"Driving you in the right direction"

The Path of Presidents

Follow in the Path of America's Past Presidents

The Path of Presidents

13 Nights From €1559 (Per Person)

United States Flag of 
United States 3 Fly Drive Holidays

District of Columbia|| Maryland|| Virginia

Photograph of The Path of Presidents

Follow in the Path of America's Past Presidents

The Path of Presidents - Washington DC

Washington DC - Baltimore (Maryland) - Annapolis (Maryland) - St Michaels (Maryland) - Virginia Beach (Virginia) - Williamsburg (Virginia) - Charlottsville (Virginia) - Shenandoah NP (Virginia) - Washington DC

You can’t help but be inspired and even awed on your first visit to Washington, DC.  It’s like no other place in the world.  Created in a swamp where frogs originally outnumbered residents, the city has gradually emerged as an impressive monument to America’s continuity.  George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and architect Pierre L’Enfant, Jefferson’s French friend, laid out the original city, which has kept pace with the fortunes of the country it governs.  Buildings consciously designed to appear monumental have been preserved and renovated, and where applicable, integrated with new architecture.  The massive fabric of monuments and museums peacefully coexists with a bustling, dynamic metropolitan area with world-class entertainment, unique restaurants, and a dynamic arts and cultural community.  There’s always something blooming, adding a dash of color.  Even if you’ve visited before, new monuments are always being added and many museums have recently expanded. 

Virginia, a historical treasure in its own right, produced eight of the Presidents who governed the United States.  You can meet their contemporaries at Williamsburg, where you can find yourself immersed in conversation with any one of them, discussing the major issues of the day.  All this history lives right alongside the great beaches of Virginia Beach and the very lovely Skyline Drive.  Maryland, the third player in the Capital Region, is a combination of North and South.  Baltimore was one of the nation’s great industrial ports, while the Eastern shore was the home of huge “southern” plantations, still active today.  Life moves at a slower pace here, so join the locals and relax, enjoy, and go with the flow.   

 

 


View Fly Drive USA - Path of Presidents in a larger map

 

The Path of Presidents - Washington DC

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Washington, DC

In addition to holding a special place in the mind of Americans, Washington, DC is one of the most visited destinations in the world.  It is the home of Presidents as well as over 111 million documents and artifacts pertaining to the nation’s history.  You can see the original Betsy Ross flag, the original copy of the Declaration of Independence, the space capsule from the first moon walk and many of the nation’s treasures.  Some of the most dramatic events in the nation’s history happened here, yet the region is not just about history.  There’s rich culture, food, wineries, the arts, sizzling spas, great golf, fantastic shopping and nature.  During the next two weeks, you'll discover just why this city and the region which surrounds it is so special.

Day 2: Washington DC                                                                                                                     
Washington, DC is packed with attractions, many of which are free.  The many museums of the Smithsonian Institution are free.  Be sure to visit the National Gallery, the Air and Space Museum and the new American Museum of History. Other must-sees include the US Capitol Building, the White House Visitors Center, the Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson Monuments.  The International Spy Museum and the Newseum are two of the newest.  Beyond the inspiring monuments, colorful and diverse neighborhoods have been revitalized to offer hip new restaurants and bars, stunning hotels, great nightlife, live music and theatres.

Day 3: WashingtonDC                                                                                                                     
When the sun goes down, this City comes to life with a new exciting look in the restaurant scene. If you haven't dined in Washington, DC, you are in for a surprise.  You can sample some of the best restaurants in the country, along with those that are very affordable, offering an immense range of different cuisines from nearly every country in the world.  With the added attraction of year round events and festivals, it all comes together to make Washington, DC the perfect choice for a taste of the American experience.

Day 4: Annapolis via Baltimore
Since it's only a 40 mile drive from Washington to Baltimore, there will be plenty of time to explore the Inner Harbor in Baltimore and still make it to Annapolis with time to spare. Once teeming with longshoreman, the Baltimore waterfront is now filled with shops, restaurants, five ships to tour, the National Aquarium and a great strolling promenade. In Annapolis, the Yachting Capital of the World, the historic city itself is the main attraction. Maryland has the oldest state capitol building still in use and the rest of downtown has been flawlessly preserved.

Day 5: St. Michaels
After crossing the Chesapeake Bay you'll be starting a two day adventure on Maryland's Eastern Shore.  This world unto itself is covered with vast, lush farms and timeless towns. Chestertown is the most historic of the lot. Easton is classic Eastern Shore and St. Michaels is the most hip of all. Cambridge sparkles at the edge of the Chesapeake Bay. Try some of the great cafes, browse the antique shops and enjoy the very quaint, pleasant and well preserved historic districts.   

Day 6: St. Michaels
As you travel through the Eastern Shore today, don’t miss visiting the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.  Also save time for the driving tour of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, 27.000 acres teeming with shore bird and marsh wildlife. It is especially beautiful at dusk when the birds are silhouetted against the sunset. This area is a perfect place to rejuvenate and simply relax and watch the world go by.

Days 7 and 8: Virginia Beach
Rather than travelling back to the mainland, it's a shorter drive to Virginia Beach on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a 20 mile long four lane highway across the Chesapeake Bay.  Once in Virginia Beach,  you'll want to stroll the Boardwalk and spend time on the vast expanse of soft, sandy beach - it's one of the best on the East Coast.  The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Centre features the nature of the bay. For those who want to be active, the remote dunes of the Back Bay National Recreation Area, reached only by trolley, provides a great area to get some exercise.  VA Beach is also great for hiking, biking, surfing, kayaking, and other water sports.  

Day 9: Williamsburg
Williamsburg served as the Virginia State Capital from 1699 to 1780. Thanks to the careful restoration that began in 1926, visitors can walk the same streets that Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Patrick Henry did as they discussed the fate of the new nation. More than 88 of the original buildings are still standing and more than 500 more have been recreated to reflect the original 18th Century capital.  All are filled with various interpretive activities and craft workshops.

Day 10: Williamsburg
Spend another day exploring Colonial Williamsburg, or re-enter the 21st century at nearby Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, where you’ll be treated to thrilling roller coasters, exciting entertainment, and, of course, your choice of refreshing water rides!

Day 11 and 12: Charlottesville
It’s time to enjoy the charming college town of Charlottesville, home to Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe and the University of Virginia. The tree-lined, walking friendly Downtown Mall used to be Main Street. Now it's lined with lots of unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. It’s a great place for people watching, whilst you sit in one of the tea-rooms or cafes lining the cobbled streets. Charlottesville is also surrounded by the best wine region in Virginia.   

Day 13: Shenandoah National Park
Today, you can spend the day meandering along the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park, immersed in the scenic beauty of Virginia’s nature.  Enjoy the evening in the serenity of the Park, where you can enjoy star-gazing or you might even spot a bear!

Day 14: Depart Washington DC 

When it comes to planning out how to reach your destination, Platinum Travel have all the air travel expertise to help you get the best route to your final location.

As a licensed and bonded Travel Agent we have access to negotiated contract and wholesale fares with airlines worldwide. Our Travel Concierge team members will help you with the best connections and airlines to suit your own personal requirements.

For many destinations a number of flights may be required and sometimes it will include arriving into one airport and leaving from another. We will ensure you have the best combination of flights to do this and make sure you cover the necessary MCT (minimum connecting time) so that you have the best opportunity of a smooth and easy journey.

Several airlines have introduced many ancillary charges such as seat assignments, checked bags, priority boarding etc. Platinum Travel will look after these for you and book you at the best available bundle package at the best price. Upgraded airline fares, lounge access & Fasttrack are also available and again Platinum Travel know how to avail of the best value for these extras.

Platinum Travel are a fully licensed and bonded travel agent so you have a lot more protection with us than with the internet (airlines are not bonded).



Logos: Platinum Travel, Travel Centres, Visit USA, Discover America, Travel Centres Silversea Agent of the Year 2013 and Commission for Aviation Regulation

Flydriveusa is a trading name of Platinum Travel who are licenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, TA 0634

Visit our Specialist sites - All powered by Platinum Travel

Platinum Travel
Fly Drive USA
City Break USA
Escorted Tours USA
Escorted Tours Europe
River Cruising
©Fly Drive USA and licensed sources 2024.
X

Dont Miss Out!

Sign up for our newsletter and receive our special offers!