Relax and enjoy a fully guided journey from start to finish! Beginning in New York City and concluding in Washington, D.C., this historic tour takes you through the rich landscapes of Pennsylvania and Virginia, offering an immersive experience between two iconic cities at the start and end of this remarkable trip. This escorted tour includes:
Round-trip scheduled flights
Accommodation as specified
11 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 7 dinners
Air-conditioned motorcoach transportation
Services of a Tauck Tour Director
Classic tour
Departure Dates:
2026: March 20th & 31st; April 10th; May 1st & 22nd; September 11th, 22nd & 25th; October 6th, 13th & 16th; December 2nd & 4th. 2027: March 30th; April 23rd & 30th; May 11th; September 10th & 24th; October 5th; December 7th.
Itinerary
Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to New York City. Upon arrival, a transfer to your hotel, the New York Marriott Downtown, is included. This evening, meet up with your fellow Tauck travellers for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. Dinner included.
Accommodation
New York Marriott Downtown
Each of the hotel’s 513 rooms and suites features contemporary decor with refined finishes, creating a comfortable retreat in the bustling heart of Lower Manhattan. Rooms are equipped with plush bedding, ergonomic workspaces, and modern amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, mini-refrigerators and coffee makers. Some rooms offer expansive views of the Hudson River, the iconic New York City skyline, or the Statue of Liberty.
After breakfast, explore Manhattan on foot with a local guide, visiting landmarks like Trinity Church, Federal Hall, and the Wall Street area, home to the New York Stock Exchange. You’ll also see the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl sculptures, Battery Park, and the National September 11 Memorial.
Next, board a motor coach for an uptown tour, passing through neighbourhoods like Greenwich Village, Chinatown, Little Italy, and Times Square. Enjoy a walk through Central Park, with highlights such as Bethesda Fountain and Strawberry Fields. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore independently, with options like a Broadway show, museum visits, or a ferry ride. Your Tour Director is available for recommendations. Breakfast included.
Accommodation
New York Marriott Downtown
Each of the hotel’s 513 rooms and suites features contemporary decor with refined finishes, creating a comfortable retreat in the bustling heart of Lower Manhattan. Rooms are equipped with plush bedding, ergonomic workspaces, and modern amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, mini-refrigerators and coffee makers. Some rooms offer expansive views of the Hudson River, the iconic New York City skyline, or the Statue of Liberty.
As you depart New York this morning, take in views of its iconic skyline and the Statue of Liberty before heading to Valley Forge Historic Park in Pennsylvania. Here, 12,000 Continental Army troops, led by George Washington, camped from December 1777 to June 1778—considered the birthplace of the American Army. You’ll learn about Baron von Steuben’s “Blue Book” military training and see Washington’s wartime tent.
Lunch will be at Black Powder Tavern, a historic building from 1746, named for its role in storing munitions for the Continental Army. Afterwards, head to Philadelphia for a guided tour of its historic district, featuring sites like the Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley, and Independence Mall. This evening, settle into your hotel near Rittenhouse Square and enjoy dinner at your leisure. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodation
Sofitel at Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
The Sofitel’s 238 guestrooms and 68 suites are all recently renovated with the hotel’s love for Paris and Philadelphia complemented through each room’s quirky decor. All rooms feature hardwood floors, a seating area, bistro tables, and other modern furnishings including complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen television, a mini-refrigerator, a safety deposit box, and Balmain bath products. The hotel’s selection of suites offers additional living space and upgraded amenities.
The Museum of the American Revolution opens early today exclusively for Tauck guests, offering a private, guided tour without the crowds. You’ll gain insider insights from museum staff on key artifacts, including George Washington’s original war tent. After the tour, explore exhibits at your own pace, delving into different aspects of the American Revolution.
Next, visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed, with a park ranger providing insights. You’ll also see the Liberty Bell, a symbol of freedom. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore sites like the National Constitution Centre, the U.S. Mint, or Reading Terminal Market. Breakfast included.
Accommodation
Sofitel at Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
The Sofitel’s 238 guestrooms and 68 suites are all recently renovated with the hotel’s love for Paris and Philadelphia complemented through each room’s quirky decor. All rooms feature hardwood floors, a seating area, bistro tables, and other modern furnishings including complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen television, a mini-refrigerator, a safety deposit box, and Balmain bath products. The hotel’s selection of suites offers additional living space and upgraded amenities.
Travel through rolling Pennsylvania farmland to Lancaster County for a guided tour that reveals the cultural traditions of the Amish, steeped in centuries past, and lunch. Continue on to Gettysburg National Military Park for a visit to the amazing interpretive centre. The centre includes a film, A New Birth of Freedom, narrated by Morgan Freeman; the massive Cyclorama painting, which literally surrounds visitors with a magnificent visual of the fury of Pickett’s Charge and brings vividly to life the sights and sounds of the battles that raged here on July 1-3, 1863; and the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, featuring 12 exhibit galleries that contain artifacts and interactive displays. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodation
Wyndham Gettysburg, Gettysburg
The Wyndham Gettysburg’s 248 bright and stylish accommodations have been designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Presidential blue floors and scarlet red walls add vibrancy to rooms which feature modern furnishings, plush pillow-top bedding, 27” flat screen televisions, wireless internet and coffee-makers. Choose one of the hotel’s suites and expect upgraded amenities and a separate living area.
The Gettysburg Battlefield, a key site of the American Civil War, spans Pennsylvania’s rolling hills where Union and Confederate forces clashed in July 1863. A licensed guide will lead you through the battlefield, highlighting pivotal moments such as the defense of Little Round Top and Pickett’s Charge. Over 50,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing at Gettysburg, with 6,000 buried in the national cemetery, where Lincoln delivered his famous address.
Next, visit Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, the site of John Brown’s failed 1859 raid, before continuing through historic Southern towns on your way to Charlottesville, Virginia. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accommodation
Omni Hotel, Charlottesville
Perfectly blending inspiration taken from Charlottesville’s historic past with modern-day contemporary luxury; guestrooms at the Omni are newly refurbished in a traditional style with soothing palettes of gold and cream. Picture windows offer views of either the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville, or hotel atrium. Standard room amenities include flat screen televisions, plush bathrobes, coffee-makers and mini-refrigerators.
Enjoy a guided visit to Monticello, the beloved hilltop home of author, statesman, scientist and US President Thomas Jefferson. He designed his house using the principles of Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio and continued tinkering with Monticello throughout his lifetime. Tour the house and grounds. Enjoy a lunch of colonial fare at the historic Michie Tavern, featuring servers in 18th-century period attire. Throughout the day you will have observed that the realities of life did not always fit comfortably with the principles of equality and liberty that Jefferson espoused as a founding father. Learn more during a Tauck Exclusive private presentation by Dr. Leni Sorensen, scholar, living history interpreter, and African American Research Historian for the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello. Your evening is free to do as you wish. Breakfast and lunch included.
Accommodation
Omni Hotel, Charlottesville
Perfectly blending inspiration taken from Charlottesville’s historic past with modern-day contemporary luxury; guestrooms at the Omni are newly refurbished in a traditional style with soothing palettes of gold and cream. Picture windows offer views of either the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville, or hotel atrium. Standard room amenities include flat screen televisions, plush bathrobes, coffee-makers and mini-refrigerators.
Explore the Civil War from multiple perspectives in Richmond, Virginia’s capital and former capital of the Confederacy. Begin with a private tour of the Virginia State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark designed by Thomas Jefferson and Charles-Louis Clérisseau, inspired by an ancient Roman temple. Completed in 1788, the building also served as the Confederacy’s wartime capitol and underwent significant restoration in 2007.
After lunch at a local seafood restaurant, continue to Colonial Williamsburg, where restored cobblestone streets and buildings reflect its days as Virginia’s Colonial capital. During your two-night stay, enjoy dinner at an 18th-century-style tavern, complete with period décor, traditional cuisine, and staff in historic attire for an immersive experience. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodation
Williamsburg Lodge
Decorated in designs drawn from colonial Virginia-style fabrics, guestrooms and suites at the Williamsburg Lodge combine the area’s rich history with modern amenities and luxury furnishings. Each of the Lodge’s guestrooms and suites features a flat screen television, wireless internet, coffee-makers and plush bedding. Choose one of the resort’s spacious suites and you’ll also enjoy a separate living and dining area. The Lodge’s sister property, Williamsburg Inn, is located adjacent and provides more traditional decor.
Today, you have the entire day at your leisure to delve into the rich history of Colonial Williamsburg, where you can explore the beautifully restored buildings, interact with costumed interpreters, and immerse yourself in the daily life of a bygone era as you wish. Restored to its 18th-century glory and inhabited by interpreters in period dress living its 18th-century lifestyle, discover life in days gone by as you step back in time to encounter local residents, from artisans and tradespeople to militiamen and ordinary citizens. Visit authentically restored buildings such as the Governor’s Palace, Raleigh Tavern, Bruton Parish Church, and other places including Colonial homes, with activities and demonstrations throughout the day. If you wish, you have a variety of activities to choose from: you can browse through unique shops, visit informative museums that detail early American life, stroll through the historically restored town – or just unwind in the beautifully maintained green spaces and gardens that provide peaceful spots for relaxation. Breakfast included.
Accommodation
Williamsburg Lodge
Decorated in designs drawn from colonial Virginia-style fabrics, guestrooms and suites at the Williamsburg Lodge combine the area’s rich history with modern amenities and luxury furnishings. Each of the Lodge’s guestrooms and suites features a flat screen television, wireless internet, coffee-makers and plush bedding. Choose one of the resort’s spacious suites and you’ll also enjoy a separate living and dining area. The Lodge’s sister property, Williamsburg Inn, is located adjacent and provides more traditional decor.
You’ll travel from Williamsburg this morning to the magnificent Mount Vernon estate of America’s first president, George Washington. Overlooking the Potomac River, the setting couldn’t be more spectacular; explore the state-of-the-art interactive museum, the 18th-century mansion and landscaped grounds. You’ll have a late afternoon arrival in Washington, DC, capital city of the US, for a three-night stay at one of its most historic hotels, The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C.; dine tonight at the hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodation
Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.
Elegant and spacious guestrooms and suites tastefully combine the classic and the contemporary. Comfortable furnishings and timeless style unite with leading-edge technology to create the ideal getaway for all passengers. Amenities in all guestrooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen television, Keurig coffee maker, mini-refrigerator, and Agraria Lemon Verbena bath products.
Today begins with a Tauck exclusive early access to the National Archives Rotunda for a private viewing of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, accompanied by remarks from a National Archives expert. You’ll also explore the Public Vaults, home to original documents like the U.S. Constitution and Emancipation Proclamation.
The afternoon is free to explore Washington, D.C. at your own pace. You might visit the Smithsonian Museums, Capitol Hill, the Washington Monument, or Ben’s Chili Bowl. If you’re visiting in March or April, enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival. This evening, conclude the week with a farewell reception and dinner at the Willard. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accommodation
Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.
Elegant and spacious guestrooms and suites tastefully combine the classic and the contemporary. Comfortable furnishings and timeless style unite with leading-edge technology to create the ideal getaway for all passengers. Amenities in all guestrooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen television, Keurig coffee maker, mini-refrigerator, and Agraria Lemon Verbena bath products.
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