Historic Highlights
Historic Highlights
$3350
Historic Highlights
8 Days Starting and ending in Washington D.C., United States
Visiting: Washington, D.C., Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Gettysburg, Philadelphia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DHIHM26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through America's rich history with the "Historic Highlights" tour. Begin in Washington, D.C., exploring iconic landmarks like the White House and the National Mall. Delve into the past at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and visit Mount Vernon, George Washington's estate. Experience Colonial Williamsburg's vibrant reenactments and learn about the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Discover the legacy of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello and the pivotal events of the Civil War at Gettysburg. Enjoy a unique "Be My Guest" lunch with an Amish family in Lancaster County, and explore Philadelphia's historic sites, including the Liberty Bell. With expert guides, luxury accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences, this tour offers a profound insight into the events that shaped the United States.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Washington, D.C., Colonial America presentation in Williamsburg, St. John's Church in Richmond, Gettysburg Battlefield
- Visit Mount Vernon, Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, Gettysburg National Military Park, the National Mall, St John's Church, Independence National Historic Park, Shenandoah National Park, National Constitution Center
- View the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol Building, the White House, Liberty Bell
Make Travel Matter®
Discover heritage and history at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
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. Your visit advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
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.
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 and advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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.
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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Greetings Washington, D.C.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Accommodation: Washington Marriott Georgetown
Accommodation Name: Washington Marriott Georgetown
Meals Included: Dinner
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 Welcome Dinner to kick-start your journey.
Day 2: Uncover The History Of Washington, D.C.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Accommodation: Washington Marriott Georgetown
Accommodation Name: Washington Marriott Georgetown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Roam the corridors of power, oak-lined avenues and noble tributes to America’s famous sons and daughters, as you explore the nation’s proud heritage today. 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. Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture and houses over 36,000 fascinating artifacts. The rest of the day is free to chart your own course through America's capital city.
Day 3: Marvel At Mount Vernon Dive Into Culture
Location: Williamsburg
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s travels begin treading 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. Delve into the history and Dive Into Culture at the American Revolution Museum at the Yorktown Victory Center surrounded by period artifacts and experiencing 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.
Day 4: Step Back In Time At Colonial Williamsburg Make Travel Matter
Location: Williamsburg
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, admire a fife and drum parade, and perhaps even engage in some politicking with a costumed Federalist in the town square. Partake in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and meet Sylvia Tabb-Lee who will bring America’s slavery history into the light with storytelling, visual presentations, and song and dance.
Day 5: Explore Charlottesville And Monticello
Location: Charlottesville
Accommodation: The Draftsman
Accommodation Name: The Draftsman
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. The rest of your day is free.
Day 6: Unlock The Legacy Of Gettysburg Make Travel Matter
Location: Gettysburg
Accommodation: Wyndham Gettysburg
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Gettysburg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey through the rolling hills of the Shenandoah National Park en route to Gettysburg where we’ll delve into the devastation of a four-year civil war pitting North against South. We explore the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience contributes to their efforts to preserve the battlefield. This evening, indulge in a festive Regional Dinner at the "most haunted" 19th century Dobbin House, keeping an eye out for a Union Soldier who may visit with tales of the American Civil War.
Day 7: Journey To Philadelphia
Location: Philadelphia
Accommodation: Philadelphia Marriott Old City
Accommodation Name: Philadelphia Marriott Old City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cast your mind back to the pivotal, yet tragic day on which Pickett led his charge on Gettysburg. Join a Local Specialist who will bring to life the events at Gettysburg which turned the tide in 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. Guests will enjoy a Be My Guest 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. We’ll journey to the City of Brotherly Love and 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 farewell dinner.
Day 8: Discover The Sights Of Philadelphia
Location: Philadelphia
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 our journey is Washington, D.C., where we continue to Dulles International Airport at approximately 4:00pm, Ronald Reagan National Airport at approximately 5:00pm and to the Washington Marriott Georgetown hotel for guests extending their stay.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are provided.
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All transport and transfers shown
All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are part of the tour.
What's Not Included
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
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.
- Gettysburg: During your dinner at Dobbin House Tavern - established in 1776 and on the National Register of Historic Places - enjoy 'A Soldier's Story' by Impersonator and veteran actor Chris Rebmann. Hear stories and causes of the American Civil War and insights into the life of a soldier.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort and connectivity as you explore historic sites across the United States, with all transport and transfers included.
Accommodation
Stay at the Washington Marriott Georgetown, Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg, The Draftsman, Wyndham Gettysburg, and Philadelphia Marriott Old City, offering a blend of comfort and historical charm, with stylish rooms and proximity to local historic sites.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a Be My Guest lunch experience at the Amish home of Samuel and Ruth Lapp, where guests can enjoy a family-style meal and learn about Amish traditions. Additionally, there are MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences such as visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and engaging with Sylvia Tabb-Lee in Williamsburg for a presentation on the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and African Colonial life.
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What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour visits several historical sites including Mount Vernon, Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, Gettysburg National Military Park, St. John's Church in Richmond, and Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels such as the Washington Marriott Georgetown, Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg, The Draftsman in Charlottesville, Wyndham Gettysburg, and Philadelphia Marriott Old City, all of which are tried and trusted.
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Are there any special dining experiences included?
Yes, the tour includes a Be My Guest lunch at an Amish farm, a Welcome Dinner on the first day, and a farewell dinner in Philadelphia. Breakfast is provided daily, and up to half of the evening meals are included.
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What is the significance of the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences on this tour?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences are designed to support sustainable development goals. For example, visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture supports Quality Education, while the experience at Gettysburg National Military Park contributes to Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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