A Journey Through America's Beginning: America250

Upon arrival in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, make your way to your hotel (on own). Meet your Tour Director in the lobby at 5:30pm for an orientation meeting before a Welcome Dinner at City Tavern where we will be joined by a few local townspeople from 1776. After, we will proceed over to Independence Hall for an exclusive nighttime tour! Here, we will be able to hear Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams discussing the Declaration of Independence. (D)

This morning, we depart on a journey back in time to historic Philadelphia and the beginning of America. We meet our local guide for a walking tour discovering the stories of America’s founding fathers. As you explore, you’ll see Christ Church, where many founding fathers attended services, along with Carpenters’ Hall, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Betsy Ross House. Afterward, head to the Museum of the American Revolution to delve deeper into Philadelphia’s pivotal role in America’s birth. The museum showcases an impressive collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, correspondence, and artifacts, highlighted by George Washington’s headquarters tent.

Break for lunch, on own, at Reading Terminal. Then, the day is yours to continue at your own pace. Take in some more historic or non-historic sites in the city where America was founded. (B)

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the National Constitution Center, where we will see the production of Freedom Rising. Then, we head to Valley Forge National Historic Park. Here, we begin at the Visitor Center, then join an immersive encampment tour through the park to learn about the American Revolutionary War. Afterward, we depart for Gettysburg and check-in to our hotel for a 2-night stay. There is some time to relax before getting together for dinner at the Dobbin House Tavern. (B,D)

After breakfast, we make our way to the Gettysburg Visitor’s Center and Museum and take in the awesome Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama Painting. This painting is over 100 years old, taller than a 2-story building, and longer than a football field. Later, we depart for the Gettysburg Battlefield, often viewed as a key turning point in the American Civil War. Our local Battlefield Guide will provide a detailed, historical account of the battle including Seminary Ridge, Devil’s Den, and Culp’s Hill. 

This afternoon there is free time to explore on your own before we meet a local guide, who will take us on a candlelight ghost tour of Baltimore Street. (B)

Breakfast is served before we visit the 1860 Shriver House. Here we will learn the civilian side of the Battle of Gettysburg from the Shriver family, whose lives were changed forever as a result of the events that occurred on the rolling hills of Gettysburg in 1863. After, we depart for our nation’s capitol, Washington D.C. Upon our arrival, we’ll embark on a local guided tour showcasing iconic landmarks including the Capitol building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Korean War Memorial. Following the tour, we check into our hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. (B,L)

This morning, visit Arlington National Cemetery and take the tram tour where we’ll visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and pay respects at the Kennedy family gravesites. The balance of the day is at your own to explore Washington D.C. Your Tour Director can help with all sorts of ideas. Maybe explore Capitol Hill, explore Smithsonian Museums or just soak in the atmosphere of our capitol. 

This evening, we meet for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Today, after breakfast, transfer (on own) to the airport. Happy Birthday America! (B)