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Untold Tales of Historic Trails
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Length
10 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
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Ends in
Gettysburg National Park-Lancaster-Valley Forge-Philadelphia
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Available Tour Start Dates
MAY 12, 2026 to OCT 26, 2027
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).No
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$2,374.05
Overview
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. Then return to Philadelphia, after traveling many trails and hearing many tales on this fantastic tour celebrating American history!
Visited During Tour
Annapolis | Charlottesville (Virginia) | Dover | Fredericksburg (Texas) | Gettysburg National Park | Lancaster (Pennsylvania) | Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) | Richmond (Virginia) | Shenandoah National Park (Virginia) | Valley Forge | Washington, D.C. | Williamsburg (Virginia)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
Accommodations
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Untold Tales of Historic Trails tour dates available from Cosmos. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
Cosmos Tour Code 8060
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Day
1PHILADELPHIA
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 take a walk along the waterfront, visit Cherry Street Pier, or seek out some local Philly cuisine.
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Day
2PHILADELPHIA
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
3PHILADELPHIA–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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
4ANNAPOLIS–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.
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Day
5WASHINGTON, 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 and 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
6WASHINGTON, 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!”
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
7RICHMOND. OPTIONAL EXCURSION TO WILLIAMSBURG
Spend the day on your own 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
8RICHMOND–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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
9SHENANDOAH 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.
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Day
10GETTYSBURG 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 Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch food and products. Then depart for Valley Forge National Historical Park which was the winter encampment 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. Please schedule departing flights for after 6:00 pm.
- Meals Included:
- Continental Breakfast
Accommodations
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by Cosmos in their Untold Tales of Historic Trails tour:
Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Penn's Landing
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): Superior Tourist-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar Superior Tourist-Class property)
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Annapolis
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Sonesta Select Arlington Rosslyn
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond Downtown
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): Superior Tourist-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar Superior Tourist-Class property)
Skyland Resort
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): Moderate First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar Moderate First-Class property)
Quality Inn Gettysburg Battlefield
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): Superior Tourist-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar Superior Tourist-Class property)
More Details
Cosmos is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Untold Tales of Historic Trails tour:
Travelers Notes
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 in 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
Meals Included
7 Breakfasts
Private Touring
Cosmos offers an optional paid upgrade if you would like to arrange for Untold Tales of Historic Trails tour as a Private Tour. Here's a sample of the additional cost:
N/A
Note: Private Tours must be booked with one of our travel advisors over the phone. Please contact us for additional details.
* Supplement pricing is per person (USD), will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date, and is based on availability. Pricing is valid for select travel dates only. Some vendors reserve the right to operate optional activities and excursions with other guests, despite you being on a private tour. Additional restrictions may apply. This pricing may not be applicable to custom groups. Group allowances and promotions may not be available for private tours. Private touring may only be available on published itineraries. Blackout dates may exist, in which case private touring would not be available.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Cosmos. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Cosmos (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.