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Untold Tales of Historic Trails with Extended Stay in New York City

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Operated by Cosmos
Tripcode: 8065
Overview
Destination:
United States Of America
Start:Philadelphia, United States Of America
Finish:New York, United States Of America
Duration:12 days
Type:Group tour (max 48)
Travel Period
April 2026 - October 2026
12 day tour from Philadelphia to New York City
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. Return to Philadelphia and continue on for two additional nights in New York City with time to explore the many diverse and interesting things the city has to offer. Then return home after traveling many trails and hearing many tales on this fantastic tour celebrating American history!
All This. Included
The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available). Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!

Your Tour Includes:
• Guided city sightseeing of Philadelphia and Washington, DC
• Orientation tours of Annapolis, Fredericksburg, and Richmond
• Admission and guided tour of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s Home & Gardens
• Entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park
• Entrance fee to Gettysburg National Military Park and Museum including Cyclorama and guided sightseeing of Gettysburg Battlefield
• Stop at Kitchen Kettle Village in Lancaster
• Stop at Valley Forge National Historic Park
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
  • 7 Breakfasts
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Itinerary
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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 cross the street and take a walk along the waterfront, visit Cherry Street Pier, or seek out some local Philly cuisine.

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)

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)

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.

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 or 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)

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)

RICHMOND. OPTIONAL EXCURSION TO WILLIAMSBURG
Spend the day 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)

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)

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.

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 Pennsylvania Dutch food and products. Then depart for Valley Forge National Historical Park which was the winter encampments 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. Then say goodbye to your Tour Director and continue by motorcoach to New York City. Check into the New Yorker, a Wyndham Hotel, for the next two nights. Your Local Host will be available for any questions you may have and can offer suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (CB)

NEW YORK CITY
The “Big Apple” beckons. Enjoy free time to explore all the city has to offer, from Broadway shows to museums, shopping, and great restaurants offering a melting pot of cuisines.

NEW YORK CITY
Your vacation ends this morning.

Dates

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Travellers

Operator
Cosmos

For more than 60 years, Cosmos has done something remarkable: Bringing the world to people; and people to the world. By pioneering value touring holidays, Cosmos enjoys a long and storied history of turning travel dreams into reality. We make possible “never thought I would” or “never imagined I could” moments by making travel attainable and easy. And in doing that, we help you expand your horizons, clear your head and open your heart to the world around you. Cosmos understands that adventure is waiting for us – all of us – out in the world. And there simply is no better time than the present to discover new sights, new sensations and new experiences. That’s why we pride ourselves in turning “what if” moments into “I did” realisations by providing wayfarers and wanderers unparalleled access to the globe with value-centric holidays in 67 countries, on six continents. Let the unexpected begin. Let awe-inspiring take over. Adventure is knocking. Cosmos travellers are answering by exploring the world that’s always within reach.

Important Information
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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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11 nights
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