America's Historic East

Welcome to Washington DC!

At 6 pm, meet with your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

Monuments & Moving Memorials

Explore historic landmarks to celebrate America's 250th birthday on a Washington, DC sightseeing tour with a Local Guide, including the Lincoln Memorial, Library of Congress, Kennedy Center, historic Georgetown, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial plus the Vietnam and Korean War Veterans Memorials, with stops for photos at the White House and at Capitol Hill.

Enjoy leisure time this afternoon to explore on your own. Consider the Smithsonian Museums, C & O Canal in Georgetown, International Spy Museum, or a walk along Embassy Row. Try our optional dinner tonight at one of Washington's favorite restaurants, followed by an illumination tour of the monuments at night. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Georgetown's 18th and 19th century grand mansions have been home to politicians, celebrities, and famous Washingtonians in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the district and continue to attract the DC elite. The cobblestone roads, waterfront views, upscale bars, trendy boutiques, and diverse culinary scene draw locals and tourists to the charming, historic area.

ENHANCED FREE TIME - ART & ARCHITECTURE: The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum complex, featuring 11 of the 21 galleries along the National Mall. Explore the National Museum of the American Indian's expansive collection and indigenous landscaping; the Smithsonian National Museum of American History—rich in artifacts highlighting historic American culture, including Dorothy's ruby slippers from Wizard of Oz, Muhammad Ali's boxing gloves, and a special exhibit honoring the nation's flag, the Star-Spangled Banner; the National Museum of African American History and Culture for significant exhibits illustrating African American culture and history, including the Revolutionary War and Civil Rights Movement.

U.S. History & Heroes

Visit Mount Vernon, the restored home of George Washington en route to Williamsburg. Tour the house and gardens and visit the museums. Continue south to Yorktown, known for its role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War. Visit the Yorktown Battlefield Colonial National Historic Park and enjoy a bit of free time to explore the historic district. Continue to Williamsburg for a 2-night stay and dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - A LEGEND SLEPT HERE: The Virginia mansion estate of America's first president, Mount Vernon is one of the most iconic 18th-century homes in America. The patriot and president renovated the home, and it grew to 10 times the size of the average home in colonial Virginia. George Washington began running Mount Vernon in 1752, and slowly enlarged the dwelling to create the current 21-room residence. Washington oversaw each renovation, advising on design, construction, and decoration; the changes reflect his growing status as a Virginia gentleman and ultimately as the leader of a new nation.

Spend Your Day Your Way in Williamsburg

This morning, enjoy an exclusive performance from Sylvia Tabb-Lee, a professional historian.

Explore more in Williamsburg with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.

• JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT - Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia near Williamsburg, tells the story of America's beginnings through gallery exhibits and living history.
• WE SHALL OVERCOME: A WILLIAMSBURG BLACK HISTORY EXPERIENCE - Immerse yourself in the remarkable history of the Black experience in colonial America, as it illuminates the indomitable courage and unwavering spirit of Black residents who shaped the fabric of 17th-century Williamsburg. Embark on a captivating tour that unveils pivotal Williamsburg landmarks deeply intertwined with the history of Black Americans. Note: Pre-booking is recommended, space may be limited on tour.

The remainder of the day is at leisure. After English settlers founded the colony in 1632, it became the center of political events in Virginia leading to the American Revolution. History lovers are drawn to restored Colonial Williamsburg, part of the Historic Triangle with Jamestown and Yorktown – where America was born. (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE - HISTORIC MOMENTS: Join renowned historian actor Sylvia Tabb-Lee for a fascinating and moving performance in Williamsburg that illuminates and inspires insight into the experience of slaves in American history. In keeping with her philosophy of “Each One, Teach One; Each One, Reach One,” Tabb-Lee is a wealth of information and inspiration in sharing the trials and triumphs of African American history.

Historic Figures

First stop is Richmond, Virginia's capital and once the capital of the Confederacy. Visit St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry proclaimed, “Give me liberty or give me death!” Next, visit Thomas Jefferson's estate at Monticello, the Palladian style structure designed by President Jefferson and displayed on the back of the U.S. nickel currency. Spend the evening in Staunton, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ICONIC FOOTSTEPS: Visit the home of America's third president, founder of University of Virginia, former Governor of Virginia, and principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, at his grand estate at Monticello. Stroll the beautiful gardens and explore the majestic mansion designed by Jefferson over a 40-year period. Learn about the history of this plantation and his role 250 years ago in the American Revolution with a Local Guide.

Complex Views

Visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, located at the 28th president's birthplace. Gain a better understanding of the life and times of President Woodrow Wilson, his impact on the world, and his relevance today and for the future. Then, journey to beautiful Shenandoah National Park. (B/D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Travel to the spectacular expansive vistas of Shenandoah National Park along the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Enjoy photo stops and panoramic vistas from Skyline Drive en route to the historic Skyland Resort, established in the late 1800's.

Hallowed Grounds

Continue across West Virginia and Maryland into Pennsylvania to Gettysburg National Military Park. Tour Gettysburg including the Battlefield, and hear your Local Guide vividly recount the American Civil War Battle of 1863. A Colonial-style candlelight dinner tonight at the elegant Dobbin House Tavern, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (B/D)

LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Be transported back in time to the early days of America with a Colonial-style candlelight dinner at Dobbin House Tavern. This elegant Gettysburg restaurant is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. A notable address in Gettysburg!

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Stay overnight at the historic Hotel Gettysburg, established in 1797. President Lincoln honed the immortal words of his Gettysburg Address just steps away from the hotel, and nearly a century later, the hotel served as President Dwight Eisenhower's National Operations Center.

Pennsylvania Past & Present

Visit a family-owned country market, specializing in local dairy products, fresh vegetables, and delightful sweets in rural Pennsylvania. Travel through Lancaster County past Amish farmland to Valley Forge National Historic Park and continue to Philadelphia, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner on the historic Moshulu ship. Launched in 1904, she had a long and exciting career on the seas and is now considered one of Philadelphia's best restaurants. (B/D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: Visit Valley Forge National Historic Park to see the camp where Washington and his troops endured the harsh winter of 1777–1778 during the American Revolutionary War. See the Memorial Arch, the Grand Parade, and the Washington Memorial Chapel.

Lovers of Liberty

Sightseeing this morning features the “City of Brotherly Love” and the living history highlights of Philadelphia and the 250th Celebration of America, including the Liberty Bell. Your vacation ends with a motorcoach drop at the Philadelphia International Airport or Washington DC tour hotel for those with post-nights. Schedule departing flights from Philadelphia International Airport after 1:30 pm. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SITES: The Liberty Bell bears a timeless message: "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof" where it rang out from Independence Hall to summon lawmakers to work and the citizenry to gather for news. Benjamin Franklin noted while writing a letter, "Adieu, the bell rings, and I must go among the grave ones and talk ‘politicks.'" Go beyond the iconic crack to learn how this State House bell was transformed into an extraordinary symbol of civil rights and still resounds with a message of freedom and hope.