Historic Highlights
Historic Highlights
Historic Highlights
8 Days Starting and ending in Washington D.C.
Visiting: Washington, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Jamestown, Charlottesville, Shenandoah, Gettysburg, Philadelphia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DHIHZN20
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Explore a young nation, on this journey that takes you Capitol Hill, George Washington’s home, reenactments on Gettysburg’s battlefields and dinner in a haunted tavern. This New England tour immerses you in the past, as you'll be chatting with blacksmiths in Colonial Williamsburg and visiting the monuments of D.C.’s National Mall.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Greetings Washington, D.C.
Location: Washington
Accommodation: Washington Marriott Georgetown
Meals Included: Welcome Reception
The political heart of America is your gateway to a memorable encounter with the Land of the Free and how it came to be so. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the museums, memorials and monuments of Washington, D.C. This evening, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception to kick-start your journey.
Day 2: Uncover The History Of Washington, D.C.
Location: Washington
Accommodation: Washington Marriott Georgetown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Roam the corridors of power, oak-lined avenues and noble tributes to America’s famous sons and daughters, as you explore the nation’s proud heritage today. View the White House, striking Washington Monument and National Mall, stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building. Reflect on the country's darkest days at the Lincoln Memorial and sombre memorials to World War II and the Vietnam War. Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture and houses over 36,000 fascinating artifacts. The rest of the day is free to chart your own course through America's capital city.
Day 3: Marvel At Mount Vernon Dive Into Culture
Location: Yorktown, Washington, Williamsburg
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today’s travels begin treading in the footsteps of America's first president by visiting Mount Vernon, the former home of George Washington. Step back into the 18th century, strolling the estate’s lush gardens, grounds, and fascinating museum galleries, followed by a private lunch. Delve into the history and Dive Into Culture at the American Revolution Museum at the Yorktown Victory Center surrounded by period artifacts and experiencing first-hand the dramatic "Siege of Yorktown" with a 180-degree surround screen and dramatic special effects. Your tour continues on to Williamsburg, founded in 1638 as Middle Plantation, and the former capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Day 4: Step Back In Time At Colonial Williamsburg Make Travel Matter
Location: Williamsburg, Jamestown, Williamsburg
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we venture to Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, where we'll gain insights into the trials that marked the lives of early 17th century colonists. Fast forward a few centuries and spend the rest of the day in Colonial Williamsburg, once Britain's largest colony in the New World. Chat with blacksmiths, admire a fife and drum parade, and perhaps even engage in some politicking with a costumed Federalist in the town square. Partake in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and meet Sylvia Tabb-Lee who will bring America’s slavery history into the light with storytelling, visual presentations, and song and dance.
Day 5: Explore Charlottesville And Monticello
Location: Charlottesville, Williamsburg
Accommodation: The Draftsman Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia—the very spot where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were inspired by Patrick Henry's fiery "Give me liberty or give me death" speech. Continue to Charlottesville, where you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, visit Monticello, the neoclassical Italian estate where Jefferson once sought a quieter existence. The rest of your day is free.
Day 6: Unlock The Legacy Of Gettysburg Make Travel Matter
Location: Shenandoah, Gettysburg, Charlottesville
Accommodation: Wyndham Gettysburg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey through the rolling hills of the Shenandoah National Park en route to Gettysburg where we’ll delve into the devastation of a four-year civil war pitting North against South. We explore the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience contributes to their efforts to preserve the battlefield. This evening, indulge in a festive Regional Dinner at the "most haunted" 19th century Dobbin House, keeping an eye out for Uncle Abe who may grace the group with his presence.
Day 7: Journey To Philadelphia
Location: Gettysburg, Philadelphia
Accommodation: Philadelphia Marriott Old City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cast your mind back to the pivotal, yet tragic day on which Pickett led his charge on Gettysburg. Join a Local Specialist who will bring to life the events at Gettysburg which turned the tide in the Civil War. Just four months later, the battlefield served as the backdrop for Abraham Lincoln's call for "a new birth of freedom" in his famed Gettysburg Address. Guests will enjoy a Be My Guest lunch experience at the Amish home of Samuel and Ruth Lapp, who own a working 25 acre produce farm just outside of Lancaster. The Lapp Family will introduce our guests to a few Amish Traditions and host them to a family style meal with recipes passed through generations and ingredients sourced directly from their farm. We’ll journey to the City of Brotherly Love and site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next. Stay in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district, within walking distance of dozens of landmark buildings. This evening, we’ll join our Travel Director and fellow American history enthusiasts for a Farewell Dinner.
Day 8: Discover The Sights Of Philadelphia
Location: Philadelphia, Washington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Gain insights into the history of the U.S. Constitution and the effect it has had around the world during this morning’s tour through Philadelphia. We’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Independence National Historic Park and see its famous cracked bell whose inscription has inspired so many to “proclaim liberty”. The final stop on our journey is Washington, D.C., where we continue to Dulles International Airport at approximately 4:00pm, Ronald Reagan National Airport at approximately 5:00pm and to the Washington Marriott Georgetown hotel for guests extending their stay.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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All transport and transfers shown
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions