Of all the tours we do, this is perhaps the most special. It was our first tour, 41 years ago. Your guides are church history experts who have taken this tour many times. There's a little extra care and consideration in planning this tour. We know that for many this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We take that very seriously. We pledge to do all we can to make it a once in a lifetime experience.
Daily Itinerary
July 6: Salt Lake to Washington D.C.: Today we'll board our flight to the Washington D.C area. Our Renaissance touring coach will be waiting for us. We'll be staying in a convenient hotel about five miles from DC. Our welcome dinner tonight is one of the highlights of the trip as we dine at famous Gadspy’s Tavern in nearby Alexandria, Virginia a CHARMING, colonial town just outside of the District. We’ll dine where George and Martha Washington dined. The food is superb and the original colonial setting is beyond charming. On our way back from dinner we’ll stop at the Iwo Jima Memorial which overlooks Washington DC. It is usually about sunset. It’s a spectacular sight. Tour to pay for dinner today.
July 7: Washington D.C. At 9:00, we'll all be in Washington DC to enjoy the highlights of our nation's capitol. An excellent local guide will provide the details. We'll begin at the stunning FDR Memorial, followed by a chance to see the Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam and Korean Memorials. We'll drive by the White House (picture stop) and enjoy the new Visitors Center, film and tour of the Capitol Building. We’ll also see the recently constructed WWII War Memorial. At 3:00, we'll visit Arlington Cemetery to visit the Kennedy Graves, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and much more. The views of Washington are lovely from here (if you have been to Arlington, you can spend a couple of hours at the Smithsonian Museums). You'll have some free time for dinner on your own in charming Alexandria this evening. Stroll the streets that George and Martha strolled in the late 1700's. There are shops, restaurants and ambiance galore! Tour to pay for breakfast and local guide today.
July 8: Washington to Gettysburg: This morning you have a choice: We’ll all get an early start and you can choose to visit Mt. Vernon, Washington’s estate on the Potomac OR you can enjoy a session in the Washington DC Temple. Those choosing Mt. Vernon will have a chance to see the DC temple and take pictures. At 11:30, we'll head for Gettysburg, that pivotal battle ground of the Civil War. We'll enjoy the newly renovated and just reopened Visitor’s Center (with excellent films, exhibits and the reopened Cyclorama) and a chance to reflect in the cemetery with its touching war memorials. This was one of THE pivotal battle of the Civil War. The history is fascinating. A cemetery guide (who is a high school history teacher) will board our bus and take us to Cemetery Ridge, Little Round Top and other important battle points. Our hotel is the Holiday Inn in York, about 30 miles from Gettysburg. Tour to pay for breakfast, guide and dinner tonight.
July 9: York to Philadelphia. We're right in the heart of Amish country. The countryside is beautiful with well groomed farms as far as the eye can see. We'll drive a short distance into Lancaster County and enjoy some shopping at the Kitchen Kettle (a collection of great Amish gifts and crafts) or an interesting presentation called “Jacob’s Choice”. Lunch is included at the Kitchen Cupboard, an Amish buffet. Then it's on to Philadelphia. We'll arrive with plenty of time to see the Visitors Center, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where freedom began. During free time, you can visit Franklin Place or the new Constitution Center. Philadelphia is a national treasure. This is where the country was formed and the Declaration of Independence and Constitution signed. Our hotel is the Hampton Inn in the Philadelphia area tonight. Tour to pay for light breakfast and lunch today.
July 10: Philadelphia to New York. After breakfast this morning, we'll enjoy the 90 minute drive into the Big Apple, New York City. Its exciting as the impressive skyline comes into view. We'll go directly to Liberty Park (on the New Jersey side) and take a ferry over to Liberty and Ellis Islands. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy both, ending in Manhattan at Battery Park. During the afternoon, we'll show you some other highlights on an interesting walking tour of lower Manhattan (Ground Zero, Wall Street, Trinity Church, Stock Exchange and more) This evening, those who are interested, can go to a Broadway Show (call us, and we'll help you arrange the show of your choice). Others can go with their guide to the Empire State Building and ascend to the top. Tour to pay for light breakfast and ferries today.
July 11: New York to Boston: This morning, we’ll have a chance to attend Sacrament Meeting (in the same building as the Manhattan Temple) before departing toward Boston. In the late afternoon, we'll arrive in Plymouth and have a chance to see the Mayflower replica, Plymouth Rock and have dinner at Isaacs overlooking Cape Cod. Our hotel is in a suburb of Boston. Tour to pay for dinner today.
July 12: Boston all day. No city in the United States has more history than Boston, and we'll spend the day taking it in with our knowledgeable and entertaining local guide. We'll see Lexington and Concord where the Revolutionary War began. We'll also see the Old North Church, USS Constitution, Bunker Hill, and much more. We'll enjoy a unique lunch and browsing experience at Quincy Market, near the old Faneuil Hall. We'll drive by the Boston Temple on the way back to the hotel. Boston, Philadelphia and New York are our nation's most important historical cities and we have a chance to see all three. Tour to pay for light breakfast and city tour today.
July 13: Boston to Sharon to Albany. This morning we'll drive over to Sharon, the birthplace of the Prophet Joseph Smith. We'll see the newly remodeled Visitor’s Center and the marble obelisk that honors his life. It is a peaceful and inspiring spot. After seeing the sites, we'll enjoy a picnic lunch (prepared by the Young Women in the local ward) in the outdoor pavilion overlooking the rolling hills of Vermont. In the early afternoon, we'll stop at the Maple Syrup Museum where you can see how it is made and get some great gifts. Our hotel is in the Albany area. Tour to pay for light breakfast and lunch today.
July 14: Albany to Palmyra Area: This morning we'll drive across beautiful Upstate New York making a stop at the Susquehanna River site where the Aaronic Priesthood was restored. After lunch, we’ll make a stop in Fayette for a visit to the Peter Whitmer Farm and the log cabin where the church was organized. We'll enjoy an inspirational guided tour. From there it's a short drive into Palmyra. We are staying at the beautiful Inn on the Lake, on the shores of Lake Canandiagua. After a chance to relax, we'll enjoy an outdoor barbecue dinner followed by an opportunity to witness the fabulous Hill Cumorah Pageant, America's Witness for Christ which has recently been revamped and is more spectacular than ever. Tour to pay for light breakfast and dinner today.
July 15: Palmyra all day: After breakfast, we'll drive over to the historical sites. We'll begin with a tour of the Smith Home, which was recently restored to its original condition when the Smiths were there. In addition, the log home where Joseph lived as a young boy is just across the street. We'll then enjoy a peaceful walk into the Sacred Grove where you'll have plenty of time to meditate about the significance of what took place here. After lunch (which is a box lunch picnic), we'll visit the Grandin Press, which has just recently been reopened. Finally, we'll go to the Hill Cumorah to see the new Visitors Center and the monument on the hill which marks the spot where the plates were found. After a rest, those who are interested can attend a session in the Palmyra Temple. We'll stay at the Inn on the Lake again tonight. Tour to pay for breakfast and lunch today. Hill Cumorah Pageant
July 16: Palmyra to Niagara Falls to Kirtland: This morning, we'll drive into Niagara Falls, New York (just 90 minutes away). We've included a ride on the MAID OF THE MIST (from the American Side) so you can get close to the powerful falls. You’ll then have time for lunch followed by our afternoon drive along Lake Erie into Ohio and on to the Kirtland area where we'll spend the evening. We'll stay at the lovely Lawnfield Inn tonight. Tour to pay for Maid of the Mist today. (NOTE: We will not be crossing into Canada but you will see the Canadian Falls UP CLOSE on the Maid of the Mist. A passport will NOT be required for this trip).
July 17: Kirtland Area: Welcome to Kirtland! By the end of the day you'll have a new appreciation for the importance of Kirtland in our history. There is much to see and do as a MAJOR restoration was completed a few years ago. We'll begin at the Visitors Center which is built to look like a grist mill of the 1830's. We'll see a film and interesting exhibits. We'll then visit the inspiring Newell K. Whitney Store (site of significant visitations and revelations) and the newly restored Whitney Home. After lunch, we'll have a guided tour of the Kirtland Temple, the first of the latter-day temples. After an hour to relax at the hotel, we'll be joined by Dr. Peter Gail who will take us through Amish Country to the John Johnson Farm, which has been recently reopened after a major restoration. It is critical to our church history experience. On our way to the Johnson Farm, we'll have a dinner you'll never forget. A delightful Amish family will have us to their home for dinner (in rural Ohio)! This is the real thing. We will have dinner and get to know the family. If you don't already have tremendous respect for the Amish, you will by the end of this evening. Tour pays for light breakfast and dinner today.
July 18: Kirtland to Macomb: Today is a travel day. We'll appreciate the distance the Prophet traveled as he went back and forth to Nauvoo. We'll stay in Macomb tonight. Tour to pay for light breakfast today.
July 19: Nauvoo. We are just 45 minutes from Carthage, where we have a 9:00 appointment. We’ll then drive over to nearby Nauvoo and begin to enjoy the sites. After getting some lunch, we'll check into our hotel. We'll relax, change our clothes and enjoy something we've all anticipated, a session in the new Nauvoo Temple. We have a lovely dinner together, followed by an evening performance in the Cultural Hall. This is a play put on by the missionaries that we know you'll enjoy. Tour to pay for light breakfast & dinner today.
July 20: Nauvoo all day. Today we'll have all day to explore Nauvoo. We'll see the visitors center with its excellent film and exhibits. The beautiful Statuary Gardens (A Tribute to Women) are just outside the center. If you're interested, you can spend some time in Land and Records and research information about your ancestors that lived in Nauvoo. Later, we'll walk down Parley Street reading the interesting journal entries as we go. At the end of the street is the Monument to Exodus, and the place where the pioneers crossed the river. We'll then give you free time to see the sites of most interest to you. Tonight will be a treat as we take our seats for the sixth year of the very impressive Nauvoo Pageant. In my opinion, this is the best of ALL the church pageants. It is a treat to enjoy the Hill Cumorah and the Nauvoo Pageants in the same trip. Tour to pay for breakfast and dinner today.
July 21 - Nauvoo to Independence: This morning, we'll drive through eastern Missouri to Galitan where enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. We’ll then visit Adam Ondi Aman which is rich in history as well as prominent in future events. We'll then drive a short distance to Far West, which was once a thriving community but is now a reflective memory. On our way into Independence, we'll stop in Richmond, Missouri (time permitting), to see Oliver Cowdery's grave and the monument to the Three Witnesses. Our hotel is the Fairfield Inn in Independence. Tour to pay for breakfast and buffet lunch today.
July 22: Independence to Salt Lake: Today we'll focus on the sights in Jackson County. We'll begin with a visit to our Visitors Center (if the renovation is complete) which beautifully describes the events that occurred here. After seeing the Temple Site, we'll enjoy a driving tour passing newly established "Mormon History" points. After lunch, we'll drive out to Liberty to visit the jail where early church leaders were unjustly held for several months. Many important revelations were received here. From there, we'll take a fifteen minute ride to the Kansas City airport for our flight home. Tour to pay for breakfast today.
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Renaissance touring coach will be waiting for us. We'll be staying in a convenient hotel about five miles from DC. Our welcome dinner tonight is one of the highlights of the trip as we dine at famous Gadspy’s Tavern in nearby Alexandria, Virginia a CHARMING, colonial town just outside of the District. We’ll dine where George and Martha Washington dined. The food is superb and the original colonial setting is beyond charming. On our way back from dinner we’ll stop at the Iwo Jima Memorial which overlooks Washington DC. It is usually about sunset. It’s a spectacular sight. Tour to pay for dinner today. 
capitol. An excellent local guide will provide the details. We'll begin at the stunning FDR Memorial, followed by a chance to see the Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam and Korean Memorials. We'll drive by the White House (picture stop) and enjoy the new Visitors Center, film and tour of the Capitol Building. We’ll also see the recently constructed WWII War Memorial. At 3:00, we'll visit Arlington Cemetery to visit the Kennedy Graves, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and much more. The views of Washington are lovely from here (if you have been to Arlington, you can spend a couple of hours at the Smithsonian Museums). You'll have some free time for dinner on your own in charming Alexandria this evening. Stroll the streets that George and Martha strolled in the late 1700's. There are shops, restaurants and ambiance galore! Tour to pay for breakfast and local guide today. 
can choose to visit Mt. Vernon, Washington’s estate on the Potomac OR you can enjoy a session in the Washington DC Temple. Those choosing Mt. Vernon will have a chance to see the DC temple and take pictures. At 11:30, we'll head for Gettysburg, that pivotal battle ground of the Civil War. We'll enjoy the newly renovated and just reopened Visitor’s Center (with excellent films, exhibits and the reopened Cyclorama) and a chance to reflect in the cemetery with its touching war memorials. This was one of THE pivotal battle of the Civil War. The history is fascinating. A cemetery guide (who is a high school history teacher) will board our bus and take us to Cemetery Ridge, Little Round Top and other important battle points. Our hotel is the Holiday Inn in York, about 30 miles from Gettysburg. Tour to pay for breakfast, guide and dinner tonight. 
well groomed farms as far as the eye can see. We'll drive a short distance into Lancaster County and enjoy some shopping at the Kitchen Kettle (a collection of great Amish gifts and crafts) or an interesting presentation called “Jacob’s Choice”. Lunch is included at the Kitchen Cupboard, an Amish buffet. Then it's on to Philadelphia. We'll arrive with plenty of time to see the Visitors Center, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where freedom began. During free time, you can visit Franklin Place or the new Constitution Center. Philadelphia is a national treasure. This is where the country was formed and the Declaration of Independence and Constitution signed. Our hotel is the Hampton Inn in the Philadelphia area tonight. Tour to pay for light breakfast and lunch today. 
Big Apple, New York City. Its exciting as the impressive skyline comes into view. We'll go directly to Liberty Park (on the New Jersey side) and take a ferry over to Liberty and Ellis Islands. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy both, ending in Manhattan at Battery Park. During the afternoon, we'll show you some other highlights on an interesting walking tour of lower Manhattan (Ground Zero, Wall Street, Trinity Church, Stock Exchange and more) This evening, those who are interested, can go to a Broadway Show (call us, and we'll help you arrange the show of your choice). Others can go with their guide to the Empire State Building and ascend to the top. Tour to pay for light breakfast and ferries today. 
same building as the Manhattan Temple) before departing toward Boston. In the late afternoon, we'll arrive in Plymouth and have a chance to see the Mayflower replica, Plymouth Rock and have dinner at Isaacs overlooking Cape Cod. Our hotel is in a suburb of Boston. Tour to pay for dinner today.
day taking it in with our knowledgeable and entertaining local guide. We'll see Lexington and Concord where the Revolutionary War began. We'll also see the Old North Church, USS Constitution, Bunker Hill, and much more. We'll enjoy a unique lunch and browsing experience at Quincy Market, near the old Faneuil Hall. We'll drive by the Boston Temple on the way back to the hotel. Boston, Philadelphia and New York are our nation's most important historical cities and we have a chance to see all three. Tour to pay for light breakfast and city tour today. 
Prophet Joseph Smith. We'll see the newly remodeled Visitor’s Center and the marble obelisk that honors his life. It is a peaceful and inspiring spot. After seeing the sites, we'll enjoy a picnic lunch (prepared by the Young Women in the local ward) in the outdoor pavilion overlooking the rolling hills of Vermont. In the early afternoon, we'll stop at the Maple Syrup Museum where you can see how it is made and get some great gifts. Our hotel is in the Albany area. Tour to pay for light breakfast and lunch today. 
stop at the Susquehanna River site where the Aaronic Priesthood was restored. After lunch, we’ll make a stop in Fayette for a visit to the Peter Whitmer Farm and the log cabin where the church was organized. We'll enjoy an inspirational guided tour. From there it's a short drive into Palmyra. We are staying at the beautiful Inn on the Lake, on the shores of Lake Canandiagua. After a chance to relax, we'll enjoy an outdoor barbecue dinner followed by an opportunity to witness the fabulous Hill Cumorah Pageant, America's Witness for Christ which has recently been revamped and is more spectacular than ever. Tour to pay for light breakfast and dinner today. 
(just 90 minutes away). We've included a ride on the MAID OF THE MIST (from the American Side) so you can get close to the powerful falls. You’ll then have time for lunch followed by our afternoon drive along Lake Erie into Ohio and on to the Kirtland area where we'll spend the evening. We'll stay at the lovely Lawnfield Inn tonight. Tour to pay for Maid of the Mist today. (NOTE: We will not be crossing into Canada but you will see the Canadian Falls UP CLOSE on the Maid of the Mist. A passport will NOT be required for this trip).
importance of Kirtland in our history. There is much to see and do as a MAJOR restoration was completed a few years ago. We'll begin at the Visitors Center which is built to look like a grist mill of the 1830's. We'll see a film and interesting exhibits. We'll then visit the inspiring Newell K. Whitney Store (site of significant visitations and revelations) and the newly restored Whitney Home. After lunch, we'll have a guided tour of the Kirtland Temple, the first of the latter-day temples. After an hour to relax at the hotel, we'll be joined by Dr. Peter Gail who will take us through Amish Country to the John Johnson Farm, which has been recently reopened after a major restoration. It is critical to our church history experience. On our way to the Johnson Farm, we'll have a dinner you'll never forget. A delightful Amish family will have us to their home for dinner (in rural Ohio)! This is the real thing. We will have dinner and get to know the family. If you don't already have tremendous respect for the Amish, you will by the end of this evening. Tour pays for light breakfast and dinner today. 
as he went back and forth to Nauvoo. We'll stay in Macomb tonight. Tour to pay for light breakfast today. 
then drive over to nearby Nauvoo and begin to enjoy the sites. After getting some lunch, we'll check into our hotel. We'll relax, change our clothes and enjoy something we've all anticipated, a session in the new Nauvoo Temple. We have a lovely dinner together, followed by an evening performance in the Cultural Hall. This is a play put on by the missionaries that we know you'll enjoy. Tour to pay for light breakfast & dinner today. 
its excellent film and exhibits. The beautiful Statuary Gardens (A Tribute to Women) are just outside the center. If you're interested, you can spend some time in Land and Records and research information about your ancestors that lived in Nauvoo. Later, we'll walk down Parley Street reading the interesting journal entries as we go. At the end of the street is the Monument to Exodus, and the place where the pioneers crossed the river. We'll then give you free time to see the sites of most interest to you. Tonight will be a treat as we take our seats for the sixth year of the very impressive Nauvoo Pageant. In my opinion, this is the best of ALL the church pageants. It is a treat to enjoy the Hill Cumorah and the Nauvoo Pageants in the same trip. Tour to pay for breakfast and dinner today. 
enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. We’ll then visit Adam Ondi Aman which is rich in history as well as prominent in future events. We'll then drive a short distance to Far West, which was once a thriving community but is now a reflective memory. On our way into Independence, we'll stop in Richmond, Missouri (time permitting), to see Oliver Cowdery's grave and the monument to the Three Witnesses. Our hotel is the Fairfield Inn in Independence. Tour to pay for breakfast and buffet lunch today. 
a visit to our Visitors Center (if the renovation is complete) which beautifully describes the events that occurred here. After seeing the Temple Site, we'll enjoy a driving tour passing newly established "Mormon History" points. After lunch, we'll drive out to Liberty to visit the jail where early church leaders were unjustly held for several months. Many important revelations were received here. From there, we'll take a fifteen minute ride to the Kansas City airport for our flight home. Tour to pay for breakfast today.