With a wealth of
luxury lodging, world-class spas and
incredible nature to recharge your batteries, Virginia is the
perfect spot to relax and indulge, enjoying
fresh local cuisine, award-winning
wines and craft beers as you go.
Day 1 - Fly from the UK to Washington Dulles
On arrival collect your car and head to Loudoun County, approx. 20 miles
Winding roads and rolling countryside are sure to instantly
put you in a calm and relaxed frame of mind. Small towns,
farms and vineyards dot the landscape and provide opportunities for gallery browsing, wine tasting, golf, picnicking, hiking and more.
The Salamander Resort is surrounded by beautiful scenery,
where you can soak in the views from your room,
the dining room or the terrace and enjoy the night
skies from around the fire-pits in the evening. With a spa on
site, you don’t really need to move much further than the property,
where you can also enjoy horse-riding, cooking or art classes, the
infinity swimming pool and even a falconry experience.
Stay two nights at the Salamander Resort.
Day 3 - Drive to Charlottesville, approx. 135 miles
Today is all about the drive as you head down the Skyline Drive through
the Shenandoah National Park, and with the
leisurely speed-limit you have plenty of time to admire the
far-reaching vistas and wonderful natural environment.
Charlottesville is where Thomas Jefferson made his home,
and you can visit Monticello, an architectural masterpiece
and
the University which are both listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
The town itself is a captivating blend of
colourful history, distinctive architecture, Southern hospitality and small city sophistication.
There is plenty to do in the outdoors from fly-fishing to hiking and biking,
and you can even take a hot air balloon flight for a serene, bird’s eye view of
the town and countryside.
Choose to stay at one of two luxury properties, either the Boar’s Head Inn
or Keswick Hall. Both offer outstanding
dining, on-site spas, luxury accommodation
and a range of activities to indulge in.
Stay two nights at either the Boar’s Head Inn or Keswick Hall.
Day 5 - Drive to Richmond, approx. 70 miles
Virginia's capital city and capital of the confederacy during the Civil War,
Richmond offers everything you would expect
from that and is a modern vibrant city. There are plentiful shopping and fining dining options.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is noteworthy for its collection of Art Deco,
Art Nouveau and contemporary American Art. The Lewis Ginter
Botanical Garden offers more than 40 acres of spectacular gardens and
a classical domed Conservatory. Maymont, a 100-acre
Victorian estate reflecting the splendour of the Gilded Age, features magnificent
gardens and animal exhibits including bison, black bear and otter.
The opulent Jefferson Hotel in the heart of Richmond has been welcoming guests since 1895,
and still today provides a luxury experience. Offering regionally inspired dining, as well as Afternoon Tea and a renowned Sunday Brunch, the restaurant has won awards for its cuisine.
Stay one night at the Jefferson Hotel.
Day 6 - Drive to Virginia Beach, approx. 110 miles
No holiday is complete without a stay at the beach! The vibrant coastal city of Virginia Beach is home to a
flourishing local culinary scene, rich history, a variety of arts and entertainment, as well as plenty of opportunities to relax.
Virginia Beach is famous for its iconic 3 mile boardwalk, where you’ll find restaurants, nightlife, live entertainment and year-round events. To the South, Sandbridge Beach exudes island-like charm, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Back
Bay National Wildlife Refuge; whilst to the North, you’ll find a laid-back Chesapeake Bay Beach, known as waterman’s paradise with the off-the-radar, dockside restaurants and bars locals prefer. Watch the sunset over the water while
savouring fresh seafood, embark on an Oyster Farm Boat Tour on the Lynnhaven River or visit the eclectic ViBe creative district. Or maybe you prefer to hike the winding trails of First Landing state Park or climb to the top of the Cape Henry Lighthouse.
The historic Cavalier Resort and Beach Club is a Virginia Beach icon and has hosted US presidents and celebrities
for over 100 years. It has been beautifully restored to its original grandeur and has a private oceanfront beach club, on-site spa, sophisticated restaurant and its own craft bourbon distillery. You can also visit Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. Health Center and Spa for a wealth of wellness opportunities for the body, mind and spirit.
Stay two nights at the Cavalier Resort and Beach Club.
Day 8 - Return to Washington Dulles, approx. 215 miles
Drop-off your car in
time to check-in for your flight.