This fall, forge a trail of American Heritage …in Philadelphia, the birth place of American freedom… wander the most historic square mile in the country after gazing at the Liberty Bell…experience life in the 1700s during the Revolutionary War at Valley Forge… and enjoy stunning views, fall foliage, and covered bridges in Vermont and the Berkshires. Delve into American history and more in Boston, Lexington, and Concord … walk in the footsteps of great American Patriots on the Freedom Trail… and, don’t be “bewitched in Salem, home of the famous witch trials!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Philadelphia, PA
Your time in the northeast begins on arrival in Philadelphia! Meet your waiting motor-coach at the airport for the transfer to your accommodations for the next three nights. Tonight, after some time to settle in and freshen up, we will head off to enjoy dinner aboard the Moshulu, the only restaurant venue on a Tall Ship today! (D)
Day 2 - Philadelphia
This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will be met by a local guide for a morning Historic Philadelphia Tour. Experience history where it actually happened! After all, no visit to Philadelphia is complete without seeing the sites in the most historic square mile in the United States. On this tour, we will see the Liberty Bell, Franklin Court, and more. Following the tour, the rest of the day is yours to explore; visit the historic Reading Terminal Market or the Italian Market, which is the oldest outdoor market in the United States. Visit the Independence Seaport Museum to learn more about the city’s naval and maritime history or walk around and explore at your leisure. (B)
Day 3 - Valley Forge National Park
After breakfast, included at the hotel, we travel outside the city limits for Valley Forge National Park, where our local guide will join us as we embark on a tour through living history. After a stop for lunch, included at the Yardley Inn, we continue to journey through history with a visit to the Washington Crossing Historic Park, which preserves the site where Washington crossed the Delaware River. There is time to visit the Historic Village, The Thompson-Neely Farmstead, and the Bowman’s Hill Tower. For those who are feeling up to the climb, the tower offers a 14-mile bird’s-eye view of the surrounding countryside on clear days. This evening, we return to Philadelphia, and the remainder of the night is yours to enjoy. (B, L)
Day 4 - Philadelphia - The Berkshires, MA
Following breakfast, we depart Philadelphia and head for Massachusetts. On our way, we will make a stop for lunch at the historic Hotel Thayer, located on the West Point Academy grounds overlooking the Hudson River. This afternoon, we make a stop at the Norman Rockwell Museum, the largest and most significant collection of Rockwell Art. This evening, we check into our accommodations for the next two nights, the historic Red Lion Inn. This Stockbridge, MA property is one of the Historic Hotels of America. Dinner is included tonight at the Red Lion Inn. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - The Berkshires
Breakfast is included this morning before traveling to Vermont. Today, we will embark on a guided tour of some of Vermont’s covered bridges. In addition to the covered bridges themselves, we will also visit the Covered Bridge Museum in Bennington, VT. Lunch is included today at Honora Winery, and will be paired with a wine tasting. Enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the vineyards, grounds, and the Green Mountains. Return to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy. (B, L)
Day 6 - The Berkshires - Boston
This morning, after breakfast, we depart for Boston, Massachusetts. Today’s journey sees us travelling along the scenic Mohawk Trail. The trail began as a Native American trade route via the footpaths along the rivers. We will make a stop in Shelburne Falls for some free time before we continue on to Boston. On arrival, we will check into our hotel for the next three nights, the Boston Park Plaza. Dinner is included this evening at Maggiano’s. (B, D)
Day 7 - Boston
After breakfast we meet our local guide for a morning guided tour of Boston, where we will see some of Boston’s famous landmarks and historic sites, such as the Boston Common, the Old State House, and the Old North Church. Following our guided tour, we will head to Fenway Park for a walking tour of the home of the Boston Red Sox! After we depart from Fenway Park, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy. Visit the Boston Aquarium, do some shopping, or walk the red-lined route of the Freedom Trail! (B)
Day 8 - Lexington, Concord & Salem
After breakfast we make our way out of the city with a local guide to visit historic Lexington and Concord, where we will enjoy a guided tour. Our tour ends at the Concord Inn, where lunch is included before journeying on to Salem, MA. In Salem, we will visit the Salem Witch Museum and see the town decked out in all of its October glory, before returning to Boston. The remainder of the evening is free time. (B, L)
Day 9 - Depart Boston
Today, after breakfast at the hotel, we will end our journey with a transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
