DAY 1: UK - Washington DC.
Fly to Washington DC where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a welcome drink with your tour director, and a two night stay.

DAY 2: Washington DC.
Get to know America's capital city on a guided tour of its most iconic sights, including the exterior of the White House, Capitol Hill and Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of President John F Kennedy. The afternoon is free for you to discover the city for yourself, perhaps by visiting the museums of the Smithsonian Institute, looking around the National Cathedral or visiting Capitol Hill. (B)

DAY 3: Washington DC - Mount Vernon - Williamsburg.
Today, sightseeing begins at Mount Vernon, the period restored home of George Washington, the first US President. Tour his elegant neoclassical mansion and admire its gardens, whose woodlands and meadows roll down to the Potomac River. Next you'll head to Yorktown Historical Battlefield Park, the site of the British army's surrender to Washington's troops in 1781 - a defeat that ultimately secured the independence of the US. This evening is free for you to relax and get acquainted with Williamsburg. (B)

DAY 4: Williamsburg - Jamestown - Williamsburg.
Visit colonial Williamsburg and enjoy an exclusive presentation by a historian specialising in 18th century America. Then drive to the Jamestown Settlement where outdoor museums chart the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Afterwards return to Colonial Williamsburg's Historic District. This charming area boasts carefully restored 18th century mansions, homes and shops where costumed guides and actors tell the story of the American Revolution. Stroll the quaint streets, browse the shops, see the public gaol and visit the Raleigh Tavern; meeting place of founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. This evening enjoy a colonial style dinner at a tavern that recreates the typical supper experience of the patriots. (B, D)

DAY 5: Williamsburg - Richmond - Monticello - Shenandoah National Park.
First stop today is Virginia's capital, Richmond, once the capital of the Confederacy. See the clapboard church of St John's, where Patrick Henry made his famous 'Give me Liberty or Give me Death' speech in 1775. Later, visit Monticello, the estate of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third US president. Admire his imposing mansion and its gardens, both designed by Jefferson himself. Finally, head to Shenandoah National Park, enjoying photo stops and spectacular views over its forests from its Skyline Drive. (B, D)

DAY 6: Shenandoah National Park - Harpers Ferry - Gettysburg.
Trace some of the route of General Lee's army during its invasion of Pennsylvania as you travel to the West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry. Standing where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet, this was where John Brown's 'Army of Liberation' staged their fateful raid on a US armoury. Afterwards, continue across Maryland to the Gettysburg National Military Park for a guided tour. Spend some time where the 1863 battle took place as your guide explains how the fighting raged over three days, followed by a visit to the Gettysburg museum and Cyclorama. Finish the day with a Colonial-style candlelit dinner at Gettysburg's elegant historic Dobbin House Tavern, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (B, D)

DAY 7: Gettysburg - Valley Forge - Philadelphia.
This morning enjoy an exclusive presentation by Jim Getty, a renowned portrayer of 16th US president, Abraham Lincoln. Then, drive through the Amish farmlands to Valley Forge. Take a tour of this national historic park where General George Washington and his troops camped during the harsh 1777-1778 winter. Visit Washington's Headquarters, The Grand Parade and the Washington Memorial Chapel before travelling to Philadelphia, where this evening your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B, D)

DAY 8: Philadelphia - Washington DC.
The 'City of Brotherly Love' is also the birthplace of American Independance. Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of America's fourth largest city, taking in landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the scenic atmosphere of Independance National Historic Park. Later, continue to Washington DC. (B)

DAY 9: Washington DC - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

DAY 10: Home landing in the UK.