New York: the largest city in the USA, and the most captivating one. Its core is the island of Manhattan, thriving with many microcosms and different lifestyles: Harlem, Central Park, the city’s outstanding museums, its iconic skyscrapers, the ethnic neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan – Chinatown, the Jewish district, and what’s left of Little Italy –; restored SoHo, Tribeca and the Village, good as new; and Wall Street, where business means business.
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Day 3 — New York → Gettysburg
In July 1863, in the mild countryside dividing Maryland and Pennsylvania, 70,000 Confederate soldiers faced the 93,000 men of the Union army. After a three-day-long battle, the armies suffered about 51,000 casualties. Today Gettysburg is one of the most famous historic battlefields in the world. It draws thousands of visitors, especially on the occasion of the re-enactment of the battle, taking place every year at the beginning of July.
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Day 5 — Luray (VA) → Charlottesville
Charlottesville in Virginia is mainly known for its university. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, it was the first to offer studies in subjects that are now common, such as architecture, astronomy, and philosophy, as well as being the first to be independent from religious doctrine.
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Day 6 — Charlottesville → Williamsburg
Time has stopped in Williamsburg. Founded in 1633, the town has maintained its colonial tradition: historic buildings and handicraft shops come to life thanks to historical reenactments performed by actors in period costumes known as "People of the past". Take a walk along Duke of Gloucester Street and visit some of the town's majestic public buildings and colonial mansions, as well as the College of William and Mary (some of the buildings have admission fees – not included in the price).
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Day 7 — Williamsburg → Washington DC
Washington DC is the capital city of the United States – and its very political heart. Washington is a monumental city, with impressive white-marble buildings, memorials and some of the very best museums. It also boasts extremely pleasant residential districts, dotted with antique houses, parks and gardens, making for a lively, multicultural city.
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Day 9 — Washington DC → Lancaster
Brought to fame by the movie "Witness" (1985) and more recently by the reality show "Breaking Amish," the Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren communities live according to their 18th-century traditions less than 100 km from Philadelphia, in Lancaster County - a region the size of Veneto - amidst immaculate farms, horse-drawn carriages, small shops, and markets. It is not every day that an entire community is considered a tourist attraction; their commitment to preserving their simple and archaic way of life in the face of external pressures is increasingly difficult, and some, particularly the Mennonites, have given in by offering carriage rides, school visits, and family meals. However, a drive through the countryside, among fields of corn and tobacco, is enough to pleasantly immerse oneself in this timeless reality and discover that it is not a reconstruction acted out by actors, but real life.
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Day 10 — Lancaster → Philadelphia
Philadelphia is America at its very heart. True to its name, which means “city of the brotherly love”, it’s one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the USA. The tour's must-see is an outside view of Independence Hall – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and Liberty Bell, commemorating Philadelphia’s key role in the Nation’s history.
