Civil War Battlegrounds Road Trip

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.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Rural Charm

Highlights countryside settings rich in character, culture, and tranquillity.

Road Trips

Independent, self-driving road trips that offer extra freedom.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Rural Charm

Highlights countryside settings rich in character, culture, and tranquillity.

Road Trips

Independent, self-driving road trips that offer extra freedom.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in Washington, D.C.

DAY

Washington, D.C. to Richmond

DAY

Richmond to Shenandoah

DAY

Shenandoah to Gettysburg

DAY

Gettysburg to Washington, D.C.

DAY

Depart from Washington, D.C.

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in Washington, D.C.

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

Car Rental

Pick Up: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Drop Off: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Multi Day Tour

Washington, D.C.

Your Accommodation

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - National Mall

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.

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DAY

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

Multi Day Tour

Washington, D.C. - Richmond (217 km / 135 miles)

Your Accommodation

Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond - Downtown

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.

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DAY

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

Multi Day Tour

Richmond - Shenandoah (201 km / 125 miles)

Your Accommodation

Quality Inn

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.

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DAY

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

Multi Day Tour

Shenandoah - Gettysburg (255 km / 159 miles)

Your Accommodation

Wyndham Gettysburg

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.

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DAY

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

Multi Day Tour

Gettysburg - Washington, D.C. (173 km / 108 miles)

Your Accommodation

The Churchill Hotel

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.

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DAY

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.

Multi Day Tour

Washington, D.C.

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Gettysburg National Battlefield

Shenandoah National Park

Capitol Building, Washington DC

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

Washington D.C.Mostly Sunny

37°C / 99°F

4mm / 0.2"

RichmondPartly Cloudy

36°C / 97°F

50mm / 2.0"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

Verified

The booking processs was really easy. Katie was very communicative and was very responsive. Every change we asked for, she quickly replied. The room arrangements had a small hiccupp but Katie fixed it within minutes! All the excursions were a blast and well planned. The trip was a bucket list trip and was everything we hoped for. Alison M

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Allan Birkett at Goway has been an absolute godsend! Over the past year, he has helped me plan numerous vacations—especially honeymoons—and has been an incredible partner every step of the way. He is always quick to respond, patient with my clients' frequent changes, and goes above and beyond to help whenever an issue comes up. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication make my job as a travel advisor so much easier. I truly appreciate everything Allan does and highly recommend him to anyone looking for exceptional service. Thank you, Allan, for always being thereBrooke Echols

Verified

Our 2-week trip to Normandy, Switzerland and Italy after we disembarked from the Queen Mary 2 in Southampton in mid-May was superb. Michael Keon did an amazing job of putting together highlights for us to see and visit with the short time we had. All the train reservations, private and small group tours and transportations were very well coordinated, on time, and usually exceeded our expectations. Drivers were courteous and knowledgeable. Mike did a wonderful job getting everything coordinated, in spite of our almost “last minute” booking. I booked a month-long trip through GOWAY back in 1989 for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and they were superb then. So I tried them again, and found the entire organization to be even better. Mike was quick to respond to any questions that came up regarding booksings and times, regardless of the 6-hour time difference. Just superb! Although we had a nasty experience in Milan, GOWAY was very responsive and saw to our requests and our needs. Again, Michael Keon is the person who coordinated our travel. I will ask for Mike when I travel again with GOWAY. I recommend GOWAY highly. PJ Wheeler

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A BIG THANK YOU to Goway Travel, Brooke Theron and all of the partners onsite. Our trip to Africa was incredible, memories that will last forever. Everything planned and more went perfectly. The guides, the excursions, the accommodations, everything, was just spectacular. Fortunately, everything ran on time, no delays, no problems. Thank you again!! Linda Irias

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I have been blessed to have an amazing rep, Farooq Qaisar! He has helped me find the best spots for my clients to experience and when I am looking for something and just can't figure it out, he is able to put together something better than I was thinking. He my go-to and I am thankful for all his help over the years!Sherri

Verified

Goway helped plan our two week trip to Peru and they (Virginia in particular) did a great job. The on-site logistics with Condor Travel went very smoothly, and the trip exceeded our expectations overall. They proactively suggested changes to our initial itinerary which were welcomed. I would recommend them and would work with them again in the future.Kate O'Neill

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We entrusted Goway with every detail of our trip from start to finish and they came through for us superbly! Every single detail was smooth sailing. It was a joy to plan our travels with Goway!! We had an amazing trip of a lifetime! E&D

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I recently went on an African Safari with my brother-in-law and sister and another couple who I knew. The entire experience was absolutely unbelievable. The complete details were flawlessly coordinated from the transfers to the breathtaking lodges. Our guides Peter showed us Kenya and Maulid Tanzania were very knowledgeable and very sharp eyes for finding the animals. We were able to see the animals up close, learn a lot about the people, birds , vegetation etc. We had several sundowners in the bush really added to a magical experience with beautiful sunsets. I would highly recommend Goway to all my friends, they will not be disappointed. Thank you to Bijal for the excellent African Safari that you put together for us. You were wonderful.Nancy Hay

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We enjoyed our trip very much. I was very pleased by the hotel, tours, and itinerary selections that Alice Teramoto made for us. It was all well organized and easy to follow. Thank you very much for helping us have a great experience in Peru.IN

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Everything was planned perfectly. The excursions were so small and personal. Ask for Mark! I have already planned another trip back to the Oregon wine country with Mark. Claire

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Aylin Esin

Team Lead

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Insider Benefits

Civil War Battlegrounds Road Trip

Trip Features

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

Arrive in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. to Richmond

Richmond to Shenandoah

Shenandoah to Gettysburg

Gettysburg to Washington, D.C.

Depart from Washington, D.C.

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. to Richmond

Richmond to Shenandoah

Shenandoah to Gettysburg

Gettysburg to Washington, D.C.

Depart from Washington, D.C.

Departures

Terms and Conditions

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Most Popular Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

What do the experts say?

Aylin Esin

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.