Heritage of America
| Resort: | Heritage of America |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | United States of America |
| Price From: | £1789.00 |
OverviewFollow the epic story of American democracy. Join a local guide on a tour of New York City, featuring the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village and other time honored landmarks. View the Liberty Bell and see Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Walk the hallowed battlefield at Gettysburg and tour the National Military Park & Museum. Enjoy a choice between visiting President Eisenhowers home (a National Historic Site) or a walking tour of historic downtown Gettysburg. Travel along the famous Skyline drive for amazing views of the Shenandoah Valley, and sample wines from a picturesque Virginia vineyard. Visit the presidential estates of Washingtons Mount Vernon and Jeffersons Monticello. Tour some of Colonial Williamsburgs 88 restored historic buildings and dine in a traditional tavern. Learn about the American Revolution at Yorktown and explore the outdoor living history museum, including a re-created Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm. Explore the countless treasures of the Smithsonian Institution with your choice of visiting the National Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of American History. Tour Washington, D.C.s National Mall and view the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Visit Arlington National Cemetery. ItineraryDay 1: New York City, New York – Tour BeginsExplore Americas heritage, history and scenic horizons on this in-depth tour of the eastern United States. Day 2: New York CityMeet your fellow travelers for a welcome breakfast at the famous Ellens Stardust Diner. Then, a local guide leads you on a fascinating tour of the Big Apple. Youll see Greenwich Village, the Wall Street district, Little Italy, Chinatown, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and other time-honored landmarks. Visit St. Pauls Chapel in Lower Manhattan, a place where George Washington once worshipped, and where recovery workers came for rest and care during their time at the World Trade Center site. This afternoon, discover the city that never sleeps at your own pace. Day 3: New York City – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – GettysburgThis morning the choice is yours! Choose from a menu of New Yorks diners for breakfast. Next, travel to Philadelphia and embark on a tour of the Birthplace of a New Nation which highlights the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Independence Hall is rich in heritage as the location of both the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution. Continue on to Gettysburg, site of the Union victory that marked a turning point in the Civil War. En route, travel through the Amish Country of Lancaster, the second-largest Amish community in America, and view the community farmlands. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a historic Gettysburg tavern. Day 4: GettysburgVisit the Gettysburg National Military Park and Museum. Begin your tour by experiencing the film A New Birth of Freedom. View the breathtaking Cyclorama, a 360-degree cylindrical painting by the French artist Paul Philippoteaux, depicting the climactic battle of Picketts Charge. This original 1884 work of art is the largest in the country. Continue on to discover the Museum of the American Civil War and explore its galleries. Step onto the battlefield with a guided tour of the site illuminating those three historic days in 1863 and the decisive battle that changed the course of American history forever. This afternoon the choice is yours. You may choose to visit President Eisenhowers home (a National Historic Site) where you will tour his farm; this site served as the Presidents weekend retreat and as a meeting place for world leaders during the Cold War-era tensions. Or perhaps you would prefer to embark on a guided walking tour of historic downtown Gettysburg with a local expert dressed in period clothing who will bring to life the true stories of the towns civilians who were caught up in the battle. Tonight, enjoy a home-cooked family-style meal in a historic barn (dating back to 1764) and experience life on a third generation family-owned farm. Day 5: Gettysburg – Shenandoah Valley – Charlottesville, VirginiaToday we make our way to Virginia. Along the way, travel through Shenandoah National Park via the famous Skyline Drive, along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where scenic expanses of Shenandoah Valley wilderness extend in all directions. Pause at a local vineyard set in the picturesque countryside. Set out on a tour of the winery followed by a tasting of their delicious wines. This afternoon, explore Charlottesvilles historic Downtown Mall, one of the longest pedestrian malls in the U.S., before dining at a local restaurant. Day 6: Charlottesville – WilliamsburgVisit Monticello, the beautiful home and gardens of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was not only the third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence, but he was an accomplished inventor and true Renaissance man. This afternoon, arrive in the historic town of Williamsburg. Tonight, begin your journey into Revolutionary-age America by dining in a Colonial Williamsburg tavern specializing in colonial fare. Day 7: Colonial Williamsburg – Yorktown – WilliamsburgOpen the day by viewing Story of a Patriot, a short film that introduces you to Colonial Williamsburg, one of the worlds finest living history museums. Costumed reenactors populate the streets and buildings, bringing the customs and sentiments of 1770 to life. Tour the Governors Palace and Gardens before enjoying time to independently wander the cobblestone streets and explore some of the 88 historic buildings. This afternoon visit the newly opened American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Learn about another poignant turning point in American history as you immerse yourself in the world of Revolutionary America. Here, at the Yorktown Battlefield, American independence was won. Tour the museums vibrant galleries and interactive exhibits in a state-of-the-art setting that will impact all your senses. Explore the expanded outdoor living history museum with a re-created Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm. Day 8: Williamsburg – Washington, D.C.Visit Mount Vernon, the beloved home of the first U.S. president, George Washington. Wander the beautiful plantation grounds he adored and tour the home, filled with 18th-century artifacts. Then, travel to Washington, D.C. Explore the world-famous Smithsonian Institutions countless treasures. Choose between a visit to the famed National Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of American History. Among the National Air and Space Museums collection in the location on the National Mall are the famous Wright 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 command module Columbia. The National Museum of American History features artifacts from locomotives to the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the national anthem; to the First Ladies Hall containing many ball gowns worn by America’s First Ladies. The evening is free to continue to explore on your own. Day 9: Washington, D.C.This morning, a guided tour of America’s capital affords wonderful views of the Capitol building, the White House, monuments and museums. Your first stop will be the White House Visitor Center where you will gain insight into the many transitions this historic residence has undergone. Continue your tour with a stop at the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Your tour ends with a photo stop at the U.S. Capitol building. This afternoon, visit Arlington National Cemetery to view the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy gravesites. Toast the end of a wonderful trip this evening at a farewell dinner. Day 10: Washington, D.C. – Tour EndsYour tour ends in Washington, D.C. this morning. |
