Note: This tour involves quite a bit of walking and standing for extended periods each day.
Day 1 - Arrive Washington, D.C.
Arrive in Washington, D.C. and transfer on your own to the hotel. The tour escort will be available in the hotel lobby to assist with check-in and answer questions from 12-6 p.m. today. After check-in the remainder of the day is free for you to relax. The nearest Metro is 2 miles away, and the hotel provides complimentary shuttle service.
Accommodation: Marriott Fairview Park - 6 nights
Day 2 - City Tour of Washington
This morning visit Capitol Hill, including a photo stop at the Capitol building followed by a tour of the Library of Congress. This afternoon see both the new September 11, 2001 Memorial at the Pentagon, and the Air Force Memorial. A Welcome Dinner is included tonight followed by a walk through the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Day 3 - Arlington National Cemetery & Georgetown
A visit to Arlington National Cemetery is followed by a photo stop at the White House. In the afternoon drive along Embassy Row and tour Washington National Cathedral (pending availability). After free time in Georgetown, dinner is included at the Sequoia, a two-story glass fronted restaurant with views of the Potomac. Dinner is followed by a driving tour of the city's illuminated monuments.
Day 4 - Cherry Blossom Parade
After breakfast, enjoy your reserved grandstand seats at the annual Cherry Blossom Parade! The Cherry Blossom Festival marks the celebration of the original gift of 3,000 cherry trees by the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, D.C. in 1912. The celebration includes a massive parade, which navigates down Constitution Avenue from 7th Street towards the Tidal basin. Along the parade are several free concerts on the mall, lantern lighting, dances and races. Afterwards your day is free to explore on your own before a transfer back to the hotel later today. You may decide to walk to the National Mall and visit one of the Smithsonian Institution’s museums, or visit the National Archives. Everyone will receive a Metro pass today.
Day 5 - Mount Vernon Cruise & Tour
This morning board The Spirit of Mount Vernon for a cruise on the Potomac River. Enjoy fascinating views of America's great landmarks and Washington's historic waterfront on the way to a tour of Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington. Feel the presence of history as you are guided through the first president's home. You’ll also visit the Museum and Education Center at Mt Vernon. Later this afternoon visit Alexandria for a brief orientation tour followed by free time to explore and dine on your own before returning to the hotel.
Day 6 - Free Day in Washington, D.C
Enjoy a free day in Washington, D.C. Your tour escort will assist with any questions you may have, before dropping you at the National Mall. Spend the day at your choice of area museums, including the Smithsonian, Phillips Collection, National Museum of Women in the Arts, or Hillwood Museum and Gardens (admission fees not included). At the end of the day you will meet the motor coach at the National Museum of Natural History Mall entrance and transfer back to the hotel. Tonight's Farewell Dinner is at JR's Stockyards Inn, an award winning fine dining restaurant.
Day 7 - Depart Washington, D.C.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport on your own for your flight home. Your tour escort will be available today at the hotel to assist with any check-out needs.
