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America's Historic East

Name: America's Historic East
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 4529 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

USA

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

51894

Operator:

Globus
Length:

9 days
Group size:

46 pax
Age:

5 to 80
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

05.09-13.09.25 guaranteed
19.09-27.09.25 guaranteed
20.03-28.03.26 scheduled
01.05-09.05.26 scheduled
29.05-06.06.26 scheduled
24.07-01.08.26 scheduled
04.09-12.09.26 scheduled
25.09-03.10.26 scheduled
02.10-10.10.26 scheduled

Itinerary

Head east for Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and the notable settlements, landmarks, significant battlefields and presidential estates of the historic East. America’s greatest chapters in history come to life as you stroll down the quaint streets of Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, march in the steps of American Revolution and Civil War soldiers and stand inside the remarkable Palladian walls of George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Prepare to be moved as this East Coast vacation leads you to the marbled memorials of D.C., the sacred site of Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, and the symbolic Liberty Bell in the City of Brotherly Love. Combining the nation’s birthplace with national treasures and small town gems – plus a visit to see the wonder and expansive views of Shenandoah National Park – this vacation through America’s historic East promises discovery and wonder for all.

Tour program

Day 1

ARRIVE IN WASHINGTON DC

Welcome to Washington DC! At 6 pm, meet with your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

Start point

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

18:00

Day 2

WASHINGTON DC

Monuments & Moving Memorials
On a sightseeing tour, see many of Washington DC’s famous landmarks, 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. 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
GEORGETOWN 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.

Day 3

WASHINGTON DC–MOUNT VERNON, VIRGINIA–FREDERICKSBURG–WILLIAMSBURG

U.S. History & Heroes
Visit Mount Vernon, the restored home of George Washington en route to Fredericksburg. Tour the house and gardens and visit the museums. Continue south to Fredericksburg, known for its role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War. After an orientation tour, 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.

LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORIC SITE Williamsburg is a historic treasure you’ll love exploring. 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.

Day 4

WILLIAMSBURG

Spend Your Day Your Way in Williamsburg. This morning, immerse yourself in Colonial Williamsburg with an exclusive performance from Sylvia Tabb-Lee, a professional historian. This afternoon, explore more of the Historic Triangle with your choice of included excursions. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy Williamsburg. (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORIC MOMENTS Join renowned historian actor Sylvia Tabb-Lee for a fascinating and moving performance 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.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SITE When the Virginia Company settlers landed at Jamestown to establish an English colony 60 miles from the Chesapeake Bay in 1607, they faced enormous challenges and hardships in a dramatic experience of disease and famine. Within the wooden fort here was England’s first permanent colony in North America and it planted the seeds for the United States of America to grow. Hear the dramatic details of this insurmountable venture with a tour led by an expert guide, including the legend of Captain John Smith, the dark, starving winter of 1609, and the story of Pocahontas – all part of the thrilling story of America’s birthplace.

TAKE YOUR PICK

Explore your way today with your choice of excursions:

PATRIOTS’ DREAMS Visit the nearby Jamestown Settlement for a guided tour to learn about the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Then, enter Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, where costumed villagers add to the authenticity. Stroll down the quaint streets, browse through historic trade shops, and see the Public Gaol. Also, be sure to stop at Raleigh Tavern, the meeting place for Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and other patriots.

OR:

HISTORIC STEPS Journey through historic Williamsburg on a walking tour, “We Shall Overcome: A Black History Experience.” Embark on a tour that transports you to the very paths walked by both free and enslaved inhabitants of Williamsburg. Immerse yourself in the remarkable history of the African American experience in colonial America.

Day 5

WILLIAMSBURG–RICHMOND–MONTICELLO–STAUNTON

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 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 with a Local Guide.

Day 6

STAUNTON–SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK

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.

Day 7

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK–GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

Hallowed Grounds Continue across West Virginia and Maryland into Pennsylvania to Gettysburg National Military Park. Tour Gettysburg and hear your Local Guide vividly recount the 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.

Day 8

GETTYSBURG–LANCASTER–VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK–PHILADELPHIA

Pennsylvania’s Past & Present Visit a family-owned farm and country market, specializing in cheese production in rural Pennsylvania and taste the dairy creations and flavorful favorites. 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.

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. See the Memorial Arch, the Grand Parade, and the Washington Memorial Chapel.

Day 9

PHILADELPHIA

Lovers of Liberty Sightseeing this morning features the “City of Brotherly Love” famed historic treasures, 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.

End point

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

13:30

Tour Details

accommodation

2 nights in twin-share rooms at the superior first-class Capital Hilton

2 nights in twin-share rooms at the moderate first-class Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites

1 night in a twin-share room at the superior first-class Hotel 24 South

1 night in a twin-share room at the moderate first-class Skyland Resort

1 night in a twin-share room at the first-class Gettysburg Hotel

1 night in a twin-share room at the superior first-class Mariott Philadelphia Old City

Please be aware that all accommodations are subject to change until 4-6 weeks before the departure date. Final accommodation details will be provided to you with your finalised travel documents.

flights

As we have travellers from all over the world, flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price and you need to arrange these separately by yourself once your tour is guaranteed. As we specialise in organising the best tours around the world for you, we are unable to advise on flight prices or book flights on your behalf. We recommend that you do not book your flights until your place on the tour has been confirmed.

guide

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

meals

Breakfast daily, 3 Dinners

optional

Optional experiences are available on this tour for an additional cost and will be provided to you with your finalised travel documents. Please contact our team of Travel Experts for more information.

DINNER AND NATIONAL MONUMENTS BY NIGHT

The evening starts with dinner at a favorite local restaurant and is capped off with an illumination tour of several of DC's most famous memorials. A beautiful city any time of day, it is especially beautiful at night!

Please note that all optional experience prices are estimations only and are subject to availability.

others

WASHINGTON DC Sightseeing with a Local Guide.

MOUNT VERNON Guided tour of George Washington’s estate and gardens.

FREDERICKSBURG Orientation tour.

YORKTOWN Visit Yorktown Battlefield Park.

WILLIAMSBURG Private performance by historian Sylvia Tabb-Lee. Tour Jamestown Settlement with a Local Guide. Colonial-style dinner.

RICHMOND Tour St. John’s Church with a Local Guide.

MONTICELLO Guided tour of Thomas Jefferson’s estate.

STAUNTON Visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK Photo stops on Skyline Drive.

HARPERS FERRY Visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

GETTYSBURG History tour with a Local Guide. Colonial-style dinner. Private Ulysses S. Grant presentation.

VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL PARK Guided tour.

PHILADELPHIA Farewell dinner on the Moshulu tall ship. Guided sightseeing.

Arrival and departure transfers

Pre and post-tour accommodation

Tipping

Other meals, snacks, and drinks

Single supplement - This can be purchased on the Book Now page

transport

Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring with free Wi-Fi.

Good to know

Currency

US Dollar

USA

Customer reviews

Overall

Itinerary

4.8

Guide

4.8

Transport

4.2

Accommodation

4.8

Food

Operator

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.