Experience Washington, D.C. like never before with a trip loaded with national history and exclusive touring events. Visit Arlington Cemetery, enjoy an exclusive guided tour of D.C., and witness the glory of an Illumination Tour of our famed national monuments. While you’re there, don’t miss out on a visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the Ford Theater where Lincoln once stood!
Why you’ll enjoy trip:
♦ Immerse yourself in history, as you tour our Nation’s Capital! Experience Washington, D.C. from monuments and museums, to the Presidents and their homes, during the day and at night.
♦ The Memorials come alive as you hear from your guide what went into the making of each. Learn about all of those that have fallen for our country, and the Presidents who are buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
♦ Make the most of your free time visiting the Smithsonian Museums, the U.S. Capitol or take a walk along the National Mall.
♦ George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are on your agenda today. Tour the historic home of our first President, Mount Vernon, then visit Ford’s Theatre and see the booth that Abraham Lincoln sat in before being shot. Get a glimpse into that fateful day in April 1865.
♦ Spend time touring the only national museum devoted solely documenting African American life, history and culture.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Washington, D.C.
This morning we depart on our journey that takes us into our nation’s Capitol, Washington, D.C.! Our first stop along the tour will be Arlington National Cemetery for a guided tram tour. We will have a chance to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There will also be stops at President John F. Kennedy gravesite, U.S. Coast Guard Memorial, U.S. Army Gen. John J. Pershing’s gravesite, and the Arlington House (The Robert E. Lee Memorial) just to name a few. From here, we check into the Holiday Inn Capitol for the next three nights, which is located right in the heart of the Capitol District and within walking distance to the Smithsonian Museums, Restaurants, and so much more. Remainder of the evening is on own.
Day 2 - Washington, D.C.
A full breakfast is included this morning, followed by a visit to the newly opened National Museum of African American History & Culture, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. Through its many exhibits it tells the American story through the lens of African American history. After, there is free time to get lunch before we make our way over to Ford’s Theatre, the site of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. After John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln, he was carried out of the theatre and into a 19th century federal style row house across the street ~ the Petersen House. Dinner is included this evening at Tony and Joe’s, a famous seafood restaurant located on the Potomac River in historic Georgetown. Following dinner we meet a local guide who will take us on a guided Illumination tour of Washington, D.C. (B,D)
Day 3 - George Washington's Mount Vernon
After breakfast, our journey continues with our local guide who takes us on a narrated tour of DC. See the WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, The Vietnam Wall, FDR Memorial and the new Martin Luther King Memorial. Then it is on to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. In 1754, George Washington began residing at Mount Vernon which is a 3,000 acre estate and a house that was approximately 3,500 square feet and was originally built by his father in 1735. By his death, Washington’s Mount Vernon consisted of approximately 7,600 acres and an almost 11,000 square foot mansion. Lunch this afternoon will be included before we make our way back to the hotel. (B,L)
Day 4 - Depart Washington, D.C.
Spend the morning how you would like before we head for home after lunch, on own. (B)
