Welcome to Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia is steeped in history and tradition. It's the birthplace of America, where English settlers established the first permanent colony in the New World in 1607. Since that time, the state has played a lead role in nearly every major American drama, from the Revolutionary and Civil wars to the Civil Rights movement and the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Top experiences in Virginia
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Virginia activities
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, Wax Museum Admission
The buses are equipped with a state-of-the-art technology. Guided commentary is provided throughout the tour. Enjoy the views from the open top double-decker observation level or the comfort of the climate-controlled lower level cabin. Either way, this tour allows you to enjoy Washington DC at your own pace and explore your areas of interest such as the White House, Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian. Choose from a 1- or 2-day pass to ride on an open-top, double-decker Big Bus, with commentary from your on board guide. See the sites on the Red Loop (Official National Mall Tour) and the Blue Loop (Arlington and Georgetown tour) and this spring only, hop on our Pink Loop, dedicated to the Tidal Basin and the celebrated cherry blossoms. Ride along the Red Loop, The official tour of the National Mall, authorized by the National Park Service and National Mall and Memorial Parks. Take in all the places that are synonymous with the nation’s Capital; The White House, U.S. Capitol, Air and Space Museum, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial are just some of the iconic landmarks. Commentary provided in live guided commentary and in a choice of 8 pre-recorded languages. The Blue Loop, the Arlington and Georgetown tour travels to parts of Virginia, once part of Washington, DC and to oldest settlement in the District. Travel over the Potomac River leaving Washington, DC behind and visiting Virginia. The tour’s main features in Virginia are Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, the Observation Deck, the Key Bridge, and the US Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue.) Highlights in DC include Georgetown, Old Stone House, Georgetown Harbor, the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial, and WWII Memorial. Tour is available with live-guided commentary and recorded commentary. Tour is available with live-guided commentary.On the Pink Loop, visitors can walk along the Tidal Basin for pictures of the trees or, if they are looking to immerse themselves in historical landmarks, they can visit the Jefferson Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. As the sun goes down, join us as we take you on an illuminated tour of this world famous city. The night tour is 2 hours and fully narrated with a live guide. The highlight of this trip is the walking tour, where you get to visit the Lincoln Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial.
Day Trip to Mount Vernon from Washington DC
On this 4.5 hour tour you’ll explore the fascinating home, and home town, of George Washington. Mount Vernon, across the Potomac River in Virginia, is a living museum of the life and times of the first President of the United States of America.Tour Washington’s famed mansion, visit the plantation outbuildings where re-enactors keep colonial ways alive, stroll through Martha Washington’s beautiful gardens, and discover one of the best gift shops in the capital region, filled with unique treasures, toys, cookbooks, history books, and Virginia wines.On the way to Mount Vernon the coach will wind its way through the narrow streets of Old Town Alexandria, past Robert E. Lee’s boyhood home, the historic Torpedo Factory, and General Washington’s own church and his favorite tavern. You will also have an oportunity to step off and visit the historic Christ Church ( Monday - Saturday's only) were George Washington and Robert E. Lee worshipped.The Mount Vernon Visit Includes• Ford Orientation Center• Mansion Tour• Outbuildings• Washington Tombs• Slave Memorial and Burial Grounds• Gardens• Forest Trail• Pioneer Farmer Site• Potomac Waterfront & Wharf• Mt. Vernon Gift ShopAll activities are self-guided and at your own pace once arriving at Mount Vernon.Views from the Coach:• Old Town Alexandria• General Robert E. Lee’s Boyhood Home• The Spite House (the smallest house in Old Town)• Torpedo Factory at the Waterfront• Old Presbyterian Meeting House• Gadsby’s Tavern• Historic Carlye House
Monticello and Thomas Jefferson Country Day Trip from Washington DC
At Washington DC's Union Station, board your comfortable, air-conditioned coach for the 117-mile (188-km) drive to Charlottesville, Virginia. Along the way, listen to your driver talk about the life of Thomas Jefferson, and watch a video on this founding father and American president. Stop at Michie Tavern for a tour of this rustic, 18th-century landmark and a hearty lunch of southern favorites (own expense) served family style; you may also choose to wait and eat at the cafe at Monticello if you prefer. After leaving Michie Tavern, take a gorgeous drive up an 850-foot (260-meter) mountain to Monticello, Jefferson's lavish plantation home, and spend 3 to 4 hours exploring it on your own. Join a guided tour of the magnificent neoclassical-style mansion, and see the extensive slave quarters on Mulberry Row. Walk around the lush vegetable and flower gardens and pay a visit to Jefferson's grave. Your day trip also includes a drive through the lovely grounds of the University of Virginia, which was founded and designed by Jefferson. Relax on the drive back to Washington DC, and conclude your 11.5-hour day trip at Union Station.
African-American History City Tour with Reserved Museum Entry
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: United States Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaGuided Tour (outside only)Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaGuided TourDuration: 20 minutesStop At: African American Civil War Memorial & Museum, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaGuided Tour (outside only)Duration: 20 minutesStop At: U Street, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaU Street Corridor Guided TourDuration: 20 minutesPass By: Mary McLeod Bethune Council House, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaDrive-byStop At: White House, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaPicture StopDuration: 10 minutesStop At: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaGuided StopDuration: 20 minutesStop At: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaPicture StopDuration: 10 minutesPass By: Washington Monument, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaDrive-byPass By: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaDrive-byPass By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaDrive-byPass By: Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaDrive-byPass By: National World War II Memorial, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaDrive-byPass By: FBI Headquarters, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaDrive-byStop At: National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington DC, District of ColumbiaThis tour concludes with reserved entry into the National Museum of African American History and Culture.Duration: 1 hour
Spirit of Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise with Entertainment
Step aboard the sleek cruise ship and get ready to be pampered and entertained on a 2-hour cruise along Washington DC’s Potomac River. Take in spectacular views of the city's downtown and enjoy a grand buffet with drinks served by the attentive wait staff. It's a great way enjoy all the highlights of Washington DC as you dine and dance the afternoon away!Some highlights you will see along the way include the 555-foot (169-meter) Washington Monument, the world’s tallest free-standing stone sculpture. Pass by the Reagan National Airport, one of the busiest airports in the US with an average of one flight every 30 seconds during peak periods!You'll also cruise by Alexandria, Virginia. Alexandria was first established in the 1600s by tobacco merchants from Scotland and England. Additionally, you’ll see the Torpedo Factory, pass by Admiral's Row, cruise under the famous Woodrow Wilson Bridge, view the US Naval Research Lab and more!
Colonial Williamsburg Admission with Historical Reenactments
Visit: Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VirginiaColonial Williamsburg’s historic area covers more than 300 acres, with 88 original 18th-century structures, plus hundreds of houses, shops and public buildings that have been rebuilt on their original foundations. Duration: 4 hoursVisit: Public Hospital Museum, Williamsburg, VirginiaWalk among the haunting voices of past inhabitants of this "part jail, part infirmary" hospital ward. The first if its kind in North America, this facility, dedicated solely to care of the mentally ill, used treatments that would be unheard of today.Duration: 15 minutesVisit: Governor's Palace, Williamsburg, VirginiaEnter the years immediately before the Revolution and experience the grandeur of royal government in Virginia just before its collapse. Feel the tension between the rulers and the ruled in this revolutionary time as the British government's authority was increasingly questioned. Home to seven royal governors and the first two elected governors in Virginia, the Palace was meant to project British authority and wealth. From the large display of period swords and guns to the elegant décor and grand ballroom, the Palace was built to impress.Duration: 20 minutesVisit: Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, Williamsburg, VirginiaArt is in the eye of the beholder. In the galleries of the folk art museum, you'll discover an amazing variety of paintings, sculptures, and other objects created by talented, self-trained artists and craftsmen. In fact, it's one of the largest collections of American folk art.Duration: 30 minutesVisit: DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, Williamsburg, VirginiaThe DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum houses a variety of the "finer things," including the world's largest collection of southern furniture and one of the largest collections of British ceramics outside England. Relax in the Portrait Gallery, attend a lecture or musical event in the Hennage Auditorium, or take part in a hands-on activity in the Education Studio.Duration: 30 minutesVisit: Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, Williamsburg, Virginiathis three-centuries-old Episcopal church has hosted many famous patriots. At the time of the Revolution the Church of England was the official church, and all Virginians were expected to attend regularly. Ask knowledgeable parish volunteers your questions or attend one of the Sunday services in this original building, which still serves an active community.Duration: 15 minutes