So much of this trip was a sobering reality check that left us understanding the bitter divide between North and South and the everyday souls who endured so much for their cause. Often times words could not describe our feelings looking at the battlefields and learning the personal stories of brave Americans, from decorated generals to those barely old enough to enlist. But not everything on this trip revolved around the Civil War. We got to know intimately Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and James Madison, all brilliant renaissance men. We learned about the battle that brought us our national anthem and symbol of the Star Spangled Banner. And not any less important, we explored the decorative arts, the flavors of the mid Atlantic coast (Old Bay anyone??) and got to know the wild ponies of Chincoteague Island. There is so much history, culture and natural beauty here it is almost overwhelming. Trip #17, will undoubtedly take your breath away. Here's what we did. You can follow our itinerary or make one up on your own. Either way, enjoy this very special part of America.
States Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia
| Theme The Defense of Ideas & The Civil War: Part II | Duration 11 Days |
Day 1
 | • Fly to Baltimore |
Day 2
 | • Star Spangled Banner Flag House • Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland • African-American History & Culture • Edgar Allan Poe's Grave • Charm City Cakes • The Charmery Ice Cream • Geppi's Entertainment Museum • Baltimore Museum of Industry • Fort McHenry • Seadog Adventure (speedboat cruise of the harbor and bay) |
Day 3
 | • Drive to Delaware • Winterthur • Hagley Museum and Library • First State Heritage Park |
Day 4
 | • Drive to Chincoteague Virginia • Daisy's Island Cruise (Pontoon boat cruise around the island) • Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge • Explore the beach |
Day 5
 | • Drive to Virginia Beach / Norfolk • Kayak in Virginia National Wildlife Refuge • Nauticus Science Museum / Battleship Wisconsin |
Day 6
 | • Drive to Richmond • Historic Jamestowne • Quartermaster Museum at Fort Lee • Museum of the Confederacy • The Civil War Center at Tradegar |
Day 7
 | • Drive To Charlottesville • Virginia State Capitol • James Madison's Montpelier • Appomattox Courthouse and National Historical Park • Monticello |
Day 8
 | • Drive to Alexandria • Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center • Arlington National Cemetery • Arlington House • National Inventors Hall of Fame • Dinner at Gadsby's Tavern |
Day 9
 | • Drive to Gettysburg via Annapolis • Mt. Vernon • Maryland State Capitol Building • Naval Academy and Museum |
Day 10
 | • Tour Gettysburg • Gettysburg National Military Park (guided tour, cyclorama and museum) |
Day 11
 | • Drive to Harpers Ferry and fly home • Harpers Ferry National Park |
