BELLE — An upcoming adult bus trip to Washington, D.C. will take travelers on an eight-day journey through some of the most historically significant sites in the eastern United States, combining presidential landmarks, major battlefields and deeply moving memorials, while offering participants the flexibility to explore beyond a traditional student-focused experience.

The trip is scheduled for June 8–16, according to organizers Steve Vogt and Tracey Auer.

While the itinerary includes many of the same historic sites typically visited on student trips, Auer said the adult-focused experience allows for greater flexibility, including additional destinations and more freedom in how time is spent at each stop.

“The trip will feature many of the things the students see,” Auer said, “but we will have the flexibility for us to see other things, like Boston.”

Travelers will depart early in the morning on June 8, beginning the journey with a breakfast stop in St. Louis before continuing east with planned rest and meal stops along the way. One of the first sightseeing stops will be the Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home in Indiana, giving passengers the opportunity to stretch their legs and explore an important early chapter of American history.

The group will spend its first night near Monticello, touring Thomas Jefferson’s historic home the following morning before continuing on to Washington, D.C. That afternoon includes a visit to Mount Vernon, the longtime home of George Washington.

While in Washington, D.C., the itinerary features two evenings of special programming. One evening includes a guided nighttime tour of the city’s monuments, allowing participants to see the memorials illuminated after dark. Another evening is reserved for attendance at the U.S. Army’s Twilight Tattoo ceremony.

The Twilight Tattoo showcases the Army’s history through music, uniforms from different eras, rifle fire, cannon demonstrations and patriotic performances. Vogt noted the event is particularly meaningful during the Army’s ongoing celebration of its 250th anniversary.

“One evening we try to have a pizza party, get-together type thing,” Vogt said, adding that the trip also allows time for fellowship and relaxation.

After departing Washington, the group will travel to Baltimore for a visit to Fort McHenry. If weather permits, travelers will be present for the raising of the fort’s large garrison flag.

From there, the tour continues to Philadelphia, with planned stops at Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Benjamin Franklin’s grave. Participants will also have the opportunity to see the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, commonly known as the “Rocky steps.”

The trip then heads north to Boston before returning south to Valley Forge. Both Valley Forge and Gettysburg will feature guided “step-on” tours led by professional historians who join the group aboard the bus to provide in-depth commentary.

At Gettysburg, travelers will visit the Cyclorama at the visitor center, a massive panoramic painting depicting the Battle of Gettysburg, before touring key battlefield locations such as Little Round Top and learning about the Union Army’s famous “fish hook” defensive strategy.

The final major stop of the trip is the Flight 93 National Memorial, a visit Vogt described as especially emotional.

“There’s a spot there on the ground that’s fenced off, and only the families can go up to it,” Vogt said. “But you can get close. They have a very nice visitor center, a lot of things they recovered, and phone calls people made from the plane. That’s very emotional.”

Transportation for the trip will be provided by a professional driver with USA Tours, the same company used for student Washington, D.C. trips. Auer said group travel offers several advantages, including experienced drivers and access to knowledgeable tour guides at major historic sites.

“The best thing about group travel is that someone else books everything and manages everything for you,” Auer said. “We have an awesome bus driver who has driven us in D.C. for five years and knows how to get everywhere. We are also able to get tour guides at places that are very knowledgeable by traveling as a group.”

Auer said the itinerary can be physically demanding at times, but accommodations are available to help ensure accessibility.

“The trip can be physically demanding, but there are always trams, wheelchairs or other transportation available,” she said. “Our bus driver always drops us off as close as possible to all the action. There is room under the bus for walkers, wheelchairs and other mobility devices.”

The cost of the trip is estimated to be between $1,000 - $1,250 per person, with the final total dependent on the size of the group. This cost includes transportation, all hotels, tours and tickets, breakfast each morning, travel guides and some meals, depending on the preferences of the group for boxed lunches or group dinners. Travelers should expect to pay separately for some meals and personal expenses.

Destinations and experiences are selected collaboratively.

“The destinations are chosen by the group and me,” Auer said. “We will put a lot of them to a vote.”

While the first day involves a long stretch on the bus, departing around 5 a.m. and arriving at the first overnight stop around 7 p.m.,Vogt said frequent stops help break up the drive.

“It’s a long drive, but it doesn’t seem as long on the way back,” he said. “You’re tired, you sleep on the bus.”

Adults interested in participating must submit a $250 deposit per person, payable to Tracey Auer, along with their name, address, phone number and email. Deposits should be sent to Bland Middle School by Feb. 13 to secure seats for the trip.

Auer said checks will not be cashed unless at least 25 participants commit to the trip.

“If we do not get at least 25 people to go on the trip,” she said, “I will not cash your check.”