Patriotic Harbors of Maryland

Departure Info:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:00am
Catskill, Exit 21 Park & Ride - 7:45am
Kingston, Exit 19 Park & Ride - 8:05am

Sunday, June 14:

We board the coach this morning for Baltimore, Maryland, birthplace of our National Anthem, to renew your love of American history and experience the beauty of our country. Our accommodations for the next three nights are at the Hampton Inn & Suites Inner Harbor (410-539-7888) just two blocks from the harbor itself and Baltimore’s tall ships! Each room features a hair dryer, mini-refrigerator and coffee maker. Enjoy a free evening at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor – a historic seaport, tourist attraction and landmark of the city. There are many attractions, including the Maryland Science Center, National Aquarium in Baltimore, and the Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Enjoy the waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment destination, with over 20 restaurants and eateries. Dinner is on your own.

Monday, June 15:

A full breakfast is included at your leisure at the hotel this morning.Then we will meet our local guide for a city tour. Travel back in time and visit historical locations that have contributed to Baltimore's greatness. You'll get to explore some of the national historical neighborhoods, stadiums, and the visitor center for the Fort McHenry National Monument. The B&O Railroad forever changed the course of the city, the nation, and even the world. At the B&O Railroad Museum, visitors can step directly into history as they discover the story of American railroading. For it was here that the First Stone of the railroad and the nation’s first mile of commercial track were laid, where the Mt. Clare Shops produced countless innovations in railroad technology, where E. Francis Baldwin’s iconic Roundhouse still stands, and much more. All aboard – your journey to the birthplace of American railroading begins here! Lunch is on your own at the B&O Cafe. Before heading back to the hotel we will also visit the National Aquarium. Thousands of Animals. Hundreds of Species. One Aquarium. Experience dozens of unique aquatic habitats—from a northern Australian river gorge to an Indo-Pacific reef to a tropical rain forest—all interconnected by the binding force of water. Learn about animals from all over our blue planet—from the depths of the ocean to the canopy of the rain forest—and discover the connection they all share with water. There will be time at the hotel to freshen up before dinner. Revel in a beautiful evening under the stars with a fun and picturesque Signature Baltimore Dinner Cruise on the Inner Harbor! Turn your dinner into an incredible night out with a delicious chef-curated buffet for all ages, savored alongside the breathtaking backdrop of the city skyline. While staying cool in their comfortable indoor spaces, you’ll soak in spectacular views of Baltimore's iconic landmarks, such as the National Aquarium and Fort McHenry. This unforgettable dining experience is complete with a fully stocked cash bar, and, openair deck. Set sail for a one-of-a-kind evening dinner cruise you won’t soon forget!

Tuesday, June 16:

A full breakfast is included at your leisure at the hotel this morning. Then we will depart for Annapolis, Maryland for a guided tour. Ride through the streets of downtown Annapolis and the surrounding area. Our knowledgeable, period-attired guide will be with you for this history-rich tour. Enjoy hearing from four centuries of Annapolis history and its prominence on the Chesapeake Bay. See the Maryland State House, the country's oldest state capitol in continuous use and once our nation's capital. Pass by the Government House, where Maryland's Governor resides, situated between Church Circle and State Circle. Another stop on your tour is St. John's College, originally for young men, including George Washington's grandsons and Francis Scott Key. Stop at the World War II Memorial, which overlooks the scenic Severn River and the impressive United States Naval Academy. Enjoy a narrated tour where the guide will lead you through the places that have trained the best and the brightest, and brought this leadership school of approximately 4,400 wayfinders to vibrant life. (For individuals that wish to walk around on academy grounds, a REAL ID or US passport is required to enter gate one.) Lunch will be on your own at City Dock. Simply relaxing at City Dock is a major reason why people visit Annapolis. Take in the sunshine while sitting outside at one of several dining establishments that allow you to watch the boats cruise in and out of Ego Alley. It's also the launching point for most of Annapolis' water tours. Whether you’re after dining, boutique shopping, or simply looking to relax by the water, City Dock is the perfect place to spend some time in Annapolis. Next, step aboard the classic Harbor Queen for a narrated cruise of the Annapolis Harbor and the banks of the U.S. Naval Academy. Hear the history of the Naval Academy, Annapolis’ role as a historic seaport, the region’s waterways, and catch a glimpse of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. This cruise is an Annapolis tradition and fun for the whole family! We will return to Baltimore and our hotel to freshen up before dinner this evening. The “Crabology” class is offered by Phillips Seafood as an educational, interactive event tied into their signature Maryland-style crab and seafood heritage. Learn how to properly break down, pick, and enjoy blue crabs (or crab meat) in the style that the restaurant champions. You will learn how to prepare a crabcake and also compete in a crabcake cook off. After "class," enjoy a crab feast. (other options will be available for those who do not eat seafood).

Wednesday, June 17:

A full breakfast is included at your leisure at the hotel this morning, then after check out we will tour Fort McHenry. Fort McHenry is a historical American coastal pentagonal bastion fort on Locust Point, now a neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland. It is best known for its role in the War of 1812, when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British navy from the Chesapeake Bay on September 13–14, 1814. We will depart for home after our tour. Our approximate arrival in the Capital District is 6pm. Stops will be made each way.