Your Gettysburg sightseeing begins this morning at the Gateway Theater with a viewing of the movie “Fields of Freedom.”  You will share the excitement of two young Confederate soldiers as they prepare for battle, as well as their emotions when the realities of war arrive.

Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitors Center.  It is an extensive museum about Gettysburg and the Civil War and the fully restored Gettysburg Cyclorama that dramatically depicts “Pickett’s Charge.”  You will also see the film “A New Birth of Freedom,” narrated by award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, which focuses on the significance of Gettysburg.

Before heading out to the battlefield, refuel with a snack at the Refreshment Saloon (modeled after an actual Civil War saloon) or grab a coffee or quick snack at the BattleGrounds Café & Grille.

Your Licensed Battlefield Guide will board your motor coach and provide a two-hour narrative of the Battlegrounds.  Step onto the hallowed ground and enrich your experience as you make stops at some of the battlefields’ most iconic locations.

Next, at the Gettysburg National Cemetery you can walk the revered grounds and take a moment to reflect on those who have given – and are willing to give – “the last full measure of devotion.”

Today also includes a visit to the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station.  In 1863, enthusiastic crowds gathered outside this depot in hopes of catching a glimpse of the president as he arrived.  Now you can step onto the platform and into history as yet another distinguished guest on November 18, 1863.

Following the battle, this station became a gateway for transporting thousands of wounded and dead soldiers, medical staff, supplies and relatives searching for their family members.  Come, explore Gettysburg’s first virtual reality experience: Journey back to 1863 and meet the station’s occupants from the end of the battle to President Lincoln’s arrival.

Tonight, dinner is at the Dobbin House Tavern, Gettysburg’s oldest, most historic home.  Following dinner, you are in for a Presidential Evening with a visit from a very special guest.  Our 16th President comes to life and steps onstage for an award-winning, one-man performance, “A Visit with Mr. Lincoln”. (B,D) 

This morning head to nearby Carlisle to visit the U.S. Army Heritage Center.  The highlight of this stop is The Army Heritage Trail, an outdoor museum.  It highlights nearly every era of Army history with different exhibits and large artifacts.  It’s an immersion experience that lets you walk into each period represented and it serves as a stage for living history presentations by interpreters.

There are numerous exhibits celebrating 250 years of Army History, showcasing the life of a soldier both in peace time and war time.

Then you visit “World War II – American Experience.”  The first day’s focus was 1861-65, now move 80 years into the future and learn about WWII 1941-1945.  Here you will find large variety of authentic WWII vehicles, uniforms and artifacts in realistic dioramas and exhibits that portray not just the battlefield, but the Homefront as well.  There will also be a living history presentation and perhaps a historical vehicle experience.

The afternoon features the Eisenhower National Historic Site, the home of President and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower.  The farm served the President as a weekend retreat and a meeting place for world leaders.

This evening, enjoy dinner is a visit with the Historic First Lady, Mamie Eisenhower.  An actress in character as Mamie Eisenhower will visit with your group and talk about her life and experiences from 1953 to 1961 when she was the wife of United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the First Lady of the United States. (B,D)