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Day 1, Wednesday, March 24 - There is something
inviting about Washington, D C. It is the heart, brain and
nerve center of our Nation! With 3 full days and a step-on guide
with us, we will visit, hear, and see many of the top attractions
that make up our Nation’s Capital City. Our first day’s travel takes
us east through the Twin Cities and into Wisconsin. A noon buffet is
included at Black River Falls. Late afternoon our coach joins the
stream of traffic around Chicago. This evening we stay in southern
Chicago. (L)
Day 2, Thursday, March 25 - Leaving the hustle and
bustle of Chicago, our coach follows I-80 east. This heavily
traveled toll road is sometimes called “the Main Street of the
Midwest”! It connects Chicago with Toledo, Ohio. After an
included noon lunch, we continue east past the Ohio farmlands into
the low foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Our
accommodations this evening are in a quiet suburb of the busy city
of Pittsburgh, PA. (B, L)
Day 3, Friday, March 26 - After breakfast at the
hotel, our coach follows the Pennsylvania Turnpike through tunnels
and over mountains to Gettysburg. This was the scene of one
of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Minnesota forces fought
bravely on July 2, 1863 when a regiment of 262 men was ordered to
charge 1,600 Confederate soldiers. This heroic conflict helped win
the Gettysburg Battle; but after five minutes of fighting, 215 had
been wounded or killed. A guide boards our coach and takes us
through this battlefield where 51,000 men were wounded or killed.
Late afternoon we travel to Washington, DC, and check into our hotel
for a four night stay. At night the monuments honoring heroes glow
in the dark. It gives us a sense of pride to remember America’s
heroes and a feeling of anticipation as we look forward to our stay
in Washington, DC. The evening is free to relax or explore on our
own. (B, L)
Day 4, Saturday, March 27 – This morning our
step-on-guide joins us and will remain with us for the next 3 days
as we explore the world’s oldest democracy – Washington, D. C.
We will visit such highlights as the United States Capitol, the
Federal Triangle, all the Memorials, Embassy Row and more as
time permits! For the first time visitor, you will be amazed at the
buildings that make up our Nation’s Capitol City. (B)
Day 5, Sunday, March 28 – Put more film in your
camera and wear comfortable shoes, there’s more to see. Our guide
joins us once again for a day in the Washington D.C. area. A special
highlight will be Arlington Cemetery. At one time it was the
home of General Robert E. Lee. Due to the Civil War he could not pay
his taxes and the U.S. Government reclaimed his beautiful
plantation. While at Arlington Cemetery we will visit President
Kennedy’s Grave and observe the “Changing of the Guard”
at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Late this
afternoon we return to our hotel tired and with warm feelings of
freedom! (B)
Day 6, Monday, March 29 – Our guide will join us for
the morning to put the finishing touches on this enlightening visit
to our nation’s capital. We listen to stories of George and Martha
Washington while traveling to Mount Vernon. Walk in their
footsteps while touring their home and farm buildings. Returning to
Washington, D.C. we hear stories of the historic heroes who settled
this area with a tour of Old Town Alexandria. The afternoon
is spent visiting memorials and maybe another Smithsonian.
You won’t see everything. If you stand one minute in front of each
exhibit it would take 100 years! After seeing as much as possible,
we return to our hotel to repack for our journey home. (B)
Day 7, Tuesday, March 30 – This morning we leave our
capital city and retrace our route into Pennsylvania through the
beautiful Appalachian Mountains. We note the scenery changes
as our coach joins the Ohio turnpike. The limestone in the west and
the sandstone in the east have eroded into a level landscape. Our
travels pass the large cities of Cleveland and Toledo on our way to
our evening accommodations. (B)
Day 8, Wednesday, March 31 –The Amish have
settled many communities in the United States and one of these areas
is in North Central Indiana at Nappanee. Our visit begins with a
15-minute film introducing the Amish life-style, followed by a farm
tour. The farm covers 80 acres with 18 restored buildings, some of
which are used for craft demonstrations. At the century-old barn
restaurant, we are served a family-style thresher’s meal. Before
leaving Amish Acres, we enjoy a riding tour with a guide
through the Amish countryside. This afternoon we join the rush
traveling through Chicago to our evening’s accommodations in western
Chicago. (B) (L)
Day 9, Thursday, April 1 – After a continental
breakfast at the hotel, we start for home. Mid-morning finds us
traveling through the beautiful state of Wisconsin. Meal stops will
be made en-route and we won’t forget to shop for some of that good
old Wisconsin cheese. Early evening we arrive back to Kerkhoven
proud that we are Americans and patriotic about researching our
nation’s history. (B)
TOUR COST PER
PERSON
Single $1,700 - Double $1,375
- Triple
$1,325 - Quad $1,275
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