This superb tour of The American War of Independence/Revolution in the north will immerse you in 18th century colonial America during its struggle for freedom from the clutches of British rule. Starting in historic Boston, the cradle of the revolution and home to the Freedom Trail, we travel through magnificent Eastern USA countryside to explore the pivotal battlefields and important sites of the war, many of which have been painstakingly and wonderfully restored. We will visit places that resonate throughout history: Lexington, Saratoga, Valley Forge, West Point, Philadelphia, Brandywine, Trenton and New York. Although a level 2 tour, we will be spending two full days on foot in Boston, Philadelphia and New York. Throughout we will be staying at three and four-star hotels and dining at a wealth of local restaurants, and all this in the company of an expert historian.
A key feature of this tour will be the activities surrounding the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill when Boston pays proud tribute to this crucial event.

Opposition to London’s insensitive colonial policies on taxation and governance was provoked into outright rebellion when British soldiers attempted to disarm Massachusetts patriots in April 1775. British forces enjoyed initial tactical successes around Boston, but strategically these were not enough to prevent the city’s encirclement by the newly formed Continental Army under George Washington and seaborne evacuation followed in the spring of 1776. For the next 18 months the revolt hung in the balance with substantial British reinforcements taking Philadelphia and New York, but an ill-conceived and poorly managed advance from Canada ended in abject failure with the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga in October 1777. The result was the abandonment of Philadelphia and the entry of a revengeful France into the conflict providing much needed naval support, military training and equipment to the patriots.

Day 1: Arrival
Fly London to Boston or make your own arrangements to join the tour at the hotel. Hotel in Boston - 4 nights. (D).

Day 2: Boston commemorative events
The year 2025 is a special one for the city of Boston and today we enjoy participating in the range of commemorative events for the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill. This will include re-enactments, exhibitions, talks, live music and the spectacular Bunker Hill Day Parade. (B, D).

Day 3: Lexington & Concord
Travel out to Lexington and Concord where a poorly executed British search and destroy expedition provoked the first shots of the war to be fired. We will explore the Buckman Tavern, Visitors Center and Battle Green at Lexington, whilst at Concorde we explore the Minuteman Visitor Center, follow the battle road trail and the Old North Bridge where “the shot heard ‘round the world” was fired. Dinner under your own arrangements. (B).

Day 4: Boston and Bunker Hill
Today is Bunker Hill Day, the 250th anniversary of the battle, and we have the privilege of being at the site for the commemorative events. We start by spending the morning walking part of the excellent 2.5-mile Boston Freedom Trail taking in many of the sites associated with the city’s involvement in the Wars of Independence. After lunch we make our way to Bunker Hill where we witness the procession to the Monument and Remembrance event. (B, D).

Day 5: Bennington & Saratoga
We leave Boston to trace the decisive final events of the Saratoga Campaign, a British attempt to secure the strategically important Hudson valley. We stop at Bennington where on 16 August 1777 a British force of mainly German mercenaries was defeated by local militia units. Then at the Saratoga National Historical Park we learn about the ignominious surrender of the whole British army by General Burgoyne on 7 October 1777. This was a massive boost to the Americans and won for them much needed foreign assistance. Hotel in Albany area – 1 night. (B, D).

Day 6: West Point & Hudson Valley
Travel down the stunning Hudson Valley to visit two extraordinary houses: the 1754 Georgian-era house used by Major General Henry Knox, Commander of the American artillery and George Washington’s Headquarters near Newburgh. Enjoy a guided tour over the grounds of West Point Academy and visit its fantastic and unmissable museum. Hotel near Newburgh – 1 night. (B, D).

Day 7: Hudson Valley & Betrayal
During a southward journey through the splendid Hudson Valley: visit the remains of Fort Montgomery set on a dramatic perch above the Hudson assaulted by the British in October 1777; at Stony Point see where Continental Light Infantry seized the site's fortifications from the British during a daring midnight attack on 16 July 1779; at Tappan learn of the fate of the hapless Major John André, hanged by the Americans in October 1780; finally at Fort Lee appreciate Washington’s defence of the lower Hudson against the Royal Navy and the impact of the decisive British victory in November 1776 causing Washington’s retreat. Hotel in Newark area for two nights. (B, D).

Day 8: New York
A rewarding day spent exploring the Wars of Independence in New York City using a mixture of public transport and walking. We start by travelling to Prospect Park in Brooklyn where we view the site of the Battle of Long Island (27 August 1776) considered the largest battle of the war in terms of troop deployment and combat. The victorious British held on to New York for the rest of the war. We next move to Fort Greene Park, formerly Fort Putnam, and site of American fortifications. Here we see the Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument in remembrance of the 11,500 American prisoners of war who died in captivity aboard British prison ships during the war. Our exploration continues in Manhattan where we visit Battery Point the site of the former Fort George. This was occupied by Washington’s troops who succeeded in destroying a statue of King George III nearby. We then travel by ferry across to historic Governors’ Island - occupied by the British until 1783 - where we marvel over the late eighteenth and nineteenth century fortifications guarding New York’s harbour. Back in Manhattan what better place to finish off a busy day than a drink at the Fraunces Tavern, revolutionary hide out in prewar days, and site of George Washington’s famous farewell to his officers in 1783. (B, D).

Day 9: The Crossing
Today we explore three of Washington’s initiatives which boosted flagging American morale in late 1776: at Washington’s dangerous and audacious crossing of the Delaware; at Trenton he took Hessian auxiliary forces by surprise capturing nearly two-thirds of the force; and at Princeton where he repelled a strong British assault. Hotel in King of Prussia area for three nights. (B, D).

Day 10: Declaration
A full day in historic Philadelphia on foot exploring the fascinating Colonial and Revolutionary era sites including the Museum of the American Revolution, Declaration House, Liberty Bell Centre and Independence Hall. (B, D).

Day 11: Defeat & Rejuvenation
Visit Brandywine Creek where on 11 September 1777, after a long and bloody fight, General Howe’s British defeated Washington, which resulted in the occupation of Philadelphia. Explore the little battlefield of Paoli, scene of a so-called massacre by British Light Infantry during their night attack on American forces. Roam through Valley Forge National Historical Park, where in 1777/1778, the Continental Army endured a brutal winter and training regime, emerging as a modern professional army. (B, D).

Day 12: Monmouth & Home
Visit the superbly preserved battle site of Monmouth, where the rejuvenated Continental Army restored Washington’s reputation in repulsing successive British attacks during one of the longest battles of the conflict. Continue to Newark airport for return flights and/or leave the tour. (B).

Day 13
Arrive London.