Historic Highlights
United States
Great for adventure - europe & russia!
Tour
Best of the West
12 days
Travel: From 26/03/2026 to 12/10/2026
Deal number: 19037346
Price from$4,495*pp
This deal expires on
5 May 2025
5
Days
11
Hrs
57
Mins
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.
Availability
From 09/05/2026 to 10/10/2026
What's included
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver.
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
All porterage and restaurant gratuities.
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes.
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals.
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing.
All transport and transfers shown.
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
Optional Experiences and free time.
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
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Itinerary
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Day 1 Greetings Washington, D.C. 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 dinner to kick-start your journey.
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Day 2 Marvel at Mount Vernon This morning, visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture and houses over 36,000 fascinating artefacts. Afterwards, tread 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 before returning back to your hotel for a free evening.
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Day 3 Uncover the History of Washington, D.C. Dive Into Culture Roam the oak-lined avenues and see the noble tributes to America's famous sons and daughters as you explore the nation's proud heritage today. View the National Mall, stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building. Reflect on the darkest days in the nation's history at the sombre memorials to World War II and the Vietnam War. Delve into history at the American Revolution Museum, surrounded by period artefacts, and experience 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.
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Day 4 Step Back In Time At Colonial Williamsburg Make Travel Matter 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 and soldiers, and perhaps even engage in some politicking with a costumed Federalist in the town square. Partake in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER(R) Experience and meet Sylvia Tabb-Lee who will bring America's slavery history into the light with storytelling, visual presentations, and song and dance.
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Day 5 Explore Charlottesville And Monticello 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 on your own at one of the many local restaurants in town. Then, visit Monticello, the neoclassical Italian estate where Jefferson once sought a quieter existence.
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Day 6 Unlock the Legacy of Gettysburg Make Travel Matter Journey through the rolling hills of the Shenandoah National Park en route to Gettysburg where you'll delve into the devastation of a four-year civil war pitting North against South. Explore the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center and learn about the National Park's efforts to preserve the battlefield. This evening, indulge in a festive dinner at the "most haunted" 19th century Dobbin House.
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Day 7 Journey To Philadelphia Cast your mind back to the pivotal yet tragic day on which Pickett led his charge at Gettysburg. Join a Local Specialist who will bring to life the events at Gettysburg that turned the tide of 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. Later, you will enjoy a special experience at the Amish home of Samuel and Ruth Lapp, who own a working 25-acre produce farm just outside Lancaster. The Lapp family will introduce our guests to a few Amish traditions and host them for a family-style meal with recipes passed down through generations and ingredients sourced directly from their farm. You'll journey to the City of Brotherly Love and the 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 dinner.
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Day 8 Discover The Sights Of Philadelphia 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 your journey is Washington, D.C., where you'll be transferred to either Dulles International Airport or Ronald Reagan National Airport (the journey between the two airports takes approximately 60 minutes) or to the Washington Marriott Georgetown for guests extending their stay. Dining Summary
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3 - Dinner
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7 - Breakfast
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1 - Lunch Be My Guest Lancaster County: 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. * Please note, alcohol is not traditionally served with Amish meals. Drinks will be sweet tea or purified water. Dive into Culture Williamsburg: The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked the American Revolution. Through the Museum's collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the Revolution endures. Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg, once Britain's largest colony in the New World. Get a glimpse into what life was like in the colonies and engage with costumed blacksmiths, tradesmen and enjoy a a marching parade in the towns square. Richmond: 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. Charlottesville: Explore Monticello, the neoclassical Italian estate where Thomas Jefferson lived. Thomas Jefferson was a leading figure of the American Revolution and Third President of the United States. Iconic Experience Washington: This striking museum has collected more than 40,000 artefacts that reflect history, politics, sports, arts and entertainment. Explore the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it helped shape this nation. Washington: Visit Mount Vernon Estate, the former home of America's first President George Washington.. Explore the Grounds and delve into the history of the American Revolution on an included tour of Mansion. Washington, D.C.: Explore the nation's proud heritage today as you 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. Jamestown: 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. Guests can walk through the life-sized re-creations of the colonists' crude fort, explore the mock-up of the Native American Powhatan village and climb aboard a replica of one of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia. Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center: Explore the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. This experience supports the preservation and understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg. Shenandoah: Enjoy your visit through the rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park. Gettysburg: Join a Local Specialist who will bring to life the Battle of Gettysburg which turned the tide in the American 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. Philadelphia: Explore the UNESCO-listed Independence National Historic Park and see its famous cracked bell whose inscription has inspired so many to "proclaim liberty". Also see Independence Hall where The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed. Philadelphia: Visit the National Constitution Center which brings the United States Constitution to life by hosting interactive exhibits and inspires active citizenship by celebrating the American constitutional tradition. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER(R) Discover heritage and history at the National Museum of African American History and Culture Williamsburg: Join Local Specialist Sylvia Tabb-Lee on a powerful journey back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries for a presentation of the Trans-Atlantic slave Trade & African Colonial life in Virginia through storytelling, song and dance. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. Must-see Highlights Explore Washington, D.C., Colonial America presentation in Williamsburg, St. John's Church in Richmond, Gettysburg Battlefield Visit Mount Vernon, the National Mall in Washington, D.C, Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, St John's Church in Richmond, Monticello, Shenandoah National Park, Gettysburg National Military Park, Independence National Historic Park and National Constitution Center in Philadelphia View the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol Building and the White House in Washington, D.C., the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia Trafalgar Difference Charlottesville: Combining history with modern sophistication, the Draftsman Hotel is a tribute to three U.S. presidents hailing from Virginia -- Jefferson, Madison and Monroe. Appreciate the presidents' legacy throughout the hotel's design as well as proximity to local historic sites. From the stylish rooms to the local artwork, every aspect of the Draftsman Hotel has been meticulously crafted to enhance your stay.
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