Our American Heritage—October 13 - 23, 2012
DAY 1—WE’RE OFF
We begin our journey to our eastern states this morning—the revolutionary heritage of the land, the heart of our country and the birthplace of modern democracy! Relax in our air-conditioned motorcoach, as we travel through the rolling hills of Wisconsin—taking our usual rest stops and luncheon break. Our accommodations this evening are at a fine Chicago area hotel—you are pre-registered and handed your room key—your escort has handled these details for you!
DAY 2—EASTWARD BOUND
Our day begins with a delicious buffet breakfast! Enjoy the company of the other passengers and play some of the fun-filled games provided on tour, as we travel through Indiana and Ohio into Pennsylvania. The day passes quickly—your escort provides history and trivia on the places we travel through. Tonight we stay near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
DAY 3—AMISH HISTORY
We travel east over the Allegheny Mountains to the city of Lancaster, PA, home of the Pennsylvania Dutch. We start off with an included family-style Amish lunch. After, we enjoy the total Amish experience! We view the movie “Jacob’s Choice” and visit an Amish homestead. We also have a step-on guide to take us through the Amish countryside and tell us of the Amish traditions here. After, we travel to Philadelphia where we spend the next two nights.
DAY 4—PHILADELPHIA
We start our day in the Philadelphia area with a visit to Valley Forge. Then it’s back to Philadelphia, the home of Ben Franklin, the Declaration of Independence, Betsy Ross, the Constitution, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, William Penn, and Carpenters’ Hall. Here is where a country was born! The buildings, the taverns, and the cobbled walks used by the Founders of America are, in great number, preserved for us to enjoy. Our local tour guide will immerse us in history as we “time travel” back to the colonial days of 1776 and the founding of our country! The City of Brotherly Love is where history comes alive!
DAY 5—MOUNT VERNON
This morning we leave Philadelphia on a scenic drive which brings us to Virginia and Mount Vernon. Hear about the life and times of America’s first president. We have a self-guided tour of Mount Vernon, the plantation estate of George and Martha Washington. Experience the new multi-million dollar orientation center and museum galleries that highlight the life and times of “The Father of Our Country.” After visiting our first President’s home, we travel on to Williamsburg for the next three evenings.
DAY 6—COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
From 1699 to 1780 Williamsburg was the political and cultural center of Britain’s largest colony in the New World. In the shops, taverns, government buildings, homes and streets, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, George Mason, and other Virginia Patriots debated the ideas—liberty, independence, and personal freedoms—that led to the founding of American democracy and inspired generations of Americans and others from around the world. Our guide shows us this unique part of American history, then you have the afternoon free to explore more of Colonial Williamsburg on your own!
DAY 7—JAMESTOWN & YORKTOWN
Today we travel to Jamestown, Virginia. In 1607, 13 years before the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, a group of 104 English men and boys began a settlement on the banks of Virginia’s James River. They were sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, whose stockholders hoped to make a profit from the resources of the New World. The community suffered terrible hardships in its early years, but managed to endure, earning the distinction of being America’s first permanent English settlement. After lunch, see where American independence was won at Yorktown. We visit the Yorktown Victory Monument and see Cornwallis’ Cave, where legend has it that the English General and his staff sought refuge from the bombardment by American and French Troops. Gain a new appreciation and understanding of our nation’s beginnings at the Yorktown Victory Center where America’s evolution from Colonial status to nationhood is chronicled. We return to Williamsburg for our final evening.
DAY 8—MONTICELLO
After a short trip west, we arrive at Michie Tavern. This historic tavern, established in 1784 by Scotsman William Michie, served as the social center of its community and accommodated travelers with food, drink and lodging. We tour the tavern highlighting gaming, which serves as an interpretive tool to explore 18th-century tavern life and customs. History unfolds as each room reveals the lifestyles and customs of 18th-century patrons. During the tour, you will be invited to play Shut the Box, a favorite game played by sailors, or the Alphabet Game which creates an engaging group activity. After an included lunch at the tavern, we continue on to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.Get an intimate look at the extraordinary house Thomas Jefferson built and furnished for himself and his family. See the furnishings, art, books, gadgets and other objects that reveal Jefferson’s unique mind. We overnight in Covington, VA.
DAY 9—ON TO CINCINNATI
Today we travel across the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains to Cincinnati, our home this evening.
DAY 10—HEADING WEST
We journey across Indiana and Illinois today to Janesville, WI for our overnight.
DAY 11—HOMEWARD BOUND
Our last day together includes a buffet lunch, compliments of PTS Tours! Then, it’s on to Brainerd with time to reminisce about our American heritage!
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