Day 1 — Depart for Washington D.C.

Arrive in Washington DC in time for a welcome dinner and orientation. (R,D)

Day 2 — Antietam

Depart the hotel for Antietam, following in the wake of Union forces as they marched into Maryland in pursuit of the Confederate Army in September 1862. Upon arrival in Antietam, retrace the climactic battle, also known as the Battle of Sharpsburg, that determined the fate of Lee’s first invasion. It was this Union victory that prompted Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which changed the focus of the war and helped block the European diplomatic recognition of the Confederacy.

Begin the battlefield tour by tracing the action of the initial dawn Union assault from the North Woods across the bloody cornfield. Follow the action into the West Woods where the battle swirled around the ill-fated Dunker Church. Learn about the pacifist Dunkers, who hosted the bloodiest day in American history on their fields. Enjoy lunch at a private 18th-century home in Sharpsburg, which was occupied by soldiers during the months after the battle ended, and, according to local lore, still houses a Union ghost! A Civil War historian will join you at lunch to offer his expert knowledge of the uniforms, equipment and weapons of the average infantryman from both the North and the South.  

Continue this afternoon with interpretive stops at Bloody Lane, Burnside’s Bridge, and Antietam National Cemetery before departing for Gettysburg this afternoon. Check into your Gettysburg hotel and enjoy a group dinner.  (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Gettysburg: Turning Point of the War

Unparalleled for sheer ferocity and enormity, Gettysburg is the battle thought by many to be the turning point of the war. Beginning with a clash between Union cavalry and Confederate infantry on July 1, 1863, and ending with Pickett's Charge on July 3, this battle is commemorated by hundreds of monuments and markers, numerous plaques, and even a full-length movie. When Lee withdrew his battered army back to Virginia, many Southerners felt they had lost their last, best chance to win the war.

Begin the day with a visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center where you will see the Gettysburg Cyclorama, an iconic painting that shows the final Confederate assault at Gettysburg and is one of only two of its kind in the United States. Have time to explore Civil War relics at the museum, including cannons and uniforms, then follow the action of Day One of the battle. See battle sites near Chambersburg Pike, the site of General Reynolds' death, the famous railroad cut, Oak Hill, and Barlow's knoll. Learn how Brig. Gen. John Buford held the Union line until reinforcements could arrive and how Lt. Gen. Richard Ewell’s failure to lead his Confederate soldiers in an attack on Union forces the night of July 1 would be one of the war’s great missed opportunities. Continue with the action on Day Two of the battle with stops at the Peach Orchard, the Wheatfield, and Devil's Den. (B,L)

Day 4 — The Battle Continues

Continue following the events of Day Two of the battle with stops at Seminary Ridge, Cemetery Ridge, Culp's Hill, East Cemetery Hill, and (if time permits) East Cavalry Field. Our tour of Gettysburg ends with the final Confederate assault at "Pickett's Charge." Walk in the footsteps of Pickett's Virginians from Spangler's Woods across open fields to the copse of trees forever known as the "high-water mark" of the Confederacy. This Civil War journey concludes this evening with a reception and farewell dinner in Gettysburg. (B,L,D)

Day 5 —Depart from D.C.

Depart Gettysburg for Washington D.C. and individual departures. (B)