American Heritage

Today, arrive in New York City, known as the Big Apple. Transfer independently to the hotel.

A full day is yours to explore this exciting city, filled with people, famous sights, and skyscrapers. See the Statue of Liberty, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, The United Nations, and much more.

Collect your rental car this morning and start your drive southwest to Philadelphia, home of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Ben Franklin. Your destination this evening is the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

The broad streets of America’s seat of government enhance the dramatic effect of Washington’s memorable monuments: The Lincoln Memorial, The Jefferson Memorial, and The White House. On The National Mall, the Smithsonian’s complex of museums is a repository for the nation’s historic treasures.

Explore Virginia’s colonial and Civil War heritage. Visit the site of the strategic Battle of Bull Run, where the historical influence of America’s founders is reflected in its institutions and architecture. Pass by Thomas Jefferson’s home in Monticello before ascending to the highlands of Shenandoah National Park for the night.

Today, follow the crest of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, which in the summer have a distinctly bluish cast. Then continue along the lush, green Shenandoah Valley en route to your destination tonight, Roanoke, Virginia.

Spend a full day enjoying the mountain scenery while driving south along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains into the state of North Carolina. In the afternoon, visit the Smoky Mountains, famous for the distinctive blue haze which cloaks them. Pass through the ancestral homeland of the Cherokee Indians.

The destination today is historic Charleston, a city built for walking. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic district and note its unsurpassed Antebellum architecture. It was in Charleston that early shots of the Civil War were fired, starting a four-year battle that ended with the defeat of the Confederate States and the reemergence of the United States as one nation.

After leaving historic Charleston, many people choose to visit the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Drive south to the port city of Savannah. The historic district of Old Savannah has been beautifully restored, recreating the gracious atmosphere of the Antebellum South.

Follow the lush, semi-tropical coastline of Georgia, and see the influence of 18th century English settlers in the charming architecture of Brunswick. Pass Jacksonville en route to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. Time this evening to wander the streets of St. Augustine and enjoy a relaxing dinner.

Searching for the Fountain of Youth, Ponce de Leon landed here in 1513, and that eternal search continues today by sun worshippers on Florida’s beaches. Join them this morning, or explore the Spanish heritage of the city before driving south along the coast to Orlando.

Enjoy a full day exploring the entertainment complex of Walt Disney World Resort - home to the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, and Disney–MGM Studios, or experience Disney’s wildest adventure yet, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. (Admissions not included)

Make the short drive to the western shores of Florida and Tampa Bay, which sheltered the pirates and buccaneers of a bygone era. The stunning natural beauty of Sarasota is enhanced by the barrier islands, known as "keys," lying just offshore.

Follow the Tamiami Trail and drive through the heart of the largest sub–tropical wilderness in North America, the Everglades. The watery River of Grasses is a sanctuary for a myriad of birds and animals. East of the Everglades, the sandy beaches of South Florida await you.

A full day at leisure in Miami to explore South Beach or to shop at the many superb malls. Spend your last evening in lovely South Beach. Dine or dance the night away.

Return your rental car today before your departing flight.