Day 1: Arrive Washington
The political heart of America is your gateway to a memorable encounter with the Land of the Free and how it came to be so. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the museums, memorials and monuments of Washington, D.C. This evening, you'll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception to kick-start your journey.
Included Meals - Welcome Reception | Hotel:Yours Truly, DC
Day 2: Uncover The History Of Washington, D.C.
Roam the corridors of power, oak-lined avenues and noble tributes to America's famous sons and daughters, as you explore the nation's proud heritage today. View the White House, striking Washington Monument and National Mall, stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol building. Reflect on the country's darkest days at the Lincoln Memorial and somber memorials to World War II and the Vietnam War. The rest of the day is free to chart your own course through America's capital city.
Included Meals - Breakfast
Day 3: Marvel At Mount Vernon
Today’s travels begin treading in the footsteps of America's first president by visiting Mount Vernon, the former home of George Washington. Step back into the 18th century, strolling the estate’s lush gardens, grounds, and fascinating museum galleries. Delve into the history and Dive Into Culture at the American Revolution Museum at the Yorktown Victory Center surrounded by period artifacts and experiencing first-hand the dramatic "Siege of Yorktown" with a 180-degree surround screen and dramatic special effects. Your tour continues on to Williamsburg, founded in 1638 as Middle Plantation, and the former capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. This evening is the ultimate in Williamsburg sightseeing, enjoying a Regional Dinner sampling the best of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic district.
Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner | Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg
Day 4: Step Back In Time At Colonial Williamsburg
Paytribute to the brave men and women who gave up their homeland to establish a New World. We'll explore Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, to gain insights into the lives of early colonists. Fast forward a few centuries and spend the rest of the day in Colonial Williamsburg, once Britain's largest colony in the New World. Chat with blacksmiths, admire a fife and drum parade, and perhaps even engage in some politicking with a costumed Federalist in the town square. This afternoon, we 'Dive into Culture' and meet Sylvia Tabb-Lee who will bring America's slavery history to life.
Included Meals - Breakfast
Day 5: Explore Charlottesville And Monticello
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. Continue to Charlottesville where you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. For a more genteel window into Jefferson’s life, explore Monticello (translating to “little mountain”), his neoclassical Italian estate perched atop a hill. The rest of your day is free.
Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch | Hotel: Omni Charlottesville
Day 6: Unlock The Legacy Of Gettysburg
Journey through the rolling hills of the Shenandoah National Park en route to Gettysburg where we’ll delve into the devastation of a four-year civil war pitting North against South. We explore the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, where our visit MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® by contributing to their efforts to preserve the battlefield. This evening, indulge in a festive Regional Dinner at the "most haunted" 19th century Dobbin House, keeping an eye out for Uncle Abe who may grace the group with his presence.
Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner | Hotel: Wyndham Gettysburg
Day 7: Journey To Philadelphia
Cast your mind back to the pivotal, yet tragic day on which Pickett led his charge on Gettysburg. Join a Local Specialist who will bring to life the events at Gettysburg which turned the tide in the Civil War. Just four months later, the battlefield served as the backdrop for Abraham Lincoln's call for "a new birth of freedom" in his famed Gettysburg Address. We’ll journey to the City of Brotherly Love and site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next. Stay in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district, within walking distance of dozens of landmark buildings. This evening, we’ll join our Travel Director and fellow American history enthusiasts for a Farewell Dinner.
Included Meals - Breakfast, Farewell Dinner | Hotel: Hilton at Penn’s Landing
Day 8: Discover The Sights Of Philadelphia
Gain insights into the history of the U.S. Constitution and the effect it has had around the world during this morning's tour through Philadelphia. We'll explore the UNESCO-listed Independence National Historic Park and see its famous cracked bell whose inscription has inspired so many to "proclaim liberty". The final stop on our journey is Washington, D.C., where we'll transfer to either Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan National Airport or to the Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown for guests extending their stay.
Included Meals - Breakfast
