Menu
Call
No Avoya Fees on Cruises or Tours. Click Here!
Home
Untold Tales of Historic Trails

Untold Tales of Historic Trails

10 day tour from Philadelphia roundtrip
Tour Operator
Cosmos
Departures
May 12, 2026 – Oct 26, 2027
Prices From
$2,499
Dates & Prices
Join us as we travel the historic trails and hear the untold tales that celebrate the rich history of the United States during its 250th anniversary! Journey to historical places and walk in the footsteps of historical figures that shaped the nation. Begin in Philadelphia, “The Birthplace of America” and home of “America’s most historic square mile.” See Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed and see America’s symbol of freedom, the Liberty Bell. Travel through Delaware, the first of the 50 United States and second smallest state, to Annapolis, Maryland. This charming city on the Chesapeake Bay was the colonial seaport where the Treaty of Paris was ratified ending the Revolutionary War. It’s also home to the Maryland State House and to the United States Naval Academy. Enjoy walking the cobblestone streets, viewing the many 18th century houses and perhaps trying some of the state’s famous tasty blue crabs. Visit the Nation’s capital, Washington, DC, and see its iconic landmarks like the Capitol Building, the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Have time to explore the Smithsonian Institution Museums, the world’s largest museum complex, and treasure trove of over 150 million objects and works of art. Stop in Fredericksburg, Virginia a town rich with Civil War history then on to Richmond, home to the State Capital and the church where Patrick Henry declared “Give me liberty or give me death!” Enjoy free time to take an optional excursion to Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum, which offers a glimpse into 18th-century life in Virginia. Stop in Charlottesville to tour Monticello, the mountain top home Thomas Jefferson designed as well as the gardens which were considered a botanic showpiece. Enjoy an overnight stay in the natural beauty of Shenandoah National Park which runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains before continuing to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to see Gettysburg National Military Park. Visit the museum there and the famous Cyclorama painting and go on a guided tour of the battlefield where the Battle of Gettysburg took place and where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. Journey east through Pennsylvania Amish country to Valley Forge National Historical Park, the location of the winter encampment of George Washington and the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Then return to Philadelphia, after traveling many trails and hearing many tales on this fantastic tour celebrating American history!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
PHILADELPHIA
Welcome to Philadelphia! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions. Once settled in your hotel, perhaps take a walk along the waterfront, visit Cherry Street Pier, or seek out some local Philly cuisine.
Day 2
PHILADELPHIA
This morning, take a tour of “The Birthplace of America.” See Independence National Historical Park, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed and visit the Liberty Bell, known for its iconic crack and being a symbol of freedom. Visit Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest public markets in the U.S dating back to 1893. It’s a gastronomic bazaar of more than 80 vendors where you can find a variety of food, including Philly’s famous cheesesteak sandwiches. (B)
Day 3
PHILADELPHIA–DOVER–ANNAPOLIS
Head south to Delaware, the first of the 50 United States, for a stop at the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover which showcases the history of military aviation. Then on to Annapolis, a picturesque city by the Chesapeake Bay. Visit the Maryland State House, one of the oldest state capitol buildings in the United States. Enjoy free time to stroll the cobblestone streets lined with shops, visit the US Naval Academy (Real ID required), and perhaps try some fresh local seafood, like their renowned Maryland blue crabs, while overlooking the harbor. (B)
Day 4
ANNAPOLIS–WASHINGTON, DC
Depart for the Nation’s Capital, Washington, DC, home to historic monuments and world-class museums. Enjoy a city tour with a local guide, seeing famous landmarks like the US Capitol, the White House, and the National Mall, a green space where the Washington Monument rises majestically to the sky. This evening, join an optional dinner and illumination tour to see several of DCs most famous memorials in a different light.
Day 5
WASHINGTON, DC
Have the day to explore! Perhaps visit some of the many free Smithsonian Institution museums like the National Museum of American History where you can see the Star-Spangled Banner – the flag that inspired the National Anthem, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat and the gowns of America’s first ladies or the National Museum of Natural History to see dinosaur bones and the Hope Diamond. Or perhaps visit Arlington National Cemetery to pay respect at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and see the grave of President John F. Kennedy. You can also join an optional excursion to Mount Vernon, home of the first president of the United States, George Washington, and his wife Martha. (B)
Day 6
WASHINGTON, DC–FREDERICKSBURG–RICHMOND
Stop in Fredericksburg, Virginia known for its colonial and Civil War history. Visit Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor’s Center to learn about this colonial trading hub and strategic site during the American Revolution and Civil War, including the pivotal Battle of Fredericksburg. Enjoy some time in the charming Historic District before continuing on to Richmond, the state’s capital. Take a city tour, including a stop at St. John’s Church where Patrick Henry said the famous words, “Give me liberty or give me death!” (B)
Day 7
RICHMOND. OPTIONAL EXCURSION TO WILLIAMSBURG
Spend the day on your own exploring this capital city’s museums and riverfront or join an optional excursion to Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that offers a glimpse into 18th-century life in Virginia with interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, and demonstrations of 18-century trades such as blacksmithing and bookbinding. Evening is at leisure. (B)
Day 8
RICHMOND–CHARLOTTESVILLE–SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Travel to Charlottesville to explore Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the mountaintop home and plantation he designed that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and the third president of the United States, loved architecture and integrated many ingenious devices throughout the house. He also designed the gardens which were not just a source of food but a place for experimentation and showcasing plants from around the world. Continue for an overnight in beautiful Shenandoah National Park. (B)
Day 9
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK–GETTYSBURG NATIONAL PARK
Enter Pennsylvania, one of the thirteen original colonies and home to Gettysburg, which played a pivotal role during the Civil War. Visit Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and see the Gettysburg Cyclorama, the largest oil-on-canvas painting in North America. The 360-degree hand-painted canvas depicts the fury of Pickett’s Charge during the decisive third day of fighting between Union and Confederate forces. Then take a guided tour of the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg Battlefield to see some of the legendary locations in what became the turning point of the Civil War. This evening, join an optional farewell dinner at an historic tavern that brings back the sights, sounds, and tastes of times past.
Day 10
GETTYSBURG NATIONAL PARK–LANCASTER–VALLEY FORGE–PHILADELPHIA
Head east to Lancaster County, home of fertile farmland and a large Amish community. Make a stop at Kitchen Kettle Village for the chance to experience Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch food and products. Then depart for Valley Forge National Historical Park which was the winter encampment in 1777 for the Continental Army where George Washington stayed along with his aide-de-camp, Alexander Hamilton. Return to Philadelphia for a late afternoon drop at Philadelphia International Airport or the host hotel for those with extra nights. Please schedule departing flights for after 6:00 pm. (CB)

What's Included

Meals
7 Breakfasts

Hotels

Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Penn's Landing
Superior Tourist-Class
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Annapolis
First-Class
Sonesta Select Arlington Rosslyn
First-Class
Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond Downtown
Superior Tourist-Class
Skyland Resort
Moderate First-Class
Quality Inn Gettysburg Battlefield
Superior Tourist-Class

Itinerary Dates & Prices

Start Date
May 12, 2026
End Date
May 21, 2026
Our Price
$2,499
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jun 02, 2026
End Date
Jun 11, 2026
Our Price
$2,749
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jul 14, 2026
End Date
Jul 23, 2026
Our Price
$2,749
Guaranteed
Start Date
Aug 04, 2026
End Date
Aug 13, 2026
Our Price
$2,749
Guaranteed
Start Date
Aug 25, 2026
End Date
Sep 03, 2026
Our Price
$2,749
Guaranteed
Start Date
Sep 15, 2026
End Date
Sep 24, 2026
Our Price
$2,499
Guaranteed
Start Date
Oct 06, 2026
End Date
Oct 15, 2026
Our Price
$2,819
Guaranteed
Start Date
Oct 27, 2026
End Date
Nov 05, 2026
Our Price
$2,819
Guaranteed
Start Date
Apr 13, 2027
End Date
Apr 22, 2027
Our Price
$2,839
Guaranteed
Start Date
May 11, 2027
End Date
May 20, 2027
Our Price
$2,949
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jun 01, 2027
End Date
Jun 10, 2027
Our Price
$2,949
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jul 13, 2027
End Date
Jul 22, 2027
Our Price
$2,949
Guaranteed
Start Date
Aug 03, 2027
End Date
Aug 12, 2027
Our Price
$2,949
Guaranteed
Start Date
Aug 24, 2027
End Date
Sep 02, 2027
Our Price
$2,949
Guaranteed
Start Date
Sep 14, 2027
End Date
Sep 23, 2027
Our Price
$2,949
Guaranteed
Start Date
Oct 05, 2027
End Date
Oct 14, 2027
Our Price
$3,019
Guaranteed
Start Date
Oct 26, 2027
End Date
Nov 04, 2027
Our Price
$3,019
Guaranteed

Available Tour Deals

The below deals may be applicable to this tour. Restrictions apply. Need help figuring out the right deal for you?
Call
1-888-447-8459
to be connected with a travel professional today!
There are no promos in our system for this trip but we have a lot of ways to help you get the best value.
Call us at
1-888-447-8459
to speak with a travel planner today.
Don't Miss the Latest Deals!
Talk to a Vacation Planner
Avoya Travel Logo Mark
Why Choose Avoya?
U.S. / Canada: 1-888-877-7042
UK: 0-800-098-8475
Australia: 1-800-651-320
International: 001-760-305-5070
Avoya Travel. Beyond The Web.®
CST: 2085569-40
Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST36781
© Avoya Travel®. All Rights Reserved.
Avoya Travel Logo