Footsteps of Patriots

br />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 honored 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. Discover the serene ways of the Amish with a home-hosted dinner. 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.

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.

Day 2: New York City
Meet your fellow travelers this morning for a welcome breakfast at a NYC diner. Then, a local guide leads you on a fascinating tour of the “Big Apple.” You’ll see Greenwich Village, the Wall Street district, Little Italy, Chinatown, the Empire State Building, United Nations, the Chrysler Building, and other time-honored landmarks. A memorable visit to Ground Zero is sure to be a moving moment. This afternoon, discover the Metropolitan Museum of Art during a guided tour. The evening is yours to explore.

Day 3: New York City - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Lancaster
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.

Day 4: Lancaster
Visit Wheatland*, the gracious Federalist home of James Buchanan, the United State’s 15th 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 handmade daily. Next, a local guide introduces you to the fascinating history and traditions of the Amish 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 specialties and the chance to learn more about Amish customs firsthand when members of the local Amish community join you for dinner.

Day 5: Lancaster - Gettysburg - Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
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!

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 specializing in colonial fare.

Day 7: Colonial Williamsburg
Begin the day by viewing “Story of a Patriot,” a short film which 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.

Day 8: Williamsburg - Washington, D.C.
Visit Mount Vernon, the beloved home of the first U.S. president, George Washington. Stroll through the beautiful plantation grounds he adored and tour the home, filled with 18th-century artifacts. Then, travel to Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, enjoy a discussion with a local historian on the history of the Smithsonian Institution. From the 1800s to the present, the Smithsonian has become the world’s largest museum complex.

Day 9: Washington, D.C.
Begin your day with a visit to the Library of Congress and learn about its vast collection of more than 134 million items as well as its spectacular architecture. Continue your discoveries with a docent-led tour of the National Museum of American History. From locomotives to the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose our National Anthem, to the First Ladies Hall containing many ball gowns worn by our First Ladies, this museum showcases the history of this great nation. This afternoon visit the National Museum of the American Indian which possesses the most extensive collection of Native American art and artifacts in the world. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this great city at leisure.

Day 10: Washington, D.C.
This morning, a guided tour of our nation’s capital affords you wonderful views of the U.S. Capitol building, the White House, monuments and museums. Drive along Embassy Row and stop at the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Next, see the White House Visitor Center where you will gain insight into the many transitions this historic residence has undergone. This afternoon, visit Arlington National Cemetery to view the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy gravesites. This evening, toast the end of a wonderful trip at a farewell dinner.

Day 11: Washington, D.C. - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Washington, D.C. this morning.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/16/2012 - 3/26/2012	$1,949
3/23/2012 - 4/2/2012	$1,949
4/13/2012 - 4/23/2012	$1,999
4/20/2012 - 5/1/2012	$2,299
5/25/2012 - 6/4/2012	$2,199
6/22/2012 - 7/2/2012	$2,199
7/20/2012 - 7/30/2012	$2,199
8/31/2012 - 9/10/2012	$2,199
9/7/2012 - 9/17/2012	$2,199
9/14/2012 - 9/24/2012	$2,199
9/21/2012 - 10/1/2012	$2,199
10/5/2012 - 10/15/2012	$2,199
10/12/2012 - 10/22/2012	$2,199
10/26/2012 - 11/5/2012	$2,199
3/15/2013 - 3/25/2013	$2,099
4/12/2013 - 4/22/2013	$2,149
4/26/2013 - 5/6/2013	$2,149
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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