American History Tour – 250th Anniversary

Welcome to Washington! If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a friendly YMT representative will greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel.

Start your day with a guided tour of Washington D. C. Begin at the U.S. Capitol, where the heart of American democracy comes to life. Explore the iconic Rotunda and learn about the history and workings of Congress as you walk the halls of power.

Next, dive into the nation’s past and learn more about American heritage at the National Mall, where you’ll stroll past landmarks that have shaped the nation’s identity.

Pay tribute to great leaders and fallen heroes with visits to the Lincoln Memorial and the powerful Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

In the evening, gather with fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (B, D)

Begin your day with a moving visit to Arlington National Cemetery, a place of deep reverence and national memory. You’ll explore this historic site aboard the 45-minute hop-on, hop-off bus loop, which includes 10 key stops, allowing you to pause and reflect at your own pace.

Along the way, visit the U.S. Coast Guard Memorial, a striking tribute to those who served at sea with courage and honor. Continue to the Memorial Amphitheater, where powerful ceremonies and moments of remembrance take place throughout the year.

A highlight of the visit is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where you’ll witness the solemn precision of the Changing of the Guard. (B)

Spend the day at leisure or explore the city on your own! We highly recommend joining our optional excursion to Mount Vernon today. (B)

Step into the heart of America’s story with a self-guided visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Explore at your own pace and discover iconic treasures like the original Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, and artifacts from American pop culture, innovation, and civil rights movements.

Next, head to Ford’s Theatre, the site of one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Walk through the theater where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, and hear the dramatic story of that fateful night. (B)

Today, you’ll take a guided day trip to Gettysburg, the site of the most pivotal battle of the American Civil War. Begin at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, where immersive exhibits and artifacts set the stage for the day’s experience.

Then, join your expert guide for a Battlefield Tour, as you drive through the hallowed grounds where Union and Confederate forces clashed in 1863. Enjoy lunch on your own, and then proceed to Philadelphia, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour. (B)

Discover the birthplace of American democracy on a guided tour of Philadelphia’s most iconic historic sites. Begin at the National Constitution Center, where interactive exhibits and powerful storytelling bring the U.S. Constitution to life.

Next, visit the Liberty Bell, one of the nation’s most enduring symbols of freedom. Learn the story behind its famous crack and how it became a global icon of independence and civil rights.

Just steps away is Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and later debated and adopted the U.S. Constitution. Learn more about the struggle for liberty at the Museum of the American Revolution. (B)