Follow the epic story of American democracy. A heritage tour of America will give you a glimpse into the beginnings of a new nation as you tour America’s iconic cities. Join a local guide on a tour of New York City featuring the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village and other time-honored landmarks.
Visit the presidential estates of Washington’s Mount Vernon and Jefferson’s Monticello. Walk the hallowed battlefield at Gettysburg. Tour some of Colonial Williamsburg’s 88 restored historic buildings. Travel along the famous Skyline drive and see amazing views of the Shenandoah Valley. Explore the countless treasures of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn what it’s like to Tour America’s most iconic cities here.
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Download NowDay 1 – New York City – Tour Begins
Explore America’s heritage, history and scenic horizons as you travel the USA’s most historically significant east coast cities.
Day 2 – New York City
Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome breakfast at the famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Then, a local guide leads you on a fascinating tour of the “Big Apple.” You’ll see Greenwich Village, the Wall Street district, Little Italy, Chinatown, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and other time-honored landmarks. Visit St. Paul’s Chapel in Lower Manhattan, a place where George Washington once worshipped, and where recovery workers came for rest and care during their time at the World Trade Center site. This afternoon, discover “the city that never sleeps” at your own pace.
Day 3 – Philadelphia
This morning the choice is yours! Choose from a menu of New York’s diners for breakfast. Next up on this USA tour is Philadelphia.
Embark on a tour of Philadelphia, “the Birthplace of a New Nation,” which highlights the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Independence Hall is rich in heritage as the location of both the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution. Continue on to Gettysburg, site of the Union victory that marked a turning point in the Civil War. En route, travel through the Amish Country of Lancaster, the second-largest Amish community in America, and view the community farmlands. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a historic Gettysburg tavern.
Day 4 – Gettysburg
Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park and Museum. Begin your tour by experiencing the film “A New Birth of Freedom.” View the breathtaking Cyclorama, a 360-degree cylindrical painting by the French artist Paul Philippoteaux, depicting the climactic battle of Pickett’s Charge. Continue on to discover the Museum of the American Civil War and explore its galleries. Step onto the battlefield with a guided tour of the site illuminating those three historic days in 1863 and the decisive battle that changed the course of American history forever. This afternoon the choice is yours. You may choose to visit President Eisenhower’s home (a National Historic Site) where you will tour his farm, or perhaps you would prefer to embark on a guided walking tour of historic downtown Gettysburg with a local guide dressed in period clothing who will bring to life the true stories of the town’s civilians who were caught up in the battle. Tonight, enjoy a home-cooked family-style meal in a historic barn (dating back to 1764) and experience life on a third generation family-owned farm.
Day 5 – Shenandoah Valley
Today we make our way to Virginia. Along the way, travel the USA’s Blue Ridge Mountains through Shenandoah National Park via the famous Skyline Drive, where scenic expanses of Shenandoah Valley wilderness extend in all directions. Pause at a local vineyard set in the picturesque countryside. Set out on a tour of the winery followed by a tasting of their delicious wines. This afternoon, explore Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Mall, one of the longest pedestrian malls in the U.S., before dining at a local restaurant.
Day 6 – Williamsburg
Visit Monticello, the beautiful home and gardens of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was not only the third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence, but he was an accomplished inventor and true “Renaissance man.” This afternoon, arrive in the historic town of Williamsburg.
Tonight, begin your journey into Revolutionary-age America by dining in a Colonial Williamsburg tavern specializing in colonial fare.
Day 7 – Yorktown
Open the day by viewing “Story of a Patriot,” a short film that introduces you to Colonial Williamsburg, one of the world’s finest living history museums. Costumed re-enactors populate the streets and buildings, bringing the customs and sentiments of 1770 to life. Tour the Governor’s Palace and Gardens before enjoying time to independently wander the cobblestone streets and explore some of the 88 historic buildings.
This afternoon, visit the newly opened American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Learn about another poignant turning point in American history as you immerse yourself in the world of Revolutionary America. Here, at the Yorktown Battlefield, American independence was won. Tour the museum’s vibrant galleries and interactive exhibits in a state-of-the-art setting that will impact all your senses. Explore the expanded outdoor living history museum with a re-created Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm.
Day 8 – Washington, D.C.
Visit Mount Vernon, the beloved home of the first U.S. president, George Washington. Wander the beautiful plantation grounds he adored and tour the home, filled with 18th-century artifacts. Then, travel to Washington, D.C, a staple of USA tours.
Explore the world-famous Smithsonian Institution’s countless treasures. Choose between a visit to the famed National Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of American History. Among the National Air and Space Museum’s collection in the location on the National Mall are the famous Wright 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 command module Columbia. The National Museum of American History features artifacts from locomotives to the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the national anthem; to the First Ladies Hall containing many ball gowns worn by America’s First Ladies. The evening is free to continue to explore on your own.
Day 9 – Washington, D.C.
This morning, a guided tour of America’s capital affords wonderful views of the Capitol building, the White House, monuments and museums. Your first stop will be the White House Visitor Center where you will gain insight into the many transitions this historic residence has undergone.
Continue your tour with a stop at the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Your tour ends with a photo stop at the U.S. Capitol building. This afternoon, visit Arlington National Cemetery to view the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy gravesites. Toast the end of a wonderful trip this evening at a farewell dinner.
Day 10 – Washington, D.C. – Tour ends
Your tour ends in Washington, D.C. this morning.
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