In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, the Yorktown embarks on a one-of-a-kind voyage to cities and cites that resonate with echoes of the Civil War. This late-autumn cruise travels from Alexandria to Savannah, calling at historically significant locations such as Fredricksburg, Fort Sumpter, Mount Vernon, and Colonial Williamsburg. Rich and genteel colonial and antebellum history come alive in the plantations, homes, gardens, and Civil War sites along this unique 11-day voyage.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Alexandria to embark Yorktown. Settle in to your cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship and her crew. Overnight aboard ship docked in Alexandria.
Day 2: Alexandria, Virginia
From port in the historic city of Alexandria, choose to explore Fredricksburg or Mount Vernon. The Battle of Fredricksburg was fought in 1862 and is remembered among the most one-sided battles in the Civil War. The Fredricksburg Historical District contains over 350 buildings that date from the 18th and 19th centuries.Visit the Fredricksbug and Spotsylvania Ntional Military Park. Alternatively, choose to visit Mount Vernon, George Washington's massive estate and gardens. Tour the sweeping grounds including the mansion, museum, slaves' quarters, and the gardens. Also visit the recently opened distillery, a reconstruction of Washington's original whiskey distillery.
Day 3: Yorktown, Virginia
Call in Yorktown. From here choose from two excursions to visit either Fort Monroe or Colonial Williamsburg. Fort Monroe has guarded the Chesapeake Bay from 1834 until is was decommissioned in 2011, when it was named a National Monument. Tour the fort and Casement Museum where Confederate President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned from 1865-67. Set out to explore the USS Monitor Center to see the famed Iron-clad ship that fought in the Battle of Hampton Roads. Alternatively, visit Colonial Williamsburg. The capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg is the nation’s premier living museum, offering visitors a glimpse of life as it was in the 17th and 18th centuries. Enjoy a guided tour of the many buildings including the Governor's Palace and dine at an 18th century tavern.
Day 4: At Sea
Relax aboard the Yorktown while you cruise the open ocean. Enjoy the stunning views from deck, attend an informative lecture, take advantage of the ship's amenities, or settle in with a good book while you prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Day 5: Morehead CIty, North Carolina
Visit the History Place, with exhibits relating to the Civil War, as well as Fort Macon, a Confederate garrison during the Civil War. Alternatively, visit Tryon Palace and Gardens. Explore the Federal-style Dixon House and Georgian-style John Wright-Stanley House.
Day 6: Wilmington, North Carolina
Tour Wilmington's historic district, a veritable open-air museum of 19th-centiru architecture. Drive to Fort Fischer, a Confederate stronghold that fell to the Union in 1865 after a massive assault by a force of 9,000 men and 56 ships.
Day 7-8: Charleston, North Carolina
A prosperous, cosmopolitan seaport from colonial times, it was here in Charleston's harbor that Confederate troops first fired upon Fort Sumpter, thus initiating the Civil War. During your two days in this enchanting city, tour Charleston's extensive historic district. Visit the striking Middleton Place, an 18th-century plantation that is now a National Historic Landmark. Situated on the Ashley River, the property includes the House Museum and 65 acres of magnificent gardens. Enjoy plenty of time to explore at your leisure.
Day 9: Beaufort, South Carolina
South Carolina's Lowcountry flourished on the cotton trade, making Beaufort one of the wealthiest cities in the country after Independence. Tour this elegant city, with its magnificent antebellum homes and shady lanes.
Day 10: Savannah, Georgia
Tour Georgia's oldest city, planned by James Oglethorpe in 1733. Explore this renowned Historic District, the largest in the country, which features over 1,000 Federal and Regency buildings and 21 verdant squares. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the lovely streets and squares. Overnight aboard ship.
Day 11: Savannah, Georgia / Disembark
Following an early breakfast on board, disembark the Yorktown in Savannah. Transfer to airport to continue your travels.
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
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Initial deposit is $950, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
