American Heritage

Arrive in Washington, DC today and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet your fellow traveling companions and Tour Manager at 6:00 p.m. for welcome dinner. Meal: D

Begin the day with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery* and the John F. Kennedy Memorial. View the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Women in Military Service Memorial. Then, a local guide joins conducts a narrated tour of Washington, DC’s National Mall where you will see the FDR, Vietnam and Lincoln Memorials. You will also make a stop at the National WWII Memorial, the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during World War II. After dinner, enjoy a drive through the Mall area to see the many memorials and monuments bathed in flood lights, including the U.S. Capitol and the White House. Meals: B, D

This morning you will stop at Quantico National Cemetery to honor the nation’s heroes at a special flag-placing ceremony. Then visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps which honors the commitment, accomplishments, and sacrifices of each Marine exhibited throughout the various galleries of artifacts, vignettes, testimonials and images. Then, enjoy lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn before visiting Mount Vernon, the expansive estate of George and Martha Washington. Visit the Ford Orientation Center and explore the mansion filled with 18th-century treasures. Stroll the gardens of this 45-acre estate and take in the views of the Potomac River from the mansion’s piazza. Meals: B, L

Today a local guide conducts a tour of the Manassas National Battlefield, site of the first battle of the American Civil War. Then visit Ben Lomond Historic Site, a private home converted to a Confederate hospital during the Civil War and learn about its importance in an immersive environment. You will also enjoy a musket firing demonstration. Later, you will arrive in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, site of the Union victory which many believe to have been the turning point in the U.S. Civil War. See the Civil War through the eyes of the civilians of Gettysburg at the Shriver House. Tour the home and hear the story of Hettie Shriver who, with her two daughters Sadie and Mollie returned to their home after the battle which had been occupied by Confederate soldiers and was being used as a hospital. Meals: B, D

Enjoy a day filled with history at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center where you see the Morgan Freeman-narrated feature film A New Birth of Freedom. This will orient you to the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War. See the restored Cyclorama painting, the Battle of Gettysburg, and be surrounded by the fury of “Pickett’s Charge” in this one-of-a-kind panoramic experience. Lunch today is at the Dobbin House Tavern, the oldest building in Gettysburg, which features historic furnishings and costumed wait staff. There is nothing quite like standing on the actual battlefield at Gettysburg. A licensed Gettysburg guide leads us on an in-depth look at this historic three-day battle. Learn about the “Peach Orchard” and “Roundtop” while passing through the hallowed ground of what became the major turning point of the war. Meals: B, L

Depart Gettysburg this morning for Harrisburg to visit the National Civil War Museum. This is the only museum in the United States that portrays the entire story of the Civil War with equally balanced presentations which are humanistic in nature without bias to Union or Confederate causes. Then, pay a visit to the “sweetest place on earth,” Hershey’s Chocolate World. Take a moment to ride through the process of making the world’s favorite milk chocolate on a factory tour. Then shop in their expansive store featuring all things Hershey from candies and confections to homemade fudge and fresh-baked cookies. Later, arrive in Philadelphia. Meal: B

Begin the day at the Museum of the American Revolution which traces the history and creation of the American Republic. Then a local guide joins you for a tour of this historic city to see the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Benjamin Franklin’s home and Independence Hall. You also visit Betsy Ross’ home for a look into the life of America’s most famous flag-maker followed by the National Constitution Center. Here, see the multimedia theater-in-the-round performance Freedom Rising as well as the hands-on exhibit The Story of We The People. Tonight, dinner is at Revolution House, a charming multi-story restaurant in Philadelphia’s Old City district. Meals: B, D

Your adventure ends with a group transfer to Philadelphia’s International Airport for flights out after 11:00 a.m. Meal: B