Biking is simply the best way to explore Washington, DC.  This trip combines the excitement of Washington, DC's world-famous cherry blossoms at peak season and its magnificent buildings and monuments with the pastoral beauty of the nearby Virginia countryside. You will pedal on many of Washington's famous bike paths, along the Potomac River to Mt. Vernon and the C&O towpath, crossing on tiny White's ferry to Virginia.   You will explore the quiet country roads to historic Leesburg, Waterford and Middleburg, passing through gorgeous hunt and horse country, visiting a local winery and horse farm.  The trip is full of history and beauty and provides an excellent introduction to a region widely accaimed for its wonderful biking.
Highlights Marvel at fabulous flowering of the Japanese cherry blossoms Explore by bike the Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Viet Nam Memorials; the Capitol, White House and embassies Cruise the beautiful Potomac River bike path to Mt. Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington Bike the C&O canal towpath and country roads and cross the Potomac on tiny White's Ferry to historic Leesburg Pedal on rural roads through the magnificent horse and hunt country of Northern Virginia Explore the historic towns of Leesburg, Waterford and Middleburg and visit a local winery and horse farm Luxuriate in lovely inns and B&Bs and enjoy sumptuous meals   Special Features   Tour Level: Intermediate and advanced. While the riding in DC takes ample advantage of traffic-free bike paths and The Mall, riders should have some experience in town or city riding. Country biking is over rolling terrain on lightly trafficked roads and bike paths Weather: The average high temperature is 64 and the low 45 degrees F Average Daily Mileage: 20-50 miles with shorter and longer options available to accommodate bikers with differing abilities and interests. Van support provides additional flexibility Accommodation and Meals: In DC you will stay in a charming local guest house and in Leesburg and Middleburg in historic country inns. Dinners are at some of the best restaurants in Washington, Leesburg and Middleburg.

April 5: Arrival in Washington

We will fit rental bikes at 3:00 pm and enjoy a warm-up ride in Rock Creek Park past the National Zoo. This will be followed by a welcome drink and dinner in the Adams Morgan district. We will stay three nights in the Kalorama Guest House in Adams Morgan www.kaloramaguesthouse.com. Bike ride: 9 miles, Meals Provided: Dinner (D)

April 6: Cherry Blossoms and Exploration of the Nation's Capital

We will rise early and ride to the Tidal Basin to catch the cherry blossoms in the early morning light before the crowds arrive. We will bike the mall area enjoying the major monuments. As soon as we are hungry, we will stop for brunch in an established Washington restaurant. Then, we will complete the tour of the downtown area moving to Arlington Cemetery, Georgetown and the National Cathedral. In the evening, we will dine at a local restaurant in that area. Bike ride 20 miles or longer, if desired. (B), (D)

April 7: Biking to Mt. Vernon

After breakfast, we will cross the Potomac River to Virginia and pedal on the bike path that hugs the river, winds through historic Old Town Alexandria, meanders through lush wetlands and ends at Mt. Vernon. We tour of the house and grounds and visit the Ford Orientation Center and the Douglas Reynolds Museum. (B)

April 8: Washington to Leesburg

We will pedal the Crescent Trail and then link up to the historic Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) canal and tow path, following it to Great Falls and Riley's Lock, where we will enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch, we will bike on country roads to Poolesville and cross the Potomac to Leesburg on the tiny White's Ferry. We will stay at Norris House.  www.norrishouse.com  (B), (L), (D)

April 9, Leesburg to Middleburg

In the morning, we will start out on the Washington and Old Dominion Bike (W&OD) Bike Trail and then bike on country roads up to the beautiful, historic town of Waterford. We then bike a northern loop and back to Purcellville, where we will have lunch. We then bike south through horse country to Middleburg. We will have an opportunity to visit a local horse farm. We will stay in the Middleburg Country Inn www.midcountryinn.com. (B)

April 10, Middleburg Loop

We will bike on magnificent country roads through beautiful horse country. Our route will take us over to The Plains for lunch. We will visit a local winery to taste the wine of the growing Virginia wine industry. We will have a final farewell dinner at the Red Fox Inn. (B), (D)

April 11, Return to Washington

After breakfast, you will bike the remarkable Washington and Old Dominion Trail, cross the Key Bridge with majestic views and arrive in DC. This ride is any distance up to 65 miles depending on where you start. (B)

Making Reservations

Please let us know if you would like to make a reservation and send us a deposit of $400 to hold the reservation. Please send the balance of the cost of the trip at least six weeks before the start of the trip. You can pay by credit card by phone or by check. Checks payable to Escapades LLC should be sent to 1965 Biltmore Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. For information, please call Escapades, 877 880-2453 (BIKE) or 202 232-1531 or e-mail tours@bikeescapades.com .

Refund Policy: We will refund all but $200 of your deposit or other payments made to Escapades if you cancel at any time up to six weeks before the start of the trip. Because of hotel cancellation policies and other logistical considerations, we will not refund your deposit or any other payments if you cancel for any reason six weeks or less before the start of the trip. In the unlikely event that Escapades cancels your trip, all payments made by you to Escapades for this trip will be refunded in full.