Compare Self-Drive Journey Through Virginia by Audley Travel vs Washington, D.C., Niagara Falls & N.Y.C. 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 13 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,947 | $ 3,195 |
| Price Per Day | $ 227 | $ 355 |
| Highlights |
N/A
|
|
| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Explore Williamsburg's historic colonial buildings and perhaps enjoy an al fresco lunch in Merchants Square. Discover the history of quaint historic towns such as Charlottesville and Annapolis. Drive the stunning Skyline Drive through the lush forest scenery of Shenandoah National Park. |
See the U.S. capitol and the Big Apple like never before on this 9-Day guided tour of the U.S. In Washington, D.C., walk past the White House and Washington Monument and through the National Mall; and later, pay homage to fallen soldiers at the Lincoln and World War II memorials. Visit Gettysburg with a Local Expert, who will guide you through one of the Civil War’s most pivotal battles. Cruise to the base of the cascading Niagara Falls. Travel to the Finger Lakes, where eleven lakes lap against the forest and nearby towns; and taste fine wines and microbrews at a local winery. Admire the iconic skyline of New York City before ascending to the Top of the Rock for a birds-eye of the skyscrapers, parks, and rivers below. Later, cruise the harbor past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. |
Day 1 : Washington DC
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Washington DC. On arrival in Washington make your own way to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax.
Day 2 : Washington DC
Washington D.C. is a large city with many attractions so there is plenty to explore. Highlights include the White House, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian Institution and the many monuments and memorials along Washington Mall.
Day 3 : Annapolis
Array
Day 4 : Annapolis
The day is yours to explore Annapolis. You can walk around the Naval Academy, take a cycle tour of the city, enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many waterfront restaurants or explore the city's rich heritage of old buildings; the Banneker-Douglas Museum is a particular highlight.
Day 5 : Virginia Beach
Drive south along the banks of Chesapeake Bay to Virginia Beach. This is a delightful drive past pretty coastal villages. Be sure to stop en route to sample one of the great fish restaurants along the bay.
Day 6 : Williamsburg
Drive this morning from Virginia Beach to colonial Williamsburg. The remainder of the day is free to step back in time as you explore this historic city with its grand public buildings and pretty gardens. You may also wish to visit the nearby colonial settlement of Jamestown and the site of the 1783 Battle of Yorktown.
Day 7 : Williamsburg
Enjoy a full day stepping back in time in colonial Williamsburg. This interesting city has been well restored and offers an atmospheric insight into life in Colonial America.
Day 8 : Charlottesville
Today your drive takes you through the heart of Virginia's farmland country, past Lake Monticello, to the university city of Charlottesville. You will have time this afternoon to take a stroll and begin to explore the charming surroundings.
Day 9 : Charlottesville
Enjoy a full day exploring the beautiful buildings and leafy squares of Charlottesville. The area posses some of the finest examples of early American architecture in the state, including Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's spectacular mountaintop home.
Day 10 : Shenandoah National Park
Array
Day 11 : Shenandoah National Park
Array
Day 12 : International return flight
Array
Day 13 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: A Monumental Time in Washington, D.C.
Welcome to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital and a haven for history and art buffs alike. On arrival at the airport, your transfer will take you to the luxurious Fairmont Hotel Georgetown.Join your Travel Director and meet fellow guests at a private Welcome Dinner with drinks at 18:00.
Day 2: Washington, D.C. Sightseeing Relaxed Start
In the morning, learn about the proud heritage of a nation. View the stately White House, striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the somber World War II Memorial. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Ask your Travel Director for their sightseeing and dinner recommendations to help you to make the most of America’s capital.
Day 3: Gettysburg and Harrisburg
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Gettysburg as you meet your Local Expert at the site of one of the Civil War's most pivotal, and fatal battles. Today the Gettysburg Foundation focuses not just on preserving artifacts from the battlefield but also on education to promote democracy.Move on to Harrisburg, the state capital of Pennsylvania situated on the Susquehanna River. This historic hub is now a beautiful and vibrant city.Enjoy Dinner with wine at a local restaurant in Harrisburg.
Day 4: On to Niagara
Make your way to the Corning Museum of Glass, where you can learn about the art, history, culture, technology, science, craft, and design that tells the riveting story of the museum's single material, glass. Sandblast your own keepsake before watching master artisans at work.Cross the Canadian border to arrive at Niagara Falls, where your hotel overlooks the majestic Horseshoe Falls – the largest of the three waterfalls in this area.
Day 5: Niagara Up-Close
View thundering Niagara Falls during a thrilling cruise to the base of the cascades.Visit Vineland Estates Winery for a tour and tasting with lunch. This stunning venue with extensive vineyards also showcases several restored historic buildings.This afternoon witness the falls in a new light from below and behind, as you descend 150 feet (46 metres) by elevator to observe the phenomenon.This evening, you'll have time to relax on your own.
Day 6: The Finger Lakes of New York
This morning you'll leave the falls behind and travel to the Finger Lakes region of New York. This beautiful natural setting features eleven glacial lakes situated among forested hills and quaint small towns. Pay a special visit to the Three Brothers Wineries and Estates near Seneca Lake, featuring wineries, a microbrewery, Slushie Hut and Cafe all focused on local sustainability. Become a student aboard the MV Teal as you engage in Floating Classroom activities run by the non-profit Discover Cayuga Lake. Experienced educators will provide narration and hands-on ecology lessons as you participate in this scenic eco-tour on the Finger Lakes' longest lake.
Day 7: A Bite of the Big Apple
Take a bite of the Big Apple on a tour of the city's highlights with a Local Expert.See the Empire State Building and the mirrored peak of the Art Deco Chrysler Building as you admire one of the world’s most iconic skylines.Afterward, ascend to the Top of the Rock – the 70th floor of the Rockefeller Center Building – for a sweeping view of the skyscrapers, parks, rivers and urban canyons that make up the teeming isle of Manhattan.
Day 8: Exploring N.Y.C. Relaxed Start
This morning, choose to enjoy a harbour cruise with impressive views of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, and the towering Statue of Liberty. Glide down the Hudson River and get a glimpse of several stunning landmarks. Alternatively, if it’s tranquility you’re after, relish the calm of Central Park with a scenic bike ride. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.A lively Celebration Dinner this evening concludes your journey. Join your fellow travellers at Redeye Grill, a sophisticated, timeless, and comfortable dining experience in Midtown Manhattan.
Day 9: Depart New York City
It’s time to say goodbye to the Empire State. A morning transfer will take you to JFK International Airport, LaGuardia Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, choose to see more of New York by extending your stay at your own rhythm.
