Your day begins with a stop at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Centre for a guided tour of this historic and storied building. Then, discover the celebrated history of America’s capital on a tour with a local expert. Delight in wonderful views of the White House, National Mall and many monuments and museums. We continue with stops at the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Later, visit the White House Visitor Centre where you will gain insight into the many transitions this historic residence has undergone. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a special welcome dinner.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  27  Low  17     Marriott Hotel Washington DC

Day 3. Mount Vernon, Virginia – Alexandria – Arlington National Cemetery

Visit Mount Vernon, the beloved home of the first U.S. president, George Washington. Wander the beautiful plantation grounds he adored and tour the home, filled with 18th-century artefacts. Next, arrive in old town Alexandria, a charming community nestled along the Potomac River. Enjoy time at leisure to wander the cobblestone streets, view the historic Colonial architecture, and stop in to some of the trendy boutiques and restaurants. This afternoon, visit Arlington National Cemetery for a narrated tour including the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy grave sites.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High 21  Low  10     Marriott Hotel Washington DC

Day 4. Washington, D.C.

This morning we uncover some of the treasures of the Smithsonian Institution with a visit to your choice of the famed Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of American History. Among the Air and Space Museum’s collection in the location on the National Mall are the famous Wright 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 command module Columbia. The National Museum of American History features artefacts from locomotives to the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the national anthem; to the First Ladies Hall containing many ball gowns worn by America’s First Ladies. The afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring on your own.

  Breakfast      High  21 Low 10     Marriott Hotel Washington DC

This morning, visit the Washington National Cathedral. This magnificent church took 83 years to complete and has been host to such poignant moments in America’s history as state funerals, Presidential inaugural masses and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s last sermon. Admire the beautiful craftsmanship of the cathedral as you learn more about its history during a docent-led tour. This afternoon, visit Ford’s Theatre* where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on that fateful night in 1865. Tour the theatre and hear about the timeline of events that transpired as John Wilkes Booth’s plan unfolded. Finish your tour with a visit to the neighbouring Petersen House, the boarding house to which the fatally injured Lincoln was carried. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a special farewell dinner commemorating the end of a wonderful journey.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  21  Low  10     Marriott Hotel Washington DC

Day 6. Washington, D.C. – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close in Washington, D.C. this morning.

  Breakfast

After breakfast, the choice is yours. You may take a one-hour cruise of San Francisco Bay featuring in-depth narration plus close up views of Alcatraz* and the Golden Gate Bridge; or, you may choose to join a local expert on a city tour which highlights Fisherman’s Wharf, the famous cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge and the view of the city from the imposing Twin Peaks. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore this beautiful city independently. Perhaps you’ll hop on a cable car or enjoy the sights at Fisherman’s Wharf…the opportunities are endless.

  Breakfast     High  20  Low  13      Marriott At Fishermans Wharf

Day 3. San Francisco – Tuolumne

Spend a relaxing morning in San Francisco. Take some time to independently explore the city, do some shopping or perhaps enjoy lunch. Then, travel east through California’s central valley and the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. Arrive in Tuolumne, a gateway to Yosemite National Park and your home for the next two nights.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  26  Low  11     The Hotel At Black Oak Casino Resort

Day 4. Tuolumne – Yosemite – Tuolumne

A scenic drive brings you into awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park. Your tram tour through Yosemite’s unique rock formations, deep valleys, Alpine meadows and pristine wilderness will leave you absolutely awestruck. The tram ride experience showcases views from the famous valley floor and offers a fascinating perspective on this glorious park.

  Breakfast     High  26  Low  11     The Hotel At Black Oak Casino Resort

Upon arrival in Sacramento, your guide will take you on a tour through Old Sacramento’s historical district filled with over 60 restored Gold Rush-era buildings, wooden sidewalks, cobblestone streets and antique gas lamps. Catch a glimpse at what life was like when thousands of “49ers” flocked here during the California Gold Rush. You’ll have plenty of time to visit the unique shops.

  Breakfast    High  25  Low  10     Hyatt Regency Sacramento

Day 6. Sacramento – Lake Tahoe – Sacramento

Travel over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the resort town of Lake Tahoe. Upon arrival, enjoy a narrated cruise of spectacular Lake Tahoe aboard the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler. Discover why Mark Twain was mesmerised by the beauty of Tahoe’s crystal blue waters and towering peaks. An evening visit to Sutter Fort reveals daily life during a pivotal point in California’s history. Step inside this living museum and be transported back to yesteryear. Get to know the music, food and means of transport as you enjoy your “pioneer dinner.”

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  19  Low  7     Hyatt Regency Sacramento

Day 7. Sacramento – Santa Rosa

A visit to Sacramento would never be complete without a stop at the California State Railroad Museum, perhaps the best rail road museum in the United States. Enjoy the detailed exhibits and the many historical stories told by your museum guide. This afternoon, we make our way to Sonoma to visit one of the famed local wineries. Afterwards depart for Santa Rosa, en route watch as beautiful vineyards start to pepper the countryside.

  Breakfast      High  19  Low  7     Flamingo Conference Resort And Spa

Day 8. Santa Rosa – Sonoma – Napa – Santa Rosa

This morning, a special treat is in store at The Olive Press where you will be able to sample many intriguing flavours and purchase olive oil to ship anywhere you wish. A unique highlight awaits as you travel through California’s treasured vineyards and arrive in Napa, one of the world’s premier wine destinations. Breathtaking views abound. Then, climb aboard the elegant Napa Valley Wine Train. Sit back and relax as the incredible scenery, famous vineyards and delicious lunch come together, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. Raise a glass of wine to toast your California adventure.

  Breakfast & Lunch     High  19  Low 7      Flamingo Conference Resort And Spa

Day 9. Santa Rosa – Tour Ends

After breakfast your tour comes to a close and we say goodbye.

  Breakfast

Today, visit Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum for an experience in living history! Take in the historic homes and see the workshops where famous American icons like the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Robert Frost were once inspired. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House. After an elegant dinner is served, a docent will guide you through the estate. Marvel at the exquisite architecture, breathtaking lake front grounds and a collection of fine art that tells the story of one of America’s most prominent industrial families.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  24 Low  12     Best Western Greenfield Inn

Day 3. Allen Park – Frankenmuth – Mackinac Island

On your way to Mackinac Island, enjoy a stop in the quaint town of Frankenmuth which is filled with unique German shops and the largest Christmas store in the world – Bronner’s. Stroll along Main Street with its beautiful flowers and lovely buildings. Board your Mackinac Island ferry and prepare for a ride back in time to a simpler era. As your ferry approaches the shore you can see your home for the next two nights, the glorious Victorian-era resort, the Grand Hotel*. Both your hotel and the island itself are National Historic Landmarks. Upon arrival, discover how the neighs and clip-clops of horses replace the roar of engines. This quiet island of yesteryear evokes a nostalgia that truly inspires the senses. The island is a natural gem with over eighty percent of its land preserved by Mackinac State Park, a wooded paradise accented with limestone formations and ringed by Lake Huron. The evening is yours to relax on your own. Perhaps you’ll take a leisurely stroll through the quaint village or unwind on the Grand Hotel’s famous porch.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High 22  Low  11     Grand Hotel

Day 4. Mackinac Island

Enjoy time to explore Inverness, the “Capital of the Highlands.” This afternoon, enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness. Disembark at the base of famed Urquhart Castle and explore the ruins of this historic stronghold. Continue south through Scotland’s stunning Great Glen before arriving at your hotel on the banks of Loch Linnhe.

  Breakfast & Dinner

Enjoy some leisure time this morning at the Grand Hotel before departing for Wisconsin. En route, experience this state’s picturesque landscape dotted with farmlands, idyllic red barns, and dairy cows roaming the pastures. Wisconsin is famous for its cheese. Small, family-owned cheese producers make most of it, specializing in award-winning varieties. Stop at a favourite local cheese shop for an opportunity to learn about, sample and buy some of its finest products. Later, arrive in Green Bay, Wisconsin’s oldest city.

  Breakfast

Day 6. Green Bay – Chicago, Illinois

En route to Chicago, hear the compelling history of the diverse state of Wisconsin as you pass by classic Midwest cities including Milwaukee. Arrive in Chicago. This dynamic city goes by many names including “Second City” and “The Windy City” – no matter what you call it, you are sure to love it! With an evening at leisure, begin to discover all Chicago has to offer.

  Breakfast      High  24  Low 12     Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile

Day 7. Chicago

We set off for a locally guided tour of Chicago’s unique cityscape and the impressive architecture that makes the city so remarkable. Highlights of your tour include famous Michigan Avenue, the “Magnificent Mile,” the Wrigley Building, the Loop, the Lakefront, and a walking tour through Millennium Park. The remainder of your day is at leisure to relax or discover more of the “Windy City.” Perhaps visit one of its many museums, relax during a scenic boat ride across the Chicago River, or visit the Chicago Cultural Centre which hosts the largest Tiffany dome in the world. Or, you might visit the Art Institute of Chicago and behold the most complete collection of impressionist art outside of Paris. Perhaps you’ll choose to ride to the top of the Sears Tower for remarkable views of the city. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner and celebrate the end of a wonderful journey.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  24  Low  12     Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile

Day 8. Chicago – Tour Ends

Your tour ends today, leaving you with a bounty of happy memories from your visit to America’s heartland.

Start the day with a comprehensive tour of Salt Lake City, including the state capitol building, the charming residential district and the Great Salt Lake, for which the city is named. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps you will explore Temple Square, one of Utah’s most visited attractions. A beautifully landscaped 10-acre square in the heart of downtown, Temple Square is where you’ll find the impressive six-spired granite Salt Lake Temple and the domed Tabernacle, home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir* and the Tabernacle organ. Afterwards, you may choose to enjoy your night at leisure out on the town at one of the fantastic restaurants, bars or cafés that Salt Lake City offers.

  Breakfast     High  26 Low  11     Radisson Hotel Salt Lake Downtown

Day 3. Salt Lake City – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Travel north into the rugged splendour of Wyoming to the cowboy town of Jackson Hole. Your home for the next four nights, Jackson Hole is often referred to as the “Crown Jewel” of the Northern Rockies. This stunningly beautiful town has been the setting for many of our favourite American western movies…Big Trail starring John Wayne; Shane with Alan Ladd; and The Mountain Men headlined by Charlton Heston were all filmed here.

  Breakfast      High  20  Low  0    Snow King Resort

Day 4. Jackson Hole – Yellowstone National Park – Jackson Hole

A delightful day awaits as you visit the incomparable Yellowstone National Park. The first and oldest national park in the world, Yellowstone sprawls across 3,470 square miles and touches three western states. Famous for its geysers, hot springs and incredible wildlife, Yellowstone never fails to impress. Be on the lookout for large, free-roaming herds of buffalo. Upon arrival, take a scenic drive to observe the park’s unspoiled natural splendour. Of course, you couldn’t visit Yellowstone without seeing its most iconic attraction: Old Faithful. Watch in amazement as this predictable geyser erupts, sending a fountain of steam more than 60 feet in the air! It’s sure to be a sight you’ll never forget. Return to Jackson Hole and sit down with a true Wyoming cowboy to hear fascinating tales of farm life in this breathtaking region.

  Breakfast      High  20  Low  0     Snow King Resort

The day is yours to explore Jackson Hole. Some optional activities include shopping, canoeing, hiking and river rafting. Tonight, enjoy a fun-filled dinner and authentic cowboy entertainment at a chuck wagon dinner.**

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  20  Low  0     Snow King Resort

Day 6. Jackson Hole – Grand Teton National Park – Jackson Hole

En route to Grand Teton National Park you will visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art. A docent brings the paintings, sculptures and photography to life as you listen to the fascinating history and stories behind these “must-see” exhibits. Then it’s on to the awe-inspiring Teton mountain range. Grand Teton National Park features the youngest peaks in the Rockies, yet it contains some of North America’s oldest rock formations. Approximately 12 Teton peaks rise above 12,000 feet and support a dozen mountain glaciers. As impressive as they are, none can compare to the Grand Teton, which reaches a staggering 13,770 feet as it towers more than a mile above the peaceful valley of Jackson Hole. Be sure to take some time to soak in the beauty of this majestic landscape.

  Breakst     High  20  Low  0     Snow King Resort

Day 7. Jackson Hole – Park City, Utah

Travel to Park City, home of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, and one of the most spectacular settings in North America. Visit Utah Olympic Park and enjoy a movie that features the games’ highlights. Explore the museum filled with inspiring memorabilia from the Olympic Games. Visit Main Street which is lined with over 64 historic buildings, charming shops, galleries and boutiques.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  22  Low  5     Park City Marriott

Day 8. Park City – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many wonderful memories.

  Breakfast

A locally guided tour of the city begins with a visit to the famous Palace of Holyroodhouse*, once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Embrace the culture of Edinburgh as you enjoy an afternoon to explore independently.

  Breakfast     High 21  Low  13     San Francisco Marriott Hotel

Day 3. San Francisco – Napa Valley – San Francisco

Travel to the lush Napa Valley. With over 40 premium wineries, it is one of the most famous wine-growing regions in the country. Experience a delicious lunch in an elegantly restored Pullman car on the Napa Valley Wine Train.

  Breakfast & Lunch     High  21  Low  13     San Francisco Marriott Hotel

Day 4. San Francisco – Monterey – San Francisco

Travel to Monterey, the city often called the greatest meeting of land, sea and sky. It’s where California’s statehood began in 1849. Monterey is filled with lovingly restored historic buildings and Spanish adobes, and is home to the famed 17-Mile Drive, also known as one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world. Along the drive you will pass through the Del Monte Forest and see such famous sights as the Lone Cypress Tree, perhaps the most photographed tree in the world; Seal Rock, where the seals may actually bark at you; and the prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Course*, where the fairways run along seaside cliffs. Time is available to independently explore charming Monterey and shop at Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck. Enjoy dinner in Monterey before returning to San Francisco.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  21  Low  13     San Francisco Marriott Hotel

Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of your San Francisco tour.