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.

Washington Marriott Georgetown, Washington D.C.

Welcome reception

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 sombre memorials to World War II and the Vietnam War. Visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture, the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture and houses over 36,000 fascinating artefacts. The rest of the day is free to explore America’s capital city.

Washington Marriott Georgetown, Washington D.C.

Breakfast

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, followed by a private lunch. Delve into the history at the American Revolution Museum at the Yorktown Victory Center surrounded by period artefacts 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.

Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg

Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, we venture to Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, where we’ll gain insights into the trials that marked the lives of early 17th Century 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. Meet Sylvia Tabb-Lee who will bring America’s slavery history into the light with storytelling, visual presentations, and song and dance.

Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg

Breakfast

Visit St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia—the very spot where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were inspired by Patrick Henry’s fiery “Give me liberty or give me death” speech. Continue to Charlottesville, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, visit Monticello, the neoclassical Italian estate where Jefferson once sought a quieter existence. The rest of your day is free.

The Draftsman Hotel Charlottesville

Breakfast, Lunch

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, our visit 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 a Union Soldier who may visit with tales of the American Civil War.

Wyndham Gettysburg

Breakfast, Dinner

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. Guests will enjoy a Be My Guest lunch experience at the Amish home of Samuel and Ruth Lapp, who own a working 25 acre produce farm just outside of Lancaster. The Lapp Family will introduce our guests to a few Amish Traditions and host them to a family style meal with recipes passed through generations and ingredients sourced directly from their farm. 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.

Philadelphia Marriott Old City

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 continue to Dulles and Ronald Reagan Airports and to the Washington Marriott Georgetown hotel for those extending their stay.

Breakfast