2010 – 8 Days from $2,390
Travel back in time to walk in the footsteps of American history on the ultimate Philadelphia to Washington DC tour. In Philadelphia, ride a horse-drawn carriage along cobblestone streets, view Freedom Rising at the National Constitution Center, and go on a Flavors of Philly tasting tour. Visit the poignant battlefields of Gettysburg, where a storyteller reveals what it was like to be a civilian during the Civil War battle at a private Tauck desert reception. Discover Jamestown's cultural influences at an educational lecture... visit the U.S. Marine Corps Museum and George Washington's home at Mount Vernon... meet 18th-century "residents" and dine at a colonial tavern in Colonial Williamsburg... and tour the spectacular monuments of America's capital city, illuminated at night!
Restored to its 18th-century glory and inhabited by interpreters in period dress living its 18th-century lifestyle, Colonial Williamsburg awaits your independent exploration today. Discover life in days gone by as you step back in time to meet residents ranging from artisans and tradespeople to militiamen and ordinary citizens, and visit restored buildings including Virginia's colonial Capitol, the Governor's Palace, Raleigh Tavern, Bruton Parish Church and scores of colonial homes and shops.
Airline Security Measures –
If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA web site by clicking here.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holidays and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.
Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
If you are a citizen of the U.S. or Canada who travels frequently between the two countries, you may benefit from the NEXUS program, which is joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at Vancouver International Airport, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet website by clicking here. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your service extends to Williamsburg and Washington.
Currency and Exchange Rates - Currency and Exchange Rates - The U.S. dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards and travelers’ checks are widely accepted. Travelers’ checks should be taken in U.S. dollars to avoid hassles. Banking hours are generally Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
To obtain the most current exchange rates for all national currencies, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the website, oanda.com, by clicking here.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping –
If you are not a resident of the United States, you are normally entitled to a duty-free exemption of $100 USD on items that you bring into the U.S. To find out more information on what information must be provided to U.S. Customs and Border Control (CBP) upon entry, please refer to the CBP internet website by clicking here. You should also refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
The individual states within the U.S. levy sales taxes on consumer goods and services. There is no federal tax similar to the Value Added Tax (VAT) used in other countries that would permit non-residents to obtain refunds of the sales taxes levied by each state.
Time Zones – All of the cities on this itinerary are 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From early April to late October, these locations switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 4 hours behind.
To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.
Weather – Daily high temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic region average 60 to 80°F (16 to 27°C) during the spring and fall months. The weather is generally warm and sunny, though rain clouds typically appear every few days.
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in our incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, we will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
2010 Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Philadelphia
Your Philadelphia to Washington DC tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.
A transfer is included from Philadelphia International Airport to the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. You might want to schedule your arrival a day ahead of time to explore Philadelphia on your own. Please join us and meet your fellow travelers at this evening's welcome cocktail reception and dinner at your five-star hotel on Philadelphia's Logan Square.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, PA
Day 2 - Food, fun and history in exciting Philadelphia
Your Philadelphia to Washington DC tour down America's road of history begins with a full day's exploration of The City of Brotherly Love. Ride a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Old City's beautiful, tree-lined cobblestone streets; visit America's birthplace, Independence Hall; view the Liberty Bell in its new home, and watch the renowned multimedia presentation Freedom Rising at the National Constitution Center. Later, explore Philadelphia's rich culinary culture, from cheesesteaks to pretzels and more, on a delicious Flavors of Philly tasting tour of places where locals love to nosh!
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, PA
Day 3 - Amish country and Gettysburg's Civil War battlefields
Journey to Pennyslvania's Lancaster County, home of the Amish. With their simple ways, the Amish still live very much as their ancestors did, without all the modern conveniences that we take for granted. Gain insights into the Amish culture during a tour with a local guide, then continue on your Philadelphia to Washington DC tour to historic Gettysburg. Sense the haunting quality of the battlefields where this decisive 1863 Civil War battle was fought as you explore Gettysburg National Military Park with a National Park Service guide. Tonight, a storyteller in Civil War-period garb describes the experience of a Gettysburg civilian caught in the fighting at an exclusive Tauck dessert reception.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Wyndham Gettysburg, PA
Day 4 - Semper Fi and on to a colonial tavern dinner in Williamsburg
After crossing the Mason-Dixon line, arrive at Virginia's National Museum of the Marine Corps, where interactive exhibits showcasing the USMC's glorious history illustrate the meaning of "Semper Fidelis." Today's final destination is Colonial Williamsburg, whose cobblestone streets and buildings have been restored to the way they looked when the city was Virginia's colonial capital. As you step back in time on a two-night stay, have dinner tonight at one of Williamsburg's famous taverns featuring authentic colonial-era fare.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, VA*
Day 5 - Living history at Williamsburg
Restored to its 18th-century glory and inhabited by interpreters in period dress living its 18th-century lifestyle, Colonial Williamsburg awaits your independent exploration today. Discover life in days gone by as you step back in time to meet residents ranging from artisans and tradespeople to militiamen and ordinary citizens, and visit restored buildings including Virginia's colonial Capitol, the Governor's Palace, Raleigh Tavern, Bruton Parish Church and scores of colonial homes and shops.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, VA*
Day 6 - Historic Jamestown and a Washington DC tour by night
En route to the nation's capital, visit the historic site of Jamestown, Virginia, established 400 years ago as the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Contrast the three cultures that converged here - Powhatan Indians, the English and the Africans - at an educational lecture, and take a walking tour to view gallery exhibitions focusing on America's early heritage. Continue on to America's capital city for a two-night stay in the heart of it all at the historic Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, beginning with this evening's memorable nighttime Washington DC tour - the illuminated monuments on the National Mall are an unforgettable sight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC
Day 7 - From historic Mount Vernon to Washington by day
Take a morning excursion to the beloved Mount Vernon estate of George Washington, overlooking the Potamic River; explore the estate with its new state-of-the-art interactive museum, the 18th-century mansion and its landscaped grounds. Return to the capital for daytime sightseeing featuring the National Mall and its poignant memorials to those who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and Capitol Hill. Attend a special farewell cocktail reception and dinner tonight as Tauck's memorable Philadelphia to Washington DC tour draws to a close.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC
Day 8 - Homeward bound
Tauck's Philadelphia to Washington DC tour ends in Washington, DC. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel to Ronald Reagan National Airport or Dulles International Airport; allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in formalities.
Meals: Breakfast
* Note: All departures stay at the Williamsburg Lodge in Colonial Williamsburg on nights 4 & 5. For an additional $275 per person double or $550 per person single, you may reserve accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn (limited availability); inquire at time of booking. Triples will be accommodated at the Williamsburg Lodge.
Don't miss this opportunity to experience five centuries of American history on Tauck's popular Philadelphia to Washington DC tour!
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, entertainment, special dinners, sightseeing, porterage, and the services of local guides, drivers and the Tauck Director are included. Transportation from Philadelphia International Airport to the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia is included, regardless of the date and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Transportation from the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel to Ronald Reagan National Airport or Dulles International Airport are also included whenever you choose to depart. Transportation to and from airports and train stations may be shared with other Tauck guests.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
When visiting Colonial Williamsburg, we reserve rooms at the Williamsburg Lodge. On a limited, space-available basis and for an additional $275 USD per person, double occupancy, or $550 USD per person, single occupancy, you may reserve accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn. Triple accommodations are only available at the Williamsburg Lodge.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tauck Director – Williamsburg & Washington, DC is conducted by a Tauck Director who will remain with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Directors will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
When visiting Colonial Williamsburg, we reserve rooms at the Williamsburg Lodge. On a limited, space-available basis and for an additional $275 USD per person, double occupancy, or $550 USD per person, single occupancy, you may reserve accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn. Triple accommodations are only available at the Williamsburg Lodge.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tauck Director – Williamsburg & Washington, DC is conducted by a Tauck Director who will remain with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Directors will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.
Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual train and airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director Gratuities - The customary gratuities for the Tauck Director and local drivers are not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. Airport transfers are included for these bookings. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this webpage and discuss it with our your reservations sales consultant or travel agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:
- Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
- Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
- Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
- Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
- Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
- File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
- Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
- Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary
Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual train and airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director Gratuities - The customary gratuities for the Tauck Director and local drivers are not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures –
If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA web site by clicking here.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holidays and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.
Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing to Go
Travel Document Requirements – Williamsburg & Washington, DC begins and ends in the U.S.
If you a citizen of another country traveling to the U.S., you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department’s Internet site by clicking here.
If you are traveling by air to join and/or depart from this tour within the U.S., please read the section above entitled Airline Security Measures to determine what travel documentation is required.
If you are traveling by air to join and/or depart from this tour within the U.S., please read the section above entitled Airline Security Measures to determine what travel documentation is required.
We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children
Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, we have a minimum recommended age for each journey to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Babysitting ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Air Conditioning – All of the hotels and the motor coaches are air-conditioned for your comfort.
ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be "suspicious" charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – The weather in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic states in spring and fall is generally warm and sunny, though rain clouds typically appear every few days. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate; formal wear is never required.
Valet laundry services are available and fee-based at all hotels. Hair dryers are available in all rooms; all the hotels have a swimming pool.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your tour of Williamsburg and Washington:
Air Conditioning – All of the hotels and the motor coaches are air-conditioned for your comfort.
ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be "suspicious" charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – The weather in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic states in spring and fall is generally warm and sunny, though rain clouds typically appear every few days. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate; formal wear is never required.
Valet laundry services are available and fee-based at all hotels. Hair dryers are available in all rooms; all the hotels have a swimming pool.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your tour of Williamsburg and Washington:
- Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
- An optional jacket and tie for men
- Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
- Swimwear
- Gym wear
- A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
- Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and/or plenty of film
- Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
- Battery-operated travel alarm clock
- Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
- Zipper-lock bags
- Daypack for camera equipment
- Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is approximately 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.
Health – Tauck's Williamsburg & Washington, DC tour is relaxed and the pace is leisurely. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion. Colonial Williamsburg has been reconstructed as accurately as possible to look and feel like the 18th century and, therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present difficulties for some guests with physical disabilities.
Other sites visited may be equally challenging for those who have difficulty walking. The Williamsburg Lodge has one elevator, and the building is long and narrow. At Mount Vernon you must walk a gravel path to enter the house.
We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
No vaccinations are currently required for travel to the U.S. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases for which you might be at risk when you reach your destination in the U.S. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here.
Luggage Restrictions:
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com, by clicking here,
We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage - General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your service extends to Williamsburg and Washington.
Currency and Exchange Rates - Currency and Exchange Rates - The U.S. dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards and travelers’ checks are widely accepted. Travelers’ checks should be taken in U.S. dollars to avoid hassles. Banking hours are generally Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
To obtain the most current exchange rates for all national currencies, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the website, oanda.com, by clicking here.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping –
If you are not a resident of the United States, you are normally entitled to a duty-free exemption of $100 USD on items that you bring into the U.S. To find out more information on what information must be provided to U.S. Customs and Border Control (CBP) upon entry, please refer to the CBP internet website by clicking here. You should also refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
The individual states within the U.S. levy sales taxes on consumer goods and services. There is no federal tax similar to the Value Added Tax (VAT) used in other countries that would permit non-residents to obtain refunds of the sales taxes levied by each state.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in the U.S. is 110 V, 60 Hz, AC, which accommodates standard U.S. plugs having either two flat pins or two flat pins and a round grounding pin. If you bring electric devices that are not compatible with this system, you should bring the appropriate adapters and converters.
Time Zones – All of the cities on this itinerary are 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From early April to late October, these locations switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 4 hours behind.
To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.
Weather – Daily high temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic region average 60 to 80°F (16 to 27°C) during the spring and fall months. The weather is generally warm and sunny, though rain clouds typically appear every few days.
|
|
Average Temperature
|
|||
|
|
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
|
Williamsburg, Virginia
|
||
|
Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
January
|
39 / 25
|
4 / -4
|
49 / 28
|
9 / -2
|
|
February
|
42 / 28
|
6 / -2
|
53 / 30
|
12 / -1
|
|
March
|
51 / 35
|
11 / 2
|
61 / 37
|
16 / 3
|
|
April
|
62 / 44
|
17 / 7
|
71 / 44
|
22 / 7
|
|
May
|
72 / 55
|
22 / 13
|
78 / 54
|
26 / 12
|
|
June
|
81 / 64
|
27 / 18
|
85 / 62
|
29 / 17
|
|
July
|
86 / 70
|
30 / 21
|
89 / 67
|
32 / 19
|
|
August
|
84 / 69
|
29 / 21
|
87 / 66
|
31 / 19
|
|
September
|
77 / 61
|
25 / 16
|
82 / 60
|
28 / 16
|
|
October
|
66 / 49
|
19 / 9
|
71 / 48
|
22 / 9
|
|
November
|
55 / 40
|
13 / 4
|
62 / 39
|
17 / 4
|
|
December
|
44 / 31
|
7 / -1
|
53 / 32
|
12 / 0
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Washington, D.C.
|
|
||
|
Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
|
|
January
|
43 / 24
|
6 / -4
|
|
|
|
February
|
47 / 26
|
8 / -3
|
|
|
|
March
|
55 / 33
|
13 / 1
|
|
|
|
April
|
66 / 42
|
19 / 6
|
|
|
|
May
|
76 / 53
|
24 / 12
|
|
|
|
June
|
84 / 62
|
29 / 17
|
|
|
|
July
|
89 / 67
|
32 / 19
|
|
|
|
August
|
87 / 65
|
31 / 18
|
|
|
|
September
|
80 / 57
|
27 / 14
|
|
|
|
October
|
69 / 44
|
21 / 7
|
|
|
|
November
|
58 / 36
|
14 / 2
|
|
|
|
December
|
48 / 28
|
9 / -2
|
|
|
|
|
Average Rainfall
|
|||
|
|
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
|
Williamsburg, Virginia
|
||
|
Month
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
January
|
3.5
|
89
|
4.2
|
106
|
|
February
|
2.7
|
70
|
3.5
|
88
|
|
March
|
3.8
|
97
|
4.6
|
118
|
|
April
|
3.5
|
88
|
3.2
|
82
|
|
May
|
3.9
|
99
|
4.5
|
115
|
|
June
|
3.3
|
84
|
3.4
|
86
|
|
July
|
4.4
|
112
|
5.3
|
136
|
|
August
|
3.8
|
97
|
5.0
|
127
|
|
September
|
3.9
|
99
|
5.0
|
126
|
|
October
|
2.8
|
70
|
3.6
|
92
|
|
November
|
3.2
|
80
|
3.4
|
86
|
|
December
|
3.3
|
84
|
3.3
|
85
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Washington, D.C.
|
|
||
|
Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
|
|
January
|
3.6
|
91
|
|
|
|
February
|
2.8
|
72
|
|
|
|
March
|
3.9
|
100
|
|
|
|
April
|
3.3
|
83
|
|
|
|
May
|
4.3
|
109
|
|
|
|
June
|
3.6
|
92
|
|
|
|
July
|
4.2
|
107
|
|
|
|
August
|
3.9
|
99
|
|
|
|
September
|
4.1
|
104
|
|
|
|
October
|
3.4
|
87
|
|
|
|
November
|
3.3
|
84
|
|
|
|
December
|
3.3
|
83
|
|
|
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in our incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, we will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$350 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$600 per person
7-1 days before departure
$900 per person
Did you know that you can link-up Tauck itineraries to create longer journeys? Many of these trips are in the same region, and depending upon availability you might connect with them before or after your trip. Alternatively, you might find one of these options better suited for your interests and preferences or for when you are available to travel.
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Explore the region famed for its 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams on Tauck's comprehensive Michigan tour, featuring two-night stays at the world-famous Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and the award-winning Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.Grand Autumn New England
Tauck's quintessential fall foliage tour indulges with the autumnal beauty and rich history of this special corner of America. Take a private schooner cruise, meet meteorologists at the Mount Washington Observatory, savor a culinary theatre experience by the New England Culinary Institute, enjoy stays at grand hotels and charming inns and much more.Charleston / Savannah
The glory days of the Old South come alive on this most memorable of South Carolina and Georgia tours - with a private Charleston harbor cruise, an exclusive private evening featuring Savannah's Madeira traditions, and visits to plantations, gardens, a Civil War fort, and an island tycoon retreat.
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