Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
A Big Short Break in Washington DC Discovering America’s Political Capital
USA – Washington DC
If you fancy some fresh air, head into the Blue Ridge Mountains to hike along meandering trails, past trickling waterfalls and wetlands, to craggy peaks boasting stellar views over Shenandoah National Park. Reward your efforts on return to the city with a lively sports game, a guided tour of the Smithsonian’s galleries and a performance at the Kennedy Centre.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your big short break to Washington, D.C. kicks off today, so head to the airport this morning or early afternoon for your eight-and-a-half-hour flight. When you touch down in the US capital this afternoon or evening, you’ll be private transferred to your centrally-located hotel. For dinner tonight, we can book you a table at Hank's Oyster Bar for some boisterous New England cooking – just make sure you try the crab cakes…
After breakfast this morning, stretch your legs and shake off any lingering jetlag with a walking tour of the capital. Led by a historian or journalist guide, learn all about the city’s 200-plus years of political history as you walk the two miles of the National Mall, taking in the Jefferson, Lincoln and Washington Memorials, as well as the White House and Capitol Building.
Worked up an appetite? Your guide can recommend a spot nearby for a tasty lunch. Then, it's time to explore the Smithsonian Institution, which is technically the world's largest museum, boasting 17 museums and galleries (and a zoo). The first stop is a private tour of the Air and Space Museum; afterwards, take your pick from the museums, including the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of Natural History. Espionage enthusiasts, why not try your best 007 impression at the (non-Smithsonian) International Spy Museum?
Today, swap city sights for mountain hikes. Hop in a hire car and drive for about an hour and a half to Shenandoah National Park, home of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spend the day exploring some of the 500-plus miles of trails that lead to beautiful vistas, waterfalls and lakes.
After a day spent in the fresh mountain air, head back to D.C. in time for dinner and drinks (our detailed destination Dossier is full of our favourite places to wine and dine). If you're a sports fan, why not squeeze in a game? Depending on the time of year, you could see the Washington Redskins playing (American) football, the Wizards playing basketball, the Nationals playing baseball or the Capitals playing ice hockey. Even if you have no clue what’s going on, it’s worth going for the atmosphere alone – a quintessentially American experience.
This morning, make your way back to the Smithsonian Institution for a private guided tour of the Museum of American Art and National Portrait Gallery, where you’ll discover America's history through the prism of the country's art. From here, move on to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden for an dose of contemporary art.
It’s your final evening in D.C., so end your trip on a high with a visit to the Kennedy Centre, where there’s a different (and free) performance every day, be it a poetry slam or a concerto by the National Symphony Orchestra. Afterwards, ask your local Concierge for their favourite dinner spots and treat yourselves at a true D.C. institution.
The bad news is that it’s your last day in D.C. The good news? Your flight isn't until this evening, so you have a full morning and more to explore any sights you might’ve missed. Whether you’d rather enjoy a kayaking trip on the Potomac River, marvel at the architecture of the Library of Congress or check out the flora at the botanical garden, there are plenty of things to do.
Come late afternoon, hop in a private transfer to the airport for your seven-hour overnight flight back to the UK, which lands early the next morning.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
GUIDED TOUR OF MOUNT VERNON
Visit the home of the USA’s first president, George Washington, on a guided tour. Step back in time as you explore the restored mansion, gardens and other historic buildings on the site of the 18th-century plantation, meeting characters from Washington’s era along the way. This sprawling estate is located less than an hour’s drive away from Washington, D.C., so a day trip can be easily tacked onto your city break.DISCOVER SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
One day isn’t nearly long enough to explore the spectacular Shenandoah National Park, so why not spend a few days in the home of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains? There are over 500 miles of trails – including popular hikes like Hawksbill Mountain, Dark Hollow Falls and the iconic Appalachian Trail – and beautiful viewpoints where you can admire the thick forests, cascading waterfalls and diverse wildlife species. Another must-do while you’re here is the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive. It’s the only public road through the park and it offers spellbinding panoramic views across the 200,000 acres of wilderness.
EXPLORE LEGENDARY CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELDS
If you’re a history enthusiast and want to learn more about the American Civil War, we can organise trips to the legendary battlefields of Gettysburg, Manassas or Front Royal. Take guided tours around these iconic sites to bring the battles to life in all their gory detail. 
Why visit USA with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to USA
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
