This unique voyage offers a This unique voyage offers a wide-ranging, thoughtful, and delightful exploration of the waterways around the Chesapeake Bay. Distinctive locations have been chosen that offer an intriguing portrait of American history, architecture, and culture from the Colonial era to the present. Departing from Philadelphia on the 138-guest Yorkville cruise ship, you venture through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal to arrive at Annapolis where you will learn about its naval heritage and discover its many historic sites. Visit St. Michaels, home to some of the world’s best seafood; and Tangier Island, an isolated fishing community whose inhabitants speak an English Restoration era dialect. In history-steeped Richmond, visit Revolutionary and Civil Wars sites and discover George Washington’s stately home at Mount Vernon. Stepping back further in history, pay a visit to Colonial Williamsburg, America’s premier living museum. Your cruise journey concludes in historic Alexandria. During the bright, crisp days of fall, enjoy a memorable survey of some of America’s most historic maritime towns and waterways.

Highlights:

Maryland State House, U.S. Naval Academy, colonial Saint Michaels, English Restoration era dialect of Tangier Island, Revolutionary and Civil War sites of Richmond, Williamsburg living museum, the Washington estate at Mount Vernon.

Cruise Departure Date:
October 22, 2012 (Philadelphia to Alexandria), October 29, 2012 (Alexandria to Philadelphia).

Philadelphia, often referred to as "Philly", is located in south-eastern Pennsylvania on the southern fringe of the mid-Atlantic region. It is the fourth-largest urban area in the United States. Philadelphia was the birthplace of America's modern democracy where the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. The Liberty Bell and Independence Square in Old City are tourist highlights. Center City features the swish shopping of Walnut St, and modern cafes and restaurants around Rittenhouse Square. South Philly features little Italy and the age old question - whether to get a Pat's or Gino's authentic Philly cheese steak sandwich.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

The Sofitel Philadelphia Hotel (4*) is located in the heart of the business district, close to shopping and historic centre. Experience this sophisticated downtown Philadelphia hotel, which serves as the cornerstone of the new French Quarter, steps from Rittenhouse Square. The Hotel reflects contemporary French and American style, with an emphasis on comfort. Each room is equipped with WiFi internet access, a fully stocked mini bar, and French bath amenities. All the rooms are non smoking. Enjoy French cuisine at Chez Colette their stylish restaurant. La Bourse, the hotel’s lobby lounge, is an awesome place to relax and enjoy cocktails. For those who want to work out the hotel provide a fitness centre.

Overnight at Sofitel Philadelphia (4*).

Enjoy this private half-day tour of Historic Philadelphia. You will visit such historic sights as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Betsy Ross House. The Liberty Bell itself is displayed in a magnificent glass chamber with Independence Hall in the background. The old cracked Bell still proclaims Liberty and Independence Hall echoes the words, "We the People." Explore Franklin's Philadelphia and learn about the past and America's continuing struggle to fulfill the Founders' Declaration that "all men are created equal." The Betsy Ross House No visit to Historic Philadelphia would be complete without a stop at the home of America's most famous flagmaker. The Betsy Ross House is located just blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Stroll down Elfreth's Alley's historic cobblestones, and step back into America's past. Located in the heart of Old City Philadelphia, Elfreth's Alley is a block-long street that opened in 1702 connecting two blacksmiths' shops near Philadelphia's busy waterfront with Second Street, one of the growing colony's busiest thoroughfares. Christ Church Burial Ground is one of America’s most interesting Colonial and Revolution-era graveyards, with 1,400 markers on two beautiful acres right in the heart of historic Philadelphia. The Burial Ground is the final resting place of some of their most prominent leaders including Benjamin Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration of Independence. This year the historic burial ground marks its 291st year. Entrance fee is included.

Overnight at Sofitel Philadelphia (4*).

Relax on your luxury cruise ship as you sail the Chesapeake Bay Estuary and river system in Eastern United States. Separated from the Atlantic Ocean by Maryland and Virginia, this large estuary offers access to major rivers and cities along the eastern coast, ripe with colonial and constitutional significance dating back several hundred years.

Meet your driver for a private port transfer.

Embark the Yorktown today at the Philadelphia pier, as you begin your voyage through the fall foliage and Colonial history of Western America.

The Yorktown is the perfect vessel for relaxed and convivial exploration of America’s great coastal waterways. 257 feet long, 43 feet wide, with a draft of 8 feet, the Yorktown is able to maneuver in secluded waterways and visit small ports that are inaccessible to larger vessels. Accommodating 138 guests in 69 exterior cabins, the Yorktown enjoys an atmosphere of warm and relaxed informality that endears it to repeat and new guests alike. In addition to a large sun deck, the Yorktown boasts a spacious lounge for social gatherings and lectures as well as quiet space for private conversation. The ship’s cuisine, served in a dining room large enough to accommodate all guests at once, emphasizes American regional culinary traditions and specialties.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

After sailing through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, arrive in Annapolis, a city of narrow brick streets, colonial mansions, and an atmosphere of an old shipping village. Your tour will include the Maryland State House, the oldest U.S. capitol in continuous legislative use, where the Treaty of Paris was ratified; the William Paca House and Garden, the expansive estate of a former governor of Maryland; and the historic U.S. Naval Academy. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to stroll through the historic neighborhoods.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Arrive in St. Michaels, a quaint waterfront village set on a picturesque peninsula. Explore the town with its manicured colonial, federal and Victorian homes, art galleries, and interesting maritime history.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Call in Tangier Island, located on the Lower Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay. This island’s fascinating history begins with its original inhabitants, the Choctaw Indians, whose arrowheads are still found throughout the area. European colonists, including John Smith, settled on the island in the 17th century, and during the War of 1812 the British used it as a staging area. Today, the island is home to a number of residents, but it remains relatively isolated from the mainland, creating a pleasant sense of tranquility. Its remoteness has perhaps also contributed to the unique English Restoration era dialect spoken by island natives.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Dock in Hopewell, on the James River, and travel to Virginia’s historical capital of Richmond, which also served as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. The city is filled with many interesting Revolutionary and Civil War sites and museums. Those that you will visit include St. John’s Episcopal Church, the site from where Patrick Henry famously made his “Give me liberty or give me death” speech during the Revolutionary War. Also visit the interactive American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, which tells the story of the Civil War from the perspectives of the Confederacy, the Union, and the slaves. In the afternoon travel south for an excursion to Petersburg, an important city for the Confederacy during the Civil War whose battleground sites you will visit.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

From the port of Yorktown, your excursion leads to historic Colonial Williamsburg. The capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg is the nation’s premier living museum, offering visitors a glimpse of life as it was in the 17th and 18th centuries. A guided tour leads along the Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg’s main thoroughfare, past the Capitol, the courthouse, the Governor’s Palace and the historic Bruton Parish Church, which has held Episcopal services here since 1715. Then enjoy time at leisure to explore the museums and side streets, which are filled with taverns, bakeries and the restored houses of wheelwrights, coopers, apothecaries and other tradesmen.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Today Yorktown sails up the Potomac River to reach Mount Vernon, George Washington’s massive estate and gardens. Spend the day touring the sweeping grounds including the mansion, museum, slaves’ quarters, and the gardens. Also visit the recently opened distillery, a reconstruction of Washington’s original whiskey distillery.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Disembark the Yorktown today in Alexandria, your final destination on this cruise journey through America's history.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).