Day 1: Home - New York City, USA

Explore America’s heritage, history and scenic horizons on this in-depth tour of the eastern United States

Day 2: New York City

Meet your fellow travellers for a welcome breakfast at the famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Then, a local guide leads you on a fascinating tour of the “Big Apple.” You’ll see Greenwich Village, the Wall Street district, Little Italy, Chinatown, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and other time-honoured landmarks. Visit St. Paul’s Chapel in Lower Manhattan, a place where George Washington once worshipped, and where recovery workers came for rest and care during their time at the World Trade Center site. This afternoon, discover “the city that never sleeps” at your own pace. (B)

Day 3: New York City - Philadelphia - Gettysburg

This morning the choice is yours! Choose from a menu of New York’s diners for breakfast. Travel to Philadelphia and embark on a tour of “the Birthplace of a New Nation” which highlights the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Independence Hall is rich in heritage as the location of both the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution. Continue on to the Amish Country of Lancaster, the second largest Amish community in America. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a historic Gettysburg tavern. (B, D)

Day 4: Gettysburg

Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park and Museum. Begin your tour with the film “A New Birth of Freedom.” Then, lose yourself in Paul Philippoteaux’s Cyclorama from 1884, a breath-taking 360° cylindrical painting depicting Pickett’s Charge. Explore the Museum of the American Civil War and its galleries. Step onto the battlefield with a guided tour of the site illuminating those three historic days in 1863 and the decisive battle that changed the course of American history forever. This afternoon it’s your choice! Visit President Eisenhower’s home and farm; this site served as the President’s weekend retreat and a meeting place for world leaders during the Cold War-era tensions -OR- embark on a guided walking tour of historic downtown Gettysburg with a local expert dressed in period clothing. Tonight, enjoy a home-cooked family-style meal in a historic barn (dating back to 1764) and experience life on a third generation family-owned farm. (B, D)

Day 5: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia - Shenandoah Valley, VA - Charlottesville

Stop in West Virginia to visit the quaint, historic community of Harpers Ferry, where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet. Then, we pass through Shenandoah National Park via Skyline Drive. Travel along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the scenic wilderness extends in all directions. This evening, enjoy dinner on your own in downtown Charlottesville. (B)

Day 6: Charlottesville - Williamsburg

Visit Monticello, the beautiful home and gardens of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was not only the third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence, but he was also an accomplished inventor and true ‘Renaissance man’. This afternoon, arrive in the historic town of Williamsburg. Tonight, begin your journey into Revolutionary-age America by dining in a Colonial Williamsburg tavern specialising in colonial fare. (B, D)

Day 7: Colonial Williamsburg - Yorktown - Williamsburg

Step back in time. The short film, “Story of a Patriot,” is your introduction to Colonial Williamsburg where costumed re-enactors populate the streets and buildings, bringing 1770 to life. Tour the Governor’s Palace and Gardens; then feel free to wander the cobblestone streets and explore some of the 88 historic buildings. This afternoon we visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Experience another poignant
turning point in American history as you immerse yourself in the world of Revolutionary America and learn how American independence was
won at the Yorktown Battlefield. Tour the museum’s vibrant galleries and interactive exhibits in a state-of-theart setting. Explore the expanded
outdoor living history museum with a re-created Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm. (B)

Day 8: Williamsburg - Washington, D.C.

Depart for Arlington National Cemetery to view the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy gravesites. Then, travel to Washington, D.C.  Explore the worldfamous Smithsonian Institution’s countless treasures where it’s your choice! Visit the National Air and Space Museum -OR- the National Museum of American History. Among the National Air and Space Museum’s collection are the Wright 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 command module. The National Museum of American History features the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the national anthem; the First Ladies Hall containing many ball gowns worn by America’s First Ladies, and more. The evening is free to explore on your own. (B)

Day 9: Washington, D.C.

Take a guided tour of America’s capital featuring wonderful views of the Capitol building, the White House, monuments and museums. Our first stop is the White House Visitor Centre where you retrace the story of the historic residence. Continue with a stop at the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Finally, make a photo stop at the U.S. Capitol building. This afternoon, visit Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George Washington. Wander the lush plantation grounds and tour the home filled with 18th-century artefacts. Toast the end of a wonderful trip this evening at a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 10: Washington, D.C. - Tour Ends

Bid farewell to Washington, D.C. this morning. (B)

Collette brochure price from £2399

Travel 55 discount price from £2232

Telephone Collette Holidays on 0800 804 8700 and quote Travel 55 code NYC2

What's Included In Your Tour

Culinary Experience

• MEALS: 13 meals (9 Breakfasts & 4 Dinners)
• Enjoy breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner featuring singing staff.
• Journey back in time at dinner in a tavern specialising in colonial fare.
• Relish dinner in a beautifully restored barn at a family-owned farm

Accommodation

• Days 1, 2 Sheraton New York Times Square, New York, NY
• Days 3, 4 Wyndham Hotel, Gettysburg, PA
• Day 5 Omni Charlottesville Hotel, Charlottesville, VA
• Days 6, 7 Woodlands Hotel, Williamsburg, VA
• Days 8, 9 Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.