Overview
On this East Coast tour, discover some of the historic national treasures prominent in America’s history. Step back in time in Jamestown settlement, the first permanent English settlement in the new world, and Colonial Williamsburg, where costumed villagers reenact life in 18th -century Virginia. See the meeting place for Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and other patriots, and enjoy a Colonial-style dinner at a local tavern, where you’ll experience a re-created supper experience savoured by 18th-century patriots. Visit Richmond’s St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry proclaimed, “Give me liberty or give me death.” Tour Jefferson's beautiful and imposing estate, Monticello, and visit George Washington’s restored home, Mount Vernon.
Visit the sites of many famous battles, including Yorktown Historical Battlefield Park, where the British surrendered to Washington’s troops in 1781. Tour Gettysburg National Military Park, where you’ll hear about the Battle of 1863. Continue exploration at Valley Forge National Historic Site to see where Washington and his troops endured the harsh winter of 1777-1778. Also visit Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, where abolitionist John Brown and his “army of liberation” staged their fateful raid on a U.S. arsenal. This East Coast tour will also visit Washington DC and Philadelphia—with sightseeing tours highlighting the famous landmarks in each city.
Throughout this East Coast tour, Globus has also included many special experiences. For example, learn about Shenandoah National Park’s history and lore from a local storyteller and hear an exclusive presentation by Ulysses S. Grant at Gettysburg.
You’ve heard about the famous battles in American history—now’s your chance to see where some of them took place. You’ve heard about many of the historical landmarks in America’s oldest cities—now's your chance to visit them. It's a holiday of a lifetime!
UK - Washington DC
Day
1
Fly to Washington DC where on arrival you will transfer to your hotel.
Welcome to Washington DC! At 6 pm, meet with your travelling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
Washington DC. Excursion to Mount Vernon
Day
2
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 – Yorktown – Williamsburg
Day
3
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. Excursion to Jamestown Settlement
Day
4
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 - Monticello - Staunton
Day
5
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
Day
6
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 stroll one of the many hiking trails or just sit back and enjoy the scenery?
Shenandoah National Park – Harpers Ferry – Gettysburg
Day
7
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. 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: 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.
Gettysburg - Valley Forge National Historic Park – Philadelphia
Day
8
This morning, enjoy an exclusive PRESENTATION by one of America’s heroes of the 19th century—Ulysses S. Grant. Then, a tour of Gettysburg and hear your Local Guide vividly recount the Battle of 1863. Next, travel through Lancaster County past Amish farmlands to VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK for a tour to see 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 - UK
Day
9
Morning sightseeing focuses on the important buildings of this historic city, the “Birthplace of the Nation.” Major attractions at INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK include the LIBERTY BELL and INDEPENDENCE HALL. Continue to the Philadelphia Airport for guests with homebound flights. For passengers who would like to return to Washington DC, the coach transfers to the Capital Hilton at no additional cost. You can extend your holiday with extra nights and explore Washington further.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Home landing in the UK
Day
10
Things to note
Enjoy spectacular fall colours on our special Fall Foliage departures: September 20 – October 11 (if Mother Nature permits).