In One Week

Although you'll be pressing to see everything in Virginia in 2 weeks (Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown together can easily eat up a week), you can see the tip of the iceberg in a week if you really hurry and see only the top attractions. In devising this route, I have eliminated all but the best.

Day 1: The Shenandoah National Park

Drive directly to the entrance of the Central District of Shenandoah National Park, on U.S. 211, at Thornton Gap. Go south on the Skyline Drive, take in the views, hike, or go horseback riding. Spend the night at the park's Big Meadows Lodge or Skyland Lodge.

Day 2: Charlottesville

Drive south on the Skyline Drive to U.S. 33 east, then to U.S. 29, and then south to Charlottesville. Spend the afternoon touring the University of Virginia and other downtown Charlottesville attractions. The next morning beat the crowds to Jefferson's magnificent Monticello, which along with nearby Michie Tavern and President James Monroe's Ash Lawn-Highland home will take at least half a day. When done follow I-64 east to Richmond.

Day 3: Richmond

It will be all you can do in a day to visit The Museum and White House of the Confederacy, the Richmond National Battlefield Park, St. John's Episcopal Church, and the capital city's other top sights.

Day 4-5: Williamsburg, Jamestown & Yorktown

Spend one of these days in Colonial Williamsburg, the next seeing Jamestown and Yorktown.

Day 6: Fredericksburg

Depart Williamsburg early and drive north to Fredericksburg, where you can spend the rest of the morning exploring George Washington's boyhood home. Tour the Civil War battlefields in the afternoon.

Day 7: Alexandria & Mount Vernon

Beat the crowds by spending the morning at Washington's Mount Vernon plantation, the afternoon seeing the historic sights in Old Town Alexandria.