Itinerary Details
America's Historic East
Day 1: ARRIVE IN WASHINGTON DCWelcome to Washington DC! At 6 pm, meet with your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2: WASHINGTON DC Monuments & Moving Memorials Explore historic landmarks on a Washington, DC sightseeing tour with a Local Guide, including the Lincoln Memorial, Library of Congress, Kennedy Center, historic Georgetown, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial plus the Vietnam and Korean War Veterans Memorials, with stops for photos at the White House and at Capitol Hill. Enjoy leisure time this afternoon to explore on your own. Consider the Smithsonian Museums, C & O Canal in Georgetown, International Spy Museum, or a walk along Embassy Row. Try our optional dinner tonight at one of Washington’s favorite restaurants, followed by an illumination tour of the monuments at night. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Georgetown’s 18th and 19th century grand mansions have been home to politicians, celebrities, and famous Washingtonians in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the district and continue to attract the DC elite. The cobblestone roads, waterfront views, upscale bars, trendy boutiques, and diverse culinary scene draw locals and tourists to the charming, historic area.
ENHANCED FREE TIME
ART & ARCHITECTURE The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum complex, featuring 11 of the 21 galleries along the National Mall. Explore the National Museum of the American Indian’s expansive collection and indigenous landscaping; the Smithsonian National Museum of American History—rich in artifacts highlighting historic American culture, including Dorothy’s ruby slippers from Wizard of Oz, Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves, and a special exhibit honoring the nation’s flag, the Star-Spangled Banner; the National Museum of African American History and Culture for significant exhibits illustrating African American culture and history, including the Revolutionary War and Civil Rights Movement.
Day 3: WASHINGTON DC–MOUNT VERNON, VIRGINIA–YORKTOWN–WILLIAMSBURG U.S. History & Heroes Visit Mount Vernon, the restored home of George Washington en route to Williamsburg. Tour the house and gardens, including the formal garden designed for Washington’s guests. Explore the museums and Washington’s Tomb, the final resting place for George and Martha Washington. Continue south to Yorktown, known for its role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War and visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Then journey on the Colonial Parkway to Williamsburg for a 2-night stay at the [LF] Williamsburg Lodge and dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
A LEGEND SLEPT HERE The Virginia mansion estate of America’s first president, Mount Vernon is one of the most iconic 18th-century homes in America. The patriot and president renovated the home, and it grew to 10 times the size of the average home in colonial Virginia. George Washington began running Mount Vernon in 1752 and slowly enlarged the dwelling to create the current 21-room residence. Washington oversaw each renovation, advising on design, construction, and decoration; the changes reflect his growing status as a Virginia gentleman and ultimately as the leader of a new nation.
LOCAL FAVORITE
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT A historic property built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood in 1939, the Williamsburg Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore Colonial Williamsburg. A colonial-themed property with modern amenities, the luxurious Williamsburg Lodge is steps away from historic taverns, museums, shops, and 18th-century living history demonstrations.
Day 4: WILLIAMSBURG. EXCURSION TO JAMESTOWN This morning, enjoy an exclusive [LF] performance from Sylvia Tabb-Lee, a professional historian. Visit the Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia history and culture, for a guided tour of the first English Colony in America. Jamestown became the center of political events in Virginia leading to the American Revolution. Return to Colonial Williamsburg for free time to explore on your own as the remainder of the day is at leisure. History lovers are drawn to restored Colonial Williamsburg, part of the Historic Triangle with Jamestown and Yorktown – where America was born. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORIC MOMENTS Join renowned historian actor Sylvia Tabb-Lee for a fascinating and moving performance in Williamsburg that illuminates and inspires insight into the experience of slaves in American history. In keeping with her philosophy of “Each One, Teach One; Each One, Reach One,” Tabb-Lee is a wealth of information and inspiration in sharing the trials and triumphs of African American history.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
AMERICA’S BIRTHPLACE When the Virginia Company settlers landed at Jamestown to establish an English colony 60 miles from the Chesapeake Bay in 1607, they faced enormous challenges and hardships in a dramatic experience of disease and famine. Hear the dramatic details of this insurmountable venture with a tour led by an expert guide, including the legend of Captain John Smith, the dark, starving winter of 1609, and the story of Pocahontas – all part of the thrilling story of America’s birthplace.
Day 5: WILLIAMSBURG–RICHMOND–MONTICELLO–STAUNTONHistoric Figures Depart Williamsburg for Richmond, Virginia’s capital and once the capital of the Confederacy. Visit St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry proclaimed, “Give me liberty or give me death!” Next, visit Thomas Jefferson’s estate at Monticello, the Palladian style structure designed by President Jefferson and displayed on the back of the U.S. nickel currency. Spend the evening in Staunton, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Visit the home of America’s third president, founder of University of Virginia, former Governor of Virginia, and principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, at his grand estate at Monticello. Stroll the beautiful gardens and explore the majestic mansion designed by Jefferson over a 40-year period. Learn about the history of this plantation and his role 250 years ago in the American Revolution with a Local Guide.
Day 6: STAUNTON–SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK Complex Views Visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, located at the 28th president’s birthplace. Gain a better understanding of the life and times of President Woodrow Wilson, his impact on the world, and his relevance today and for the future. Then, journey to beautiful Shenandoah National Park. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Travel to the spectacular expansive vistas of Shenandoah National Park along the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Enjoy photo stops and panoramic vistas from Skyline Drive en route to the historic Skyland Resort, established in the late 1800’s.
Day 7: SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK–GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA Hallowed Grounds Discover the blooming wildflowers and songbirds calls on a gentle guided walk this morning in Shenandoah National Park. Journey on Skyline Drive for panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and woodland animals. Continue across West Virginia and Maryland into Pennsylvania to Gettysburg. Before visiting the battlefield, gain insight through the interactive exhibits in the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War and view the iconic Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum. Follow the decisive events of the war including Lincoln’s enduring address with the film, “A New Birth of Freedom.” Continue to the battlefield with your Local Guide as they vividly recount the American Civil War Battle of 1863. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight in downtown Gettysburg. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Stay overnight at the historic Hotel Gettysburg, established in 1797. President Lincoln honed the immortal words of his Gettysburg Address just steps away from the hotel, and nearly a century later, the hotel served as President Dwight Eisenhower’s National Operations Center.
Day 8: GETTYSBURG–LANCASTER–VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK–PHILADELPHIAPennsylvania Past & Present Visit a family-owned country market, specializing in local dairy products, fresh vegetables, and delightful sweets in rural Pennsylvania. Travel through Lancaster County past Amish farmland to Valley Forge National Historic Park and continue to Philadelphia, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner on the historic Moshulu ship. Launched in 1904, she had a long and exciting career on the seas and is now considered one of Philadelphia’s best restaurants. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Visit Valley Forge National Historic Park to see the camp where Washington and his troops endured the harsh winter of 1777–1778 during the American Revolutionary War. See the Memorial Arch, the Grand Parade, and the Washington Memorial Chapel.
Day 9: PHILADELPHIALovers of Liberty Sightseeing this morning features the “City of Brotherly Love” and the living history highlights of Philadelphia, including the Liberty Bell. Your vacation ends with a motorcoach drop at the Philadelphia International Airport or Washington DC tour hotel for those with post-nights. Schedule departing flights from Philadelphia International Airport after 1:30 pm. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SITES The Liberty Bell bears a timeless message: "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof" where it rang out from Independence Hall to summon lawmakers to work and the citizenry to gather for news. Benjamin Franklin noted while writing a letter, "Adieu, the bell rings, and I must go among the grave ones and talk ‘politicks.’" Go beyond the iconic crack to learn how this State House bell was transformed into an extraordinary symbol of civil rights and still resounds with a message of freedom and hope.
