Where the North and South United

On arrival in the nation’s capital, transfer to your centrally located Washington, DC hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

One way to get the most out of your full day is to purchase the Washington, DC Explorer Pass. This great value “choose as you go” ticket offers three, four or five attractions and tours, including Mount Vernon, the International Spy Museum, the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour and the Washington Monuments sightseeing cruise.

An hour’s drive will take you to Baltimore, with its world-famous harbour, renowned museums and attractions, and historic neighbourhoods, one of which – Fells Point – we recommend visiting for dinner in the evening.

Another short journey will see you arrive in Gettysburg. It is here that, in 1863, the most important engagement of the American Civil War took place and where later that year, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his momentous address.

Today you will take a trip to Lancaster, in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This is the oldest Amish settlement in the USA and you will witness and learn of its people’s customs, culture and lifestyle.

Break today’s journey by visiting Manassas National Battlefield Park, which has preserved the sites of the First and Second Battles of Bullrun, two of the major encounters of the American Civil War.

A rich and diverse day as you continue through Virginia, stopping at Monticello, the architectural masterpiece that was Thomas Jefferson’s home, the Appomattox Court House, and the site of another bloody battle of the American Civil War, The Crater.

The capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1780, Richmond is steeped in history aligned to its Southern roots and during your free day here, you should take time to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Battlefield Park and Virginia State Capitol.

You will have plenty of time today to stop off at Colonial Williamsburg, the restoration of an 18th century village where you will learn of historical events through the people who helped shape America’s future.

This morning, take a tour of Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval installation, before travelling along the eastern shoreline bound for St Michael’s.

Known as "The Town that Fooled the British", St Michael’s is a combination of popular marinas, inns, shops and restaurants. The main attraction is the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, while a boat cruise will provide views of this small waterfront town and the surrounding area.

Annapolis served as America’s first peacetime capital, with each of the four signatories on the Declaration of Independence having once lived here. Visit their homes, stop by the Maryland State House, head over to historic London Town and be sure to take a tour of the US Naval Academy.

Leave Annapolis early enough and you’ll have time before departing Washington, DC to visit the Udvar-Hazy Centre, part of Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum Institute at Dulles International Airport.