The Outer Banks & North Carolina

Day 1: Maumee, OH

The astonishing North Carolina barrier islands known as the Outer Banks have guarded secrets since the earliest days of our nation. Shipwrecks, wild coastline, fresh-caught seafood, and a centuries-old mystery await - ready to captivate and fascinate as you join us on this unforgettable adventure. Our journey begins, as always, with new friends coming together. After gathering, we head eastward, enjoying a relaxing travel day with a special stop for lunch in Chicago’s charming Little Italy. Here, the aroma of fresh-baked bread, classic pasta dishes, and authentic Italian specialties offers the perfect midday break as we stretch our legs and savor a bit of local flavor. Refreshed and reenergized, we continue on to our first overnight stay in Maumee, Ohio, where comfortable accommodations at the Hampton Inn prepare us for the days of discovery ahead.

Day 2: Lancaster, PA

Continuing our travels, we soon cross into the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. Before reaching Lancaster, we make a meaningful stop at the Flight 93 National Memorial and Visitor Center. Here, guests have time on their own to walk the grounds, explore the exhibits, and reflect on the courage and sacrifice honored at this solemn site. After our visit, we continue eastward, taking our usual stretch and meal breaks along the way. By afternoon, we arrive in Lancaster, PA, where we check in at the Hampton Inn Lancaster. After time to freshen up, we head out for a delightful evening of dinner and live entertainment at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. Tonight’s feature is the Broadway musical Mary Poppins, brought to life on stage with vibrant choreography and timeless songs. From the chimney sweeps dancing through Chim Chim Cher-ee, to the uplifting charm of A Spoonful of Sugar, to the energetic, show-stopping Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, the performance promises to leave everyone smiling. Before the show, we’re treated to the theatre’s traditional buffet, offering a variety of crisp salads, hearty hot entrées, and delicious desserts. When the curtain falls, we return to the hotel for a well-earned and comfortable night’s rest, recharged for the adventures still ahead.

Day 3: Philadelphia

After an included breakfast, we bid farewell to Lancaster and travel through the peaceful patchwork of Amish fields and pastures. Our morning destination is Valley Forge National Historical Park, where a guided tour brings to life the story of Washington’s encampment and the hardships and heroism that shaped the Continental Army. Following our visit, it’s a short jaunt to the City of Brotherly Love. Founded by William Penn in 1682, Philadelphia stands as one of America’s oldest and most historically significant cities - rich in culture, revolution-era landmarks, and enduring national spirit. This evening, we gather for a group dinner at McCormick & Schmick’s, enjoying fresh seafood, steaks, and classic American fare in a warm and inviting atmosphere - an ideal way to end our first night in Philadelphia. We then settle in for a relaxing two-night stay at the Fairfield Philadelphia Downtown City Center, placing us right in the heart of this storied city.

Day 4: Philadelphia

Today, we remain in Philadelphia to further explore this remarkable city. We begin with a step-on guided tour, offering deeper insight into its storied neighborhoods, grand architecture, and pivotal role in America’s founding. Our tour includes visits to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed, and the Betsy Ross House, home of the woman celebrated for sewing the first American flag - an iconic piece of American history. Around midday, we enjoy lunch on our own at Reading Terminal Market, one of Philadelphia’s most famous food destinations. Guests can explore a vibrant mix of local vendors, sampling everything from Pennsylvania Dutch specialties to international cuisine, fresh baked goods, and artisanal treats. This afternoon, we shift from political history to medical marvels with a visit to the Mütter Museum. Known for its fascinating and sometimes unusual collections, the museum showcases medical curiosities, anatomical specimens, and exhibits that illuminate the evolution of modern medicine. It’s a uniquely memorable stop you won’t find anywhere else. Tonight’s dinner is truly special. We board the Moshulu, the world’s oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat - and the only tall ship in the world that houses a restaurant. Here, we enjoy a wonderful meal while taking in sweeping views of the Philadelphia waterfront, making for a magical and one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Day 5: Chincoteague

Today, we say goodbye to Philadelphia and head toward the charming seaside town of Cape May, New Jersey. Renowned for having the country’s largest concentration of Victorian architecture - over 600 beautifully restored structures - the entire town is a National Historic Landmark. Eighteenth-century pirates and smugglers once favored Cape May, and legend even whispers of buried treasure along its shores. For the past two centuries, bird lovers have also flocked here for the spectacular spring and fall flyovers of thousands of raptors, songbirds, and waterbirds. Our day begins with a visit to the Victorian Physick Estate, built in 1879. Here, we gain an in-depth look at Victorian architecture and the lifestyle of the Physick family. Learn fascinating details about how the family and their household lived, worked, and enjoyed their leisure time. Next, a locally guided driving tour will highlight the history and lore of the many stunning homes throughout this seaside village, offering a true sense of Cape May’s charm and heritage. For lunch, we indulge in a delicious seafood meal at the famous Lobster House, a Cape May institution known for its fresh catches and waterfront views. Please indicate upon check-out if you have any allergies. Afterward, we make our way to the docks for a 90-minute Delaware Bay crossing aboard the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, providing scenic views of the coastline and waterways. We conclude our day with an overnight stay on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, at the Comfort Suites, ready to rest and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures.

Day 6: Kitty Hawk

After breakfast, we board a touring pontoon boat to navigate the waters surrounding Chincoteague Island. Cruising the extensive back-bay coastline of the Assateague Island National Wildlife Refuge, we enjoy the best opportunities to observe the famous wild Chincoteague Ponies, all while taking in the breathtaking beaches and scenic saltwater marshes. Following lunch nearby, we continue our journey to the Wright Brothers National Memorial and Museum. Here, guests can explore the grounds and see reproductions of the brothers’ 1903 camp buildings, and stand at the very spot where Wilbur and Orville Wright first took flight in their historic 1903 Flyer. Interpretive programs provide fascinating insights into their pioneering achievements, and visitors can also examine a detailed replica of the 1903 Flyer. We then make our way to Kitty Hawk, where we enjoy a two-night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk. After checking in and settling into our rooms, we head out for an extraordinary dinner at Captain George’s Seafood Buffet, offering fresh local seafood and classic Outer Banks fare in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Day 7: Kitty Hawk

Today, we enjoy a full day with a local guide exploring the Outer Banks, a spectacular chain of barrier islands stretching southward for more than 175 miles along the coasts of North Carolina and Virginia. The Outer Banks are renowned for their natural beauty, pristine beaches, and unique ecosystems, offering a rare glimpse of fragile coastal landscapes that have remained largely untouched. The area is also home to one of the oldest mysteries in the country - the disappearance of the Roanoke Colony. This evening, we experience the story firsthand with a live outdoor performance of The Lost Colony on Roanoke Island. Before the show, enjoy dinner at a local favorite restaurant, savoring regional flavors and specialties in a welcoming, authentic setting. The performance, now in its 86th year, brings history to life under the stars with enhanced musical numbers, dynamically stunning choreography, and captivating pageantry. Witness the grandeur of Queen Elizabeth I and her court, and celebrate the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America. It’s an unforgettable theatrical experience that blends history, culture, and spectacle.

Day 8: Asheville

It’s time to begin our journey home. As we depart the Outer Banks, we make our usual stretch and meal breaks while traveling through the scenic landscapes of western North Carolina and into eastern Tennessee. After a full day on the road, we pause for an overnight stay at the always welcoming Hampton Inn Asheville, giving everyone a chance to rest and recharge before the final leg of our journey.

Day 9: Bardstown, KY

Crossing the border into Kentucky, we immerse ourselves in the down-home charm of rural, historic America. Our first stop is the grand home of Stephen Foster, where we explore the life and legacy of the famed composer. Foster wrote My Old Kentucky Home in the 1850s as an anti-slavery song, inspired by Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Interestingly, his original working title was Poor Uncle Tom, Goodnight, reflecting the song’s powerful social message. After touring the home and learning about Foster’s life and musical contributions, we head to our hotel in nearby Bardstown, KY for time to freshen up. This evening, we board the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train for an elegant three-hour journey, enjoying a fabulous four-course gourmet meal while traveling through the picturesque Kentucky countryside - a perfect blend of history, scenery, and culinary delight.

Day 10: Home

On the final leg of this amazing journey, we travel through Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, taking in the scenic landscapes and charming towns along the way. As we make our way back home to Wisconsin, there’s time to reflect on the memories, friendships, and experiences gathered over the course of this remarkable tour. We hope you enjoyed this adventure to the coastal villages, historic landmarks, and vibrant cities you explored along the way. From the Outer Banks to Philadelphia, Cape May to Chincoteague, and the heart of Kentucky, this journey has been a celebration of history, culture, and natural beauty—a tour to remember for years to come.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner