Gov. McAuliffe unveils upscale ‘Governor’s Choice’ touring itinerary
LONDON (November 2017) – The Commonwealth of Virginia announced a new partnership with United Airlines and luxury tour operator North America Travel Service on an exclusive travel package that combines the state’s exquisite scenic byways, mountain and coastal scenery with charming wineries, resorts, golf courses, renowned culinary offers, and spas. The partnership was announced by the state’s own Governor during an intimate luncheon hosted at the Savoy Hotel.
The week-long luxury Virginia touring itinerary is based on the favourite experiences of Terry McAuliffe, the 72nd and current Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and his wife Dorothy. Entitled ‘Governor’s Choice’ and priced from £1,899 per person, the adventure begins on arrival at Dulles International Airport in Virginia.
From there, a drive of less than one hour brings luxury seekers to the Salamander Resort and Spa and a region known as DC.’s Wine Country. A two-night stay here offers opportunities to sample award-winning vintages at numerous wineries, enjoy yoga on horseback and dine at a historic inn loved by Jackie Kennedy.
The next stop, a two-hour drive away, is the historic and quintessentially Virginia Boar’s Head Inn in Charlottesville. Located at the gateway to the Shenandoah National Park, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the inn offers the ideal setting for healing plant spa treatments, hot-air balloon rides, and exploration of the extensive nature trails on this 573-acre country estate.
After a two-night stay, head for the Commonwealth’s capital city of Richmond, where the next night will be spent at The Jefferson Hotel. This authentically opulent Virginia landmark property has provided guests with an extraordinary stay for more than a century; savour luxury Southern-style with The Jefferson’s Southern Afternoon Tea, head out to taste the award-winning bourbon of the Reservoir Distillery, or take a personally-guided tour of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, whose 35,000-plus works include a renowned Fabergé collection.
The final destination on this luxury tour of Virginia is Williamsburg, within the Commonwealth’s famed Historic Triangle. In addition to its rich heritage, the city is one of the USA’s top golf destinations, boasting more than a dozen courses designed by notable architects. Choose between the Kingsmill Resort with its stunning accommodations right on the historic James River, or the elegance, sophistication and gourmet dining of the colonial-style Williamsburg Inn.
Underlining Virginia’s potential for luxury travellers, Governor McAuliffe stated:
“Virginia is special. From our glittering Chesapeake Bay in the east to our glorious Blue Ridge Mountains in the west. And in between, rolling green hills, where horses roam and little winding roads take you far from the day’s troubles. Virginia truly is for lovers – lovers of life, and beauty, and good times with friends and family. I invite you to come and experience Virginia. Stay at our award-winning resorts. Sip our fine wines. Dine on our remarkable cuisine. I think you’ll find it hard to leave. Because I promise you, Virginia does not disappoint.”
Virginia is the gateway to the American South. Mountainous in its western region, Virginia is known for its Blue Ridge mountain ranges and the magnificent Shenandoah Valley. The central piedmont region, with its rolling hills, flattens out into the sandy coastal plain to meet the Atlantic Ocean in the east of the state.
American history is rooted in Virginia, home to Jamestown, the first permanent European settlement, and the first U.S. President George Washington (to be followed by another seven, more than any other state).
Today the Commonwealth’s 280-plus wineries continue a wine-producing tradition begun by Thomas Jefferson, making Virginia the nation’s fifth largest wine producer. Its breweries and cideries, meaderies and distilleries also thrive, many going back to their roots to craft today’s increasingly popular spirits. Virginia’s chefs are at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement, while plump, tasty oysters are among the favourite local delicacies.
The ‘Governor’s Choice’ luxury itinerary is available exclusively from North America Travel Service (www.northamericatravelservice.co.uk or Tel. 0333 323 9099).
Governor’s Choice – Luxury Virginia fly drive
From £1899 per person, based on two adults sharing, travelling in April 2018.
London Heathrow to Washington Dulles with United Airlines, Economy Class
2 nights, Salamander Resort, Middleburg – Estate Room
2 nights, Boars Head Inn, Charlottesville – Resort Room
1 night, The Jefferson, Richmond – Premier Room
1 night, Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg – 1 Bedroom Suite
7 days, Alamo Car Rental, SUV with Gold Insurance & GPS
Washington Dulles to London Heathrow, United Airlines, Economy Class
Value Added Offers (applicable to this package)
- FREE UPGRADE, from a full size car to a standard SUV
- FREE LOUNGE PASS at Heathrow on Economy Class bookings
- Travel in United Airlines’ Polaris Class (business), from just £545 supplement each way
- Book one way Polaris Class (business) and receive a FREE upgrade from Economy Class to Economy Plus in opposite direction
Extended stay option
10 night itinerary (3 nights Middleburg, 2 nights Charlottesville, 2 nights Richmond & 3 nights Williamsburg)
11 days, Alamo Car Rental, SUV with Gold Insurance & GPS
& United Economy Class Flights, London / Washington Dulles
From £2599 per person, based on two adults sharing, travelling in April 2018
North America Travel Service has been established as a leading specialist tour operator to the USA and Canada for over 45 years, offering a comprehensive programme of tailor-made fly-drives, escorted tours, resort and city breaks across the entire continent.
United Airlines (www.united.com) flies non-stop to Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport, with three flights per day from London Heathrow. From May 24, 2018, United will launch its new capital to capital service from Edinburgh to Washington/Dulles. All international aircraft feature United Polaris business class service, a reimagined, sleep-enhancing experience for intercontinental travellers, including elevated inflight food and beverages, custom bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue and exclusive amenity kits with products from Soho House & Co’s Cowshed Spa.