Travel back in time to walk in the footsteps of American history on the ultimate Philadelphia to Washington DC tour. In Philadelphia, ride a horse-drawn carriage along cobblestone streets, view Freedom Rising at the National Constitution Center, and go on a Flavors of Philly tasting tour. Visit the poignant battlefields of Gettysburg, where a storyteller reveals what it was like to be a civilian during the Civil War battle at a private Tauck desert reception. Discover Jamestown's cultural influences at an educational lecture... visit the U.S. Marine Corps Museum and George Washington's home at Mount Vernon... meet 18th-century "residents" and dine at a colonial tavern in Colonial Williamsburg... and tour the spectacular monuments of America's capital city, illuminated at night!

Day 1 - Welcome to Philadelphia
Your Philadelphia to Washington DC tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.   A transfer is included from Philadelphia International Airport to the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. You might want to schedule your arrival a day ahead of time to explore Philadelphia on your own. Please join us and meet your fellow travelers at this evening's welcome cocktail reception and dinner at your five-star hotel on Philadelphia's Logan Square.

Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, PA

Day 2 - Food, fun and history in exciting Philadelphia
Your Philadelphia to Washington DC tour down America's road of history begins with a full day's exploration of The City of Brotherly Love. Ride a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Old City's beautiful, tree-lined cobblestone streets; visit America's birthplace, Independence Hall; view the Liberty Bell in its new home, and watch the renowned multimedia presentation Freedom Rising at the National Constitution Center. Later, explore Philadelphia's rich culinary culture, from cheesesteaks to pretzels and more, on a delicious Flavors of Philly tasting tour of places where locals love to nosh!

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, PA

Day 3 - Amish country and Gettysburg's Civil War battlefields
Journey to Pennyslvania's Lancaster County, home of the Amish. With their simple ways, the Amish still live very much as their ancestors did, without all the modern conveniences that we take for granted. Gain insights into the Amish culture during a tour with a local guide, then continue on your Philadelphia to Washington DC tour to historic Gettysburg. Sense the haunting quality of the battlefields where this decisive 1863 Civil War battle was fought as you explore Gettysburg National Military Park with a National Park Service guide. Tonight, a storyteller in Civil War-period garb describes the experience of a Gettysburg civilian caught in the fighting at an exclusive Tauck dessert reception.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Wyndham Gettysburg, PA

Day 4 - Semper Fi and on to a colonial tavern dinner in Williamsburg
After crossing the Mason-Dixon line, arrive at Virginia's National Museum of the Marine Corps, where interactive exhibits showcasing the USMC's glorious history illustrate the meaning of "Semper Fidelis." Today's final destination is Colonial Williamsburg, whose cobblestone streets and buildings have been restored to the way they looked when the city was Virginia's colonial capital. As you step back in time on a two-night stay, have dinner tonight at one of Williamsburg's famous taverns featuring authentic colonial-era fare.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, VA*

Day 5 - Living history at Williamsburg
Restored to its 18th-century glory and inhabited by interpreters in period dress living its 18th-century lifestyle, Colonial Williamsburg awaits your independent exploration today. Discover life in days gone by as you step back in time to meet residents ranging from artisans and tradespeople to militiamen and ordinary citizens, and visit restored buildings including Virginia's colonial Capitol, the Governor's Palace, Raleigh Tavern, Bruton Parish Church and scores of colonial homes and shops.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, VA*

Day 6 - Historic Jamestown and a Washington DC tour by night
En route to the nation's capital, visit the historic site of Jamestown, Virginia, established 400 years ago as the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Contrast the three cultures that converged here - Powhatan Indians, the English and the Africans - at an educational lecture, and take a walking tour to view gallery exhibitions focusing on America's early heritage. Continue on to America's capital city for a two-night stay in the heart of it all at the historic Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, beginning with this evening's memorable nighttime Washington DC tour - the illuminated monuments on the National Mall are an unforgettable sight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC

Day 7 - From historic Mount Vernon to Washington by day
Take a morning excursion to the beloved Mount Vernon estate of George Washington, overlooking the Potamic River; explore the estate with its new state-of-the-art interactive museum, the 18th-century mansion and its landscaped grounds. Return to the capital for daytime sightseeing featuring the National Mall and its poignant memorials to those who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and Capitol Hill. Attend a special farewell cocktail reception and dinner tonight as Tauck's memorable Philadelphia to Washington DC tour draws to a close.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC

Day 8 - Homeward bound
This Philadelphia to Washington DC tour ends in Washington, DC. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel to Ronald Reagan National Airport or Dulles International Airport; allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in formalities.

Meals: Breakfast

* Note: All departures stay at the Williamsburg Lodge in Colonial Williamsburg on nights 4 & 5. For an additional $275 per person double or $550 per person single, you may reserve accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn (limited availability); inquire at time of booking. Triples will be accommodated at the Williamsburg Lodge.

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ACCOMMODATION

Night 1 & 2: Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Surrounded by history and sporting contemporary classic furnishings inspired by the Federal Period – as well as a peaceful garden courtyard with its own cascading waterfall – the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia is elegance itself overlooking Logan Square in the heart of the "City of Brotherly Love." Each of its spacious, airy and impeccably furnished guest rooms is equipped with a desk, flat-screen interactive TV with all news cable network, voice mail, internet access, CD player, down pillows, hair dryer, in-room safe, mini bar, thick terry bathrobes and windows that open for fresh air. Enjoy extraordinary French-influenced American cuisine with views of Alexander Calder's Swann Memorial Fountain at the hotel's Fountain Restaurant – rated Philly's #1 restaurant in the Zagat Survey – or in a more casual setting at the Swann Café.    
 
Night 3: Wyndham Gettysburg
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The Wyndham Gettysburg is conveniently located on the campus of Gateway Gettysburg, a pedestrian-friendly 100-acre entertainment, dining and shopping complex. Well-appointed guest rooms feature such appreciated amenities as a 27-inch LCD flat-screen TV, high-speed Internet access, coffee maker and in-room safe. After a busy day of seeing the sights, relax in the indoor swimming pool and whirlpool or work out in the executive health club. If you’re in the mood for a traditional stone-oven-baked pizza, head to Garibaldi’s or enjoy a nightcap in the Gettysburg Lounge.   
 
Night 4 & 5: Williamburg Lodge
Williamsburg, Virginia

The recently completed renovation of the Williamsburg Lodge presents the ambiance of a southern family home—furnishings are inspired by art from the nearby Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. One of the two original hotels envisioned by John D. Rockefeller, the property has now matured to comprise eight buildings, interconnected by sheltered, brick-paved walkways – offering guests a generous helping of southern hospitality with impeccable service. Williamsburg Lodge was one of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.’s original Colonial Williamsburg hotels and it is very close to Williamsburg’s famous Historic Area. Comfortable guest rooms provide cable / satellite TV, in-room safe, coffee maker and iron / ironing board. A wide variety of recreational facilities, including golf courses and tennis courts, are shared with the nearby Williamsburg Inn. The new restaurant serves cuisine with contemporary southern and Chesapeake influences.
   
Williamsburg Inn
Williamsburg, Virginia

Located just a block from Duke of Gloucester Street, the gracious and elegant Williamsburg Inn is the “Crown Jewel of the Colonial Williamsburg Hotels.” This lovely hotel spans three centuries of style: 19th-century Regency décor, the 20th-century for the original building and 21st-century amenities. Lovely guestrooms feature cable / satellite TV, broadband Internet access, coffee maker, in-room safe and a mini bar. The recreational facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, clay tennis courts, award-winning golf and a fitness club with spa services, as well as lawn bowling and croquet, provide a memorable resort experience. The gracious Terrace Room offers traditional afternoon tea. The readers of Travel + Leisure have awarded the Williamsburg Inn a place on the publication’s list of the world’s top 500 hotels.   
 
Night 6 & 7: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
Washington, DC

A proud member of the Historic Hotels of America, the world-renowned Renaissance Mayflower Hotel – where for nearly a century presidents, policy-makers, celebrities and visiting dignitaries have stayed, worked, celebrated and even lived – is situated in the very heart of the city close to must-see monuments, noted attractions, the White House and the Metro. Stylish guest rooms offer individual climate control, iron and ironing board, color TV with cable and satellite channels, mini bar and upscale amenities including Bath & Body Works products. The new state-of-the-art Fitness Center features cardiovascular equipment, free weights and cardio training center. The intimate Lobby Court is a delightful place to enjoy a nightcap after a busy day “inside the beltway.”

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Inclusive Prices

Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, sightseeing, special dinners, admissions, luggage handling, and the services of the Tour Director, local drivers and guides are included. A representative will meet you at Philadelphia International Airport and provide transportation to the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphi, regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. We will also provide transportation from the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel to Ronald Reagan National Airport or Dulles International Airport on the day of your departure.

Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, this standard remains uncompromised. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot when available and are not recommended for comfort.

When visiting Colonial Williamsburg, the Tour Operator reserves rooms at the Williamsburg Lodge. On a limited, space-available basis and for an additional $275 USD per person, double occupancy, or $550 USD per person, single occupancy, you may reserve accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn. Triples accommodations are only available at the Williamsburg Lodge.

Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

Tour Director – Williamsburg & Washington, DC is conducted by a Tour Director who will remain with the group throughout the tour. Your Tour Director is a professional, fully trained employee of the Tour Operator.

Gratuities Included – All appropriate gratuities for hotel and restaurant staffs and local guides are included.

No Options Sold – Your Tour Directors will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
 
Not Included
 
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.

Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.

Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the  Protection Plan for more information.

Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, mineral water, soft drinks, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport transfers, airport and departure taxes, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

Tour Director Gratuities – The customary gratuities to the Tour Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.

Value Includes:

A Flavors of Philly tasting tour that offers a real taste of Philadelphia's rich culinary culture, from cheesesteaks and pretzels to pizza and chocolate
A viewing of the multimedia presentation Freedom Rising, chronicling the development of the U.S. Constitution at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia
Learning from a costumed storyteller what it was like to be a civilian during the Battle of Gettysburg at a Tour Exclusive private dessert reception in Gettysburg
An educational lecture about the distinctive cultural influences that came together to create Jamestown, the first permanent English colony in America
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as detailed
14 meals, service charges, gratuities to local guides, admission fees, taxes and porterage