Join us on a unique journey to discover the incredible land of North America
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120 120 Hear stories of the Civil War 14 Day Spectacular Cities & Historic Trails Day 1 Arrive New York Welcome to the USA! On arrival at New York International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the centre of town only blocks from the exciting Times Square. An extended stay in the bustling and iconic "Big Apple" is a must on any trip to the USA and this thriving city will no doubt live up to its reputation. Wonder at the concrete metropolis of sky scrapers, shops, bars, restaurants, boutiques, iconic and historic sights mixed with the style and culture of the people as you soak up the New York atmosphere. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Why not take up one of our Discover More activities. Discover More: See New York from a different angle on an "off the beaten track" urban safari, indulge in the New York food scene on an edible adventure with a tasting tour, or board the elegantly appointed World Yacht and cruise down the Hudson River while enjoying a four course dinner (see pages 148-151). Must be pre-booked and pre tour accommodation required to undertake these tours. Two Night Stay: New York Hilton Midtown Day 2 New York City Sightseeing (FB,D) Begin a New York City tour at the 'Top of the Rock' which boasts amazing 360° views of the city. Pass St Patrick's Cathedral and Trump Tower before taking a walk in Central Park. Continue to the heart of the city, Times Square the home of Broadway. Enjoy an architectural journey passing the Chrysler Building, New York Public Library, Madison Square Garden, the Flatiron Building and the Brooklyn Bridge, Federal Hall and the US Customs building before viewing the 9/11 memorial. Finish with a cruise to the iconic Statue of Liberty. You're Invited: Tonight you will get together with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner followed by an entertaining Broadway show. Known as the pinnacle of theatrical performance and considered to be the highest level of theatre in the world this truly is a special event that is a must do when visiting New York City. Day 3 New York – Lancaster – Gettysburg (FB,D) Leaving the city behind we make our way through the quaint and attractive Lancaster County, home to the religious Amish and Mennonite communities who are known for their simple and traditional lives largely void of modern conveniences. You're Invited: We are joined by a local guide for a tour around the Amish countryside to learn about the culture, faith and traditional way of life. Continue to Gettysburg, one of the most historically significant towns in the United States. It was here that the Battle of Gettysburg was fought which was one of the most pivotal points in the Civil War changing the course of US history. Overnight Stay: Wyndham Gettysburg Day 4 Gettysburg – Washington D.C. (FB,D) This morning we walk in the footsteps of General Lee and General Meade as we head to the Gettysburg National Military Park and Museum. Gettysburg was the war's bloodiest battle with 51,000 casualties and it was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's immortal "Gettysburg Address". We are joined by a local guide to hear heroic and tragic stories of the war, tour the battlefields and see the greatest collection of Civil War relics. Travel the short distance to the nation's great capital, Washington D.C. This iconic and powerful city is the centre of the US government and is home to some of the most recognisable sights and monuments in the United States. Two Night Stay: The Embassy Row Hotel Day 5 Washington D.C. (FB) Our local guide joins us for a city tour of this Presidential city. Hear stories of the city's past and present, its prominence and world significance as we view such highlights as the U.S Capitol Building, the F.B.I. Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the White House and Arlington National Cemetery, site of the John F. Kennedy Memorial. Spend the remainder of the day exploring some of the many museums or historic and cultural sights. Discover More: Discover some of America's most famous sights and monuments by night (see pages 148-151) Day 6 Washington D.C. – Shenandoah National Park (FB,D) Make our way to Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington who was America's first President and the Father of the nation. His historic plantation estate offers a chance to understand America's first hero and the fascinating world in which he lived. Continue through the rolling countryside to the forested mountains and valleys of beautiful Shenandoah National Park. Enter the park along Skyline Drive, a meandering road that winds along the tops of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stop at some viewpoints that afford spectacular views over the sprawling valley. With dense populations of black bears and deer, wildlife spottings are not uncommon. Overnight Stay: Skyland Resort Day 7 Shenandoah National Park – Williamsburg (FB) Continue through the state of Virginia towards the coast to some of the most historic towns that still survive today. Experience living history with a visit to Jamestown. Being the first permanent English settlement in the Americas, Jamestown is a museum of 17th century life that chronicles the first century of the Virginia colony. Our guide will take you back in time telling stories of Jamestown's founders and the Virginia Indians they encountered as you explore exhibits and outdoor living history museums. Two Night Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Day 8 Colonial Williamsburg HD (FB,HD) Today we discover Colonial Williamsburg and immerse ourselves in the 18th century capital city of Virginia. Being steeped in history that shaped the nation, Colonial Williamsburg has been carefully constructed to recreate the buildings, scenes, shops and atmosphere of an important time in US history. Explore the revolutionary city and become a part of the recreation that brings history alive. Meet the local townspeople, tradespeople, shopkeepers, political figures and slaves and learn of their hopes, struggles, and fears in these uncertain times. Tonight dine at a historic local tavern. In the 18th century, these public houses were gathering places for residents and travellers. Get a taste of early American times with meals similar to popular dishes enjoyed by patriots like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Day 9 Williamsburg – Kill Devil Hills – New Bern (FB) Head to the coast of North Carolina and cross the