Day One: Washington DC (D)
Today we will arrive at the airport where our professional Tour Guide and deluxe motorcoach will meet us. We will check into our Washington, DC area accommodations for a three-night stay. After a welcome dinner, we will be treated to an illumination tour of the city. We will see many of the capital’s famous monuments highlighted with spotlights that accentuate their beauty.
Day Two: Washington DC (Cont. B, L)
A day of exploration awaits us in our nation’s capital! Washington, DC has a dizzying array of attractions, including museums, tours of federal buildings, shops and restaurants. Today as we tour Washington, DC, we will see the White house, the Capitol Building, the towering Washington Monument, the contemplative Lincoln Monument and the scenic Jefferson Memorial We will have an opportunity to pause at the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials as well as the newly dedicated World War II Memorial to honor those who fought for the cause of freedom. Next we will visit Old Alexandria with its tree-lined, cobblestone streets and architecture that span the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. This afternoon we will be treated to a special lunch at Gadsby’s Tavern. The atmosphere of early America is found in this 18th-century tavern; which was the setting for brilliant society balls in the 1700's, meetings of patriots, and receptions of several presidents of the United States. We will travel to the site of the Robert E. Lee estate to visit Arlington National Cemetery, which contains the graves of more than 250,000 U.S. soldiers. Arlington Cemetery has become synonymous with the honor and reverence of those who have served their country in the armed forces. Here you will visit the Maine Memorial, the Kennedy Gravesites and the Tomb of the Unknowns featuring the Changing of the Guard. Dinner is on our own this evening.
Day Three: Washington DC (Cont. B, D)
Today will be dedicated to the exploration of the Smithsonian, made up of a large variety of separate museums. Many of these museums are positioned on the National Mall. We may opt to visit one or a number of these museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, housing collections that span from the Wright Brothers flight to the modern space program; the National Museum of Natural History, home to a dinosaur hall and a butterfly exhibit. If you prefer art – there are a number of choices: the National Portrait Gallery, Freer Gallery of Art or perhaps the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. A visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will be on the agenda for the afternoon. This somber and moving museum tells the story of the Holocaust through artifacts, films, photos and oral histories. It will certainly be a visit you will not forget. If the museum collection doesn’t appeal to you it’s a wonderful time to pursue your favorite interests. Take advantage of the excursions on the Old Town Trolley Tours as it loops around the city with pick up and drop off times throughout the day. This evening we will enjoy a wonderful dinner.
Day Four:
Today we depart Washington DC for one of these destinations: Williamsburg, VA or Philadelphia, PA or Gettysburg, PA
WILLIAMSBURG, VA
Day Four: (Cont. B, L)
We will begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel and then on to Charlottesville, VA home of the University of Virginia. We will visit Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson, the country’s third President. Thomas Jefferson was not only President, he was also an architect, a botanist and a philosopher! His many interests and talents contribute to the fabulous architecture and lush grounds found here at his home. While touring Monticello, we will learn more about each fascinating aspect of the life of one of this country’s most revered founding fathers. After our visit to Monticello, we will enjoy an included lunch at the historic Michie Tavern. Michie Tavern has been welcoming travelers for more than 200 years – today they will welcome us. We will dine on homemade southern fare and enjoy socializing with our fellow travelers, just as we would have two centuries ago. We may make a stop at the Michie Tavern General Store before departing. Here we can find souvenirs and a wide variety of gifts and merchandise. Then we will visit James Madison’s home – Montpelier and see how this extraordinary thinker and founding father lived as he became our 4th President. We will then head Williamsburg for a 3 night stay at one of the Colonial Williamsburg hotels. Dinner is on our own.
Day Five: (Cont. B, D)
We will spend the day exploring Colonial Williamsburg. For much of the 18th century, Williamsburg served as the political and cultural center of the American British Colonies. There is no better place than Williamsburg to connect with the historical roots of this country! En route, we will travel along the James River. Extensive timberlands, tidal waters and thousands of acres of richly cultivated farmland are preserved here. This area is home to many stately country manors, or plantations, which stand to this day. We will travel along the river and catch glimpses of several of these homes. We will want to put on some comfortable walking shoes as we won’t want to miss anything. Not to fear – if we get tired there is a bus route which encircles the park, so we can catch a ride! Colonial Williamsburg is a historic district restored to much as it was during the height of its influence. We will be amazed how completely we are transported back to the years prior to America’s independence. We will begin with an orientation. This will give us an overview of all the fantastic opportunities in store for us today. Grab a map and a visitor’s companion list of events and we are off! A visit to Governor’s Mansion is a must. It played host to the royal governor during the colonial era. It is one of the finest examples of period homes of its kind. We will have to ask if there are any ghost stories associated with this historic home. On our own for the remainder of the day, we will explore the town. We can visit the milliner, the apothecary and the blacksmith and watch them work their trades. We never know who we will meet strolling the streets of this influential town, we may come face to face with Martha Washington, Patrick Henry or Thomas Jefferson. What would you ask? Give it some thought because you never know! We can learn a lot in this town about our country’s history. Later we will return to our hotel and modern life to freshen up for dinner. For Dinner this evening we will enjoy 18th century fare in one of the taverns here in Colonial Williamsburg.
Day Six: (Cont. B, D)
Following breakfast, we will visit the first English permanent settlement in America – Jamestown. Here we will experience the Jamestown story of survival and encounters with the native peoples at Historic Jamestowne. Following this we will visit Yorktown, where the revolutionary war officially ended, where General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington. We will tour the Yorktown battlefield and visitors center getting a very clear picture of the battle and surrender. These two "villages" just a few mile apart are critical to understanding the settling of America and preservation of our nation. A Farewell Dinner is included this evening.
Day Seven: (Cont. B)
This morning we head to the airport for our return flight home, taking with us many fond memories of our Nation's capital and the many, many stories of our efforts to save our liberties, preserve our democracy and celebrate Freedom's Calling!
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Day Four: (Cont. B)
Then we will leave Washington and head to Gettysburg where we will spend the next three nights. Along the way we will visit Annapolis the capital of Maryland. Historic Annapolis is centered around the intersecting circles of Capital Circle and Church Circle. It is famous for its busy and beautiful harbor where visiting yachts from around the world will moor while they visit the downtown area. We will take time for a tour of the Naval Academy. Here cadets are in officer's training for the Navy and Marines. The tour is conducted by the Navy staff and it is a unique behind the scenes look at college life in our military academy. Before we leave Annapolis we will also see the other college campus - St. John's College our third oldest college in the US after Harvard and William & Mary. It is a program founded on the "great books," where students are encouraged to inquire into the meaning of the original writings of the great thinkers of western civilization. We will then head to Philadelphia for our next 3 night. Dinner is on our own this evening.
Day Five: (Cont. B, D, E)
The Historic District in Philadelphia - America's Birthplace - is where the American Dream was founded. It's where courageous visionaries crafted the model for modern-day democracy that inspires people globally to embrace the power of their individuality and our human potential. In recognition of these world-changing events, Philadelphia recently became the first American city to receive designation as a World Heritage site. The birthplace of the nation is rich in history - but there's more to it than that. While Historic Philadelphia, an area that spans from the Delaware River to 7th Street and from Vine to Lombard Streets, boasts serious historical cred, it's also home to buzzed-about restaurants, laid-back beer gardens, owner-operated shops and pushing-the-boundaries art galleries.
Today we will have a guided walking tour of Historic Philadelphia including: Independence Hall - a UNESCO World Heritage Site that changed the world when the fathers of our nation used the location to debate and adopt both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution; The Liberty Bell - a symbol of freedom that predates our nation's birth. Despite being audibly silenced, the Liberty Bell rings out as an inspiring symbol of freedom all around the world, Carpenters Hall, site of Benjamin Franklin’s house. All of this is just outside our hotel in a small, very historic 5 block area of downtown. You will easily imagine how our founding fathers walked between these critical locations during those years of winning our Independence and then writing our Constitution. This evening we will have our a unique and entertaining experience called Independence After Hours, in which we will have an 18th century inspired dinner at historic City Tavern. Then we "sneak" into Independence Hall after an 18th century inspired dinner and eavesdrop on Jefferson, Adams, and Benjamin Franklin discussing the Declaration of Independence.
Day Six: (Cont. B, D)
This morning, we will visit Valley Forge. It was in the very cold winter of 1777, when George Washington set up his headquarters in Valley Forge and encamped his continental army of over 10,000 soldiers for 6 months in small log huts with 12 soldiers per hut. His own headquarters could be described as the "pentagon" of his time in just a small two story stone building. Today we will complete our tour of Philadelphia with visits to the incredible Museum of the American Revolution, which explores the dynamic story of the American Revolution using its rich collection of Revolutionary-era artifacts, personal items, letters, diaries and works of art; the tiny Betsy Ross House and the new National Constitution Center, an interactive museum dedicated to the document on which our nation was founded, and the impact different interpretations of the document have had on the nation and world since it was adopted in 1789.
We will enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening.
Day Seven: (Cont. B)
This morning we head to the airport for our return flight home, taking with us many fond memories of our Nation's capital and the many, many stories of our efforts to save our liberties, preserve our democracy and celebrate Freedom's Calling!
GETTYSBURG, PA
Day Four: (Cont. B, D)
Then we will leave Washington and head to Gettysburg where we will spend the next three nights. Along the way we will visit Annapolis the capital of Maryland. Historic Annapolis is centered around the intersecting circles of Capital Circle and Church Circle. It is famous for its busy and beautiful harbor where visiting yachts from around the world will moor while they visit the downtown area. We will take time for a tour of the Naval Academy. Here cadets are in officer's training for the Navy and Marines. The tour is conducted by the Navy staff and it is a unique behind the scenes look at college life in our military academy. Before we leave Annapolis we will also see the other college campus - St. John's College our third oldest college in the US after Harvard and William & Mary. It is a program founded on the "great books," where students are encouraged to inquire into the meaning of the original writings of the great thinkers of western civilization. Dinner is included in Gettysburg after we check into our hotel for 3 nights.
Day Five: (Cont. B, L)
This morning we will begin our exploration of historic Gettysburg, site of the famous Civil War battle. We will visit the Gettysburg Visitors Center and the incredible Cyclorama depicting the battle of Gettysburg in the round. We will have a Battlefield tour by motorcoach and relive the battle overlooking both northern and southern strongholds as the field on which they met. The Confederacy was hoping for a large victory on Northern soil, but what they got instead was a brutal defeat that wounded over 30,000 and cost the lives of nearly 7,000 soldiers from both sides. We will see such battle landmarks as Cemetery and Seminary Ridges, Little Round Top and Big Round Top. We will have time to stroll through the National Cemetery of Gettysburg that was established to commemorate the many who gave their lives in the battle. It was here that Lincoln gave his famous “Gettysburg Address” at the dedication of the cemetery. Lunch is included at the historic 1776 Dobbin House Tavern, an historic tavern that was once the home of Alexander Dobbin.
Day Six: (Cont. B, D)
Today we will visit Eisenhower National Historic Site the home and farm of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Located adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield, the farm served the President as a weekend retreat and a meeting place for world leaders. With its peaceful setting and view of South Mountain, it was a much needed respite from Washington and a backdrop for efforts to reduce Cold War tensions. We will also visit the campus of Gettysburg College, which houses the Eisenhower Institute. Grounded in President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s legacy of leadership, The Eisenhower Institute promotes nonpartisan discourse and critical analysis of issues of long-term importance through competitive fellowships, access to renowned experts, and symposia. The Institute prepares undergraduates to assume their responsibility as global citizens in public, private, and nonprofit sectors—students learn how to lead with integrity, build capital to garner influence, and translate knowledge into action. Dinner is included this evening
Day Seven: (Cont. B)
This morning we head to the airport for our return flight home, taking with us many fond memories of our Nation's capital and the many, many stories of our efforts to save our liberties, preserve our democracy and celebrate Freedom's Calling!
TOUR INCLUDES:
NOT INCLUDED: