Historic Highlights
A portrait of American history, this trip mixes the modern bustle of Washington, D.C. and landmarks from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
You'll enjoy Insider moments like… walking through historic Williamsburg and learning about the rich legacy and heritage of African American. Sylvia Tabb Lee uses moving songs to take you back to a time of unspeakable barbarity.
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Arrive Washington, D.C. (2 Nights)
Welcome to Washington, D.C. Check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing or set out on your own to take in some highlights of the nation's capital city. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception. -
Washington, D.C. Monuments, Memorials and Free Time
Immerse yourself in the proud heritage of a nation, joining a Local Specialist to view the White House, the striking Washington Monument and the National Mall, stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol building. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the somber World War II Memorial. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to chart your own course through America's capital city. -
Washington, D.C. – Mount Vernon – Yorktown – Williamsburg (2 Nights)
From the nation's capital, travel to the home of its first president, George Washington, on the banks of the Potomac River in Mount Vernon. Visit the Yorktown Victory Center and watch Revolutionary War history come to life. Delve even further into America's past upon arriving in Williamsburg—settled in 1638 as Middle Plantation. This evening, head to a local tavern for a Regional Meal. -
Jamestown – Colonial Williamsburg
Before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Captain John Smith and his hardy band of 104 settlers established the first permanent English settlement in the New World, Jamestown. With the insight of your guide, you'll find out how difficult life was for the early colonists when they came to America in 1607. Walk through the life-sized re-creations of the colonists' crude fort, explore the mock-up Native American Powhatan village and climb aboard a replica of one of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia. Then, fast forward to the 18th century to spend the rest of the day in Colonial Williamsburg, Britain's largest colony in the New World from 1699 to 1780. Chat with blacksmiths, take in a fife and drum parade, even engage in some politicking with a costumed Federalist in the town square. This afternoon, enjoy a interesting cultural presentation by Sylvia Tabb-Lee, a Cultural Insight. -
Williamsburg – Richmond – Charlottesville - Monticello
Visit the very spot where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were inspired by Patrick Henry's fiery "Give me liberty or give me death" speech when you visit St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia. Continue to Charlottesville where you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. For a more genteel window into Jefferson's life, explore Monticello (translating to "little mountain"), his neoclassical Italian estate perched atop a hill. The rest of your day is free.
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Charlottesville – Shenandoah National Park – Gettysburg
Bid farewell to Charlottesville and travel through Shenandoah National Park on the way to Gettysburg. Here you'll immerse yourself in the narrative of the U.S. Civil War. Visit the incredible Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, home to the breathtaking Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. Get settled in to your hotel before meeting your newfound friends for a festive Regional Meal at the "most haunted", 19th century Dobbins House with a special guest. -
Gettysburg – Philadelphia
Cannons blazing, trumpets sounding, the blue and the gray—join your Local Specialist at the site of one of the Civil War's most pivotal battles. The events at Gettysburg—where General George Meade's Army of the Potomac defeated Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia—turned the tide in the Civil War. Just four months after the historic struggle, the battlefield was also the backdrop for Abraham Lincoln's call for "a new birth of freedom" in his famed Gettysburg Address. Travel on to Philadelphia, site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Stay in the heart of the city's historic district, within walking distance to dozens of landmark buildings. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow American history enthusiasts for a Farewell Dinner. -
Philadelphia – Depart Washington, D.C.
Walk in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin in one of the foremost cities of American history. Begin with a visit to the National Constitution Center—an interactive museum tracing the history of the U.S. Constitution and the effects it has had around the world. Then explore Independence National Historic Park, home of the renowned Liberty Bell. Return to Washington, D.C., to Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan National Airport or to the Renaissance in Washington, D.C. Downtown for guests extending their stay.
30 Day Refund Guarantee
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Apr 18 | 14 Apr 18 |
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$2,195$1,976pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 12 May 18 | 19 May 18 |
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$2,225$2,003pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 26 May 18 | 2 Jun 18 | $2,225$2,003pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 16 Jun 18 | 23 Jun 18 |
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$2,225$2,003pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 30 Jun 18 | 7 Jul 18 | $2,225$2,003pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Call 1-877-622-9109 | |||
| 18 Aug 18 | 25 Aug 18 | $2,195$1,976pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 8 Sep 18 | 15 Sep 18 |
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$2,225$2,003pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 15 Sep 18 | 22 Sep 18 | $2,225$2,003pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 22 Sep 18 | 29 Sep 18 | $2,225$2,003pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 6 Oct 18 | 13 Oct 18 |
|
$2,225$2,003pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 13 Oct 18 | 20 Oct 18 | $2,225$2,003pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $725 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $85 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
Meal Summary
7 nights' accommodations, 7 full breakfasts, 3 dinners.
Included Highlights
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure.
Cultural Insight
- An interesting cultural presentation from Sylvia Tabb-Lee.
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Washington, D.C. and on the Gettysburg battlefield.
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Washington, D.C.
- Visit Mount Vernon, Gettysburg National Military Park, Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello.
- View the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol Building and Liberty Bell
Reviews
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Gratuity
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend $4-5 per person/per day for your driver and $6-7 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 dollars per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 48 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Washington
Washington Illumination Tour
Adult Price: $39.00 | Child Price: $39.00
You’ll be wowed by this illuminated overview of the nation’s capital city at night! See the Capitol, the White House and the Jefferson Memorial. Visit the Kennedy Center for a rooftop walk and end the evening at the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial. (Stops are subject to weather and local restrictions).
