Join us as we travel the historic trails and hear the untold tales that celebrate the rich history of the United States during its 250th anniversary! Journey to historical places and walk in the footsteps of historical figures that shaped the nation. Begin in Philadelphia, "The Birthplace of America" and home of "America’s most historic square mile." See Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed and see America’s symbol of freedom, the Liberty Bell. Travel through Delaware, the first of the 50 United States and second smallest state, to Annapolis, Maryland. This charming city on the Chesapeake Bay was the colonial seaport where the Treaty of Paris was ratified ending the Revolutionary War. It’s also home to the Maryland State House and to the United States Naval Academy. Enjoy walking the cobblestone streets, viewing the many 18th century houses and perhaps trying some of the state’s famous tasty blue crabs. Visit the Nation’s capital, Washington, DC, and see its iconic landmarks like the Capitol Building, the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Have time to explore the Smithsonian Institution Museums, the world’s largest museum complex, and treasure trove of over 150 million objects and works of art. Stop in Fredericksburg, Virginia a town rich with Civil War history then on to Richmond, home to the State Capital and the church where Patrick Henry declared "Give me liberty or give me death!" Enjoy free time to take an optional excursion to Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum, which offers a glimpse into 18th-century life in Virginia. Stop in Charlottesville to tour Monticello, the mountain top home Thomas Jefferson designed as well as the gardens which were considered a botanic showpiece. Enjoy an overnight stay in the natural beauty of Shenandoah National Park which runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains before continuing to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to see Gettysburg National Military Park. Visit the museum there and the famous Cyclorama painting and go on a guided tour of the battlefield where the Battle of Gettysburg took place and where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. Journey east through Pennsylvania Amish country to Valley Forge National Historical Park, the location of the winter encampment of George Washington and the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Return to Philadelphia and continue on to New York City for two additional nights to explore and enjoy the many diverse and interesting places the "Big Apple" has to offer. Then return home after traveling many trails and hearing many tales on this fantastic tour celebrating American history!
