Sightseeing

Tour begins: 5:00 PM at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing (airport transfers are not included). If you can, try to arrive in Philadelphia earlier in the day so you can see the Liberty Bell and some of the city’s other famous sights.

Join us this evening to meet your Tour Director and fellow explorers on this trip through history to Gettysburg, Williamsburg and Washington, DC at our welcome dinner.

Hotels

Meals: Dinner.
Lodging: Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing

Sightseeing

Start the day in Philadelphia with a tour that includes a stop at famous Independence Hall, where courageous delegates from the thirteen colonies put their lives on the line by signing the Declaration of Independence; where George Washington was named commander-in-chief of the Continental Army; where Betsy Ross’ design for the first flag was approved; and where the American Constitution was drafted. That’s a whole lot of history in just one building! Then, travel into rural Lancaster Country, “the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country,” where the Amish people still live very much as their ancestors did without things like electricity, cars, computers and TV – necessities that we probably couldn’t live without! You may see them driving along the roads in their horse-drawn buggies or tending their fields with a plow pulled by a horse or a mule. The Amish are very private people so please don’t take their pictures without their permission.

Hotels

Sweet treats wait when you arrive in Hershey, “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” for an overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, lunch. Lodging: The Hotel Hershey

Sightseeing

So, imagine that you’re a cocoa bean that’s just arrived in Hershey. See the process you’d go through to become chocolate candy – and learn how the Hershey Kiss got its name – during a visit to the candy factory at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Continue on to historic Gettysburg, site of the crucial battles that marked an important turning point in the Civil War and are often referred to as the “High Water Mark of the Confederacy.” You’ll find out what happened here from a local guide as you tour the battlefields. Perhaps you’ll see the equestrian statue of General George Meade, commander of the Union 93,000 “Army of the Potomac” troops who ultimately won the battle and stopped General Robert E. Lee’s 70,000 Confederate soldiers’ advance northward.

Hotels

Meals: Breakfast, dinner. Lodging: Wyndham Gettysburg

Sightseeing

If someone in your family has been a member of the United States Marine Corps, you probably know what that means. Marines, often called “Leathernecks,” say “Ooh-rah” with considerable enthusiasm when greeting each other and “Semper Fi!” is a Marine Corps rallying cry taken from the Corps’ motto, “Semper Fidelis,” which means “ever faithful.” At the National Museum of the Marine Corps, you’ll learn how boot camp transforms Marine recruits from just ordinary folks to elite warriors. Discover the heroic feats of brave Marines in battles around the world and view priceless artifacts from the Corps’ proud history.

Hotels

Then, head off to Colonial Williamsburg for a two-night stay. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
Lodging: Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites

Tonight, you’ll have dinner at one of the Williamsburg colonial taverns just like citizens did in the 18th century.

Sightseeing

Have you ever wondered what life was like when America was a brand-new nation? At Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll be able to see it for yourself. Explore colonial homes to see how families lived and visit colonial shops to discovers what kinds of businesses and trades were thriving in the 1700s. You’ll meet 18th-century people going about their daily chores just as people did back then. Tonight, explore Williamsburg by the light of flickering gas lamps as you hear about the legends and lore of the Williamsburg of long ago.

Hotels

Meals: Breakfast.
Lodging: Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites

Sightseeing

After leaving Williamsburg this morning, you’ll head off to historic Mount Vernon. Set on the banks of the Potomac River, Mount Vernon was the awesome plantation home of “America’s first hero” and first president, George Washington. Discover what life was like for the Washingtons during your visit.

Museums

Later, the shadowy world of international intrigue awaits you at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. Discover how talented spies have changed the course of history as you tour this cool museum.

Hotels

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Lodging: L’Enfant Plaza Hotel

Sightseeing

You’ve seen pictures of them and you’ve read about them. Today, you’ll visit them – the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the United States Capital Building, and see other famous sights like the Washington Monument on a guided tour. Then, take a walk through America’s historic legacies as you explore the Smithsonian Museum of American History. There will be free time this afternoon for you and your family to spend as you please.

Join us this evening at our farewell dinner, where you can swap favorite memories of Williamsburg, Philadelphia, Gettysburg and Washington, DC with your new friends.

Hotels

Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
Lodging: L’Enfant Plaza Hotel

Airport Transfers

Tour ends: Washington, DC. It’s time to pack up all your memories of your family’s adventures during Patriots of America... Philadelphia... Gettysburg... Williamsburg... and head for home. Because families will be leaving at different times to catch their flights home, transfers to the airport are not included. Please allow two hours for airport check-in formalities.
Meals: Breakfast