20 days in Pennsylvania & Washington DC Itinerary

Steeped in cultural and historical heritage, Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of U.S. democracy, as it was once the meeting place for the country's Founding Fathers.

Venture out of the city with trips to Valley Forge National Historical Park (in Valley Forge), Longwood Gardens (in Kennett Square) and Brandywine River Museum of Art (in Chadds Ford). Next up on the itinerary: get a sense of history and politics at Independence Hall, take in nature's colorful creations at Chanticleer, don't miss a visit to Liberty Bell Center, and see the interesting displays at National Constitution Center.

For traveler tips, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Philadelphia trip planner.

Paris, France to Philadelphia is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. You'll gain 6 hours traveling from Paris to Philadelphia due to the time zone difference. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Paris in July: high temperatures in Philadelphia hover around 36°C and lows are around 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Lancaster.

The heart of Pennsylvania's famous "Dutch Country," Lancaster is one of the nation's oldest inland cities, founded in 1730.

Lancaster is known for nightlife, historic sites, and theme parks. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: steep yourself in history at The Amish Farm and House, find something for the whole family at Dutch Wonderland, walk around Lititz Springs Park, and stop by Kitchen Kettle Village.

For where to stay, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Lancaster trip builder site.

Getting from Philadelphia to Lancaster by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train. Traveling from Philadelphia in July, Lancaster is slightly colder at night with lows of 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) so you can drive to Gettysburg.

Located near the memorial park marking the site of one of the largest Civil War battles, the town of Gettysburg sits in a landscape of rolling green hills with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.

Gettysburg is known for historic sites, museums, and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: stroll around Gettysburg National Military Park, steep yourself in history at Little Round Top, indulge your senses at Savor Gettysburg Food Tours, and trot along with a tour on horseback.

To find where to stay, maps, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Gettysburg road trip planning app.

Traveling by car from Lancaster to Gettysburg takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus. July in Gettysburg sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 22°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Thu) so you can drive to Washington DC.

The capital of the United States, the District of Columbia contains the lion's share of the country's most treasured monuments, memorials, and public museums.

Explore Washington DC's surroundings by going to Trolley Line #9 Trail (in Catonsville) and Horseshoe Casino (in Baltimore). There's much more to do: examine the collection at National Air and Space Museum, explore the world behind art at National Gallery of Art, get a new perspective on nature at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and admire the landmark architecture of Washington National Cathedral.

Start your trip to Washington DC by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

Traveling by car from Gettysburg to Washington DC takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train. Traveling from Gettysburg in August, Washington DC is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 25°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Tue) so you can catch the flight to Pittsburgh.

Known primarily for its steel-related heritage and 446 bridges, Pittsburgh sits at the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, which meet to form the Ohio River.

On the 9th (Wed), explore the different monuments and memorials at Sewickley Cemetery, immerse yourself in nature at Point State Park, then see the top attractions with Sightseeing Tours, and finally take in the awesome beauty at Mount Washington. On the 10th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in nature's colorful creations at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, then examine the collection at Bicycle Heaven, and then take an in-depth tour of Senator John Heinz History Center.

For where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, use the Pittsburgh day trip planning website.

Fly from Washington DC to Pittsburgh in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Washington DC in August, with highs in Pittsburgh at 31°C and lows at 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) to allow time to fly back home.