Silversea Expedition Cruises A BALTIMORE

Following a 1.5 hour transfer from the pier, arrive in Washington to see highlights that include the magnificent Lincoln Memorial anchoring the National Mall, an awe-inspiring tribute to this country's 16th President. The memorial is constructed of marble in the style of a Greek temple with 36 columns meant to represent the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. The Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's second inaugural address are carved into opposing walls of the memorial, serving as the location for Martin Luther King's memorable "I Have A Dream" speech in 1963.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial consists of a circular "Pool of Remembrance" in a grove of trees and a triangular "Field of Service" depicting a platoon of 19 larger-than-life American soldiers of different ethnic backgrounds on patrol. The memorial expresses both the enduring gratitude of the nation for those who fell in Korea and also proclaims a broader message about the willingness to serve in the defense of their country regardless of one's ethnicity. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located on the grounds adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial, an impressive structure featuring the names, in chronological order, of more than 58,000 dead or missing servicemen and women inscribed in smooth sheets of granite.

From these several sights depart for 1600 Pennsylvania avenue, the "people's house." Enjoy a brief photo stop outside of the White House, the home of the President of the United States.

Designated as an historic landmark of great importance, Union Station is a monument to the great railway age of days gone by. Today, it serves not only as the gateway for train passengers arriving in the city but also a spectacular retail, shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. Next is a visit to the Air and Space Museum, the most well-known of all of Washington's museums and the world's most visited museum. Here you are able to touch a moon rock and see the Wright brothers' plane that launched the age of aviation. Other notable exhibits include the Spirit of St. Louis, the plane that Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic in 1923 and the Apollo 11 command module that went to the moon.

Rejoin your driver for the 1.5 hour drive back to the pier.

From the pier in Baltimore meet your period-costumed guide and depart for a 45 minute drive to Annapolis located 40 miles South East of the city. Upon arrival, embark on a walk through the venerated campus of the United States Naval Academy. Visit the interiors of the Naval Academy Chapel, Crypt of John Paul Jones (famous Revolutionary War hero), Bancroft Hall (one of the largest dormitories) and LaJeune Hall Sports Complex where several Heisman trophies are on display. From the campus, we adjorn to the waterside where enjoy a meal in the local city center.

Refreshed and fortified, begin the second half of your walking discovery of Annapolis. Begin with the interior of Maryland's Historic State House, the country's oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use. View the Old Senate Chamber where in 1783 George Washington resigned his commission as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army continuing through the historic district.

At the historic district you will pass 18th century mansions, the Paca House where one of Maryland's signers of the Declaration of Independence resided, a middling house called Hogshead, St. John's College (one of the oldest in the US) and quaint shops along cobblestoned Maryland Avenue. You will also have free time here to browse this local treasure before beginning the 45-minute return to the ship in Baltimore.

Enjoy a 4 hour food tour in the historic town of Fells Point, a neighborhood filled with great places to eat, many small business owners. On this wlaking tour you will visit locally owned and operated restaurants sampling their delicious dishes with origins ranging from Spanish tapas to Polish style beef. Food won't be the only thing you'll find in this part of the city, it is also known for deliciously crafted cocktails!

After a few hours of history, laughter, cocktails and food make your way back to the port.