Step back in time as we explore the fascinating history of the United States in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and D.C. We will visit prominent battlefields and museums while discovering places rich in American history like Gettysburg National Park, Antietam National Battlefield, and Arlington National Cemetery. From Valley Forge to the United States Naval Academy, this tour will take you to many of the places you have only read about in books.
DAY 1—WELCOME TO PHILADELPHIA!
Arrive today in the “City of Brotherly Love”. At our evening welcome dinner, you’ll get to know new friends and Tour Director! D
DAY 2—HISTORIC MILE/VALLEY FORGE
We start our day transported back in time to America’s most historic square mile where a period attired guide will lead us past the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and more. Then, visit the Betsy Ross House and learn about the extraordinary life of this 18th century woman. After lunch, we head to Valley Forge where our knowledgeable step on guide will take us to the key places in the encampment site of the Continental Army. Our dinner tonight will be at the Historic Dobbin House in Gettysburg, where Abraham Lincoln will be joining us! B, L, D
DAY 3—GETTYSBURG CIVIL WAR MUSEUM/ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK
This morning, follow the route of Lee’s Army to Gettysburg and enjoy an informative introduction to the park at the Visitor’s Center. We will see the Gettysburg Civil War Museum and Cyclorama which depicts Picket’s Charge. We’ll also enjoy the 22-minute film, A New Birth of Freedom narrated by Morgan Freeman, which will give you a dramatic look at the Battle of Gettysburg. After lunch, we head to Antietam National Battlefield Park where the bloodiest one-day battle in American History took place. We cap off today at the Pry House Field Hospital Museum which served as the headquarters and hospital during the historical battle of Antietam. B, L
DAY 4—NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM/WATERGATE HOTEL
Our first stop today is the Steven F Udvar Hazy Center, also called the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Here we’ll see thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery! Our next stop takes us to Arlington National Cemetery where the rolling hills mark the final resting place for more than 14,000 veterans, including those who fought in the Civil War. Then we’re off to the charming Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. to check into the 5-star Watergate Hotel for our two-night stay. We will learn about the history of the hotel and the infamous “Scandal Room” during our exciting stay. B, D
DAY 5—U.S. CAPITOL BUILDING/NATIONAL ARCHIVES
We start our day with a tour of the United States Capitol, the meeting place for our nation’s legislature. Next, we head to the National Archives to get a firsthand look at the Declaration of Independence and other key historical documents. Tonight we board our motorcoach for a tour of the monuments at night to see the evening sparkle of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Memorial. Your Tour Director will provide historical context for each stop while you gaze at our nation’s most beautiful monuments in a way many people never get to see them. B, D
DAY 6—ANNAPOLIS/U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY
Today we’ll head out of Washington D.C. towards the beautiful seaside town of Annapolis. This former Capital of the United States will charm us with its enchanting streets and beautiful waterfront. Our period attired guide will share four centuries of history with us as we tour the Maryland State House and the U.S. Naval Academy. After lunch, step aboard the Harbor Queen for a narrated cruise of Annapolis Harbor and catch a glimpse of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. B, L
DAY 7—NEMOURS ESTATE/HOME
After breakfast, head to Nemours Estate, a beautiful 77-room, 200-acre country estate with stunning formal gardens patterned after the gardens of Versailles. We then head back to Philadelphia and say goodbye to the friends we have made before traveling home. B
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: Delta Hotel Airport, Philadelphia, PA
Night 2: 1863 Inn of Gettysburg, Gettysburg, PA
Night 3: Hilton Garden Inn, Fredrick, MD
Nights 4-5: The Watergate Hotel, Washington D.C.
Night 6: Hyatt Place Riverfront, Wilmington, DE
Dates:
Sep 7-13, 2024
Price Per Person:
Double $2,597
Single $3,345
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$158/night
Depart/Return:
Philadelphia, PA
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner is at our hotel starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Philadelphia Airport any time after 2:15 p.m. on day 7.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Philadelphia Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.
Walking Distance
Moderate to extensive walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Travelers must be able to walk up to a mile. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
September- high of 81° low of 56°
Time Zone
Eastern
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron, and ironing boards and a coffee maker. The 1863 Inn of Gettysburg has an outdoor swimming pool and the Watergate Hotel offers an indoor swimming pool.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan
