Historic Highlights

Visit United States

Day 1

Greetings Washington, D.

C.

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 travellers for Welcome Dinner to kick-start your journey.

Day 2

Uncover The History Of Washington, D.

C.

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.

Day 3

Marvel At Mount Vernon Dive Into Culture

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. 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.

Day 4

Step Back In Time At Colonial Williamsburg Make Travel Matter

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.

Day 5

Explore Charlottesville And Monticello

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 on your own at one of the many local restaurants in town. Then, visit Monticello, the neoclassical Italian estate where Jefferson once sought a quieter existence. The rest of your day is free.

Day 6

Unlock the Legacy of Gettysburg Make Travel Matter

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.

Day 7

Journey To Philadelphia

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 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.

Day 8

Discover The Sights Of Philadelphia

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.

Dining Summary

3 Dinner (D)

7 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

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

Washington: This striking museum has collected more than 40,000 artefacts 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. Your visit advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

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 dance. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center: Explore the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. This experience supports the preservation and understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg and advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Washington, D.C., Colonial America presentation in Williamsburg, St. John's Church in Richmond, Gettysburg Battlefield

Visit Mount Vernon, Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, Gettysburg National Military Park, the National Mall, St John's Church, Independence National Historic Park, Shenandoah National Park, National Constitution Center

View the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol Building, the White House, Liberty Bell

Trafalgar Difference

Charlottesville: Combining history with modern sophistication, the Draftsman Hotel is a tribute to three U.S. presidents hailing from Virginia — Jefferson, Madison and Monroe. Appreciate the presidents' legacy throughout the hotel's design as well as proximity to local historic sites. From the stylish rooms to the local artwork, every aspect of the Draftsman Hotel has been meticulously crafted to enhance your stay.

View our great airfares, hotels and travel insurance.