The Blue Ridge Mountains, Washington DC, Charleston & Savannah

Today, you’ll land in Washington Dulles airport and be welcomed by your friendly, local tour manager. A coach will then transfer you to your hotel in Alexandria, a vibrant waterfront city just across from Washington D.C. Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the evening will be free to get settled and explore the surrounding area.

You’ll travel to the heart of Washington D.C. this morning, and under the guidance of your tour manger be introduced to the nation’s capital. The group will be shown several of the major sights and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of each.

The National Mall, one of the highlights, is a sprawling green space fringed with some of the country’s most iconic monuments and museums. From here, you can gaze at the towering obelisk of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, an architectural spectacle depicting Lincoln and his famous Gettysburg Address adorning a wall. You’ll also be shown the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a poignant homage to those that served during the Vietnam War, and of course, the exterior of the world-famous White House, the official workplace and home of the President of the United States.

Further stops of interest include the United States Capitol, the seat of the US Congress and the assortment of Smithsonian Museums, like the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum and the National Gallery of Art. You’ll also see at the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world known for its beautiful architecture and wealth of rare books and documents.

For the rest of the afternoon, you can explore at your own pace, perhaps doing some museum hopping, wandering down the delightful streets of historic Georgetown, or relaxing in one of D.C.’s pretty parks, like Botanic Garden or Meridian Hill Park.

An incredibly scenic journey awaits as you check out of the hotel and drive towards Charlottesville in Virginia, the former home of two US presidents, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. The coach will take you via the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway, America’s longest linear park, and Skyline Drive, bordering expanses of wilderness and mountainous landscapes.

You’ll stop off at Charlotteville, positioned in Virginia's Piedmont region, to stretch your legs, perhaps viewing the University of Virginia, designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. The tour will then continue to the town of Williamsburg, enriched in history, to check into the hotel and stroll around before finding somewhere for dinner.

The meticulously preserved Colonial Williamsburg will be explored today and you can observe as costumed interpreters bring history to life, showcasing daily activities in the 18th century. You’ll walk around the world’s largest outdoor living museum, passing historic buildings, and hearing locals in period costume discuss the day's events in the dialect of the time.

During your visit, you’ll learn about how this city was an important hub of political and revolutionary activity leading up to the American Revolution. The tour will also showcase numerous well-preserved historical landmarks, including the Governor's Palace, the Capitol Building, and the College of William & Mary, which is one of the oldest universities in the United States.

Jamestowne is next, and your tour manager will take you through the first permanent English settlement in America, dating back to 1607. Positioned on the banks of the Jamestowne River, this settlement features the replicas of three ships that brought colonists to Virginia, an archaeology site, and an island, teeming with wildlife. You’ll also get to visit a replica of a colonial glasshouse, where interpreters produce glass in a similar manner to those of the former colonists, see the living museum that re-creates life in the Jamestowne colony, and a gallery packed with artifacts on display.

The evening is free to relax and have dinner at your leisure.

This morning, leave historic Williamsburg behind as you drive along the South Carolina coastline to glittering Myrtle Beach. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your new hotel ahead of a leisurely one-night stay on the seafront.

From here, why not spend a few hours unwinding on the beach with a walk along the city’s coastal boardwalks, or perhaps stop for dinner at one of the city’s fresh seafood restaurants?

Wake up to ocean views this morning ahead of a leisurely final few hours to make the most of any remaining Myrtle Beach attractions or to revisit your favourite spots from the previous day. Alternatively, you'll be free to enjoy a laid-back morning on the beach or venture further down the city's colourful boardwalk to the nearby 2nd Avenue Pier.

At around midday, board your coach for the drive south to historic Charleston, one of the United States' oldest remaining settlements, for your next hotel. After checking in, enjoy an evening under your own steam for some initial self-guided exploration. 

Ease yourself into the day with a leisurely morning in your Charleston hotel and get ready for a full day's  exploration under your own steam of this charming port city. Take in the pastel antebellum houses and cobblestone lanes of the city's delightful French Quarter and Battery districts, and take a stroll along the promenade, Waterfront Park, and Fort Sumter – the points at which the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

For the rest of the day, you can amble around the sights, and find somewhere for dinner, perhaps sampling the Southern cuisine, like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup and Lowcountry boil. A walk through the historic district is also recommended, particularly along streets like Rainbow Row and Meeting Street, both bordered by brightly hued buildings.

Enjoy one more breakfast in Charleston, check out of your hotel and head south via coastal Beaufort, positioned on Port Royal Island, one of South Carolina’s Sea Islands. You’ll have some time to walk around its downtown historic district and observe the houses built in an antebellum design.

Continue on to nearby Savannah, arriving in the early afternoon, and immerse yourself in the city's rich history, leafy public squares and lively waterfront areas. When you’ve checked into your hotel, you can head straight out to soak up the city's easy-going atmosphere and try more seafood delicacies and the local fried chicken. Don’t miss indulging in a sweet treat either, like the city’s popular pralines and pecan pie.

A whole day of self-exploration awaits you today, ensuring ample time to tick off the city’s highlights. River Street, along the waterfront is a good starting point, buzzing with shops and restaurants. The historic district in the centre is also a must-see, with its pedestrianised cobblestone streets and park-like public squares, swathed in Spanish moss and shaded by oak trees. You can also see Chippewa Square, where the infamous “life is like a box of chocolates” scene from Forrest Gump was filmed. The bench itself can be found in the Savannah History Museum, which is worth visiting, as well as the Davenport House Museum and the SCAD Museum of Art. For shopping, the City Market is a hub packed with boutiques and stalls selling locally crafted goods.

If you’d prefer a guided tour alternative, you can board an optional trolley tour, which allows you to explore on a 90-minute narrated sightseeing experience. This is an ideal way to traverse the sights and squares of Savanah while listening to the stories and historical facts of Georgia’s first city and its notable residents. You can sit back in an open-air trolley and appreciate the scenery.

As it’s your last evening, be sure to get your fill of Southern cuisine and visit the local breweries and taprooms – Savannah has a burgeoning craft beer scene, too.

You’ll check out of your hotel and travel to Atlanta for your evening overnight flight back to the UK.

Arrive back in the UK following an exploration of America’s oldest cities and a deep dive into the past.