2021 & 2022 Globus Guided Tours - Globus® Vacation Packages

America's Historic East with Extended Stay in Washington DC (AHE)

11 Day Tour from Washington DC to Washington DC

2027 Tour Details View 2026 Tour Details »

Journey east through the heart of American history, where iconic cities, legendary landmarks, and unforgettable stories await. From the cobblestone streets of Colonial Williamsburg and the early beginnings of Jamestown to the battlefields of the American Revolution and Civil War, every stop brings the past vividly to life. Stand beneath the grand Palladian architecture of George Washington's Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, walk the hallowed ground of Gettysburg, and experience the spirit of freedom beside Philadelphia's Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

In Washington, DC, inspiring monuments and memorials honor the people and events that shaped a nation, while the scenic overlooks of Shenandoah National Park provide a breathtaking contrast to the historic sites along the way. Blending early American history, heritage, charming towns, and nationally treasured landmarks, this East Coast journey offers a deeper understanding of the people, places, and ideals that continue to shape the nation today.

Extend your stay with two additional nights in Washington, DC, and enjoy more time to explore the museums, neighborhoods, restaurants, and cultural treasures of the nation's capital.

Small-Group Discovery Dates Available

Select Globus 2021 North America tours are limited to an average of just 24 guests per tour. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus North America tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery Europe vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

Special features included in this tour:
• Guided monuments and memorials sightseeing in Washington DC, featuring iconic tributes to America's presidents, veterans, and defining moments in history
• Visit Mount Vernon, George Washington's home and gardens overlooking the Potomac River
• Visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, part of Virginia's Historic Triangle, to explore the nation's fight for independence through immersive exhibits and artifacts
• Stop at Yorktown Battlefield, site of the decisive victory that secured American independence, and enjoy free time in the historic district
• [LF] Two-night stay in Colonial Williamsburg, including guided sightseeing and a private performance by a local historian bringing the 18th century to life
• Visit Richmond and St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry delivered his famous "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!" speech, plus a guided tour of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's mountaintop estate
• Visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library to explore exhibits dedicated to the life and legacy of the 28th U.S. president
• Scenic drive along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, showcasing panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
• Experience Gettysburg National Military Park, including the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, the Gettysburg Cyclorama, and a battlefield tour with a Local Guide
• Visit Valley Forge National Historical Park, where George Washington's Continental Army endured the winter of 1777–78
• Guided sightseeing in Philadelphia, including the Liberty Bell and a visit inside Independence Hall, birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution
• Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus pass for independent exploration of Washington DC's museums, monuments, and historic neighborhoods

Start Now. Go Later: Save $700 per couple on select 2027 Globus vacations worldwide*
America's Historic East with Extended Stay in Washington DC map
National Park Tours – National Park Foundation

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

Breakfast daily, 4 dinners


Notes:

The March 26 departure is in Washington DC during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The special departure stays in Staunton for two nights and does not stay at Skyland Resort. The visit to Shenandoah National Park and other planned activities are not affected by the change.

Guests should be prepared for easy but sustained walking throughout the tour, including over uneven ground during select days of sightseeing. The order of sightseeing is subject to change.

Enjoy spectacular fall colors on Fall Foliage departures: September 24-October 1 (Mother Nature permitting)

 Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN WASHINGTON DC

Welcome to Washington DC! At 6:00 p.m., meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

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Day 2 WASHINGTON DC

Monuments & Moving Memorials Explore historic landmarks on a Washington, DC sightseeing tour with a Local Guide, including the Lincoln Memorial, Library of Congress, Kennedy Center, historic Georgetown, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial with stops for photos at the White House and at Capitol Hill. Enjoy leisure time this afternoon to explore on your own. Consider the Smithsonian Museums, C & O Canal in Georgetown, International Spy Museum, or a walk along Embassy Row. Try the optional excursion this evening for dinner and an illumination tour of the monuments at night.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Georgetown’s 18th- and 19th- century grand mansions have been home to politicians, celebrities, and famous Washingtonians in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the district and continue to attract the DC elite. The cobblestone roads, waterfront views, upscale bars, trendy boutiques, and diverse culinary scene draw locals and tourists to the charming, historic area.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with many of its museums located along the National Mall. Explore the National Museum of the American Indian’s expansive collection and indigenous landscaping; the Smithsonian National Museum of American History—rich in artifacts highlighting historic American culture, including Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves, and a special exhibit honoring the nation’s flag, the Star-Spangled Banner; the National Museum of African American History and Culture for significant exhibits illustrating African American culture and history, including the Revolutionary War and Civil Rights Movement.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3 WASHINGTON DC–MOUNT VERNON, VIRGINIA–YORKTOWN–WILLIAMSBURG

U.S. History & Heroes Visit Mount Vernon, the restored home of George Washington enroute to Williamsburg. Tour the house and gardens, including the formal garden designed for Washington’s guests. Explore the museums and Washington’s Tomb, the final resting place for George and Martha Washington. Continue south to Yorktown, known for its role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War, and visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Then journey on the Colonial Parkway to Williamsburg for a 2-night stay at the Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite Williamsburg Lodge and dinner at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The Virginia mansion estate of America’s first president, Mount Vernon is one of the most iconic 18th-century homes in America. The patriot and president renovated the home, and it grew to 10 times the size of the average home in colonial Virginia.. George Washington slowly enlarged the dwelling to create the current 21-room residence. He oversaw each renovation, advising on design, construction, and decoration; the changes reflect his growing status as a Virginia gentleman and ultimately as the leader of a new nation.

LOCAL FAVORITE
A historic property built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood in 1939, the Williamsburg Lodge is the perfect base for which to explore Colonial Williamsburg. A colonial-themed property with modern amenities, the luxurious Williamsburg Lodge is steps away from historic taverns, museums, shops, and 18th-century living history demonstrations.


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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 4 WILLIAMSBURG. EXCURSION TO JAMESTOWN

America's First Footsteps This morning, enjoy an exclusive Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite performance by Sylvia Tabb-Lee, a professional historian. Visit the Jamestown Settlement, a living-history museum that brings 17th-century Virginia to life and explore the story of the first permanent English settlement in America. Discover how Jamestown's struggles, successes, and cultural encounters helped shape the future of the Virginia colony and the nation that would follow. Return to Colonial Williamsburg for free time to discover the area on your own as the remainder of the day is at leisure. Explore restored Colonial Williamsburg, part of Virginia's Historic Triangle with Jamestown and Yorktown, where pivotal moments in America's past come to life.

LOCAL FAVORITE
Join renowned actor Sylvia Tabb-Lee for a fascinating and moving performance in Williamsburg that illuminates and inspires insight into the experience of slaves in American history. In keeping with her philosophy of “Each One, Teach One; Each One, Reach One,” Tabb-Lee is an inspiration in sharing the trials and triumphs of African American history.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
When the Virginia Company settlers landed at Jamestown to establish an English colony 60 miles from the Chesapeake Bay in 1607, they faced enormous challenges and hardships in a dramatic experience of disease and famine. Hear the dramatic details of this ambitious undertaking with a tour led by an expert guide, including the legend of Captain John Smith, the dark, starving winter of 1609, and the story of Pocahontas – all part of the thrilling story of America’s birthplace.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 5 WILLIAMSBURG–RICHMOND–MONTICELLO–STAUNTON

Historic Figures Depart Williamsburg and travel to Richmond, Virginia’s historic capital, where the story of America’s fight for independence comes alive. Step inside St. John’s Church, the very place where Patrick Henry delivered his stirring “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech that helped ignite a revolution. Continue to the breathtaking estate of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, a masterpiece of Palladian architecture designed by Jefferson himself and recognized today from the back of the U.S. nickel. Wander through beautifully manicured gardens, elegant rooms, and sweeping mountain views while learning about Jefferson’s remarkable legacy and the complexities of life on this historic plantation. End the day in charming Staunton, nestled among the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley—an inviting town known for its walkable downtown, welcoming atmosphere, and classic Southern charm.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Experience an unforgettable visit to Monticello, the extraordinary home of Thomas Jefferson—founding father, author of the Declaration of Independence, and America’s third president. Explore the grand mansion Jefferson spent more than 40 years designing, stroll along the terraced gardens and marvel at the timeless panoramic views of the Virginia countryside.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 6 STAUNTON–SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK

Complex Views Visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, located at the 28th President’s birthplace. Gain a better understanding of the life and times of President Woodrow Wilson, his impact on the world, and his relevance today and for the future. Continue to beautiful Shenandoah National Park for dinner and a free evening in the park.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Travel through the spectacular landscapes of Shenandoah National Park along the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Enjoy photo stops and panoramic views from Skyline Drive enroute to the historic Skyland Resort, established in the late 1800s.


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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 7 SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK–GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

Hallowed Grounds Discover the blooming wildflowers and songbird calls on a gentle guided walk this morning in Shenandoah National Park. Journey on Skyline Drive for majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and woodland animals. Continue across West Virginia and Maryland into Pennsylvania to Gettysburg. Before visiting the battlefield, gain insight through the interactive exhibits in the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War and view the iconic Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum. Follow the decisive events of the war including Lincoln’s enduring address with the film, “A New Birth of Freedom.” Continue to the battlefield with your Local Guide who vividly recounts the American Civil War Battle of 1863. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight in downtown Gettysburg.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Stay overnight at the historic Hotel Gettysburg, established in 1797. President Lincoln stayed just steps away from the hotel prior to delivering the Gettysburg Address, and nearly a century later, the hotel served as President Dwight Eisenhower’s National Operations Center.

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 8 GETTYSBURG–LANCASTER–VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK–PHILADELPHIA

Pennsylvania Past & Present Visit a family-owned country market, specializing in local dairy products, fresh vegetables, and delightful sweets in rural Pennsylvania. Travel through Lancaster County past Amish farmland to Valley Forge National Historical Park and continue to Philadelphia, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner on the historic Moshulu ship. Launched in 1904, she enjoyed a remarkable career transporting cargo around the world before finding a permanent home on Philadelphia's waterfront.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Visit Valley Forge National Historical Park to see the camp where Washington and his troops endured the harsh winter of 1777–1778 during the American Revolutionary War. See the Memorial Arch, the Grand Parade, and the Washington Memorial Chapel.

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 9 PHILADELPHIA–WASHINGTON DC

Freedom Rings This morning, discover the rich history and enduring charm of Philadelphia as you explore many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the legendary Liberty Bell on a guided sightseeing tour. Continue to Washington, DC, for a two-night stay and bid farewell to your Tour Director and Driver upon arrival at your hotel.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Few landmarks capture the spirit of the nation like the Liberty Bell. Inscribed with the words, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof,” the bell once rang from Independence Hall to summon lawmakers and citizens alike. Over time, it became far more than a statehouse bell—emerging as a powerful symbol of freedom, equality, and civil rights. Discover the remarkable story behind this enduring American icon and the message of hope it continues to inspire today.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 10 WASHINGTON DC

The Nation’s Capital Enjoy a full free day to explore Washington DC with a Big Bus day pass for easy access to monuments, museums, galleries, gardens, and Arlington National Cemetery. Discover a variety of restaurants, cafés, and shops in charming neighborhoods filled with historic row houses, vibrant galleries, and tree lined streets.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Experience the solemn beauty and rich history of Arlington National Cemetery, one of the nation’s most revered landmarks.Discoverthe stories of remarkable Americans who shaped the country and witness the timeless tradition of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 11 WASHINGTON DC

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

SUSANNAH JONES

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

Travel, food, music, and laughter bring people together. There is nothing like seeing faces with bright smiles when they taste a local delicacy, hear live regional music, and make lifelong friends while traveling together. I was raised in the South, lived in Germany, and taught Middle School all before beginning my second career as a Tour Director. I love the joy of making unforgettable experiences for guests from East to West. There are the majestic sights of national parks in Yosemite, the surreal landscape of Yellowstone, the haunting beauty of our Wetlands, and the bluish-green hues of the Shenandoah Valley. Tasting Peanut soup, beignets, and Fry Bread lets you taste local culture. Traveling will change you for the better!

Tour Director - SUSANNAH JONES

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)

No Excursions are available at this time.



The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.