Philadelphia and Washington, D.C: The Old and New Capitals
Philadelphia and Washington are yours to discover with Travac this September!
Our first stop will take you to Philadelphia, the country’s first World Heritage City and the birthplace of the United States. This is where the founding fathers met, discussed and debated how a new union could be formed. Many of the important sites from this time have been preserved and will capture your attention. Of course, Philadelphia is so much more. You will have a chance to visit world class museums, shop in unique stores or enjoy the fabulous cuisine that is totally unique to Philadelphia.
From Philadelphia we will then travel to Washington.
While in Washington your tour with a local guide will make stops at many of the Memorials that Washington is best known for, including Capitol Hill. We will drive through various neighbourhoods, past Embassy Row, the Washington National Cathedral, as well as the famous National Mall which encompasses 11 of the Smithsonian Museums and Galleries. In your spare time, visit any of the 17 FREE Smithsonian Institutes like the National Air and Space Museum, the American Art Museum, and the National Museum of Natural History, just to name a few. Your Travac Tours Director will offer option excursions.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning you will depart by private motorcoach from Westgate Shopping Centre (no parking) on your journey to Philadelphia. Two washroom stops and one lunch stop will be made en route. Your evening free to enjoy dinner and relax.
Overnight – Warwick Rittenhouse Square, downtown Philadelphia
Day 2
At 8:30am a local guide will take you on a guided half-day tour of the city. Your afternoon is free to explore the many museums, shops and attractions. Your Travac Tours Director will have an optional tour for you this afternoon ($).
Overnight – Warwick Rittenhouse Square, downtown Philadelphia
Day 3
We will depart this morning after breakfast for our 3.5 hour drive to Washington. Time for lunch on your own, followed by a 4 hour city tour with a local guide. You will have a chance to see all the capital’s famous attractions, including Capitol Hill, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, FDR Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Embassy Row and the Canadian Embassy. This tour will also familiarize you with the city and its neighbourhoods to make your stay more enjoyable. After the city tour, you will have time to explore and enjoy Washington on your own. (B) Optional Tours will be offered ($).
Overnight – The Hamilton Hotel – downtown Washington
Day 4
Today is a free day. It is the best time of year to visit the prestigious Smithsonian Institute, there are virtually no school groups which makes it a breeze to enter the many museums. This collection of museums and galleries, scattered along the beautiful National Mall, is home to some of the world’s most intriguing exhibits and impressive collections. You can explore the American History Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and many more institutions along the one mile stretch of the Mall. Best of all, admission to all the Smithsonian’s museums is free! A shuttle service to the Smithsonian will be offered. Please note that most museums open at 10:00am. Optional Tours will be offered ($).
Overnight – The Hamilton Hotel – downtown Washington
Day 5
Today you will have a free day to explore Washington on your own. You may wish to return to the Smithsonian, visit some of the various monuments or explore some of Washington’s neighbourhoods. Optional tours will be offered ($).
Again, we will offer a shuttle service to the Smithsonian. Please note that most museums open at 10:00am.
Overnight – The Hamilton Hotel – downtown Washington
Day 6
This morning the bus departs Washington for Ottawa. A lunch stop and 2 washroom stops will be made on route. Expect to arrive at the Westgate Shopping Centre at 7:00pm. (B)
Itinerary subject to change.
Hotel Information
Warwick Rittenhouse Square
Hotel Address
220 S 17th StPhiladelphia, PA
19103
+1 215-735-6000
Hamilton Hotel D.C.
Hotel Address
1001 14th St NWWashington, D.C.
20005
+1 202-682-0111
Ontario- Agawa Canyon, Mackinac Island and Frankenmuth
September 15-19, 2024
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning you will depart Westgate Shopping Centre for Sault Ste. Marie. Along the way we will make a stop in Sudbury for a chance to view the Big Nickel. You will arrive in Sault Ste. Marie in time for dinner. There are several options for dinner close to the hotel.
Overnight – Sault Ste Marie
Day 2
This morning you will depart your hotel for the Algoma Central Railway Terminal and your trip to the Agawa Canyon. Your lunch is included aboard the train. Your trip will take you 114 miles north into the forests and hill of the Canadian Shield. Upon reaching the observation point you will have a chance to get off the train and enjoy the spectacular views. The train will have you back to Sault St. Marie in time for dinner.
Overnight – Sault Ste Marie
Day 3
Following breakfast, you will depart for Michigan. Shortly after crossing the border, you’ll board the ferry and head to Mackinac Island. Mackinac Island is world famous both as a historical site and as a movie location. There are no cars allowed on Mackinac Island, but the options of things to see and do on the island are limitless. You will board a horse-driven carriage for a tour of the island, then have free time. You can rent a bicycle built for two, shop, or visit Mackinac’s iconic landmark the Grand Hotel for afternoon tea. You depart Mackinac Island in the late afternoon arriving at your hotel in time for dinner.
Overnight – Mackinaw City
Day 4
After breakfast, you will make your way to Frankenmuth, one of the most visited tourist cities in Michigan. It is famous for its Bavarian architecture and Bronner’s which is known as “the world’s largest Christmas store”. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is the size of 1 ½ football fields with a Christmas inventory to match. You will have free time to shop and enjoy this festive village.
Overnight – Frankenmuth
Day 5
After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Ottawa. Expect to arrive in Ottawa in time for dinner.
Itinerary subject to change.
Hotel Information
Algoma Water Tower Inn & Suites
Hotel Address
360 Great Northern RdSault Ste. Marie, ON
P6B 4Z7
705-949-8111
Baymont Inn & Suites Mackinaw City
Hotel Address
109 South Nicolet StreetMackinaw City, Michigan
49701
+1 231-436-7737
Bavarian Inn Lodge Frankenmuth
Hotel Address
1 Covered Bridge LnFrankenmuth, Michigan
48734
1-855-652-7200