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ITINERARY

Delve into America's past-the dogged tenacity of pilgrims, settlers and soldiers, who fought for their New World and young nation revealed on this journey from Capitol Hill and the home of Gorge Washinton, to the bloody battlefields of Gettysburg and dinner with a special guest in a haunted tavern.

Day 1:  Arrive Washinton, D.C.

Welcome to Washinton, D.C. Check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing or set out on your own to take in some highlights of the nation's capital city. At 6:00 pm, gather at the hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception.

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Day 2:  Washinton, D.C. Monuments, and Memorials

Immerse yourself in the proud heritage of a nation and view the White House, the striking Washinton Monument and the National Mall, stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol building. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the somber World War II Memorial. this afternoon, enjoy some free time to chart your own course through America's capital city.

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Day 3:  Washinton, D.C. – Mount Vernon – Yorktown – Williamsburg

From the nation's capital, travel to the home of its first president, George Washinton, on the banks of the Potomac River in Mount Vernon. Visit the Yorktown Victory Center and watch Revolutionary War history come to life. Delve even further into America's past upon arriving in Williamsburg-settled in 1638 as Middle Plantation. This evening, head to a local tavern for dinner.

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Day 4:  Jamestown – Colonial Williamsburg

Before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Captain John Smith and his hardy hand of settlers established the first permanent English settlement in the New World, Jamestown. With the insight of your guide, you will find out how difficult life was for the early colonists when they came to America in 1607. Walk through the life-size 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. Then, fast forward to the 18th century and spend the rest of the day in Colonial Williamsburg, Britain's largest colony in the New World from 1699 to 1780. chat with blacksmiths, take in a fife and drum parade, even engage in some politicking with a costumed Federalist in the town square with her presentation, a Cultural Insight.

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Day 5:  Williamsburg – Richmond – Monticello – Charlottesville

Visit the very spot where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were inspired by Patrick Henry's fiery "Give me liberty or give me death" speech when you visit St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia. Continue to Charlottesville where you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. for a more genteel window into Jefferson's life, explore Monticello (translating to "little mountain"), his neoclassical Italian estate perched atop a hill. The rest of your day is free.

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Day 6:  Charlottesville – Shenandoah National Park – Gettysburg

Bid farewell to Charlottesville and travel through Shenandoah National Park on the way to Gettysburg. Here you will immerse yourself in the narrative of the U.S. Civil War. Visit the incredible Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, home to the breathtaking Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. Get settled into your hotel before meeting your newfound friends for a festive Regional Meal at the "most haunted" 18th century Dobbins House with a special guest.

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Day 7:  Gettysburg – Philadelphia

Cannons blazing, trumpets sounding, the blue and the gray-join your Local Specialist at the site of one of the Civil War's most pivotal battles. The events at Gettysburg-where General George Meade's Army of the Potomac defeated Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia-turned the tide in the Civil War. Just four months after the historic struggle, the battlefield was also the backdrop for Abraham Lincoln's call for "a new birth of freedom" in his famed Gettysburg Address. Travel to Philadelphia, site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Stay in the heart of the city's historic district, within walking distance to dozens of landmark buildings. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow American history enthusiasts for a Farewell Dinner.

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Day 8:  Philadelphia – Depart Washington, D.C.

Walk in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin in one of the foremost cities of American history. Begin with a visit to the National Constitution Center-an interactive museum tracing the history of the U.S. Constitution and the effect it has had around the world. Explore Independence National Historic Park, home of the renowned Liberty Bell and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Washington, D.C. for a transfer to Ronald Reagan National Airport.

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Meals:

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= Welcome Reception

= Breakfast Buffet

= Lunch

= Dinner

= Farewell Dinner

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