In 2026, the United States will turn 250—a milestone known as the Semiquincentennial. It’s more than just a big number. It’s a chance to celebrate America’s story, honor its roots, and reflect on 250 years of democracy. Want to feel the history? Walk the streets of Boston, Concord, Lexington, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.—the places where it all began.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Boston, MA
We kick off our journey in Boston, affectionately known as “Beantown” and regarded as “The Cradle of Democracy.” Our first stop: the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Nicknamed the “Home of Free Speech,” this vibrant spot once echoed with revolutionary protests and debates—imagine standing where the seeds of the Boston Tea Party were sown! Today, it’s a bustling marketplace with delicious food and plenty of energy. Take time to soak in the vibe while you have lunch on your own.
Next, we will have a city tour of Boston, passing the Boston Common, Beacon Hill, and points of interest on the Freedom Trail. Our final stop will be at the Paul Revere House, the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston. Here, you’ll explore the home of the fabled midnight rider himself, see how the Revere family lived, and admire artifacts that bring his daring story to life.
After a day of tracing the footsteps of some of our nation’s founders, we’ll check into our comfortable hotel accommodations. The evening is yours to enjoy—perhaps you’ll find the perfect clam chowder or a cozy pub nearby to toast the start of an unforgettable journey!
Day 2 - Boston
After breakfast, we make our way to the Lexington Battle Green, the place where the very first shots of the American Revolution rang out on April 19, 1775, marking it as a pivotal event that sparked the fight for American Independence. This National Historic Landmark is consecrated ground preserving the memory of the early Minutemen, both for the bloodshed on it and for the Minutemen interred here. Our local guide will tell us stories of the brave Minutemen who fought here. We will visit landmarks, monuments, and memorials, including the Battle Flag Memorial and Old Burying Ground.
Leaving Lexington, we’ll follow the path of history that the British Troops marched along to Concord. Along the way, our guide will tell us about Concord’s role in shaping American Freedom. A highlight will be learning about Concord’s literary luminaries like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Louisa May Alcott. At the Concord Museum, we will explore 16 galleries that showcase everything from the American Revolution to Transcendentalist thinkers like Thoreau and Emerson.
After lunch, we will head to the Old North Bridge and Minuteman National Park. Our self-guided tour begins at the Old North Bridge Visitor Center, located in a brick mansion built in 1911 by descendants of the Buttrick family. (Major John Buttrick was the colonial officer who first ordered his militia to fire upon British soldiers.) Afterward, we are free to walk in the footsteps of the Minute Men on Battle Road, see the Minute Man Statue, the grave of British Soldiers, monuments, marking “the shot heard round the world,” and the spot where Paul Revere was captured. The Elisha Jones or “Bullet Hole House,” and the Samuel Brooks House are also on the grounds of the Park, but not open to the public.
After a day filled with powerful stories and iconic sites, we head back to Boston. To cap it all off, get ready for a dinner celebration with your fellow travelers, where we’ll toast to our shared adventures and all we’ve experienced today!
Day 3 - Boston - New York City, NY
Today, we say farewell to historic Boston and journey south to the vibrant and iconic New York City - a cornerstone of American culture and history. As we make our way to NYC, relax and enjoy the unfolding landscapes as we transition from New England charm to metropolitan marvel.
After lunch, we head uptown to one of New York’s most scenic green spaces: Fort Tryon Park, designed by the Olmsted Brothers (sons of the famed Central Park designer). The park offers stunning panoramic views of the Hudson River. It is located on the site of the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Fort Washington (Nov. 16, 1776). This spot marks one of the Patriot army’s most significant defeats during the war. Within the park, you’ll visit The Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which houses a remarkable collection of medieval European art and architecture.
Following our historic adventure, we will check into our hotel. Once you are settled, dinner is on your own to explore the culinary delights nearby and soak in the buzz of the Big Apple by night!
Day 4 - New York City
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we set out on a scenic ferry ride across New York Harbor. Our destination: Liberty Island, home to the majestic Statue of Liberty—an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy. Take in panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline as Lady Liberty welcomes us from afar. Arriving at Ellis Island, once a gateway for millions, we will visit the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, where exhibits and personal stories bring the immigrant experience to life. Don’t forget to check the immigrant name registry to see if any of your ancestors passed through these historic halls!
Following our return from Ellis Island, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Stroll through bustling neighborhoods, dine at a local café, or indulge in some unique NYC shopping. You may want to pay your respects at the powerful 9/11 memorial and Museum, visit the Fraunces Tavern Museum and restaurant where George Washington delivered his famous farewell speech to the Continental Army in 1783, or secure tickets to the acclaimed Broadway Show, Hamilton. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 5 - New York City - Philadelphia, PA
After breakfast, we leave for Philadelphia, “the birthplace of America.” Our first stop is Independence Hall, where the Second Continental Congress met in 1776 and signed the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later, in the same room, delegates to the Constitutional Convention created and signed the United States Constitution. Next, stand face-to-face with the legendary Liberty Bell, an enduring beacon of freedom. For lunch on your own, dive into the flavors of Philly with free time at a bustling local market—don’t miss your chance to try an authentic Philly cheesesteak!
This afternoon, we will visit the Museum of the American Revolution to see a collection of thousands of historic artifacts, including Washington’s War Tent. Immerse yourself in dynamic, interactive exhibits that let you feel the pulse of the Revolution and experience the excitement of America’s founding.
We’ll end our day with dinner aboard the iconic Moshulu—the world’s oldest and largest fully restored four-masted sailing ship still afloat. Once a champion of the seas, Moshulu claimed victory in the famed 1939 Grain Race, completing the journey from Australia to Queenstown, Ireland, in just 91 days, while carrying more than 4,875 tons of grain. Today, this majestic vessel is permanently docked at Penn’s Landing, transformed into a stunning waterfront restaurant. Step aboard and indulge in a dining experience where nautical history meets modern elegance, surrounded by sweeping views of the Delaware River.
Day 6 - New York City - Washington D.C.
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the bustling streets of New York City for our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.
Along the way, we’ll stop at Valley Forge Historical Park, the legendary site where George Washington’s Continental Army made its winter encampment during 1777–1778. Despite enduring extreme shortages of food, clothing, and medical supplies, the army used this period to train and transform into a more unified and professional force—paving the way for eventual victory in the Revolutionary War. During our visit, you’ll have the opportunity to: explore the Visitor Center, featuring historical exhibits, interactive displays, and authentic artifacts, step inside the reconstructed soldiers’ huts that depict life during the harsh winter, and visit Washington’s Headquarters, the home where General Washington stayed. Don’t miss the chance to stroll among historic monuments and statues honoring military leaders and the sacrifices made.
We continue the journey south and arrive in Washington, D.C. by late afternoon. We’ll check into our hotel and take some time to freshen up before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant, where we’ll enjoy a relaxing meal and preview what’s ahead in our D.C. exploration.
Day 7 - Alexandria, Virginia
This morning, after breakfast, we’ll meet our local guide for an enriching city tour through the heart of the U.S. capital. Our exploration begins with panoramic views of the National Mall, where monuments and history converge. We will gaze upon the grandeur of the White House and pass by celebrated museums and national memorials that tell the story of a nation. We’ll pause for quiet reflection at: World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial. These solemn sites honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who served.
For a change of pace, we will visit the vibrant heart of Historic Old Town Alexandria—a riverside gem bursting with colonial charm! Take your time to savor lunch, wander the iconic cobblestone streets, browse unique boutiques, and soak in stunning waterfront views. Adventure and discovery await at every turn!
After lunch, we will visit Arlington National Cemetery, where more than 400,000 American service members and notable figures are laid to rest. A narrated tour will guide us past key sites, including: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The Kennedy gravesites, General John J. Pershing’s gravesite, Arlington House, and the Ord and Weitzell Gate. A day in our capital is more than sightseeing—it’s a journey through the stories of courage, leadership, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom over America’s 250-year history. Returning to our hotel, the rest of the evening and dinner are on your own.
Day 8 - Washington D.C.
We start our day with a satisfying breakfast at the hotel before we embark on a memorable journey to one of the nation’s most treasured historic sites—George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. The mansion began as a humble 3,500-square-foot home, built by Washington’s father in 1735. By 1754, George Washington transformed it into an impressive 11,000-square-foot residence, surrounded by 7,600 acres of farmland. You will have time to wander through the lush gardens and grounds, to explore the outbuildings and step inside the stately mansion, once the gathering place for dignitaries and friends. Before leaving, we’ll enjoy a box lunch on the estate grounds—a perfect moment to reflect on Washington’s enduring legacy.
Back in Washington, D.C., the rest of the day is yours. Visit a Smithsonian museum—perhaps the Natural History or Air and Space Museum. Stroll the National Mall. See the Lincoln Memorial or meet the animals at the National Zoo.
As the sun sets, our farewell begins. Tonight, board a vessel for a dinner cruise along the Potomac. Savor dinner and drinks as you take in unforgettable views of D.C.’s landmarks, from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. Relax indoors or step onto the open-air decks and toast to the memories of this historic journey—and to America’s next 250 years.
Day 9 - Depart Washington D.C.
Today, we bid farewell to the nation’s capital, carrying with us memories that will last a lifetime. From the inspiring monuments and historic landmarks to the stories of leaders and change-makers, we’ve walked through centuries of American history — a proud 250-year legacy that continues to grow. Along the way, we’ve formed connections, shared laughter, and created unforgettable moments with new friends. As we journey home, we leave with a deeper appreciation of our nation’s past and the promise of its future.
