Day 1
Washington, D.C.
Arrive into Washington, D.C. and make your way independently to your hotel. The rest of the day can be spent at leisure, exploring the city and getting settled in. At 6pm you will gather at the hotel with the rest of your group for a welcome reception to meet with your tour guide.
Overnight: Washington Marriott Georgetown or similar. Welcome reception dinner included
Day 2
Washington, D.C.
Today gives you chance to immerse yourself in the history and culture of this great city with a trip to view the White House, the Washington Monument and the National Mall which stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building. Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture - the only national musueum devoted to African American life. Take a trip to the World War II memorial then enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore at leisure.
Overnight: Washington Marriott Georgetown or similar. Breakfast included
Day 3
Washington, D.C. – Mount Vernon – Yorktown – Williamsburg
Travel to the home of the nation’s first president, George Washington, on the banks of the Potomac River in Mount Vernon then visit the American Revolution Museum at the Yorktown Victory Centre and watch Revolutionary War history come to life with dramatic special effects. Learn more about America’s past upon arrival into Williamsburg then in the evening, head to a local tavern for a meal with your group.
Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg or similar. Breakfast and lunch included
Day 4
Jamestown – Colonial Williamsburg
Jamestown was established by Captain John Smith, back before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, and it was the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll learn what life was like for early colonists here in 1607, with the chance to walk through life-size recreations of the forts and villages if this time. Moving forward to the 18th century to spend the rest of the day in Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll be able to chat with blacksmiths and watch a drum and fife parade. In the afternoon there will be a fascinating cultural presentation by Sylvia Tabb-Lee.
Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg or similar. Breakfast included
Day 5
Williamsburg – Monticello – Charlottesville
This morning, visit St. John’s church where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson where inspired by Patrick Henry’s ‘give me liberty or give me death’ speech. Afterwards, explore Monticello (which translates as ‘little mountain’) which was Jefferson’s neoclassical Italian estate set atop a hill. Continue on to Charlottesville where you have the opportunity to explore the city at leisure.
Overnight: Omni Charlottesville or similar. Breakfast and lunch included
Day 6
Charlottesville – Shenandoah National Park – Gettysburg
Depart from Charlottesville and travel through Shenandoah National Park en-route to Gettysburg where you can immerse yourself in the history of the U.S. Civil War. Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Centre, home to the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. Enjoy a regional meal at the "most haunted" 19th century Dobbins House.
Overnight: Wyndham Gettysburg or similar. Breakfast and dinner included
Day 7
Gettysburg – Lancaster County – Philadelphia
Join a local specialist this morning at the site of one of the Civil War’s most pivotal battles to learn more about one of the most significant moments in US history. Take a short drive to the peaceful ambiance of Lancaster’s traditional Amish agricultural community, before arriving in Philadelphia to witness the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a farewell dinner with your tour guide and fellow history enthusiasts.
Overnight: Philadelphia Marriott Old City or similar. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 8
Philadelphia – Washington, D.C.
Take a walk in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin in one of the most historic cities in America with a visit to the National Constitution Centre and Independence National Historic Park, home of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Then return to Washington, D.C. for your transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Last day transfer will arrive at the airport at 3pm, please be aware when booking your flights that the departure flight should be no earlier than 6pm
Breakfast included
