Compare Self-Drive Journey Through Virginia by Audley Travel vs California Panorama by Omega Tours
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,947 | $ 2,127 |
| Price Per Day | $ 227 | $ 266 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| 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. |
Tick off all the Californian must-sees on this fantastic escorted tour as you experience Las Vegas in all its glittering glory, see the spectacular Yosemite National Park in awe and embrace San Francisco with its diverse and incredible surroundings including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Discover all the glamour Los Angeles has to offer with stops at some of its most famous spots and much more |
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
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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
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Day 11 : Shenandoah National Park
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Day 12 : International return flight
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Day 13 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
DAY 1: LOS ANGELES ARRIVAL
Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport and transfer independently to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Los Angeles, or similar
DAY 2: LOS ANGELES > MOJAVE DESERT > LAS VEGAS
Meet your Tour Director and depart for Las Vegas, the glittering “Entertainment Capital of the World,” for non-stop fun, gambling, and world-class entertainment. Your tour stops at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign where you may wish to capture your photo memory of Las Vegas.
Accommodation at the Luxor Las Vegas, Las Vegas, or similar
DAY 3: LAS VEGAS > DEATH VALLEY > MAMMOTH LAKES/FRESNO
Having enjoyed glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch/Visitors Center before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century and today is renowned for its superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas.
Important note: Winter Routing The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).
Accommodation at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, Mammoth Lakes, or Piccadilly Inn, Fresno
DAY 4: MAMMOTH/FRESNO > YOSEMITE > MODESTO
Your journey today brings you to the Tioga Pass (please see important note on day 3) into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Here, you will experience the valley floor and its splendors including the glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls, and Yosemite Falls. Overnight in Modesto.
Accommodation at the Doubletree by Hilton Modesto, Modesto, or similar
DAY 5: MODESTO > SAN FRANCISCO
Depart early this morning to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel. This evening take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).
Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar
DAY 6: SAN FRANCISCO (NAPA VALLEY OPTIONAL)
Day at leisure! Your Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day: perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf where one may enjoy a “Taste of San Francisco”: local seafood, famous sourdough bread, or decadent Ghiradelli’s Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions’ Marina to watch them frolic.
Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz Island where “America’s Most Wanted” such as Al Capone and ”Machine Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s Department Store. You also may choose to embark on a wine-tasting tour to Napa Valley, world-renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).
Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar
DAY 7: SAN FRANCISCO > MONTEREY/ CARMEL > CENTRAL COAST
Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and famous Cannery Row Then tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries, and unique stores. In the afternoon your tour continues through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight in a quaint Central California Coast town.
Accommodation at the Radisson Santa Maria, Central Coast, or similar
DAY 8: CENTRAL COAST > SANTA BARBARA > SANTA MONICA > LOS ANGELES DEPARTURE
Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, an orientation tour commences to include Hollywood, portions of Beverly Hills, and Century City before arriving in Santa Monica, home to the finish line of Historic Route 66, where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier before departure or arriving at your hotel.
