Journey through America’s history to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial — our 250th anniversary! Explore the fascinating history of the United States in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. and visit prominent battlefields, attractions, and museums. From Valley Forge to the United States Naval Academy, this tour will take you to many of the places you have only read about in history books.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO PHILADELPHIA!
Arrive today in the “City of Brotherly Love.” At our evening welcome dinner, get to know your Tour Director and fellow travel companions. D
DAY 2: HISTORIC MILE/VALLEY FORGE
Start your day by being transported back in time to America’s most historic square mile. A period attired guide will lead us through the birthplace of American independence and past iconic sites such as Independence Hall. Visit the Liberty Bell and witness one of our country’s greatest symbols of freedom. After lunch, we will head to Valley Forge where our knowledgeable step on guide will take us to the key places in the encampment site of the Continental Army. Our dinner tonight will be at the Historic Dobbin House in Gettysburg, where Abraham Lincoln will be joining us! B, D
DAY 3: GETTYSBURG/ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
This morning, follow the route of Lee’s Army to Gettysburg and enjoy an informative introduction to the park at the Visitors Center. We will see the Gettysburg Civil War Museum and Cyclorama, a 360-degree depiction of Pickett’s Charge. This afternoon, we head to Antietam National Battlefield Park where the bloodiest one-day battle in American History took place. B, L
DAY 4: NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM/ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Our first stop today is the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, also called the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Here we’ll see thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including the space shuttle Discovery! Our next stop takes us to Arlington National Cemetery where the rolling hills mark the final resting place for more than 14,000 veterans, including those who fought in the Civil War. Then, we’re off to the charming Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. to check into the 5-star Watergate Hotel for the next two nights. We will learn about the history of the hotel and the infamous “Scandal Room” during our exciting stay. B, D
DAY 5: U.S. CAPITOL/NATIONAL ARCHIVES/NATIONAL MALL
We start our day with a tour of the United States Capitol, the meeting place for our nation’s legislature. Next, we head to the National Archives to get a firsthand look at the Declaration of Independence and other key historical documents. The group will then enjoy some free time to explore the many museums that make up the Smithsonian. Tonight, we board our motorcoach for a tour of the monuments at night to see the evening sparkle of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Vietnam Memorial. Your Tour Director will provide historical context for each stop as you gaze at our nation’s most beautiful monuments in a way many people never get to see them. B, D
DAY 6: ANNAPOLIS/US NAVAL ACADEMY
Today, we’ll head out of Washington D.C. towards the beautiful seaside town of Annapolis. This former Capital of the United States will charm us with its enchanting streets and beautiful waterfront. Our period attired guide will share four centuries of history with us as we tour the Maryland State House and the U.S. Naval Academy. After lunch, step aboard the Harbor Queen for a narrated cruise of Annapolis Harbor and catch a glimpse of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. B, L
DAY 7: NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER/HOME
After breakfast, head to the National Constitution Center Museum to explore the story of the U.S. Constitution and its ongoing role in our lives. Visit the Signers’ Hall, a display of 42 life-size bronze statues depicting the signing of the Constitution. Then, travel back home with new friends and fond memories. B
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: Delta Hotel Philadelphia Airport, Philadelphia, PA
Night 2: Hotel Gettysburg, Gettysburg, PA
Night 3: Hilton Garden Inn, Fredrick, MD
Nights 4-5: The Watergate Hotel, Washington D.C.
Night 6: Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront, Wilmington, DE
Dates:
Sep 12-18, 2026
Price Per Person:
Double $2,899
Single $3,699
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$179/night
Depart/Return:
Philadelphia, PA
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Delta Hotel Philadelphia Airport, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Philadelphia Airport any time after 2:30 p.m. on Day 7.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Philadelphia Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, please know you may be expected to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law requires mandatory motorcoach driver breaks.
Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
September – high of 70° F, low of 55° F
Time Zone
Eastern
Hotel Amenities –
Most accommodations arranged by Country Travel Discoveries are equipped with in-room amenities such as a hair dryer, iron, and coffee maker. In addition, some properties may also have a pool, fitness center, or laundry facilities.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
