• 9 Days
  • From $5,399
  • Airfare Included

Colonial America: Footsteps to Freedom

Activity Level:
Active
15 Meals:
8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners

Watch the nation’s past come to life as we explore the people and places that shaped America, from the fight for independence to the struggles that defined its future. Begin in Philadelphia, where the birth of a new nation unfolded at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell rang as a symbol of freedom. In Gettysburg, see a one-of-a-kind collection of Civil War artifacts and stand on the battlefield where Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address echoed over the fallen. Continue to Washington, D.C., and view the country’s most iconic landmarks, from the National Mall to poignant war memorials. Spend a morning at Arlington National Cemetery and pay respects to those who lost their life, then witness a Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and browse exhibits at the world-class Smithsonian museums. Walk through the life and legacy of George Washington at Mount Vernon, then become immersed in Colonial Williamsburg’s 18th -century streets, historic buildings, and costumed interpreters. Our journey through Historic America concludes with a celebratory Farewell Dinner!

Trip overview may vary by departure.

  • Day 1: Fly to Pennsylvania
    Upon arriving in Philadelphia, we settle into our centrally located accommodations and have an evening at leisure to relax or explore the “Birthplace of America” independently. Tonight is the perfect time to grab a bite of the city’s famous cheesesteak!
  • Day 2: Independence Hall & Liberty Bell
    Our journey through America’s past begins at Independence Hall. Stand where the Declaration of Independence was signed and view an original draft of the U.S. Constitution! Across the road, we gaze upon the Liberty Bell and hear theories of where its famous crack came from. Next, enjoy free time in the historic heart of Philadelphia. See pre-revolutionary sites and restored 18th-century rowhouses as you walk the cobblestone streets of Old City. Just a few blocks away is Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States – dating back to 1703! This afternoon, we visit the Museum of the American Revolution. Listen to compelling stories from Revolutionaries and browse impressive exhibits that bring the fight for independence to life, such as General George Washington’s war tent. After returning to our hotel to freshen up, a delicious Welcome Dinner awaits us.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 3: Gettysburg
    We depart this morning for Gettysburg, the site of the Civil War’s most decisive battle. Enjoy lunch at leisure in the historic downtown area, lined with charming cafés and Civil War-era buildings. Afterwards, we visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center to browse one of the largest collections of Civil War artifacts. Marvel at the remarkable Gettysburg Cyclorama, a 360-degree painting from 1884 that vividly depicts Pickett’s Charge! Later, we check in to our hotel and savor a delicious dinner together.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 4: Battlefield Tour
    This morning, we walk the hallowed ground where Union and Confederate soldiers clashed during the brutal Battle of Gettysburg. Learn how events unfolded from our expert guide as we view the sites and monuments that mark significant moments in time, such as Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, Cemetery Ridge, and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, the place Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address. Next, our travels continue to the nation’s capital: Washington, D.C. The evening is free to explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods or relax at the hotel.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Day 5: Washington, D.C.
    Today, a local guide boards our motorcoach to share expert insight as we discover the monuments and landmarks that define the nation’s capital. Our stops include the opportunity to pay respects at war memorials, including those honoring Vietnam Veterans and the heroes of World War II. We also see powerful tributes to influential leaders like Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King, Jr., whose towering memorial was inspired by his famous speech. At the National Mall, take in striking views of the Lincoln Memorial overlooking the reflecting pool, and the Washington Monument rising over 550 feet. The rest of the day is yours to explore, taste cuisine at a local eatery, or go for a moonlit walk along the National Mall.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Day 6: Arlington National Cemetery & Smithsonian
    Our day begins at Arlington National Cemetery, one of the nation’s most sacred sites and the United States’ largest cemetery. We board a tram to tour the most prominent locations, including the eternal flame at John F. Kennedy’s gravesite and the Challenger Memorial honoring the lost astronauts, then witness the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After lunch at leisure, the afternoon is yours to explore the remarkable Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. Visit the National Museum of American History to see artifacts like the original Star-Spangled Banner, marvel at the National Air and Space Museum’s Apollo 11 command module, admire the sculpture garden at the Hirshhorn Museum, and so much more! This evening, we gather for dinner.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 7: Washington’s Mount Vernon
    We take a short drive to Virginia this morning and visit Mount Vernon, the grand estate of George Washington. Tour the beautifully preserved mansion, walk through lush gardens, and visit the museum, which houses exhibits detailing the legacy of the “Father of Our Country.” After an included lunch at The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, our journey continues to Williamsburg. As the former capital of Colonial Virginia, this city played a crucial role in the American Revolution and has been home to important meetings for world leaders, including the first World Economic Conference. We check in to our hotel, then enjoy a relaxing evening.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Day 8: Colonial Williamsburg
    Today, we step back into the 18th century with a guided tour of Colonial Williamsburg, the country’s largest outdoor living history museum. See costumed interpreters reenact daily life in the years leading up to the Revolution and walk along Duke of Gloucester Street to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of what Franklin D. Roosevelt described as "the most historic avenue in all America." We also visit the Governor’s Palace and watch skilled tradespeople practicing traditional crafts, such as blacksmithing and wigmaking. This afternoon, we enjoy lunch at an original tavern from the 1700s and spend the rest of the day exploring the town’s historical treasures independently. Later, we celebrate our journey through the nation’s past with a Farewell Dinner.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 9: Fly Home
    This morning, we board our flight in Richmond and return home with enriching memories of our time uncovering colonial history.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included

All Accommodations

  • 2 nights in Philadelphia
  • 1 night in Gettysburg
  • 3 nights in Washington, D.C.
  • 2 nights in Williamsburg

Attractions & Highlights

  • Independence Hall & the Liberty Bell
  • Museum of the American Revolution
  • Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center
  • Gettysburg battlefield tour
  • Washington, D.C. guided city tour feat. National Mall
  • Arlington National Cemetery tram tour feat. Kennedy gravesites, Challenger Memorial & Changing of the Guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
  • Smithsonian Institution museums
  • Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
  • Colonial Williamsburg guided tour
  • Time at leisure in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. & Williamsburg

15 Excellent Meals

  • Daily breakfast
  • Welcome Dinner in Philadelphia
  • Colonial lunch at Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant
  • Farewell Dinner in Williamsburg
  • Lunch at a historic tavern in Colonial Williamsburg

Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.