Outer Banks

Day 1

The astonishing North Carolina coastal islands known as the Outer Banks hold secrets since the founding of the country. Shipwrecks, seafood and a centuries old mystery will captivate and fascinate when you join this adventure. Our journey begins as always, meeting new friends, then heading eastward bound to our first overnight in Fremont, OH at the Comfort Inn & Suites.

Day 2

Continuing our travels, we're soon crossing into the hills of Pennsylvania. After our usual stretch and meal breaks this afternoon finds us in the chocolate capital of the U.S. Hershey World in Hershey, PA is our first attraction. Take a delicious journey from tropical cocoa bean to wrapped candy bar in the chocolate factory tour ride. Delight your tastebuds with a sweet product sample at the end! Then explore aisle after aisle of unique gifts, chocolate-themed apparel and sweet souvenirs. Before checking into our hotel, the Holiday Inn Express here in Hershey we dine at the local Italian eatery of Fenicci's.

Day 3

After breakfast, it's a short jaunt to the city of brotherly love. Founded by William Penn in 1682, Philadelphia is one of America's oldest and most historically and culturally important cities. Sites we'll see during our local driving tour include Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed, Betsy Ross's House, and the Liberty Bell which date from the American Revolution. Spend two-nights at the BW Independence Park Hotel close to Bourse Market in the city.

Day 4

Today finds us at Valley Forge. Learn more about how the cold, hunger, and sickness marked the Continental Army's stay at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. The local guide will point out Valley Forge's wide fields dotted with relics reminding visitors of the brutal winter endured by Washington's troops during the Revolutionary War. Dinner tonight is quite unique. The Moshulu is the world's oldest and largest square rigged sailing vessel still afloat. She is the only restaurant venue in the world that is on a Tall Ship. Enjoy a wonderful meal while experiencing the Philadelphia harbor view.

Day 5

Say goodbye to Philly and hello to nearby Cape May, NJ. With the country's largest concentration of Victorian architecture - some 600 restored structures - the whole town is a National Historic Landmark. Eighteenth century pirates and smugglers favored Cape May with frequent visits and, some say, with buried treasure. And for the past two centuries, bird lovers have convened for the spring and fall flyovers of thousands of raptors, songbirds and waterbirds. Begin with a tour of the Victorian Physick Estate. Built in 1879, encounter an in-depth look at Victorian architecture and the family's lifestyle. Learn details on the way the Physick family and their household lived, worked and spent their leisure time. Our locally guided driving tour will share the history and lore of the many beautiful homes throughout this seaside village. Lunch will be at the famous Lobster House to indulge in a seafood meal before heading to the docks to take the Cape May Ferry for a 90-minute Delaware Bay crossing to Lewes, DE. Finish your day with an overnight stay on Chincoteague Island, VA at the Fairfield Inn.

Day 6

After breakfast board a touring pontoon boat to navigate the waters around Chincoteague Island. Cruising the extensive back bay coastline of the Assateague Island National Wildlife Refuge allows the best areas to observe the famous wild Chincoteague Ponies along beautiful beaches and gorgeous saltwater marsh scenery. Following lunch nearby, we travel to Kitty Hawk, NC to visit the Wright Bros. Memorial and Museum. Exploring the grounds gives tourists an opportunity to see reproductions of the brothers' 1903 camp buildings, and to stand at the place where Wilbur and Orville Wright first took to the air in their 1903 flyer. You can also take in an interpretive program on the brothers and examine the replica of the 1903 flyer. Our overnight will be in Kill Devil Hills at the Comfort Inn. After checking in were off to a extraordinary dinner at Captain George's Seafood Buffet.

Day 7

A full day with a local guide throughout the Outer Banks. This chain of barrier islands extends southward for more than 175 miles along the coast of North Carolina and into Virginia. The natural beauty of these fragile islands and the pristine beaches is what makes the Outer Banks unique. The area is also known for one of the oldest mysteries in the country. Enjoy a live outdoor performance of The Lost Colony of Roanoke this evening after enjoying a British-style meal at the Lost Colony Tavern. The 86-year-old performance under the stars is set on Roanoke Island. Be immersed in the story of the discovery of a new world with enhanced musical and dynamically stunning choreography. Witness the pageantry of Queen Elizabeth I and her court and celebrate the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America.

Day 8

It's time to begin our journey towards home. We make our usual breaks as we travel through western North Carolina and into eastern Tennessee. After a day of travel, we pause for an overnight at the always hospitable Drury Inn & Suites in Knoxville, TN.

Day 9

Crossing the border into Kentucky enjoy the down-home feel of rural, historic America. Today, we tour Stephen Foster's grand home. The song My Old Kentucky Home was written by Foster in the 1850s as an anti-slavery song, because he was inspired by Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. His initial working title was Poor Uncle Tom, Goodnight. With time to freshen up at our hotel in nearby Bardstown, KY we board the My Old Kentucky DinnerTrain for an elegant 3-hour journeywhile enjoying a fabulous 4-course gourmet meal.

Day 10

We're on the final leg of this amazing journey as we make our way through Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and back home to Wisconsin. We hope you enjoyed this tour to the coastal villages and historic places you experienced.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner