Historic Highlights

4/5 Based on 1 Review No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Historic Highlights
Historic Highlights
Historic Highlights

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Trafalgar's 8 Day Historic Highlights. Explore a young nation, on this journey that takes you Capitol Hill, George Washington’s home, reenactments on Gettysburg’s battlefields and dinner in a haunted tavern. This New England tour immerses you in the past, as you'll be chatting with blacksmiths in Colonial Williamsburg and visiting the monuments of D.C.’s National Mall.
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Trip Length
Trip Length

8 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Washington DC

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Washington DC

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
USA
Operator
Operator
Trafalgar
Trip Reviews
1 Trip Review
Avg. Rating: 4/5
Trip Style
Trip Style

Regional Explorer

Accommodation
Accommodation

4 Star

Budget
Budget

Premium

Age Range
Age Range

5-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

48

Guide Style
Guiding Style

Fully Guided

Itinerary

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 travelers for a Welcome Reception to kick-start your journey. (WR) Stay: Washington Marriott Georgetown

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. (B)

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, followed by a private lunch. 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. (B/L) Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg

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. (B)

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 at a local restaurant. Then, visit Monticello, the neoclassical Italian estate where Jefferson once sought a quieter existence. The rest of your day is free. (B/L) Stay: The Draftsman Hotel

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. (B/D) Stay: Wyndham Gettysburg

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 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. 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. (B/L/D) Stay: Philadelphia Marriott Old City

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. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Explore Gettysburg with a Local Specialist
  • Visit Mount Vernon, Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, Gettysburg National Military Park, the National Mall, St John's Church, Independence National Historic Park
  • View the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol Building, the White House, Liberty Bell

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.

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.

Iconic Experience

  • Washington, D.C.: Explore the nation's proud heritage today as you 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.
  • Washington: Visit Mount Vernon Estate, the former home of America's first President George Washington.. Explore the Grounds and delve into the history of the American Revolution on an included tour of Mansion.
  • Jamestown: 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. Guests can walk through the life-sized re-creations of the colonists' crude fort, explore the mock-up of the Native American Powhatan village and climb aboard a replica of one of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia.
  • Shenandoah: Enjoy your visit through the rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park.
  • Gettysburg: Join a Local Specialist who will bring to life the Battle of Gettysburg which turned the tide in the American 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.
  • Philadelphia: Explore the UNESCO-listed Independence National Historic Park and see its famous cracked bell whose inscription has inspired so many to "proclaim liberty". Also see Independence Hall where The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed.
  • Philadelphia: Visit the National Constitution Center which brings the United States Constitution to life by hosting interactive exhibits and inspires active citizenship by celebrating the American constitutional tradition.

Make Travel Matter®

  • Discover heritage and history at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • This striking museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts 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.
  • 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 song.
  • Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center: Explore the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, where our visit helps to contribute to their efforts to preserve the battlefield and an important part of American History.

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • All transport and transfers shown
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 7 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Operator

Trafalgar
 (1,001) Reviews
Total No. of Tours & Cruises262
We are the world’s leading and most awarded travel brand spanning all 7 continents of the globe. From the iconic to the unexpected our guests connect to the real depth of the places we go. They will break bread with the locals at our exclusive Be My Guest experiences and unlock local secrets of our Travel Directors and more Local Specialists. Everything is taken care of, so they travel with true ease and get the real thing without worrying about a thing.

We consider how we can positively impact the communities we engage with. Through our JoinTrafalgar initiatives powered by TreadRight, guests don’t just leave footprints on the ground, but leave a lasting legacy for the betterment of locals and the future of their communities.

It’s 72 years of destination experience and feedback from over 5 million happy guests that fuels our innovation to continually delivery simply the best holidays.
Must-sees to Local Secrets
Must-sees to Local Secrets

You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more

Connect with Locals
Connect with Locals

With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more

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Stay With Stories

Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more

Trip Reviews (1)

Trafalgar Reviews
Reviews 1 Review
Average Rating 4 out of 5
5 Star
4 Star
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3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Tour covered the major highlights we wanted to see. 5 , Australia, May 2013
Overall the tour covered the major highlights we wanted to see. In particular we were impressed with Mt Vernon, Monticello, the field guide at Gettysburg and Jamestown. Feedback was given to Trafalgar that the Shenandoah element was very disappointing particularly the standard of accommodation and its overall relevance to the tour. Far more time should read more have been allocated to visiting significant sites in Richmond e.g the Confederate White House. One visit in Richmond (to a church) grossly understates the importance of the town in an historic highlights context. We would have preferred more time in Jamestown fort and less time in Colonial Williamsburg. The optional excursion in Colonial Williamsburg was not value for money. The Amish experience was disappointing and largely overstated in the tour itinerary.
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Trafalgar USA (2026-27)

Trafalgar’s USA tours span coast to coast, offering epic journeys through iconic cities, natural wonders, and vibrant local cultures. From the Grand Canyon and New York’s museums to Texan ranches and Alaskan wilds, each itinerary reveals the unforgettable glory of the American landscape and spirit. With highlights ranging from Motown to Mardi Gras, more this is the United States at its most dynamic.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Saturday 09 May 2026 09 May 26 Washington DC
Saturday 16 May 2026 16 May 26 Washington DC
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