Heritage of America
$3,219.00
From $3,219* pp | 10 Days • 14 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.
Jump into the pages of history as you follow the story of America on your adventure from New York to Washington, DC.
- Spend two nights in the heart of New York City!
- 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 America’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.
A Historical Journey
Follow the epic story of American democracy. Join a local guide on a tour of New York City, featuring the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village and other time honoured landmarks. Visit the presidential estates of Washington’s Mount Vernon and Jefferson’s Monticello. Walk the hallowed battlefield at Gettysburg. Tour some of Colonial Williamsburg’s 88 restored historic buildings. Learn first-hand about the Amish way of life while enjoying dinner with an Amish family. Travel along the famous Skyline drive and see amazing views of the Shenandoah Valley. Explore the countless treasures of the Smithsonian Institution, including the actual Apollo 11 Command Module and the Hope Diamond.
Itinerary
Day 1. New York City, New York – Tour Begins
Explore America’s heritage, history and scenic horizons on this in-depth tour of the eastern United States.
High 24 Low 16 
Sheraton New York
Meet your fellow travellers this morning for a welcome breakfast at the famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Then, a local guide leads you on a fascinating tour of the “Big Apple.” We’ll see Greenwich Village, the Wall Street district, Little Italy, Chinatown, the Empire State Building, Central Park, Chelsea Market and other time-honoured landmarks. Visit St. Paul’s Chapel in lower Manhattan, a place where George Washington once worshipped, and where recovery workers came for rest and care during their time at the World Trade Centre site. This afternoon, discover “the city that never sleeps” at your own pace.
Breakfast 
High 18 Low 10 
Sheraton New York
Day 3. New York City – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Lancaster
This morning the choice is yours! Choose from a menu of New York’s diners for breakfast. Travel 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. Tonight, enjoy a cooking demonstration on making a local favourite – apple dumplings – before having dinner.
Breakfast & Dinner High 20 Low 5 Eden Resort Hotel
Day 4. Lancaster
Visit Wheatland,* the Federalist home of James Buchanan, the 15th U.S. President. Sample the true taste of Amish Country with a stop at 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 a traditional dinner of local specialities and the chance to learn more about Amish customs first-hand when members of the local Amish community** join you for dinner.
Breakfast & Dinner High 20 Low 5 Eden Resort Hotel
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. Travel to Shenandoah National Park via the famous Skyline Drive, along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where scenic expanses of Shenandoah Valley wilderness extend in all directions. Tonight you’ll overnight*** inside the park!
Breakfast & Dinner Skyland Lodge
Day 6. Shenandoah Valley – 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.” This afternoon, arrive in the historic town of Williamsburg. Tonight, begin your journey into Revolutionary-age America by dining in a Colonial Williamsburg tavern specialising in colonial fare.
Breakfast & Dinner High 21 Low 11 Woodlands Hotel
Day 7. Colonial Williamsburg
Begin the day by viewing “Story of a Patriot,” a short film that introduces you to Colonial Williamsburg, one of the largest and best living history museums in the world. 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 independently wander the cobblestone streets and explore some of the 88 historic buildings.
Breakfast High 21 Low 11 Woodlands Hotel
Day 8. Williamsburg – Washington, D.C.
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. Then, travel to Washington, D.C. Explore the world-famous Smithsonian Institution’s countless treasures, containing the largest and most extensive collection of artefacts in the world, such as the fabled Hope Diamond and the actual Apollo 11 Command Module.
Breakfast High 21 Low 10 Omni Shoreham Hotel
Day 9. Washington, D.C.
This morning, a guided tour of America’s capital affords wonderful views of the Capitol building, the White House, monuments and museums. Your first stop will be the White House Visitor Centre where you will gain insight into the many transitions this historic residence has undergone. Continue your tour with a stop at the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Your tour ends with a photo stop at the U.S. Capitol building. This afternoon, visit Arlington National Cemetery to view the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy grave sites. Toast the end of a wonderful trip this evening at a farewell dinner.
Breakfast & Dinner High 21 Low 10 Omni Shoreham Hotel
Day 10. Washington, D.C. – Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Washington, D.C. this morning.
Breakfast
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation
Meals as per itinerary
Tour guide
Activities as stated
Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights
Meals not indicated on the itinerary
Drinks
Optional activities
Visas
Comprehensive travel insurance
Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service
Tips and gratuities
- All states on this tour are 15 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
- The highest point on this tour is 3,680 feet above sea level.
- The currency in the United States is the United States Dollar.
- For electricity, the United States uses 120 Volts.
- Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
March 2017.
Mar 13 – Mar 24. $3,469
Mar 27 – Apr 7. $3,599
April 2017.
Apr 3 – Apr 14. $3,729
Apr 24 – May 5. $3,729