Thu, Oct 8: Fly from Indianapolis to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Arrive in time for lunch on your own at the Reading Terminal Market before meeting your local tour guide. Get acquainted with Philadelphia on a sightseeing tour including a drive along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Champs Elysees of Philadelphia, and several more historical sights. Step inside Independence Hall, the location of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution. See an iconic symbol of freedom, the Liberty Bell. Afterwards, visit the Museum of the American Revolution. Walk through the interactive exhibits imagining what it felt like to be part of the Revolution, including a special exhibit, The Declaration’s Journey, exploring the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today. Check into your hotel before enjoying a welcome dinner at a favorite local restaurant. (Meals: Dinner)

Fri, Oct 9: Breakfast is included at the hotel before transferring to the National Constitution Center—wholly devoted to the study, debate, and celebration of the United States Constitution. Take in the 360-degree multimedia production Freedom Rising and walk among 42 life-size bronze statues of the Founding Fathers in Signers’ Hall. Have lunch at the museum before heading to the nearby U.S. Mint at Philadelphia for an optional, self-guided visit. See the first coining press, used to strike our nation’s first coins in 1792, along with the modern-day factory floor. Or, use the spare time to shop or perhaps visit another nearby institution, such as the Benjamin Franklin Museum. This evening, enjoy a dinner cruise along the scenic Delaware River. (B,L,D)

Sat, Oct 10: This morning a short drive takes you to Valley Forge National Historical Park, the winter encampment of George Washington’s Continental Army. The park is also commemorating an event, their 50th Anniversary! Step back in time with a local guide and tour sites that played a key role in the Revolutionary War to win independence. Lunch is included before heading back into the city. Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring Philadelphia as you desire. (B,L)

Sun, Oct 11: Depart Philadelphia for Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Arrive at the Gettysburg Museum & Visitor’s Center to see the film A New Birth of Freedom and Cyclorama painting, an 1880s canvas that measures 377 feet in circumference and 42 feet high with a three-dimensional diorama foreground that depicts the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Join a licensed guide on a Battlefield Tour—the historic landscape that looks very much like it did in 1863. After the tour, depart for Washington, D.C. and check in to your hotel, the Hyatt House at The Wharf. Enjoy dazzling views of the Potomac River during your stay, with easy access to a wide range of shopping and restaurants, ideally located less than a mile from the National Mall. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. (B)

Mon, Oct 12: This morning, discover the celebrated history of America’s capital on a tour around the city. Take in views of the National Mall, White House, and other monuments and museums. Pause to reflect at the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial. Grab lunch on your own before transferring to sprawling Arlington National Cemetery. A narrated tram tour takes you through the cemetery to notable sites including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and President John F. Kennedy gravesite. Admire the same blooming Japanese Cherry Trees along with magnolia and other variety of trees throughout the cemetery creating a stunning visual display. Afterwards, transfer to Old Town Alexandria for time to explore and have dinner at your leisure. Known for its cobblestone streets, 18th-century architecture, and historic waterfront, Alexandria has many charming shops and award-winning restaurants to choose from! (B)

Tue, Oct 13: This morning, visit the iconic home of the legislative branch of the federal government, the United States Capitol building on Capitol Hill. Lunch is included before a short walk to the Library of Congress, home to over 170 million items, including the largest, rare book collection in North America and the personal collection of Thomas Jefferson. Enjoy a self-guided visit exploring the impressive building and its’ exhibitions. The balance of today is open to you to venture into one of the 11 Smithsonian museums and galleries on the National Mall, the halls of which contain some of the world’s rarest collections of artifacts. (B,L) 

Wed, Oct 14: Your last stop on this historical journey is Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home on the Potomac River. A can’t miss destination with new immersive experiences in 2026—get a glimpse into the life of the man who led the Revolution and became America’s first president. Experience plantation life in the 18th century by exploring the slave quarters and outbuildings, beautiful gardens, intriguing museum exhibits, and the impressive 21-room mansion. After an included lunch, transfer to the airport for your flights home. (B,L)