on the scenic Skyline Drive, one of the most beautiful sections of road on the east coast, taking you through the heart of Shenandoah National Park on your way to Orange. Head along the backroads of Spotsylvania County to explore historic Fredericksburg, the site of four of the largest and bloodiest battles of the Civil War.
Overnight: Inn at Willow Grove
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Day 4 Monticello & Highland
From your base in Orange you are perfectly placed to visit Thomas Jefferson's plantation estate, Monticello. Nearby Highland, the home of President James Monroe, is a working farm and a low-key complement to Monticello. For a break from history, pay a visit to one the wineries in the region that produce some of the East Coast's most complex and well-regarded wines. You will then continue your journey to Richmond.
Overnight: The Jefferson
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Day 5 Williamsburg & Jamestown
Richmond is one of the South's most liveable cities with its distinct neighbourhoods and fascinating museums. From the current capital to the original capital of the Virginia Colony, today you can explore Colonial Williamsburg. This entire 18th-century colonial capital city has been completely restored and is a historical marvel. Time allowing, nearby Jamestown, the first permanent English colony in America, and the beautiful James River plantations, are well worth a visit on your way back to Richmond.
Overnight: The Jefferson
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Day 6 Richmond to Wilmington
Drive south today on an invigorating journey past Rocky Mountain scenery and Stoney Creek, then on to the coast at Wilmington.
Overnight: Local guesthouse
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Day 7 Wilmington to Charleston
The coast around Cape Fear is beautifully scenic and Wilmington is steeped in history. Enjoy a day of independent exploration in this area before driving three hours south past Myrtle Beach and Georgetown to Charleston.
Overnight: Central hotel
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Day 8 Plantation houses of Charleston
Enjoy a full day with a private guide to explore the narrow streets and alleys of Charleston's historic district, visiting one of its famed plantation house museums. Take a short drive along the Ashley River road to Middleton Place; an 18th century plantation that survived revolution, civil war, earthquakes and hurricanes. Finish at Drayton Hall, the only plantation house on the Ashley River to have survived intact.
Overnight: Central hotel
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Day 9 Charleston to Savannah
For an authentic slice of low country life, Beaufort is a graceful town of stately mansions, Palmetto fronds and warm sea breezes. Visit the Penn Centre; one of the first schools in the country to educate freed slaves, and enjoy St Helena's unique Gullah culture. Work your way down the coast through the myriad of sea islands, beaches, tidal creeks and salt marshes to Savannah.
Overnight: Local guesthouse
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Day 10 Historic Savannah
Enjoy the morning with a private guide starting in the historic centre of Savannah with its fascinating history, architecture and colourful characters and squares, each seemingly more pretty than the next. Make sure you try an infamous mint julep with lunch before an afternoon by yourself to visit some of the historic homes, museums and art galleries.
Overnight: Local guesthouse
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Day 11 Savannah to Cumberland Island
The beautiful Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge is worth a visit as it is a haven for migratory birds such as storks, egrets, herons and smaller songbirds. Head south along the coast past St Simons Island, home to the early 18th century Fort Frederica and the nearby Christ Church where the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, preached. Drive on to Fernandina Beach from where you can take the ferry to Cumberland Island.
Overnight: The Greyfield Inn
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Day 12 Windswept beaches & wildlife on Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island is home to 18 miles of nearly isolated beachfront, 300-year-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss, crushed shell paths and an abundance of wildlife untouched by the outside world. Cycle on winding oak-lined trails that lead to historic relics and natural wonder. Swim and sunbathe on a secluded 18-mile beach. Kayak through picturesque Lowcountry marshes and discover wildlife never seen before. A site of particular interest is Dungeness, the ruins of the old Carnegie estate which was burned down in 1959. At the end of the day, unwind on the porch with a cocktail and recount your adventures.
Overnight: The Greyfield Inn
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Day 13 Depart
Head back to the mainland on the ferry before the final three-hour drive to Orlando, Florida, from where you fly home.
Option: Extend your trip with some time on Florida's beaches or a visit to Disneyland.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| High | $ 8,593 |
| Low | $ 7,858 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Based on two people sharing a twin/double
- If you are interested in adding any of the optional enhancements listed, please speak to your specialist about prices and how best to fit them into the itinerary.
INCLUSIONS
- Mid-size rental car for collection on departure from Washington DC and drop off on departure from Atlanta
- Accommodation
- Half day with private local historian in Washington DC, full day with a private guide in Charleston and private naturalist-led kayaking in Shem Creek and Charleston Harbour, half day with a private guide in Savannah, private guided tour of Monticello
- Return ferry to Cumberland Island
- Breakfast in Wilmington & Savannah
- All meals and group guided tours on Cumberland Island
EXTRAS
- International flights
- Meals (except where mentioned as included)
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
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REASONS TO BOOK
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