American History Discovery Drive

Start your colonial adventure in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the Historic District where you can tour Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell, visit the Betsy Ross house and take a walk down Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in the United States. Make sure to try some of Philly’s famous cuisine: grab a cheesesteak, hoagie, or soft pretzel! 

Enjoy a traditional Amish breakfast at the Reading Terminal Market before heading to Valley Forge, site of George Washington’s famous encampment and today one of Pennsylvania’s most popular historical parks. Afterwards, continue on Gettysburg to visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. Learn about this pivotal American Civil War battle through the over 40,000 artifacts at the museum, tour the battlefield and cemetery, and take a moment to reflect at the spot where Lincoln gave his immortal Gettysburg Address. 

Your historical journey continues to beautiful Shenandoah, Virginia, nestled against the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park and the 1860s war hospital turned visitor center, explore the charming small towns of the valley, tour the otherworldly Luray Caverns, or stop off for a tasting at one of the many outstanding wineries in the valley. Or take a ride along the popular Skyline Drive for spectacular views of Shenandoah Valley’s rolling green hills and lush ridgelines. 

Next, it’s on to discover Colonial Williamsburg. Once the capital of Virginia Colony, historic Williamsburg today has been turned into a living museum where visitors can step back in time and see it much as it was in the 18th century. Tour the grand Governor’s Palace and its lovely gardens, grab a Colonial-inspired bite at Chowning’s Tavern and learn about daily life in the 1700s from docents in period dress. 

This morning, you may want to take a short drive to Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas or Yorktown to see where the final battle of the Revolutionary War was fought and tour the American Revolution Museum. Then head to Washington DC to enjoy the afternoon in the nation’s capital. Spend your evening strolling along the Mall, home to many of the country’s most iconic structures including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Monument, and the US Capitol building. 

The perfect finale to your historical journey, spend the day exploring the nation’s capital. You may want to visit the dizzying array of monuments and memorials: the Jefferson Memorial (and the famous cherry trees lining the surrounding Tidal Basin), the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, National World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and many more. Or visit some of DC’s famous museums, including the Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery of Art, US Holocaust Museum, Museum of African American History, or even the International Spy Museum. DC’s pedestrian-friendly streets and compact design make it easy to pack plenty of sightseeing into your day. 

Have breakfast at one of DC’s many neighborhood spots, then return your rental car to Dulles airport and board your flight home.