Trails of Liberty

Day 1 (Door to Door)

Arrive Washington, D.C. (2)

Enjoy your private car door to door transfer to your departure airport before your flight to Washington, D.C. where a transfer is provided to your first hotel. Meet your Tour Director this afternoon. At 6pm gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Kick-off Party.
Hotel: Capital Hilton (SFC)

Day 2

Washington, D.C. sightseeing and at leisure

We dive into the heart of America with a guided tour of the capital and all its famous landmarks. We view the Washington Monument, the National Mall, the Capitol and the White House. You'll be in awe as we walk right up to the Lincoln Memorial andWorldWar II memorials.We then step aboard the Tourmobile to visit Arlington National Cemetery and hear all about the final resting place of the nation's heroes.We visit President Kennedy's grave and the eternal flame and see the Tomb of the Unknowns. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore wherever you want. Maybe visit one of the world's greatest museums, the Smithsonian Institution; check out the space vehicles at the National Air and Space Museum or look up at the bellies of the gigantic dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History, just for starters. Tonight we visit hip Georgetown for a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant. You'll be knocked out when you see the capital's stunning landmarks all lit up at night! (FB, HD)
Hotel: Capital Hilton (SFC)

Day 3

Washington, D.C. - Philadelphia

We follow in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin, the great inventor and statesman, as we travel to Philadelphia. We stop at the Reading Terminal Market, an old train shed opened in 1892 that now houses a huge marketplace and food stands serving up yummy local specialities. With so many choices, you may need a while to decide which treats you want to try. Maybe dig into an authentic Philly Cheesesteak or a piping hot Pennsylvania Dutch apple dumpling? We then continue on to the Independence National Historic Park and visit the National Constitution Center. Ever wonder why the Liberty Bell cracked? You'll find out when you visit the giant bell on display in its own pavilion.We view Independence Hall where Franklin and the other founding fathers started the country's favourite national holiday with the signing of the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the friendly "City of Brotherly Love." (FB)
Hotel: Holiday Inn Historic District (FC)

Day 4

Philadelphia - Amish Country - Hershey - Gettysburg

We set out this morning for the rolling countryside of Lancaster County. You'll have a whole new idea of life without technology as we ride back in time aboard a horseand buggy and learn about the traditional lifestyle of the Amish. Then we are treated to an Amish family-style Highlight Lunch. Next we travel on to yet another world, Hershey's Chocolate World that is, where we learn the chocolate making process and everyone will get to make their own customised chocolate candy bars! Tonight, remember Abraham Lincoln as you settle into historic Gettysburg. Enjoy an historical Highlight Dinner at the "most haunted" 19th century Farnsworth House Inn with a special guest. (FB, HL, HD)
Hotel: Wyndham Gettysburg (FC)

Day 5

Gettysburg - Shenandoah National Park

"Four score and seven years ago," Gettysburg was one of the most important battlegrounds in the Civil War where President Lincoln gave his remarkable Gettysburg Address. We tour the battlefield with an expert guide and will be amazed by the greatest collection of Civil War relics at the $135 million Gettysburg National Military Park Museum. Then we leave the war behind and travel into the peaceful mountains to Shenandoah National Park to hike with a guide who will teach us about the history, wildlife and native plants in the park. After a hearty Barbecue Highlight Dinner we settle in around a crackling bonfire and listen to a local storyteller bring the legends of Shenandoah to life. Then, challenge your fellow travellers in a contest to see who can toast the ultimate golden marshmallow for the best s'more ever! (FB, HD)
Hotel: Skyland Resort (NP)

Day 6

Shenandoah - Charlottesville - Williamsburg (2)

We roll on down picturesque Skyline Drive as we head on over to Charlottesville for a Southern Highlight Lunch at historic Michie Tavern and get a peek of 18th century tavern life. We then continue on to Williamsburg, the early Colonial capital. This evening, don't be spooked when you walk by candlelight with a storyteller telling you the ghostly legends of the "Hauntings of Williamsburg." (FB, HL)
Hotel: The Williamsburg Marriott (SFC)

Day 7

Jamestown - Colonial Williamsburg sightseeing

Hear ye, Hear ye! We get up and get going to visit Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America. With the insight of our local guide, we find out how rough life was for the early colonists when they came to America in 1607. History comes alive as we meet costumed characters and walk through the life-size recreations of the colonists' crude fort, exploring the mock-up Native American Powhatan village and climbing aboard a replica of one of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia. Then we 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. Get in the spirit along Gloucester Street where townspeople in character go about their daily lives in faithfully restored shops, taverns and homes. Tonight, you'll love the amusing tales of a strolling balladeer as we feast on a Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends. (FB, FD)
Hotel: The Williamsburg Marriott (SFC)

Day 8

Williamsburg - Mount Vernon -Washington, D.C.

Be assured that George Washington really does sleep here with this morning's visit to Mount Vernon, the home and final resting place of GeorgeWashington. The kids can search for clues to solve the nine different puzzles with the special map that they will receive as we tour the mansion and gardens, walk along the forest trail and meet the farm animals. We return to Washington, D.C. for our final night. (FB)
Hotel: Capital Hilton (SFC)

Day 9

Depart Washington, D.C.

There is perhaps time for last minute shopping or sightseeing before your complimentary transfer to Washington, D.C. Airport for your return flight back to the UK. (FB)

Day 10 (Door to Door)

Arrive UK

On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting private car for your door to door transfer to your home.

Dates and prices

Destination Info