Walking Through History: Our Journey on Globus’ America’s Historic East Tour

Some trips entertain. Others educate. But this one Globus’ America’s Historic East did both and more. Over nine days, we traveled from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia, tracing the footsteps of presidents, revolutionaries, and everyday Americans who shaped a nation. Here’s how the journey unfolded, one unforgettable day at a time.

Day 1: Arrival in Washington, D.C.

After a couple of days exploring Washington on our own, wandering through the Smithsonian National Zoo, marveling at fossils and gems in the Natural History Museum, getting lost in flight at the Air and Space Museum, and soaking in masterpieces at the National Gallery of Art we were ready to dive deeper. That afternoon, we joined the Globus tour group at the Capital Hilton, just steps from the White House. The welcome was warm, and the energy was high. Our Tour Director set the tone with enthusiasm and insight, and we could already tell this journey would be something special.

Day 2: Monuments, Memorials, and Meaning

Our first full day began with a guided tour of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic landmarks. We stood before the Lincoln Memorial, gazed up at the towering Washington Monument, and paused at the Vietnam and Korean War memorials. Our guide didn’t just point out facts she told stories that made each site feel personal. At the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, we reflected on how far the country has come and how far it still has to go.

The afternoon offered free time to explore more of the city some of us returned to the Smithsonian museums, while others wandered through the National Mall or relaxed in leafy parks. That evening, we gathered for a group dinner in Georgetown, one of D.C.’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods. Cobblestone streets, historic row houses, and waterfront views set the scene as we enjoyed a delicious meal together. The conversation flowed easily, and the setting added a touch of elegance and warmth to our second night on tour.

Day 3: Mount Vernon and Fredericksburg

We left the city behind and headed south to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s beloved estate. Touring his home, gardens, and final resting place gave us a deeper appreciation for the man behind the myth. From there, we continued to Fredericksburg, a town rich in both Revolutionary and Civil War history. We visited the Sunken Road and Marye’s Heights sites of fierce Civil War battles and wandered through the charming historic district. It was a day of contrasts: grandeur and grit, legacy and loss.

By late afternoon, we arrived in Williamsburg and checked into our hotel, ready to immerse ourselves in the colonial charm and living history that awaited us the next day.

Day 4: Breakfast, Black History, and Colonial Immersion

We started the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for a full itinerary ahead. Our morning began with a powerful performance by Sylvia Tabb-Lee, a professional historian and storyteller whose portrayal of Black life in colonial Virginia was both moving and enlightening. Her voice, presence, and depth of knowledge brought history to life in a way that textbooks never could.

Afterward, we headed to Jamestown, the site of the first permanent English settlement in America. We explored the reconstructed fort, met costumed interpreters, and learned about the complex interactions between settlers, Indigenous peoples, and enslaved Africans. It was a sobering and fascinating look at the roots of American society.

In the afternoon, we returned to Colonial Williamsburg, where cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and working tradespeople recreated the 18th century in vivid detail. From the blacksmith’s forge to the Governor’s Palace, every corner offered a glimpse into daily life during the Revolutionary era. That evening, we gathered for a private performance by a local historian who added humor, heart, and fresh perspective to the day’s discoveries.

Day 5: Monticello, St. John’s Church, and Staunton

We began the day with a scenic drive through Virginia’s rolling countryside, arriving first at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s hilltop estate. The architecture was elegant, the gardens serene, but it was the stories of Jefferson’s ideals and contradictions, of the enslaved people who lived and labored there that made the visit unforgettable. Our guide didn’t shy away from complexity, and we appreciated the honesty woven into the tour.

From there, we continued to St. John’s Church, the site of Patrick Henry’s legendary “Give me liberty or give me death” speech. Sitting in the original pews, we could almost hear the urgency in his voice. The reenactment was stirring, and the setting modest, intimate, and steeped in revolutionary spirit left a lasting impression.

We ended the day in Staunton, a charming town nestled in the Shenandoah Valley. With its historic architecture and relaxed pace, it was the perfect place to unwind. Over dinner, we shared reflections on the day how inspiring, sobering, and thought provoking it had been.

Day 6: Woodrow Wilson’s Legacy and Shenandoah National Park

Before heading into the mountains, we spent the morning in Staunton exploring the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, located in the former president’s birthplace. The exhibits offered a compelling look at Wilson’s life, his leadership during World War I, and the complexities of his legacy. From his early years in Virginia to his role in shaping global diplomacy, the museum gave us a deeper understanding of the man behind the policies. The restored home and interactive displays made it one of the most engaging presidential sites we’ve visited.

After lunch, we drove into Shenandoah National Park, where nature took center stage. The views along Skyline Drive were spectacular rolling hills, misty ridges, and the first hints of fall color. We stopped at overlooks to take photos and breathe in the crisp mountain air. It was a slower-paced afternoon, perfect for reflection and conversation. That evening, we stayed at a rustic lodge inside the park, surrounded by quiet and stars.

Day 7: Gettysburg

Our morning started with a scenic drive down through the Shenandoah National Park

and crossing into Pennsylvania, we arrived at Gettysburg National Military Park, where the landscape still whispers the stories of one of the Civil War’s most pivotal battles. Our local guide, Ed Guy, was exceptional his deep knowledge and heartfelt delivery brought the battlefield to life in a way that was both sobering and unforgettable. Ed didn’t just recite history; he painted vivid scenes of strategy, sacrifice, and sorrow.

We stood where Pickett’s Charge took place and where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. Ed’s storytelling made it easy to imagine the tension, the bravery, and the heartbreak of those days. His passion for the site was contagious, and by the end of the tour, many of us felt a renewed appreciation for the cost of freedom and the fragility of unity.

That evening, we gathered for a group dinner at the Dobbin House Tavern, one of Gettysburg’s oldest and most atmospheric buildings. The candlelit colonial setting was the perfect backdrop for a hearty, comforting meal. We chose from Chicken, Prime Rib, or Salmon, each beautifully prepared and served with warm hospitality. For dessert, we enjoyed generous slices of homemade pie a sweet finish to a day filled with reflection and connection. The conversation flowed easily, and the shared experience made the evening feel like a celebration of history, friendship, and good food.

Day 8: Lancaster, Valley Forge, and the Rocky Steps

We began the day in Lancaster County, where we made a delightful stop at Kitchen Kettle Village a charming collection of locally owned shops nestled in the heart of Amish country. We sampled jams and relishes straight from the canning kitchen, browsed handmade quilts and crafts, and enjoyed the warm hospitality that defines this region. It was a perfect blend of culture, flavor, and small-town charm.

From there, we continued to Valley Forge, where Washington’s troops endured a brutal winter during the Revolutionary War. The reconstructed huts, memorials, and rolling fields gave us a vivid sense of the hardship and resilience that defined that chapter of American history.

In the afternoon, we arrived in Philadelphia and made one final, fun stop: the Philadelphia Museum of Art, not for the paintings, but to climb the famous Rocky Steps. We couldn’t resist reenacting the iconic movie moment, arms raised in triumph at the top. The view over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway was the perfect reward.

That evening, we gathered for a group dinner aboard the Moshulu, the world’s oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat. Docked along Penn’s Landing, the ship offered stunning waterfront views and an elegant dining experience. With candlelit tables, fresh seafood, and lively conversation, it was a fitting finale to a day that blended history, heart, and a little Hollywood flair.

Day 9: Farewell in the City of Brotherly Love

Our final morning began with a guided walk through Philadelphia’s historic district. We stopped at the Liberty Bell, where its iconic crack and enduring message of freedom made a powerful impression. Just across the way, we admired the exterior of Independence Hall, pausing for photos and reflection outside the building where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed.

We then toured the National Constitution Center, an engaging museum that brought the nation’s founding document to life through interactive exhibits and powerful storytelling. It was a fitting conclusion to a journey that had taken us through the heart of American history from revolution to resilience.

After the tour, we said our goodbyes as we were all dropped off at the airport, each of us carrying home new friendships, unforgettable stories, and a deeper appreciation for the people and places that shaped a nation.