Please request a price quote for a personalized quotation.
The mentioned as from price is per person sharing based on double occupancy.

What's included?

• 11 nights accommodation in listed hotels or similar

• Your digital roadbook (day-to-day itinerary. Only driving instructions provided for the maps segments and not train information)

• Amtrak train tickets from Alexandria to Charlottesville, Charlottesville to Lynchburg, Lynchburg to Roanoke, Roanoke to Alexandria

Not included

Your international flights, optional excursions, tipping, meals & beverages and personal expenses.

Travel Documents

• Travel documents: All Belgian nationals* (children and babies included) must be in possession of an international e-passport (biometric) containing min. 2 blank pages, valid at day of entry and during the entire stay. Connections recommends to let common sense prevail and to build in some slack in terms of validity. Often unforeseen circumstances (weather factors, volcanoes, and threats all kinds) are the cause of a mandatory postponed return date. A credit card is required upon check-in at the hotels and also when renting a car.Please keep this in mind. We strongly recommend you to print out the Esta- or Eta permit and to have it on you while you travel to avoid problems.

• All passengers who travel to and /or via the U.S. must apply for an electronic travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure. The ESTA ($ 40) procedure must be requested via the official website link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and paid by a personal credit card only.

• Travellers who have visited Cuba since 12 January 2021 or who wish to travel to Cuba prior to a visit to the United States are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a US visa at a US Consulate before travelling to the US.

• Travellers with a non-Belgian nationality and / or travellers travelling on a foreign passport are invited to spontaneously report this matter to the Connections travel consultant and shall contact their respective embassy (s) or Consulate (ate) to obtain the latest updates concerning all current travel requirements and documents. They must apply for an electronic travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure via the official website link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and pay by a personal credit card only.

Insurances

Have a safe and carefree trip: travel fully insured with our Protections travel insurance! Our Protections insurance policies offer various formulas in order to offer you the widest possible cover (with even a fly-on-time, natural catastrophes and epidemics) for both single journeys or for the entire year. We guarantee you the best protection at the best price.

Tailored travel

The tours in our brochures are just a few examples of travel itineraries possible. Our trips can be tailored to suit your specific needs. If you want to book a specific destination or combine it with a mini-tour then we will gladly make you a tailor-made offer. For a personalised day-by-day program please contact our destination experts.

Would you like to travel in a group; with your entire family, friends or colleagues? (min. 10 people required). Put our know-how to the test and send us your details and wishes. We will gladly turn the blueprints of your trip into a detailed quote and a lasting memory for you to cherish. Contact our Connections’ Group Service by e-mail at groups@connections.be or by telephone on +32 (0)2/550 01 65. We would love to hear from you.

Health

No mandatory vaccinations. To verify the latest updates on health requirements, please surf to https://www.itg.be.
Medical interventions and costs can soon become outrageous in the U.S.A. Reflect before leaving and subscribe a decent travel insurance. Our protections All-in Premier insurance was especially designed specifically for travel to the U.S.A. and provides ample cover for all major calamities (fly-on-time and natural disasters included)!

Time zones

The United States span 4 time zones:

• Eastern (- 6 h)

• Central (- 7 h)

• Mountain (- 8 h)

• Pacific (- 9 h)

Payments methods

A personal credit card is required upon check-in at the hotels and also when renting a car. The most convenient method of payment is by credit card but cash euros and dollars in small amount come in handy. Inform yourself timely, as from January 15, 2015 your Visa and/or MasterCard credit card (and possibly other types of credit cards) has automatically been set to "not for use in the US, for US car rental agencies and during cruises under the American flag".

You must then apply for a release of your credit card. This may be done prior to your arrival in the U.S. (in your bank branch or via the telephone number listed on the back of your credit card or by means of a special form available for PC banking) as well as after arrival in the US (through a withdrawal at an ATM. Please note, in this case there will be a transaction fee charged to your account). The same applies to the Maestro function in your bank card.

The Amtrak Rail Experience in Virginia

Amtrak lies at the heart of this Virginia itinerary. With comfortable seating, panoramic windows, and onboard amenities, you’ll enjoy a stress-free journey through the state’s diverse landscapes. Virginia’s rail connections are excellent, with regular services linking Washington DC, Alexandria, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Roanoke. Along the way, take time to relax, read a book, or simply admire the passing valleys and mountain ranges. This sustainable way of traveling allows you to experience Virginia’s true beauty without stress.

Washington DC as a Starting Point

The U.S. capital is the perfect place to begin your Virginia rail journey. Before boarding Amtrak, spend a few days exploring iconic landmarks such as the Capitol, the White House, and the impressive monuments along the National Mall. The Smithsonian museums offer hours of culture and history, while lively neighborhoods like Georgetown and Dupont Circle invite you to stroll and dine. Washington DC provides a striking contrast to the rural landscapes you’ll encounter later, immersing you in America’s heritage right from the start.

Exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains

The majestic Blue Ridge Mountains are a breathtaking highlight of this Virginia rail journey. From Roanoke, you’ll have access to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s most scenic routes, winding past stunning viewpoints and natural wonders. The mountains owe their name to the bluish haze that often shrouds the peaks, creating magical panoramas. Hikers will find countless trails through lush forests, past waterfalls, and toward panoramic overlooks. In autumn, the region transforms into a blaze of red, orange, and yellow, making it a perfect destination for nature photography and peaceful reflection.

Virginia’s Historic Cities

This rail journey also reveals Virginia’s historic towns, each with its own story. Alexandria enchants with well-preserved colonial architecture and a lively waterfront along the Potomac River. Its historic Old Town, with cobblestone streets and former trading houses, feels like a step back in time. Charlottesville is home to the University of Virginia, designed by Thomas Jefferson, with its UNESCO World Heritage campus. Lynchburg, with its rich industrial past, offers insight into life along the James River in bygone days. Each city adds its own character to the cultural tapestry that defines Virginia.

Culinary Discoveries in Virginia

The culinary journey is an adventure in itself. From fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood to hearty Southern dishes, Virginia’s cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition. Sample local wines at vineyards near Charlottesville, where the Blue Ridge slopes provide perfect growing conditions. In Roanoke, savor craft beers and farm-to-table restaurants highlighting local ingredients. Don’t miss traditional favorites such as Virginia ham, peanut soup, and fresh apple pie – culinary icons reflecting the state’s diverse cultural influences. Every stop along your route offers unique flavors waiting to be discovered.