Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Colonial America By Rail

Independent rail journey from Washington DC to Savannah via Charlottesville and Charleston

Colonial America By Rail, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs Colonial America By Rail as a 10-day, 9-night independent rail vacation from Washington, D.C. to Savannah, Georgia, with stops in Charlottesville and Charleston. The trip opens with three nights in Washington, D.C., where travellers stroll the National Mall past the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial, then take a guided tour of Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria. From there, Amtrak carries travellers to Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia and Monticello, before an overnight train south to Charleston for a guided food tour of the French Quarter and a city tour of its historic streets. The trip ends with two nights in Savannah, exploring its public squares and moss-draped neighborhoods and taking a sightseeing cruise along the waterfront. Travel between cities is independent, though guided sightseeing is included at every stop. It suits travellers drawn to American history and Southern culture who are comfortable choosing their own hotel from a wide range of tiers in each city.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel accommodation is chosen from 21 options across tiers and cities (a sample includes the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC, the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlottesville), so the actual hotel depends on availability and tier chosen.
  • The included list does not mention any meals beyond the Charleston culinary tour itself; other meals across the 10 days are on your own.
  • No current departure dates are listed for this package; confirm availability directly with Amtrak Vacations.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Washington, D.C.

    Your Journey Begins in Washington, D.C.

    Arrive in Washington D.C. and check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the afternoon strolling the National Mall, taking in the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial.

  2. Day 2overnight: Washington, D.C.

    Washington, D.C.

    Spend the day exploring the nation's capital. In the evening, visit the city's most iconic landmarks and monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the U.S. Capitol, beautifully illuminated against the nighttime sky.

  3. Day 3overnight: Washington, D.C.

    Washington, D.C.

    Take a guided tour to Mount Vernon and Alexandria. Explore George Washington's historic riverside estate, then stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria, known for its 18th-century architecture and waterfront charm.

  4. Day 4overnight: Charlottesville

    Charlottesville

    Travel by Amtrak to Charlottesville, a charming university town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring its vibrant downtown, the campus of the University of Virginia, or head over to visit Monticello, the home of Pres. Thomas Jefferson.

  5. Day 5overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Today, board your overnight Amtrak journey south to Charleston.

  6. Day 6overnight: Charleston

    Charleston

    Arrive in Charleston and check in for a two-night stay. This afternoon, join one of North America's most sought-after culinary experiences - a guided food tour of Charleston's French Quarter. Stroll the city's historic streets with your expert guide, sampling Lowcountry favorites such as Carolina-style BBQ, shrimp and grits, and handmade biscuits, while uncovering the stories of pirates, pandemics, and traditions that shaped the city's distinctive cuisine. Along the way, visit the Historic Charleston City Market, learn how African influences enriched the local food culture, and enjoy a surprise 'secret dish' to round out this flavorful journey.

  7. Day 7overnight: Charleston

    Charleston

    Delve into the history of this city from Colonial times, through the Civil War, and beyond on a city tour of Charleston. Visit historic sites and view the city's charming architecture and Spanish moss-draped neighborhood's South of Broad.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Savannah

    Savannah

    Travel by train to Savannah and check in for a two-night stay. Take the evening to relax or enjoy a stroll through the city's beautiful public squares.

  9. Day 9overnight: Savannah

    Savannah

    Discover the charm of Savannah as you explore its streets and parks. Stroll beneath moss-draped oaks, explore picturesque public squares, and admire the city's stately antebellum homes. Enjoy a guided cruise along Savannah's picturesque waterfront.

  10. Day 10

    Your Journey Ends in Savannah

    Check out of your hotel and continue your travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1An afternoon strolling the National Mall, taking in the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial.
  • Day 3A guided tour to Mount Vernon, George Washington's riverside estate, and the cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria.
  • Day 4Arrival in Charlottesville, with time to explore the University of Virginia campus or visit Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson.
  • Day 5An overnight Amtrak journey south from Charlottesville to Charleston.
  • Day 6A guided food tour of Charleston's French Quarter, sampling Carolina-style barbecue, shrimp and grits, and handmade biscuits.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Washington, D.C. to Charlottesville; Charlottesville to Charleston; and Charleston to Savannah onboard the Northeast Regional, Silver Meteor, and Palmetto
  • 8 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 1 night onboard Amtrak

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach travel from Washington, D.C. to Charlottesville, Charlottesville to Charleston, and Charleston to Savannah, on the Northeast Regional, Silver Meteor, and Palmetto.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's an independent rail vacation: travel between cities is on your own, but guided sightseeing tours and excursions are included at each stop, with no tour manager for the whole trip.
Which trains are used?
The Northeast Regional (Washington, D.C. to Charlottesville), the Silver Meteor (Charlottesville to Charleston, overnight), and the Palmetto (Charleston to Savannah).
What hotels are included?
8 nights of hotel accommodations, chosen from 21 options across the four cities and various tiers, plus 1 night onboard the overnight Amtrak journey to Charleston.
What sightseeing is included?
A Monuments by Moonlight tour and a Mount Vernon and Alexandria tour in the Washington, D.C. area, a culinary tour and city tour of Charleston, and a sightseeing cruise in Savannah.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $1,559 per person.

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