Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Monday, 28 Oct 2019: Arrive Washington, DC; Welcome Dinner (D)
Welcome to Washington, DC! Schedule your arrival into Reagan National Airport (DCA) no later than 4:00pm and take local transportation to our hotel, which is conveniently located in historic Old Town Alexandria, just a few miles from the heart of DC and with easy access to all of our planned activities. Should you arrive earlier in the day you might want to stroll along brick-lined King Street in the heart of Old Town. Our tour begins at 6:00pm in the lobby of our hotel. We’ll make introductions at our Welcome Meeting and then walk to a local restaurant to become better acquainted over our Welcome Dinner. Overnight Old Town Alexandria, VA – 6 nights
Tuesday, 29 Oct 2019: Walking Tour of the National Mall; Food Tour (B,O)
Washington, DC is a city of historic memorials and monuments dedicated to those who played a major role in shaping our nation. Many of these memorials are clustered around the National Mall, America’s most-visited national park. We make our way to the Mall via the Metro subway system. It is the easiest and most convenient way of navigating the city. Our day begins with a walking tour of this area and will introduce us to the major players and events in American history that have earned memorials on the Mall. We then return to Old Town Alexandria to enjoy a food tour where we sample a variety of dishes at unique family-owned restaurants. Afterward, there will be free time to shop, wander, and explore this historic and architecturally unique town that has prospered for more than 200 years.
Wednesday, 30 Oct 2019: Capitol Hill; Smithsonians; Evening Trolley Tour (B,D)
Anchoring one end of the National Mall is the US Capitol, one of the most symbolically important and architecturally impressive buildings in America. Together we will explore the most significant features of this building: the Rotunda, the Crypt and the National Statutory Hall. There will be time to visit the Exhibition Hall and Visitor Center Gallery before we depart for the nearby Library of Congress, which is a visual treasure. Stained-glass skylights, inlaid Italian marble floors, gorgeous murals and intricately carved architectural elements all contribute to the Library’s palatial feel. The afternoon is then yours to fill as you choose to. You may want to explore one or more of the 19 Smithsonian museums and galleries, venture away from the Mall to Ford’s Theatre or relax and wander along the Mall at your own pace. Your Tour Leader will help with recommendations. Late this afternoon, we will come together for a very casual dinner before embarking on an evening tour to view the memorials in a different light. Majestic by day, the monuments and memorials are simply spectacular when illuminated at night!
Thursday, 31 Oct 2019: Kennedy Center; Group Lunch; Free Time (B,L)
Located on the banks of the Potomac River, one of the preeminent performing arts venues is the legendary Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, built to honor John F. Kennedy’s lifelong support of the arts. We begin our morning with a tour that highlights the historic events that led up to the establishment of the Kennedy Center and ends at the Roof Terrace for some of the best views of our nation's capital and surrounding areas. After our tour, we'll enjoy lunch together. The remainder of the day and evening is yours. Your Tour Leader will have suggestions for things to do and see and will help pair travelers with similar interests. As day turns to dusk, consider a stroll back down the Mall towards the Tidal Basin for a gorgeous sunset view.
Friday, 1 Nov 2019: Potomac River Cruise; Mount Vernon (B)
One of the most scenic ways to travel to Mount Vernon, the plantation home of George Washington, is by river. A leisurely cruise along the Potomac transports us directly to the plantation’s wharf. We will tour the meticulously restored mansion, wander among the beautiful gardens, explore artifacts and interactive displays in the Museum and Education Center, and visit the final resting place of our first president and members of his family. We will come away with a richer understanding of the legacy Washington built for generations to come. The riverboat then returns us back to Alexandria late afternoon.
Saturday, 2 Nov 2019: Free Day in Washington, DC; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
This day is yours to enjoy and explore what interests you most. You may want to visit Arlington National Cemetery, a solemn place honoring those who served this nation. Be sure to visit the Eternal Flame, where President John F. Kennedy is laid to rest, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Or, you may want to return to the National Mall and explore more of the Smithsonian museums and galleries. In addition to the Smithsonians, there are a variety of other world-class museums to explore, such as the haunting Holocaust Museum or the intriguing International Spy Museum. The National Museum of Women in the Arts is another great visit. It's the only museum in the world that focuses solely on female artists. Your Tour Leader will have suggestions and help to map out a memorable day for you. We'll regroup for our Farewell Dinner to share our favorite moments from our week in the nation’s capital.
Sunday, 3 Nov 2019: Depart from Washington, DC (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Schedule your flight to depart at your convenience. Your Tour Leader will organize travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.