Purely Escorted Tours

Day 1: ARRIVE WASHINGTON, D.C. (2 NIGHTS)

Enjoy your complimentary private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer to your UK departure airport. 

Ghosts and heroes, ammunition and battle strategies, chocolate making and barbecue—you're sure to have a blast as history comes alive on this patriotic adventure! Check into your hotel, then set out on your own to explore the nation's capital. At 6 p.m. gather at the hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Kick­off Party.

Meal(s) Kick ­Off Party

Hotel Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown 

Day 2: WASHINGTON, D.C. SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Join a Local Expert for a tour of the capital and many of its famous landmarks. View the Washington Monument, the National Mall, the Capitol and the White House. You'll be awed as you walk right up to the Lincoln Memorial and World War II Memorial. Visit Arlington National Cemetery and hear all about the final resting place of the nation's heroes on a narrated tram ride. You get the rest of the afternoon 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.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown

Day 3: WASHINGTON, D.C. AND FREE TIME

Enjoy an entire day to explore all of the activities and historic sights the United States capital city has to offer. See the adorably playful pandas at the National Zoo or perhaps take the whole family to learn about one of the most mysterious and exciting jobs around, being a spy, at the International Spy Museum. The kids will love a chance to test their spy skills at the School for Spies. Tonight, enjoy a convivial dinner with your travelling companions.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown

Day 4: WASHINGTON,D.C - PHILADELPHIA (2 Nights) 

Follow in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin, the great inventor and statesman, as you travel to Philadelphia. 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 delights. 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. 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. 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 on July 4, 1776.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Courtyard Philadelphia

Day 5: PHILADELPHIA FREE TIME

Today is all yours to explore the friendly “City of Brotherly Love.” Your Travel Director will be happy to help you plan your day. In the evening, enjoy a delectable dinner at a local restaurant.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel Cortyard Philadelphia

Day 6: PHILADELPHIA – HERSHEY – HARRISBURG

Wave goodbye to Philadelphia as you make your way to Amish country, Lancaster County, for a special lunch. Then travel on to another world—Hershey's Chocolate World that is—where you'll learn the chocolate making process and everyone will get to try their hand with a Local Specialist and make their very own customised chocolate candy bar. Later, get settled in at your hotel in Harrisburg.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel Radisson Harrisburg

Day 7: HARRISBURG - GETTYSBURG

“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 and it's your first destination this morning. Tour the battlefield with a Local Specialist and be amazed by the greatest collection of Civil War relics at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum. Get settled in to your hotel before meeting your newfound friends for a festive Regional Meal Farewell Dinner at the "most haunted" 19th century Dobbins House with a special guest.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Hotel Wyndham Gettysburg

Day 8: GETTYSBURG – MOUNT VERNON – DEPART WASHINGTON, D.C. OR EXTEND YOUR STAY

Be assured that George Washington really did sleep here with today's visit to Mount Vernon, the home and final resting place of the first President of the United States. Kids, search for clues to solve the nine different puzzles with the special map you will receive as you tour the mansion and gardens, and walk along the forest trail to meet the farm animals. Return to Washington, D.C. where your journey ends with a transfer to the airport or to the Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown Hotel for guests extending their stay.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

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