From Philadelphia to Washington, DC, tour landscapes that have seen centuries of historic events. Walk in America's footsteps, from the very earliest days of the nation to the present day.  Discover the history and American lifestyles through the centuries from Philadelphia, to Colonial Williamsburg.  Travel back in time on an enchanting carriage ride along Philadelphia's historic tree-lined streets.  Discover the distinctive cultural influences that came together to create Jamestown, the first permanent English colony in the New World, at an educational lecture.    Visit the poignant battlefields of the Civil War in Gettysburg, and tour the magnificent home of George Washington at Mount Vernon.  Dine at a Colonial Tavern in Williamsburg featuring Colonial-era menus, recipes and dishes.  Finally, discover the past and present in the capital of the United States on a Washington, DC tour, including sightseeing of the capital's spectacular monuments illuminated at night.

Day 1. Welcome to Philadelphia. Tour begins: The City of Brotherly Love abounds with history and charm.  Your Philadelphia to Washington, DC tour begins at 18.00 at the Four Seasons Hotel.  A transfer is included from Philadelphia International Airport to the Four Seasons Hotel.  Please join your fellow travellers at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening at your elegant five-star hotel on Logan Square Meals D

Day 2. Philadelphia, "City of Brotherly Love"  You can feel early American history in the air on a full day in Philadelphia. Tour Independence Hall, site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence; ride a horse-drawn carriage along cobbletstone streets; see the Liberty Bell in its new home; and visit the National Constitution Center, where you'll view the multimedia presentation Freedom Rising.  Indulge in a true taste of Philadelphia's rich culinary culture - from cheesecake to pretzels to pizza and beyond, in places locals love - on a Flavors of Philly tasting tour.  Meals B

Day 3. Amish Country / Gettysburg. Traverse rolling Pennsylvania farmland to Lancaster County, home of the Amish.  With their simple ways, the Amish still live very much as their ancestors did, without all the modern conveniences that we take for granted.  Gain insights into the Amish culture during a tour with a local guide and continue on your tour to Gettysburg; explore the grounds of Gettysburg National Military Park - site of one of the Civil War's most significant battles - with a National Park Service guide. Tonight, a story-teller in Civil War-period garb describes the civilian experience during the battle of Gettysburg at an exclusive Tauck dessert reception.  Meals BLD

Day 4. Marine Corps Museum / Williamsburg.  Cross the Mason-Dixon line to Virginia's National Museum of the Marine Corps; see interactive exhibits chronicling more than 200 years of the U.S.M.C's golorious history.  Arrive in Colonial Williamsburg, recreating daily life in Virginia's old colonial capital, for a two-night stay; enjoy dinner at an authentic colonial tavern tonight.  Meals BD

Day 5. Colonial Williamsburg.  Explore Colonial Williamsburg, restored to its 1770 grandeur as the economic and political hub of Britain's largest colony in the New World. Meet historic interpreters in colonial dress who represent actual citizens from 18th-century Williamsburg. Step back in time in this living history museum and see the Capitol Building, still flying the British flag; Raleigh Tavern, a favorite meeting place of delegates to the House of Burgesses; the Governor's Palace; Bruton Parish Church; and many other historic colonial homes and shops. It will be a day you'll long remember! Meals B

Day 6. Historic Jamestown and a Washington, DC tour by night.  Depart Williamsburg today for visits to Jamestown, founded in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement in the "New World,"  You have an opportunity to contrast three cultures that converged here - Powhatan Indians, the English and the Africans - at a lecture, and take a walking tour to see gallery exhibitions focusing on America's early heritage.  Journey to Washington, DC for a tour of the capital by night - the illuminated monuments are a special sight.   Meals BLD

Day 7. From historic Mount Vernon to a Washington, DC tour by day.  From Washington, DC tour the beloved estate of George Washington overlooking the Potomac River. Explore the house, the estate and the interactive museum.  Depart Mount Vernon and take a Washington, DC tour that features such stirring sights as the poignant memorials to those who served in World War II, the Korean and Vietnamise wars, as well as the Lincoln Memorial.  Attend a special farewell reception and dinner tonight. Meals BD

Day 8. Journey Home.  Tour ends: Washington, DC. Fly home anytime. A transfer to the airport is included to Washington Dulles International Airport or Ronald Reagan National Airport. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Departure Dates 2010

8 Days / 7 Nights
Begins Philadelphia/ends Washington, DC
Apr: 11, 18, 25
May: 09, 16, 30
Jun: 06, 13
Sep: 05, 12, 19, 26
Oct: 03, 10, 17
Additional dates may become available as these sell out.

Prices 2010 - Price Per Person

Twin £1309
Single £1625
Triple £1209 (twin with roll-away)

14 Meals Included. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch,  D = Dinner

Hotels:

Day 1 & 2. Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia.
Day 3. Wyndham Gettysburg, Gettysburg.
Days,3 & 4. Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg.
Days 5 & 6. Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC