This year commemorates the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War and Washington-based visitors now have easy access from Amtrak’s Washington DC hub, the majestic Union Station to some of the Civil War hot spots.

Amtrak Virginia has two historic rail routes to the state capital, Richmond and to Lynchburg, stopping along the way at iconic locations with strong links to this important era in America’s history including Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Fairfax and Alexandria.

The region is blessed with Civil War battlefields, museums and has links with three US presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. The two Amtrak Virginia routes travel through rolling countryside set against a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains to their colonial towns destinations and provide a convenient, comfortable and cost effective alternative to driving.

In addition to the history, the locations offer a wealth of excellent shopping, one-of-a-kind restaurants and bars offering a variety of local and international cuisine and a chance to visit some of the 160 wineries that produce award winning Virginia wines.

There are also Amtrak links to Washington DC from along the Northeast Corridor from Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. Round-trip fare from Washington DC are as low as $46 to Richmond and $59 to Lynchburg. Tickets booked 14 days in advance received the lowest published rate for travel.

Go to www.AmtrakVirginia.com for the latest information on all Virginia routes and tourist destinations or check with your local ABTA travel agent.