Collette > Heritage of America

Heritage of America
9 Days starting from $1,499

Countries Visited:
United States

 

Length: 9 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: USA Tour
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3379
   
 
About This Tour


Explore the cornerstones of American Democracy on a unique tour that showcases Philadelphia, Virginia and Washington, D.C.; as well as historic sites and historic homes. In Philadelphia, highlights of your tour include a visit to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Betsy Ross' home. Visit Wheatland, the palatial home of James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States; see Monticello, the beautiful home of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence; and Mount Vernon, the beloved home of the 1st President of the United States, General George Washington. Learn about the traditions and history of the Amish with a locally guided tour and home-hosted dinner in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Bring to life the most decisive battle of the Civil War in Gettysburg where a narrated tour is both educational and fun. Behold amazing views of the Shenandoah Valley while traveling along famous Skyline Drive en route to Colonial Williamsburg where you'll have time to explore the restored historic buildings and enjoy dinner at one of its famous taverns. In Washington, D.C., explore the world-renowned Smithsonian Institution where you can see the fabled Hope Diamond, the gowns of the First Ladies, and so much more. Famous monuments and memorials, a visit to Arlington National Cemetery with its Tomb of the Unknowns, a visit to the nation's Capitol building, and Ford's Theatre, site of President Lincoln's assassination will all leave you with a renewed insight into America's great heritage.
 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • Additional Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
5 Breakfast(s), 5 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

NEW YORK CITYSheraton New York
LANCASTEREden Resort Inn and Suites

SHENANDOAH VALLEYSkyland Lodge or Big Meadows
WILLIAMSBURGWoodlands Hotel, Colonial Williamsburg Property
ARLINGTONDoubletree Crystal City
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Arrive New York City-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-Lancaster/Strasburg
Arrive this morning in New York City and transfer with your travel group to Philadelphia and embark on a tour of “the Birthplace of a New Nation” which highlights the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Independence Hall is rich in heritage as the location of both the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution. Continue on to the Amish Country of Lancaster, the second largest Amish community in America.

Day 2
Lancaster/Strasburg
Visit Wheatland*, the gracious Federalist home of James Buchanan, the 15th U.S. President, and the only president never to marry. Sample the true taste of Amish Country with stops at the Farmer’s Market and the Kitchen Kettle Complex where small batches of jams, jellies and relishes are handcrafted daily. Next, a local guide introduces you to the fascinating history and traditions of the Amish people during a tour of their farmlands. As you learn more about their self-sufficiency and peaceful lifestyle you will understand how their “life apart” is an expression of their religious faith and dedication. Tonight, enjoy dinner in the home of an Amish family, for an Amish feast** - a true highlight of your tour.

Day 3
Lancaster/Strasburg - Gettysburg - Charlottesville, Virginia
Journey to Gettysburg, site of the Union victory that marked a turning point in the Civil War. A guided tour of the site illuminates those three historic days in 1863 and the decisive battle that changed the course of American history forever. The battle is often referred to as the “High Water Mark of the Confederacy,” with about 51,000 casualties. The area also provided President Abraham Lincoln with the setting for his most famous address!

Day 4
Charlottesville - Williamsburg
Visit Monticello, the beautiful home and gardens of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was not only the third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence, but he was also an accomplished inventor and true “Renaissance man.” He personally designed his beloved Monticello, and this stately home reflects his active interests in many topics, from botany to meteorology. This afternoon you arrive in the historic town of Williamsburg. Tonight, begin your journey into Revolutionary-age America by dining in a Colonial Williamsburg tavern specializing in colonial fare.

Day 5
Colonial Williamsburg
Begin the day by viewing “Story of a Patriot,” a short film which introduces you to Colonial Williamsburg, one of the largest and best living history museums in the world which has been lovingly restored to its original glory. Costumed re-enactors populate the streets and buildings, bringing the customs and sentiments of 1770 to life. Tour Governor’s Palace and Gardens before enjoying time to wander the cobblestone streets and explore some of the eighty-eight historic buildings on your own. Tonight you are at leisure to explore Williamsburg independently.

Day 6
Williamsburg - Washington, D.C.
This morning, visit Mount Vernon, the beloved home of the first U.S. president, George Washington, from the time of his marriage in 1759 until his death in 1799. You have time to wander the beautiful plantation grounds he adored and tour the home, filled with 18th century artifacts. Then, travel to his namesake city, Washington, D.C.. Explore the world-famous Smithsonian Institution’s countless treasures such as the fabled Hope Diamond, 45.52-carats large and allegedly cursed; the actual Apollo 11 Command Module which carried Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins to the moon; and even television’s Archie and Edith Bunker’s worn living room chairs! Smithsonian’s new National Museum of the American Indian houses the largest and most extensive collection of Native American art and artifacts in the world. This evening you may choose to enjoy an optional excursion including dinner and a twilight tour of Washington’s famous monuments and memorials including those dedicated to Jefferson, Lincoln and Iwo Jima.

Day 7
Washington, D.C.
Your day begins with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where you will view the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy gravesites. Visit the White House Visitor Center where you will gain insight into the many transitions this historic residence has undergone. Your tour of our nation’s capital affords you wonderful views of the Capitol building, the White House, monuments and museums. Drive along Embassy Row and stop at the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial.

Day 8
Washington, D.C. - Tour Ends
From the crafting of the documents of Democracy in Philadelphia, to the flawless reconstruction of Colonial Williamsburg, to the monuments and museums of Washington, D.C., your memories of this tour are sure to stay with you forever.


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
4/12/2008 - 4/21/2008
$1,499
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4/26/2008 - 5/5/2008
$1,499
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8/16/2008 - 8/25/2008
$1,549
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9/6/2008 - 9/15/2008
$1,599
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9/6/2008 - 9/15/2008
$1,499
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9/19/2008 - 9/28/2008
$1,649
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9/20/2008 - 9/29/2008
$1,649
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9/27/2008 - 10/6/2008
$1,649
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10/4/2008 - 10/13/2008
$1,649
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10/11/2008 - 10/20/2008
$1,649
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10/18/2008 - 10/27/2008
$1,499
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3/14/2009 - 3/23/2009
$1,599
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4/18/2009 - 4/27/2009
$1,599
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4/25/2009 - 5/4/2009
$1,599
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4/25/2009 - 5/4/2009
$1,499
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Package Notes: *Admission to Wheatland may not be available at all times; on those occasions, you will visit Eisenhower Farm.
*The Amish family-style feast may not be available on all dates; on these occasions, we will substitute a dinner at a local establishment.
*Breakfast at the Woodlands Hotel, Colonial Williamsburg Property, is Continental Deluxe.
If you were planning to visit the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, please note that it is undergoing extensive restoration and is scheduled to be closed through summer 2008 (subject to change).
On select dates the tour will operate in reverse order.
If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
Journey through Philadelphia, Amish Country, Gettysburg, Shenandoah Valley, Williamsburg and Washington DC.

Learn about the traditions and history of the Amish with a locally guided tour.

Stroll the grounds of historic Colonial Williamsburg and enjoy dinner at one of its famous taverns.

Glimpse into the life of our nation's first president with a visit to his estate, Mount Vernon.

From space exploration to the American presidency, see the many exhibits at the world-famous Smithsonian museums.

Travel to Philidelphia where you will embark on a tour of the "Birthplace of a New Nation." Highlights include a visit to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Enjoy dinner in the home of an Amish family, for an Amish feast.

A visit to Monticello, the beautiful home of Thomas Jefferson.

Visit the Arlington National Cemetery where you will view the Tomb of the Unknowns, and the Kennedy gravesite.
Package Notes: *Admission to Wheatland may not be available at all times; on those occasions, you will visit Eisenhower Farm.
*The Amish family-style feast may not be available on all dates; on these occasions, we will substitute a dinner at a local establishment.
*Breakfast at the Woodlands Hotel, Colonial Williamsburg Property, is Continental Deluxe.
If you were planning to visit the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, please note that it is undergoing extensive restoration and is scheduled to be closed through summer 2008 (subject to change).
On select dates the tour will operate in reverse order.
If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
   
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