America's Historic East

Overview

Uncover the absorbing history of colonial America and the American Civil War on a tour of its eastern cities and landmarks.

UK - Washington DC

Fly to Washington DC where on arrival transfer to your hotel.

This evening join your travelling companions and Tour Director for a welcome drink.

Washington DC - Mount Vernon - Washington DC

Excursion to Mount Vernon. This morning’s sightseeing features many of Washington DC’s famous landmarks, including the Lincoln, Vietnam, and Korean Memorials and stop for photos at the White House and Capitol Hill. This afternoon, we visit Mount Vernon, the restored home of George Washington. Tour the house and gardens, and visit the gravesites. Try our optional dinner tonight at one of Washington’s favourite restaurants, followed by an illumination tour of the monuments.

Washington DC - Williamsburg

Today, visit Yorktown Historical Battlefield Park, where the British surrendered to Washington’s troops in 1781, bringing an end to the American Revolution. Continue to Williamsburg for a 2-night stay.

Williamsburg - Jamestown - Williamsburg

This morning, enjoy an exclusive performance from Sylvia Tabb-Lee, a professional historian. Visit the nearby Jamestown Settlement for a guided tour to learn about the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Then, enter Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, where costumed villagers add to the authenticity. Stroll down its quaint streets, browse through the historic trade shops, and see the Public Gaol. Also, be sure to stop at Raleigh Tavern, the meeting place for Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and other patriots. This evening, enjoy a Colonial-style dinner at a famous local tavern for the chance to engage in a recreated supper experience savoured by 18th-century patriots.

Williamsburg - Richmond - Staunton

First stop is 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, Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate with its beautiful gardens and imposing mansion designed by Jefferson himself. Spend the evening in Staunton, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Staunton - Shenandoah National Park

Today, journey to beautiful Shenandoah National Park, home to spectacular vistas, and a haven to wildlife. Enjoy photo stops and panoramic vistas from Skyline Drive. During your free time today, why not join in a ranger-led program, stroll one of the many hiking trails, or just sit back and enjoy the scenery?

Shenandoah National Park - Harpers Ferry - Gettysburg

Today, follow the same route as Lee’s army during its invasion of Pennsylvania. In West Virginia, visit Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, where John Brown and his “army of liberation” staged their fateful raid on a U.S. Arsenal. Continue across Maryland to Gettysburg National Military Park. Enjoy a tour of Gettysburg and hear your local guide vividly recount the Battle of 1863. Also, spend some time exploring the newly renovated museum and cyclorama. This evening, enjoy a Colonial-style candlelight dinner at the elegant Dobbin House Tavern, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. SPECIAL FEATURE: 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 Centre.

Gettysburg - Valley Forge - Philadelphia

This morning, enjoy an exclusive presentation by one of America’s heroes of the 19th century—Ulysses S. Grant. Then, travel through Lancaster County past Amish farmlands to Valley Forge National Historic Park. Take a tour of the national historic park, the camp where Washington and his troops endured the harsh winter of 1777–1778. See Washington’s headquarters, the Grand Parade, and the Washington Memorial Chapel. Continue to Philadelphia, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner on the historic Moshulu ship. Launched in 1904, she has had a long and exciting career on the seas and is now considered one of Philadelphia’s best restaurants.

Philadelphia

The 'City of Brotherly Love' is also the birthplace of American Independence. Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of America's fourth largest city, taking in landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the scenic atmosphere of Independence National Historic Park. Your tour ends later today.

UK

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

Home landing in the UK