The Road to Antietam & Gettysburg
Overview
- Washington DC & Gettysburg, PA
- 5 Days, 4 Nights
- From $3,450
- Max 25 Travelers
Join The HISTORY® Channel for a five-day journey from Washington D.C. to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and relive two of the Civil War’s fiercest battles—Antietam and Gettysburg. Learn how earlier skirmishes set the stage for Union victories at these crucial battles and pay your respects to those who never left the battlefield. Walk the sacred landscapes that marked the single bloodiest day in American military history, prompting Abraham Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, changing the focus of the war, and altering the course of history. Dine at historic inns that have hosted presidents and military leaders. Meet with local historians to gain insights about military strategy and to help place these critical battles in context. And learn how the battle cries for a lasting union still echo through history.
Highlights
- Trace the climactic battle of Antietam, the bloodiest one-day battle in American military history from the North Woods across the infamous cornfield, through charges in the West Woods, Bloody Lane, and Burnside’s Bridge, and ultimately to Antietam National Cemetery to pay your respects to the fallen
- Enjoy lunch with a local historian in a private home constructed in the eighteenth century and occupied by soldiers during the war
- Trace the pivotal battle of Gettysburg, with stops near Chambersburg Pike, the famous railroad cut, Barlow’s Knoll, the Peach Orchard, and Culp’s Hill
- Meet with representatives from American Battlefield Trust inside Robert E Lee’s Headquarters, not typically open to the public
- Explore the civilian experience in an after-hours tour of the Shriver House Museum with a guide in period attire, followed by a private reception in the restored saloon
Trip Historian
Dennis E. Frye
Dennis E. Frye is a nationally renowned Civil War scholar and battlefield guide. Author of 11 books and 114 articles, Dennis has appeared as a guest historian on The History Channel, A&E, PBS, CSPAN, the Travel Channel and Voice of America. Dennis has led tours for the Smithsonian and National Geographic, and he recently retired after 20 years as Chief Historian at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Dennis is co-founder and former president of today’s American Battlefield Trust, and he personally has preserved General Burnside’s post-Antietam headquarters, where he resides. Dennis’ family roots dive deep 250 years in the Antietam valley. No one knows the area better.
Itinerary
After settling into your centrally located hotel, gather for a welcome dinner.
Included Meal: Dinner
Accommodations: The Ven at Embassy Row
Depart Washington D.C., and follow the path of Union forces as they sought to overpower the Confederacy on its march into Maryland in September 1862. Stop briefly at Harpers Ferry for a panoramic overview from Bolivar Heights of the first invasion launched by the Confederacy. Learn about the Union’s slow triumph in Maryland, through the Battle of South Mountain, including the Battle at Crampton’s Gap. Retrace the climactic Union victory at the Battle of Sharpsburg in Antietam, which paved the way for Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and changed the focus of the war.
After your battlefield tour, enjoy lunch at a private 18th-century home in Sharpsburg, which was occupied by soldiers during the war. Here, you will meet with a Civil War historian to learn about the uniforms, equipment, and weapons that were used in battle. Depart Sharpsburg for Antietam, with stops at Bloody Lane, Burnside’s Bridge, and the Antietam National Cemetery. Check into your hotel for an evening lecture and dinner.
Included Meal: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Courtyard by Marriott Gettysburg
Today begins a two-day journey retracing the Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the war and the largest battle ever fought on US soil. The fury of the battle comes to life in the Gettysburg Cyclorama. Follow the action of Day One of the battle with stops near Chambersburg Pike, the site of General Reynolds’ death, the famous railroad cut, Oak Hill, and Barlow’s Knoll.
Enjoy an exclusive discussion including 3D images of the battle with representatives from America’s Battlefield Trust inside Robert E Lee’s Gettysburg headquarters. After lunch at a local tavern, trace the path of Day Two with visits to Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, and Devil’s Den. Later this afternoon, explore the impact of Gettysburg on the thousands of civilians who lived in town during the war with a private, after-hours tour of the Shriver House, a meticulously restored home that was occupied by a soldier’s family during the war. After, enjoy refreshments in a private reception in the Shriver Saloon. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Included Meals: Lunch, Reception
Accommodations: Courtyard by Marriott Gettysburg
Continue following the events of the second day of battle with stops at Seminary Ridge, Cemetery Ridge, Culp’s Hill, and East Cemetery Hill. Have lunch at a historic inn. Then, retrace the final Confederate assault at “Pickett’s Charge” and follow the footsteps of Pickett’s Virginians from Spangler’s Woods across open fields, where Confederate soldiers managed to pierce Union lines at the cost of thousands of rebel lives before General Lee was forced to withdraw the weakened army. Your journey concludes with a celebratory farewell dinner with a visiting storyteller this evening.
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Courtyard by Marriott Gettysburg
Transfer as a group to Washington, D.C. early this morning for individual flights home.
Available Dates & Pricing
- Comprehensive educational program by professional on-site guides
- Accommodations and meals as outlined in the itinerary
- Sightseeing and visits, including entrance fees, as specified in the itinerary
- Dennis Frye’s book “September Suspense: Lincoln’s Union in Peril”
- Group airport transfer on departure
- Ground transportation within the itinerary
- Gratuities to porters, drivers, and guides
- The assistance of an ATA tour manager for comprehensive logistical and customer service management on the trip
- The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel
arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights, and other services - Comprehensive pre-departure information about the destination and what to expect on the trip, including a suggested reading list
- Fully vetted program that meets COVID-19 health and safety protocols
Accommodations
Ven at Embassy Row | Washington, DC
The Ven at Embassy Row offers a sophisticated urban retreat in the heart of Dupont Circle. This eclectic boutique hotel is centrally located near the National Mall, White House, and other major D.C. landmarks. The recently redesigned rooms feature bedside outlets, iPod docking stations, bathrobes, complimentary coffee and tea maker, and in-room safes. The property features an on-site coffee shop and a rooftop lounge with stunning views of the D.C. skyline.Courtyard by Marriott Gettysburg | Gettysburg, PA
The Courtyard by Marriott Gettysburg hotel is the ideal home away from home. With modern amenities to satisfy every comfort, the hotel provides charm and a superb location to the battlefield. Enjoy a swim in the heated indoor pool or take a run in the modern gym after a day’s exploration. Complimentary Wi-Fi, hair dryer, in room coffee and tea making facilities, and plush bedding make each room a private escape. Relax and unwind with a cocktail in hand at the on-site restaurant, the Bistro, or stroll next door to the Appalachian Brewing Company for a pint.
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