Delve into American history on this fascinating journey from Washington DC to Philadelphia. See the iconic White House and Washington Monument, step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg and bear witness to revolutionary war history at Gettsbury National Military Park. Finally, marvel at the Liberty Bell and awe-inspiring Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVE WASHINGTON, D.C. (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to the nation’s capital! Take your complimentary transfer to the tour hotel. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director who can answer any questions you may have about the exciting days ahead. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
Day 2: WASHINGTON, D.C. MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS & FREE TIME
Immerse yourself in the proud heritage of a nation today as you view the White House, the striking Washington Monument and the National Mall, stretching from the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol building. Reflect on the country’s most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the somber World War II memorial. Many of America’s heroes rest in Arlington National Cemetery; on a narrated Tourmobile tour, you’ll learn more. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to chart your own course through America’s capital city.(Full Breakfast)
Day 3: WASHINGTON, D.C. - MOUNT VERNON - YORKTOWN - WILLIAMSBURG (2 NIGHTS)
From the nation’s capital, travel to the home of its first president, George Washington, on the banks of the Potomac River in Mount Vernon. Visit the Yorktown Victory Center and watch Revolutionary War history come alive. Delve even further into America’s past upon arriving in Colonial Williamsburg—settled in 1638 as Middle Plantation—where you’ll discover the flavours of a traditional colonial menu with a delicious Highlight Dinner.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 4: JAMESTOWN - COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
Before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Captain John Smith and his hardy band of 104 settlers established the first permanent English settlement in the New World—Jamestown. With the insight of your Local Guide, you’ll find out how rough life was for the early colonists when they came to America in 1607. Walk through the life-size re-creations of the colonists' crude fort, explore the mock-up Native American Powhatan village and climb aboard a replica of one of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia. Then, fast forward to the 18th century to spend the rest of the day in Colonial Williamsburg, Britain’s largest colony in the New World from 1699 to 1780. Chat with blacksmiths, take in a fife and drum parade, even engage in some politicking with a costumed Federalist in the town square.(Full Breakfast)
Day 5: WILLIAMSBURG - MONTICELLO - SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Visit the very spot where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were inspired by Patrick Henry’s fiery “Give me liberty or give me death” speech when you visit St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia. For a more genteel window into Jefferson’s life, explore Monticello (“little mountain”), his neoclassical Italian estate perched atop a hill. Nearby, as the shadows lengthen over the Blue Ridge Mountains, take famed Skyline Drive into Shenandoah National Park to be inspired by the vistas that shaped the imaginations of early American settlers. With luck, you might even spot black bears, white-tailed deer or a peregrine falcon.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6: SHENANDOAH - HARPERS FERRY - GETTYSBURG
A small town with a big story, Harpers Ferry was home to the federal arsenal captured briefly by abolitionist John Brown’s small army. Brown and his men were soon defeated by a contingent of Marines led by Robert E. Lee, but the incident gave the West Virginia town a permanent place on the map of American history. Explore the quaint village on your own and travel on to Gettysburg. Here you’ll immerse yourself in the narrative of the Civil War. Visit the incredible $135 million Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, home to the breathtaking Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama Painting.(Full Breakfast)
Day 7: GETTYSBURG - LANCASTER COUNTY - PHILADELPHIA
Cannons blazing, trumpets sounding, the blue and the gray … Join your expert guide at the site of one of the Civil War’s most pivotal battles. The events at Gettysburg—where General George Meade’s Army of the Potomac defeated Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia—turned the tide in the Civil War. Just four months after the historic struggle, the battlefield was also the backdrop for Abraham Lincoln’s calls for “a new birth of freedom” in his famed Gettysburg Address. A short drive takes you from war to the peace of Lancaster’s traditional Amish agricultural community. Spend some time among their verdant fields and clapboard farmhouses before arriving in Philadelphia, site of the signing of Declaration of Independence. You’ll stay in the heart of the city’s historic district, within walking distance of dozens of landmark buildings. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow American history enthusiasts for a festive Farewell Dinner.(Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 8: PHILADELPHIA - DEPART WASHINGTON, D.C.
Walk in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin in one of the foremost cities of American history. Begin with a visit to the National Constitution —an interactive museum tracing the history of the U.S. Constitution and the effects it has had around the world. Then explore Independence National Historic Park, home of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Return to Washington, D.C., where a complimentary transfer connects you to Dulles International and Ronald Reagan National Airports, or to the tour hotel in Washington, D.C., for guests extending their stay.(Full Breakfast)
