Cheap train tickets from Sarasota to Williamsburg

A culturally-rich alternative to the nearby theme parks of Orlando, Sarasota's Gulf Coast location is hard to resist. It became the winter base for many well-to-do families in the early twentieth century, during which time much of the town developed a subtle Italian feel.

Not only is the climate similar to what you might experience in southern Italy, but many of Sarasota's buildings were constructed to resemble the country's renaissance masterworks too. A good example is the Ringling family's Ca' d'Zan Venetian-style mansion.

The Ringlings made their money from circuses before giving their name to the much-celebrated John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. It contains 21 galleries of European paintings, archaeological artifacts, and American art totaling 10,000 objects.

With weather so fine, you'll probably be looking with more than half an eye at Sarasota's numerous excellent resorts and beaches, many of which lie on a group of keys within the city limits. Bonus: our research ranked Sarasota as the #3 cheapest Spring Break destination, so you can soak up the sun on the cheap.

Arriving in Sarasota is equally easy thanks to its Cattleman Transfer Centre and Fruitville Road bus stations. Between them, travelers can connect by bus everywhere from Tampa to Tucson. Amtrak also operates a Thruway bus service from the defunct Sarasota rail station to Tampa for onward connections by train on the Silver Service. This service runs between Miami and New York City via Washington, D.C.

Colonial Williamsburg, one of America's most well-known living history towns, is not a replica or a collection of structures from other locations. Instead, from 1705 until 1779, this was the capital of the colony (and eventually the state) of Virginia. It's now a museum that recreates bygone periods in their original setting and includes many of the historic buildings. Others have been painstakingly reconstructed or repaired at their original locations. Actors (or maybe time travelers?) wander around the reconstructed area dressed in 18th-century garb and going about their daily lives.

But Williamsburg isn't only for history nerds, and the Revolution isn't the only thing to see. The city's tourist attractions are two renowned museums of art, Busch Gardens theme park, and a water park.

In terms of transport, buses, trains, and airports are available. Buses come from major cities like Newark, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, New York, and even Houston via Greyhound. For train tickets, the Amtrak Northeast Regional connects from Washington D.C., Richmond, St Louis, and more. The main train and bus station is Williamsburg Transportation Center. Williamsburg International Airport is only 17 miles away from downtown Williamsburg. Other airports, such as Norfolk International Airport and Richmond International Airport, are options but a bit further away.