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Untold Tales of Historic Trails
10 day tour from Philadelphia roundtrip
Tour Operator
Cosmos
Departures
Sep 15, 2026
–
Oct 5, 2027
Prices From
$2,729
Follow the historic trails that shaped the United States on a journey through some of the nation’s most significant cities, landmarks, and battlefields. Explore Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the Constitution was signed, visit Washington, DC and see its iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, and discover the rich history of Annapolis, Fredericksburg, and Richmond. Tour Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, and visit Gettysburg National Military Park, site of one of the Civil War’s most pivotal battles and President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. From Revolutionary War history to presidential legacies and Civil War landmarks, this value-minded tour brings America’s past to life.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
PHILADELPHIA
Welcome to Philadelphia! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to answer any questions. After settling into your hotel, perhaps take a stroll along the Delaware River waterfront, visit Cherry Street Pier, or seek out some local Philly cuisine as you begin exploring the “City of Brotherly Love.”
Day 2
PHILADELPHIA
This morning, discover Philadelphia, “The Birthplace of America,” on a sightseeing tour. Visit Independence National Historical Park, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed and see the Liberty Bell, one of the nation’s most enduring symbols of freedom. Stop at Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest public markets in the United States, dating back to 1893. The market offers a wide variety of regional specialties, including Philadelphia’s famous cheesesteak sandwiches. (B)
Day 3
PHILADELPHIA-DOVER-ANNAPOLIS
Head south to Delaware, the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, and visit the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover, where exhibits showcase the history of military aviation and air transport. Continue to Annapolis, Maryland’s capital city, located on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Visit the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the United States. Then, enjoy free time to explore Annapolis. Stroll its cobblestone streets, browse local shops, or sample Maryland blue crab specialties while overlooking the harbor. (B)
Day 4
ANNAPOLIS-WASHINGTON, DC
Depart for Washington, DC, the nation’s capital and home to many of America’s most recognizable landmarks and museums. Join a Local Guide for a sightseeing tour featuring the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the National Mall, where monuments and memorials commemorate the nation’s history and leaders. This evening, consider joining an optional dinner and illumination tour to some of Washington DCs most famous monuments and memorials after dark. (B)
Day 5
WASHINGTON, DC
Have the day to explore! Perhaps visit some of the many free Smithsonian Institution museums, including the National Museum of American History where exhibits include the Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, and the gowns of America’s first ladies or the National Museum of Natural History, home to dinosaur fossils and the Hope Diamond. Or visit Arlington National Cemetery to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy. You can also join an optional excursion to Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington and his wife Martha. (B)
Day 6
WASHINGTON, DC-FREDERICKSBURG-RICHMOND
Stop in Fredericksburg, Virginia, a city with deep ties to both Colonial America and the Civil War. Visit the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor’s Center to learn about the area’s role in American history, including the pivotal Battle of Fredericksburg. Enjoy free time to explore the charming Historic District before continuing on to Richmond, Virgina’s capital. In Richmond, take a sightseeing tour that includes St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry delivered his famous words, “Give me liberty or give me death!” on the eve of the American Revolution. (B)
Day 7
RICHMOND. OPTIONAL EXCURSION TO WILLIAMSBURG
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Richmond’s museums, historic sites, and riverfront. Or join an optional excursion to Colonial Williamsburg, one of the nation’s largest living history museums. Discover 18th-century life in Virginia through historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and demonstrations of traditional trades such as blacksmithing and bookbinding. (B)
Day 8
RICHMOND–CHARLOTTESVILLE–SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Travel to Charlottesville to explore Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the mountaintop home and plantation he designed that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and the third president of the United States, loved architecture and integrated many ingenious devices throughout the house. He also designed the gardens which were not just a source of food but a place for experimentation and showcasing plants from around the world. Continue for an overnight in beautiful Shenandoah National Park. (B)
Day 9
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK-GETTYSBURG NATIONAL PARK
Enter Pennsylvania, one of the original thirteen colonies, and travel to Gettysburg, site of one of the Civil War’s most important battles. Visit Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center and see the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a massive 360-degree hand-painted canvas depicting the fury of Pickett’s Charge during the final day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Continue with a guided tour of Gettysburg Battlefield, and see key sites of the battle and where President Abraham Lincoln later delivered the Gettysburg Address. This evening, consider joining an optional farewell dinner at a historic tavern built in 1776!
Day 10
GETTYSBURG NATIONAL PARK-LANCASTER-VALLEY FORGE-PHILADELPHIA
Head east to Lancaster County, home of fertile farmland and one of the nation’s largest Amish communities. Stop at Kitchen Kettle Village to browse local shops and sample Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch specialties. Continue to Valley Forge National Historical Park, where General George Washington, his aide-de-camp, Alexander Hamilton, and the Continental Army endured the winter of 1777-1778 during the American Revolution. Learn about the challenges faced by the solders in this pivotal encampment before returning to Philadelphia for a late afternoon drop off at Philadelphia International Airport or the host hotel for guests with extra nights. Please schedule departing flights for after 6:00 p.m. (B)
What's Included
Meals
7 Breakfasts
Hotels
Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Penn's Landing
Superior Tourist-Class
Hampton Inn Annapolis
Superior Tourist-Class
Sonesta Select Arlington Rosslyn
First-Class
Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond Downtown
Superior Tourist-Class
Skyland Resort
Moderate First-Class
Quality Inn Gettysburg Battlefield
Superior Tourist-Class
Itinerary Dates & Prices
Start Date
End Date
Our Price
Guaranteed
Start Date
Sep 15, 2026
End Date
Sep 24, 2026
Our Price
$2,749
Guaranteed
Start Date
May 11, 2027
End Date
May 20, 2027
Our Price
$2,769
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jul 13, 2027
End Date
Jul 22, 2027
Our Price
$2,769
Guaranteed
Start Date
Aug 03, 2027
End Date
Aug 12, 2027
Our Price
$2,729
Guaranteed
Start Date
Sep 14, 2027
End Date
Sep 23, 2027
Our Price
$2,729
Guaranteed
Start Date
Oct 05, 2027
End Date
Oct 14, 2027
Our Price
$2,819
Guaranteed
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