America's Historic TrailSolo Escorted Tour, USA

This is America at its most compelling with a journey through the cities and landscapes that shaped a nation. We begin in Washington DC, where the National Mall stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian’s world- class museums are free to explore, and the monuments look even more spectacular when lit up at night. Crossing the Potomac into Arlington National Cemetery we join a trolley tour to the Kennedy grave site, then head south along the Blue Ridge Mountains’ breathtaking Skyline Drive to Charlottesville. Thomas Jefferson’s magnificent home at Monticello is a highlight, as is the buzzing riverside city of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Colonial Williamsburg brings the beginnings of modern America vividly to life, while Jamestown tells the stories of the first British settlers, the Virginia Indians and the first Africans to arrive in 1619. A visit to Pennsylvania’s Amish country offers a fascinating glimpse of a centuries-old way of life, and our trail ends in Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the legendary Reading Terminal Market complete this remarkable journey through American history.

Pace of trip: Active

For travellers who love to explore and discover multiple destinations - can include moderate walking and longer days

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Capital of the United States, Washington DC

Richmond, on the shores of the James River

Explore Pennsylvania Amish Country

Travel the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park

Visit to Jamestown, site of the first English colony

The USA's original capital Philadelphia

Visit Monticello, once home to Thomas Jefferson

Stroll through Colonial Williamsburg’s living museum

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide

Return flights

7 nights in hotels of a great quality plus 1 night in flight

10 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners and welcome drink

Overseas transfers and other transportation

Porterage

ITINERARY

Day One - UK to Washington DC

Depart on your flight to Washington DC, and on arrival we will transfer you to your hotel for a two-night stay.

Day Two - Washington DC

Today we'll discover the highlights of Washington DC on a guided tour. You'll see all the iconic sights which line the National Mall up to the Capitol Building, including the immense Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and of course, we'll make a stop at the White House. There is so much to see and do in Washington DC, so we've left this afternoon free for you to explore independently or in the company of your travelling companions. The Smithsonian is a collection of 19 world-class museums - all are free to enter, and most are located around the mall.

This evening join your travelling companions on a sightseeing drive of the National monuments which will be lit and look even more spectacular. We’ll end the evening with a welcome dinner together at a local restaurant.

Day Three - Washington DC - Charlottesville

This morning we’ll cross the Potomac River from Washington DC to Arlington National Cemetery. Here we'll join a trolley tour to see this exceptional site, making a stop at the Kennedy grave site. Next, we'll travel to Old Town Alexandria, with beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century architecture, brick sidewalks and a thriving food, arts and culture scene. There are many cafes and restaurants on King Street, which leads directly to the Old Town's attractive harbour.

Later we’ll head south into the state of Virginia and the city of Charlottesville. Part of our journey will be along the Skyline Drive, that runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, in Shenandoah National Park. There are many scenic overlooks to stop at which, on a clear day, offer amazing views over the landscape.

Day Four - Monticello

Our highlight today is a visit to Monticello, the magnificent home of Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence.

We'll tour his house, where we'll find out more about Jefferson’s legacy, explore the magnificent gardens, and learn about Monticello’s enslaved community at this historical treasure. We’ll stop for a typical southern lunch at a local tavern dating back to 1784. Later we’ll head to the city of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Today, Richmond is a buzzing city, located on the banks of the James River. Here, you will find the Virginia State Capitol, a building designed by Thomas Jefferson and, if it's fashionable shops and restaurants you crave, be sure to make a beeline for the historic district of Shockoe Slip.

Day Five - Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown

Today we'll experience the beginnings of modern America, visiting Colonial Williamsburg, which is now a living history museum that faithfully recreates what life was like in one of the first thriving colonies. We’ll continue to Jamestown Settlement, where the first British settlement was established in 1607. There we'll see exhibits that demonstrate what daily life was like for the early colonists, the Virginia Indians who lived on the land for centuries, and the first documented arrival of West Central Africans in 1619.

Day Six - Richmond to Philadelphia

This morning we’ll travel to Lancaster County. Less than three hours' drive from the heart of the American government, we'll discover America's oldest Amish settlement. On a tour of the Dutch Country we'll meet the people who live a centuries-old 'Plain' lifestyle and see how windmills are used to harness the power of nature. Here, the horse and buggy is the primary form of transport and you may choose to take a ride in one before we head to Philadelphia.

Day Seven - Philadelphia

Today we’ll explore the USA's original capital, Philadelphia, a liberal melting pot of people and cultures. It's here that the Declaration of Independence was written, signed and introduced in 1776. Our morning walking tour will show you the highlights of the 'most historic square mile in the United States' including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Congress Hall and Christ Church, where George Washington and Benjamin Franklin once worshipped. We’ll end with a short visit to the Museum of the American Revolution before some time for lunch at the historic Reading Terminal Market where you will find plenty of local produce to sample from Amish pretzels to a Philly cheese steak sandwich. There will be free time this afternoon if you wish to visit one of the many museums and galleries along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and it’s famous “Rocky steps”.

Day Eight - Philadelphia to UK

This morning, we will travel to Newark for our flight back to the UK.

Day Nine - Fly to UK

You'll arrive back in the UK today.

America's Historic Trail is located in Solo Escorted Tour, USA. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 30/09/2026