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Cycling the Battlefield At Gettysburg

Program Number: 15322RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/5/2013 - 5/10/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Price starting at: $895.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Bicycling Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

Retrace the Battle of Gettysburg by bicycle, allowing you to access more of the historic battlefield. Begin with a classroom overview of the three days that turned the tide of the Civil War, then join your Licensed Battlefield Guide for a chronological exploration of the places where Union and confederate soldiers once clashed. Explore McPherson's Ridge, Little and Big Round Top, and visit Devil's Den. Museum exhibits and historians relate the civilian experience to help you fully comprehend the effects of the battle.




Highlights

• Meet Abraham Lincoln as he delivers the Gettysburg Address, followed by a question-and-answer session.
• Be entertained by a folk musician who plays Civil War-era music on his handmade dulcimer, banjo, accordion and harmonica.
• Visit the Gettysburg National Park Visitors Center and Museum.



Activity Particulars

Bicycling 6-12 miles a day over rolling hills. Participants encouraged to bring bikes from home. Rentals for fee. Climbing four flights of stairs at Shriver House.




Date Specific Information

5-5-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by YWCA Gettysburg-Adams County.




Gettysburg

Situated on the historic Mason-Dixon Line that once divided the North from the South, Adams County is home to the city made famous by the Civil War’s 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, which is today commemorated by a National Military Park.
Accommodations
Historic hotel in the heart of downtown Gettysburg. Free use of indoor pool and fitness center at nearby YWCA.
Meals and Lodgings
   Historic Gettysburg Hotel
  Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 5 nights
 Historic Gettysburg Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: The Historic Gettysburg Hotel, Est. 1797 is a landmark in our nation's history, hosting prominent figures for nearly two centuries. The Hotel is listed in the Historic Hotels of America Directory which identifies quality hotels that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. This hotel is non-smoking.
  Contact info: One Lincoln Square
Gettysburg,, PA 17325 USA
phone: 717-337-2000
web: www.hotelgettysburg.com
  Room amenities: Two full size beds, private bath, remote control TV with over 60 cable channels, desk, telephone, hair dryer, alarm clock, coffeemaker, iron & ironing board and comfortable chair. All rooms are Non-Smoking.
  Facility amenities: Complimentary daily newspapers, coffee in the morning. Afternoon tea. Outdoor pool available the end of May through the beginning of September. Hotel Fitness Center open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hotel Business Center open 24 hrs and offers Internet service, faxing and photo copying. Tennis Courts within walking distance at nearby Gettysburg College. Free use of the YWCA indoor pool (1 mile from the hotel) and fitness facility are available during your stay.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call hotel for pricing Participants must make their own reservations 30 days prior to arrival by calling the hotel (717) 337-2000. Be sure to mention that your attending an Road Scholar program. Addl nights may not be available due to special event weekends and holidays.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call hotel for pricing Participants must make their own reservations 30 days prior to arrival by calling the hotel (717) 337-2000. Be sure to mention that your attending an Road Scholar program. Addl nights may not be available due to special event weekends and holidays.
  Check out time: 11:15 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program begins at 5 p.m. for Registration in the hotel Atrium You will be staying at Historic Gettysburg Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends at the hotel after the last field trip at approximately 11:15 a.m. You will be staying at Historic Gettysburg Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
A covered parking garage is located behind the hotel. All fees are a courtesy of the hotel. You have access to your car 24 hours a day.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
  Nearest city or town:  Harrisburg, PA and Mechanicsburg, PA
  Nearest highway: US Federal Route 15 and Route 30
  Nearest airport:  Harrisburg International - MDT - 45 milesBaltimore Washington International - BWI - 55 miles
  From End of Program
  Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Harrisburg

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Maria's Transport, Peter Kahne
phone: 877-762-7427
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$85 rates subject to change
Prices are subject to change.
 

Harrisburg

 

To Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Maria's Transport, Peter Kahne
phone: 877-762-7427
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$85 rates subject to change
Prices are subject to change.
 

Baltimore

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Maria's Transport, Peter Kahne
phone: 877-762-7427
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$85 rates subject to change
Prices are subject to change.
 

Washington D.C.

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Maria's Transport, Peter Kahne
phone: 877-762-7427
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$85 rates subject to change
Prices are subject to change.
 
Driving Directions
  From All Directions Gettysburg is located in south central Pennsylvania near the Maryland border, within an hour's drive of Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Harrisburg. Routes 15 and 30 intersect in Gettysburg. The Gettysburg Hotel is located at One Lincoln Square at the junction of Route 30 and Business Route 15. Park in front of hotel to check in.
  From the East Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike West to Route 15 south (Gettysburg Exit) or take Route 30 West. Park in front of hotel to check in.
  From the North Reach Route 15 via 78, 81 to get here. Exit off Route 15 at Route 30/York Street exit. Turn right at the top of the exit ramp and follow into the center of town, approximately 2.5 miles. Hotel is located on your right. Park in front to check into the Hotel
  From the South Reach Route 15 via 95, 270 to Frederick, Md. Continue on 15 to the Route 97/Baltimore Street. Turn left at the top of the exit ramp and follow into center of town. Hotel is located on the north east corner of the town square. Park in front of hotel to check in.
  From the West Take the PA Turnpike East to Route 15 South (Gettysburg Exit) or take Route 30 East. Interstate 81 corridors are approximately 35 minute west of town. Park in front of hoetl to check in.
Elevation Note: The highest elevation is 600 feet.

Equipment Requirements: Bike
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival/Living History Presentation
(Sunday, May 5)

Note: Presentation:1
   
 Afternoon: Check into hotel after 3:00 pm; Welcome reception and registration in the hotel atrium at 5:00 pm. Orientation will be held in the designated classroom at 5:30 pm.
 Dinner: Hotel dining room
 Evening: Abe Lincoln Visits
   
Accommodations: Historic Gettysburg Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Extra-Curricular Activity
(Monday, May 6)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room
 Morning: Fieldtrip to the Gettysburg National Park Visitors Center/Museum. A chance to watch the film "A New Birth Of Freedom" and see the newly restored Cyclorama Painting. This will give you a great overview and understanding of the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. There is free time to browse the gift shop and book store which has an outstanding collection of Civil War related books. See the museum, an extensive collection of artifacts found on the Gettysburg Battlefield and other prominent Civil War Battlefields.
 Lunch: Hotel dining room
 Afternoon: Licensed Battlefield Guide will give a one hour overview of the battle and lead participants by bicycle out to areas on the battlefield covering the events in chronological order. Rain or Shine
 Dinner: Hotel dining room
 Evening: Showing the first half of the movie "Gettysburg"
   
Accommodations: Historic Gettysburg Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Battlefield/Extra-Curricular Activity
(Tuesday, May 7)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room
 Morning: Licensed Battlefield Guide will lead participants by bicycle out to areas on the battlefield covering the events in chronological order. Rain or Shine
 Lunch: Boxed lunches will be provided to have a picnic on the battlefield, weather permitting.
 Afternoon: Instruction in classroom on The Civilian Experience at Gettysburg During the Battle.
 Dinner: Hotel dining room
 Evening: Showing of the second part of the movie "Gettysburg".
   
Accommodations: Historic Gettysburg Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Entertainment Activity
(Wednesday, May 8)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room
 Morning: Walk to the Shriver House Museum for an inside look at the civilians during the battle and then walk back to the hotel.
 Lunch: Hotel dining room
 Afternoon: Spend the afternoon riding on bicycle out on the battlefield with a Licensed Battlefield Guide to continue your learning experience of the battle. Rain or Shine
 Dinner: Hotel dining room
 Evening: Folk musician playing Civil War Era music.
   
Accommodations: Historic Gettysburg Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:
(Thursday, May 9)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room
 Morning: Licensed Battlefield Guide will lead participants by bicycle out to areas on the battlefield covering the events in chronological order. Rain or Shine
 Lunch: Opportunity to sample local fare on their own.
 Afternoon: Free time to explore the Gettysburg National Military Park and the town of Gettysburg.
 Dinner: Special farewell dinner with a social before.
 Evening: Evening is Free
   
Accommodations: Historic Gettysburg Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6:
(Friday, May 10)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room
 Morning: Guided tour of the Gettysburg Soldiers National and Evergreen Cemeteries. While touring the Soldiers National Cemetery hear the stories of the gallant and brave soldiers who fought and died at the Battle of Gettysburg. Walking through the Evergreen Cemetery hear the heroic stories of Elizabeth Thorn and many other famous civilians of Gettysburg.
 Lunch: Box lunch to take on your way or enjoy in the hotel dining room
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Gettysburg, Pennsylvania YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County
Visit our local YWCA located just 1 mile from the Gettysburg Hotel at 909 Fairfield Road (Rte 116). This family recreation facility offers a swimming pool and a spacious 12-person whirlpool-there is no towel service so be sure to bring your own towels. You may swim during lap lane/open swim or join an aquatics fitness class- Please check schedule in your hotel classroom for times. Also available is the weight and fitness room, 2 basketball and 2 racquetball courts for your enjoyment. Hours of operation are: Monday thru Friday 4:30 a.m.-10 p.m. (pool opens at 6a.m.). Saturday 8 a.m-5 p.m. Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. (717) 334-9171 For additional information, visit www.ywcagettysburg.org
  Eisenhower National Historic Site and Farm
Located adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield, the farm first served as a weekend retreat during his Presidency and later the only place the President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower ever called home. Many programs and activities are offered such as a 15 minute Orientation tour, House tour, Self Guided Walks, Narrated Cell Phone tour (minutes do apply), and Ranger conducted programs throughout the summer. Also stop by the Reception Center to view the Eisenhower Exhibits and the short video about President Eisenhower’s life from a small boy through his 38 years in the military, to his presidency and retirement. Due to a lack of on-site parking and space limitations in the Eisenhower home, visits can only be made by a shuttle bus leaving from the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. Please Call the Visitor Center for pricing and hours of operation at (717) 334-1124. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/eise/
  Adams County Historical Society
Located in the Samuel Schmucker Hall on the campus of the Lutheran Theological Seminary. It has a museum, library, archives and meeting rooms of the society. Between archives, photographs, books, and objects the Adams County Historical Society estimates that it has over 1,000,000 items in the collection. Hours of operation are: Wednesday thru Saturday 9a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Museum is open by appointment only. Please contact the Historical Society for more information or to schedule a tour at (717)-334-4723. For additional information, visit www.achs-pa.org
  Guided Historic Walking Tours
Depart from the Gettysburg Hotel with a licensed Town Guide and learn how the battle impacted the town and its people. Walk to historical buildings and landmarks while hearing the stories from diary entries, personal accounts, letters, drawings, and photographs with stories of Tillie Pierce, the canon known as “Penelope”, Mary Virginia Wade, Sarah Broadhead, Mary McAllister, Elizabeth Gilbert, John Burns and many, many others. Tours run April thru November 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call (717) 339-6161 or (717) 337-3491 For additional information, visit www.mainstreetgettysburg.org
  The David Wills House
Home of attorney David Wills and where President Lincoln spent the night before delivering his famous Gettysburg Address. The museum includes seven galleries, including the restored office where David Wills coordinated post-battle recovery efforts and the famous Lincoln bedroom where the President finished revising the Gettysburg Address. For more information on rates and hours of operation please call (717) 337-3491 For additional information, visit www.mainstreetgettysburg.org
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


The Gettysburg Campaign:A Study in Command


Author: Edwin Coddington


Description: Highly recommended by the Gettysburg National Military Park and Battlefield Guides. Extremely authoritative account of the entire Gettysburg Campaign.



High Tide at Gettysburg


Author: Glen Tucker


Description: A wonderful history of the battle from a Confederate view point. He also makes great use of anecdotal incidents.



Gettysburg: A Journey In Time


Author: William Frassanito


Description: A study of Civil War photography and the use of photos as historical documents. Photos of the Gettysburg battlefield were taken immediately after the battle and each photo is analyzed and accompanied by a modern view.



Women at Gettysburg


Author: Women at Gettysburg


Description: Extraordinary and Fascinating Biographies of 40 women who served, nursed, or aided the soldiers after Gettysburg.



At Gettysburg or What a Girl Saw and Heard at the Battle- A True Narrative


Author: Mrs. Tillie (Pierce) Alleman


Description: An excellent story as Tillie Pierce a young teen age girl tells about her involvement and reaction during the Battle of Gettysburg.





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