þ Learn about the traditions and history of the Amish with a locally guided tour.
þ Stroll the grounds of historic Colonial Williamsburg and enjoy dinner at one of its famous taverns.
þ Glimpse into the life of our nation's first president with a visit to his estate, Mount Vernon.
þ From space exploration to the American presidency, see the many exhibits at the world-famous Smithsonian museums.

Itinerary
Day 1: Friday, September 25, 2009
Arrive New York
Enjoy time to look around and get acquainted.

Day 2: Saturday, September 26, 2009
New York
Your day of leisure in New York City can be whatever you want it to be with your Hop-on Hop-off pass. Climb aboard a double-decker bus that will take you uptown, downtown, and all around the famous 'city that never sleeps', allowing you to really experience all it has to offer.

Day 3: Sunday, September 27, 2009
New York City - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Lancaster/Strasburg
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.
Today dinner will be included.

Day 4: Monday, September 28, 2009
Lancaster/Strasburg
Visit Wheatland*, the gracious Federalist home of James Buchanan, the 15th U.S. President, and the only president never to marry. Sample the true taste of Amish Country with stops at the Farmer's Market and 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 dinner in the home of an Amish family, for an Amish feast** - a true highlight of your tour.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Lancaster/Strasburg - 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. The highway itself is historic - it was completed by the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corp in 1939. Scenic expanses of Shenandoah Valley wilderness extend in all directions. Tonight you'll overnight inside the park!
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 6: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
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'.  He personally designed his beloved Monticello, and this stately home reflects his active interests in many topics, from botany to meteorology. This afternoon you 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.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 7: Thursday, October 01, 2009
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 which has been lovingly restored to its original glory. 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 wander the cobblestone streets and explore some of the eighty-eight historic buildings on your own. Tonight you are at leisure to explore Williamsburg independently. Today breakfast will be included.
 
Day 8: Friday, October 02, 2009 Williamsburg - Washington, D.C.
This morning, visit Mount Vernon, the beloved home of the first U.S. president, George Washington, from the time of his marriage in 1759 until his death in 1799. You have time to wander the beautiful plantation grounds he adored and tour the home, filled with 18th century artifacts. Then, travel to his namesake city, Washington, D.C.. Explore the world-famous Smithsonian Institution's countless treasures such as the fabled Hope Diamond, 45.52-carats large and allegedly cursed; the actual Apollo 11 Command Module which carried Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins to the moon; and even television's Archie and Edith Bunker's worn living room chairs! Smithsonian's new National Museum of the American Indian houses the largest and most extensive collection of Native American art and artifacts in the world. This evening you may choose to enjoy an optional excursion including dinner and a twilight tour of Washington's famous monuments and memorials including those dedicated to Jefferson, Lincoln and Iwo Jima. Today breakfast will be included.
 
Day 9: Saturday, October 03, 2009 Washington, D.C.
Your day begins with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where you will view the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy gravesites. Visit the White House Visitor Center where you will gain insight into the many transitions this historic residence has undergone. Your tour of our nation's capital affords you wonderful views of the 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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.