Join your friends from the Good Neighbor Club on an unforgettable journey from Colonial Williamsburg where talk of independence and revolution prevailed in the streets, to the heart of today’s capital city, Washington, D.C. Timed to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary, this 6-day tour immerses you in our nation’s history, all while enjoying deluxe accommodations, enriching guided tours, delicious food, and special events that bring history to life!
Wednesday, June 10 (Dinner)
Our historic adventure begins as we fly to Norfolk, Virginia where a deluxe motorcoach waits to transport us to Williamsburg, VA. We’ll check in for two nights at the lovely Williamsburg Lodge, located steps from Colonial Williamsburg’s living history museum. Colonial-era elegance with modern comfort – lantern-lined hallways and folk-art furnishings set the scene for our first taste of the past. This evening, we step back into the 18th-century with a candlelit dinner at Shields Tavern, an authentic Colonial Williamsburg tavern. Dine on period fare (perhaps Ale-potted beef or spit-roasted chicken) by flickering candlelight as costumed servers and rustic décor transport us to our nation’s early beginnings. It’s the perfect start to our journey through American history!
Thursday, June 11 (Breakfast, Dinner)
After a hearty breakfast, spend the day at your own pace exploring Colonial Williamsburg, the capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780. Stroll the same paths as America’s Founding Fathers in this bustling living history village. With your Colonial Williamsburg admission, you can join historical re-enactments – perhaps observe a mock trial at the 18th-century courthouse or cheer along to a fife and drum corps parade. Meet the “locals” (costumed tradespeople, shopkeepers, militia, and townsfolk) who bring 1770s America to life with their stories of hope and struggle on the eve of Revolution. You may tour the Governor’s Palace, visit the Capitol, and browse Merchants Square with its quaint shops and galleries. In the evening, our group comes together for a delightful culinary experience at one of Virginia’s top-rated restaurants.
Friday, June 12 (Breakfast, Dinner)
We depart Williamsburg this morning and journey north toward the nation’s capital. Along the way, enjoy a break in historic Fredericksburg, VA, a colonial town rich in charm and Americana. Browse through antique shops and have lunch in one of the many cafés in this quaint downtown. By early afternoon we arrive at Mount Vernon, the beloved plantation home of George Washington. Tour Washington’s elegant mansion and gardens overlooking the Potomac River and delve into interactive exhibits that illuminate the character and leadership of the man who led America to independence. Late afternoon brings us to Washington, D.C., where we will settle in for three nights at the Holiday Inn Washington Capitol located just a five-minute stroll from the Smithsonian museums and the tree-lined expanse of the National Mall. Our hotel features spacious rooms, a quiet courtyard lounge, and a rooftop pool that lets you soak in city views above the bustle. Dinner this evening will be in charming Georgetown.
Saturday, June 13 (Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast, we embark on a full day of sightseeing to celebrate the “magnificence of our nation’s capital.” A professional local guide joins us to share insights as we tour Washington, D.C.’s iconic monuments and memorials. Marvel at the towering Washington Monument and visit the inspiring memorials to Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. At the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, walk through its tranquil waterfalls and landscapes that honor FDR’s four terms in office. We’ll pay our respects at the solemn war memorials – the World War II Memorial’s fountains and pillars, the Korean War Veterans Memorial’s haunting soldier statues, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which includes the names of over 58,000 servicemen and women who gave their lives in service in the Vietnam conflict. These sites honor the visionaries, patriots, and heroes who have shaped our country’s 250-year journey. This afternoon, we cross the Potomac to visit the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), depicting the iconic flag-raising of WWII. Nearby, we arrive at Arlington National Cemetery, our nation’s most hallowed ground. A guided tram tour takes us through the cemetery’s rolling hills of white markers to see highlights such as President John F. Kennedy’s eternal flame and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where we’ll witness the reverent Changing of the Guard. It’s a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the valor of those who served. After a meaningful day, enjoy some time to relax and refresh at our hotel. Tonight, prepare for an unforgettable evening on our dinner cruise on the Potomac River! Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner onboard as we glide along the Potomac, taking in panoramic views of D.C.’s illuminated monuments and skyline. Live music and perhaps a little dancing make this a festive night of camaraderie.
Sunday, June 14 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Flag Day 2026 is here, and there’s no better place to spend it than in the capital during the Semiquincentennial! This morning, we’ll drive past the White House and the U.S. Capitol, seeing the epicenters of American leadership. We’ll travel along Embassy Row and through the National Mall as our guide shares the city’s history. We pause at the National Archives, home of the original Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. Inside, a special exhibit called “Road to Revolution” is on display showcasing original documents and artifacts that chronicle the many paths that led to American independence. We’ll join the National Mall’s Flag Day Commemoration – a patriotic ceremony honoring the anniversary of the Stars and Stripes. Stand among fellow Americans on the Mall as we celebrate the flag’s 249th birthday (first adopted June 14, 1777) and reflect on all it symbolizes in this 250th anniversary year. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Smithsonian Institution at your own pace. A must-see is the National Museum of American History, debuting a museum-wide exhibition “In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness.” This bold, immersive, special exhibit spans three floors and 300,000 square feet, and features “250” iconic artifacts of American history. As evening falls, we gather for a farewell dinner at The Hamilton, one of D.C.’s renowned restaurants and an ideal spot for our group to celebrate our final night in Washington.
Monday, June 15 (Breakfast, Lunch)
This morning, we bid farewell to Washington and travel east to Annapolis, Maryland, the “Sailing Capital” and site of another chapter in America’s legacy. Annapolis, once a colonial capital itself, is home to the prestigious United States Naval Academy. On a guided walking tour of the Academy’s scenic campus, learn how this institution, founded in 1845, has evolved from old sailing ships to today’s modern Navy. We’ll see historic Bancroft Hall (the largest dormitory in the world), the Naval Chapel, and Memorial Hall, as we hear about the Academy’s mission to develop midshipmen “morally, mentally, and physically” into the next generation of naval leaders. The Academy’s Visitor Center offers insightful exhibits on naval history and the life of midshipmen; you might even see the noon formation of young officers in training, truly connecting past and future heroes. After soaking in the Academy’s traditions, we’ll stroll along Annapolis’s cobblestone streets and picturesque harbor. Our group will enjoy lunch at a popular Annapolis restaurant overlooking the harbor. Fresh seafood, Chesapeake Bay views, and a relaxing atmosphere make this the perfect finale for our trip.
With hearts full of patriotism and newfound appreciation for America’s 250-year journey, we board our motorcoach for the short drive to the airport. An afternoon flight brings us home with fond memories and inspiring stories to share. This special 250th Anniversary tour will leave you with a deeper connection to our nation’s heritage, truly an American Legacy to treasure for years to come.
