A defining moment in U.S. history, the Civil War molded America into the country it is today. On this fascinating Civil War tour, you’ll see where Union Soldiers broke the northern advances of the Confederate Army and where President Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address, taking us from a nation defined by independence to one where equality and freedom reigned.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Washington, D.C.
Arrive in Washington, D.C., and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin acquainting yourself with our nation’s capital. Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s Welcome Dinner. Afterward, a local guide introduces you to some of the nation’s most important and striking monuments lit up at night: Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Memorial.
Included meals: dinner
Day 2 - Washington, D.C.
Visit Manassas National Battlefield Park, the site of the first major battle of the Civil War. Stop at the visitors center to view exhibits and the orientation film End of Innocence. Take a guided walk on the battlefield, stop at the old Stone House and visit the old Stone Bridge that spans Bull Run.
Then return to Washington, where you’ll visit Smithsonian's Museum of American History where you can view the Stars and Stripes that flew over Ft. McHenry in 1814 and inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the words of our National Anthem.
Next, take a guided tour of Arlington National Cemetery, the former estate where Robert E. Lee and his wife resided before the Civil War. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Civil War Dead, marking the grave of 2,111 Union soldiers that are buried in Mrs. Lee's rose garden, the Confederate Monument and the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Tonight, you might opt for a "Hauntings and Legends" tour in Old Town Alexandria.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Manassas Battlefield
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$10 USD |
Hauntings & Legends Tour
Take a tour through the historic hauntings and legends of Old Town Alexandria with only moonlight—and a small lantern—to lead the way.
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Day 3 - Gettysburg
This morning, visit Harpers Ferry National Historic Area, located in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia where the Shenandoah River flows into the Potomac. It is also the site where abolitionist John Brown and his raiders seized the Federal Arsenal in their crusade to free slaves. Visit the dozens of restored buildings that make up the town and the exhibits that are located within. Enjoy free time for lunch at Harpers Ferry.
Next, travel to Antietam National Battlefield Park. After viewing an orientation film at the visitor's center, head out on a guided tour of the battlefield, visiting the site of the cornfield by the Dunker's Church where the initial engagement took place.
Proceed on to Bloody Lane and climb the observation tower and get a hawk's eye view of where the carnage was strewn. Explore the area of the Burnside Bridge and see the tactical advantage that the Confederates had and the shooting gallery that Burnside's men had to pass through to chase the Rebels from their cover. Finally, visit Antietam National Cemetery, the final resting place of over 4,700 Union soldiers, where you can pay tribute to "Old Simon" at the Private Soldier's Memorial. Arrive in Gettysburg tonight.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Antietam National Cemetery
Day 4 - Philadelphia
Begin the day with a visit to Gettysburg National Battlefield Park. An expert local guide describes the day by day combat as you tour Culp’s Hill, Seminary Ridge, Little Round Top, the Peach Orchard and the site of Pickett’s ill-fated charge. Visit Soldiers National Cemetery where many of the battle’s dead are buried and where President Lincoln delivered his “Gettysburg Address” when the cemetery was dedicated in November, 1863.
After free time for lunch, explore the state-of-the-art Visitors’ Center and view the video “A New Birth of Freedom,” narrated by Morgan Freeman. Marvel at Philippoteaux’s 1884 Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama, a 360-degree painting depicting Pickett’s Charge. Later, arrive in Philadelphia. Tonight, enjoy an optional Farewell Dinner and Lights of Liberty Show with your group.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Gettysburg Battlefield, Visitor’s Center
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$75 USD |
Farewell Dinner & Lights of Liberty Show
Join your group for a Farewell Dinner in the heart of historic Philadelphia, where you can relive memories of your historic journey. After your meal, experience the American Revolution through state-of-the-art technology at the Lights of Liberty Show.
Please note: This excursion is seasonal from May to September and must be booked 20 days prior to departure.
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Day 5 - Philadelphia
This morning, enjoy a Tour-Director led sightseeing of Philadelphia’s most important and historic sites. See the Senate and House of Chambers, the Liberty Bell and the Ben Franklin Gravesite. End your tour at Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Later today, you’ll transfer to the airport to board your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Independence Hall