Civil War Battlegrounds Road Trip
Road Trips
Trip Overview:
This six-day trip entrenches you deep in American history, paying homage to the battlegrounds of the Civil War and monuments celebrating progress and democracy. Your tour starts in Washington, where you’ll pick up your rental car for a roundtrip around Richmond, Shenandoah National Park, Gettysburg, and back to the capital of the United States.
Wave hello to the President as you explore the heart of the Federal Government, from the Capitol to the halls of the White House itself. History buffs will be delighted to stroll through the National Mall, an immaculately manicured park containing the Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Institute, many museums, and more. Fuel up at a local eatery in Washington Square or Foggy Bottom to keep museum fatigue at bay, because no history book can ever compare to what you’ll see here.
Heading south to Virginia, you’ll walk the grassy plains at Manassas Battleground National Park, the site of two key battles between Union and Confederate forces. You’ll feel the revolutionary spirit in the air of Richmond, the city where U.S Founding Father Patrick Henry once famously declared “Give me liberty or give me death!” You won’t want to miss the Maggie L. Walker Historic Site, whose urban mansion now functions as a tribute to the lifelong civil rights activist and trailblazing entrepreneur.
Stepping out of the city, explore the cascading waterfalls, floral meadows, and trails with sweeping views of Shenandoah National Park as you marvel at the Blue Ridge Mountains. As you gaze out at their peaks, you’ll notice a blue haze settling over its rolling landscape, suddenly understanding where the mountains get their namesake.
A battleground tour would not be complete without a stop at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where nature and history converge. The flowing rivers of the Potomac and Shenandoah lead you back in time to the famous abolitionist uprising led by John Brown, which ignited the Civil War. Learn about the struggle for education and civil rights in this vast park which also provides you with opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and picnicking while you contemplate the progress America has made since 1859.
Follow the route of liberty to the Gettysburg National Military Park, home to a crucial turning point in the Civil War when Union forces fended off the Confederate army’s advances into the north. Pay homage to fallen soldiers and learn about the outcomes of the war’s bloodiest battle as you walk through green fields, currently undergoing a nature rehabilitation project to restore native orchards to the area.
Returning to Washington, resume your tour of all the sites you didn’t catch the first time around. Whether you browse the rooms of the National Museum of the Women in Arts or opt for an Old Town Trolley Tour for a view of the monuments by moonlight, there’s plenty of sites to explore in this vast cultural hub.
Return your car to the airport for your return flight home, or continue exploring the endless galleries that await you in the US capital.
Highlights:
- Explore Washington’s iconic landmarks, from the Capitol and White House to the Smithsonian museums.
- Walk the historic grounds of Manassas and uncover Richmond’s revolutionary and civil rights heritage.
- Breathe in the mountain air along Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive, framed by misty Blue Ridge peaks.
- Reflect on the fight for freedom at Harpers Ferry, where history and the Potomac River intertwine.
- Stand on Gettysburg’s hallowed fields, where the Civil War’s turning point shaped America’s future.
Included Services:
- 6 days Intermediate Car Rental with unlimited mileage (Mazda 3 or similar)
- Detailed day-by-day itinerary
- 2-night moderate accommodation in Washington, D.C.
- 1-night moderate accommodation in Richmond
- 1-night moderate accommodation in Luray
- 1-night moderate accommodation in Gettysburg
Excluded Services:
- Car Rental Insurance
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Passport & Visa fees, if applicable
- History
- Self Drive
Arrive in Washington, D.C. and pick up your car rental. Washington is America's front yard filled with monuments, memorials, and eclectic neighborhoods but your time of arrival will determine how much of the city you are able to explore. In any case, it is unthinkable to begin any journey learning about Civil War history without first exploring Washington, D.C. A great place to start is the western end of the National Mall with the Lincoln Memorial, which honors the memory of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president. Nearby is Arlington National Cemetery, established during the 1861-1865 Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, once the estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's wife which has been a military cemetery ever since. Overnight Washington D.C
Hotel: Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - National Mall (3 Star Rating)
Modern hotel near the National Mall, The Wharf DC and United States Capitol Building The Holiday Inn® Washington Capitol-National Mall's location places you within walking distance of the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, Museum of the Bible, International Spy Museum, Museum of African American History and Culture, and of course the gorgeous National Mall. In addition to DC's most popular attractions, numerous government agencies and offices such as DOE, DHHS, FAA, FEMA, HUD, NASA, USDA, and American Farm Bureau Federation, are within walking distance. Book your stay just minutes from Washington's most storied historical sites, including the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, and MLK Jr. Memorial. Amenities include free high-speed Internet access, mini refrigerator, Keurig coffeemakers, and in-room safes.
Rental Car: Hertz - Washgtn Nat'l Apto Washgtn Nat'l Ap
Day 2: Washington, D.C. to Richmond
Today as you drive through to Richmond there are three recommended battlefield visits. After leaving Washington, D.C., the first stop is Manassas National Battlefield Park, north of Manassas, Virginia. The site commemorates two battles, one in 1861 and the other a year later, between the Union and Confederate armies. This is where Confederate Gen. Thomas Jackson earned the nickname 'Stonewall'. South of Manassas is Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, known as 'Americas Battleground', the scene of four Civil War battles, where the war reached its climax. A key city in the Civil War was Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederate States of America during most of the war. The Richmond National Battlefield Park commemorates the many battles fought in the defense of the city. Overnight Richmond
Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond - Downtown (2 Star Rating)
The hotel is in the heart of the action in Richmond, half a mile from the convention center and two blocks from the State Capitol. Virginia Commonwealth University and a wide variety of downtown restaurants and bars are all within a mile.
Day 3: Richmond to Shenandoah
Before you leave Richmond learn about Maggie L. Walker at the National Historic Site, which celebrates the life of Walker, who was born to a former slave and later became the first African American woman to charter a bank in the USA. A civil rights activist, she devoted her life to helping African Americans. Take a respite from Civil War history to explore the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. Travel the spectacular Skyline Drive and take the opportunity to select a hike from over five hundred miles (805 km) of trails to experience lush forests, waterfalls, incredible views, and wildlife. Overnight Luray
Hotel: Quality Inn (3 Star Rating)
The hotel is close to Shenandoah National Park, Luray Valley Museum and Lake Arrowhead Recreation Park. We get you close to everywhere you need to be when visiting Luray on business, or reuniting with family and friends.
Day 4: Shenandoah to Gettysburg
A busy day ahead with two important historical sites on your check list. Start with a step back in time at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, site of the famous abolitionist uprising of 1859 led by John Brown. This historic community offers battlefields, museums, and a variety of hiking trails, and old-fashioned taverns and shops. Next is Gettysburg National Military Park, site of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point for the Union in the Civil War and the inspiration for Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address. Overnight Gettysburg
Hotel: Wyndham Gettysburg (3 Star Rating)
Located just outside downtown Gettysburg, the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel is ideal for both business and pleasure. The Federal-style architecture reflects the area’s storied Civil War past, with modern amenities offered to make your stay memorable.
Day 5: Gettysburg to Washington, D.C.
Today's drive takes you back to Washington, D.C. where you can continue to explore the USA capital. The African American Civil War Memorial honors the African American soldiers and sailors who fought for freedom from slavery during the Civil War. To complete the historical picture visit Ford's Theater; the museum here tells the story of Lincoln's assassination on this fateful night in 1865. Overnight Washington D.C
Hotel: The Churchill Hotel (4 Star Rating)
Conveniently located in the Nation's Capital with easy access to various dining options and must-see attractions, Churchill Hotel Near Embassy Row offers charm and elegance with luxurious accommodations.
Inspired by the sophisticated elegance of 18th century design, Churchill Hotel's guest rooms and suites are beautifully furnished with modern accents and calming hues of slate grey and royal purple.
Day 6: Depart from Washington, D.C.
Make your way to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport for your flight home unless you plan to extend your stay in the area.
