Washington, D.C. & Colonial Williamsburg

Day 1 – Welcome to Alexandria, Virginia! (Friday, April 9)

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at LAX this morning for a scheduled nonstop flight to Washington National Airport (DCA), arriving late this afternoon. Guests making independent flight arrangements may request the group flight schedule (subject to change) to align arrivals and take advantage of the complimentary transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, we’ll board a deluxe motorcoach for the short drive to Alexandria, Virginia—a historic riverside city known for its charming, small-town feel. We’ll settle into an upscale, all-suite hotel for a three-night stay, complete with a complimentary nightly “happy hour” in the lobby, diverse dining within walking distance, and a convenient free trolley into the heart of Old Town Alexandria.

Day 2 – Washington, D.C. (Saturday, April 10)

Following an included made-to-order breakfast at the hotel, we’ll be joined by a local guide and drive past the Pentagon en route to the National Mall. Here, we’ll visit a collection of profound, deeply moving tributes: the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Along the picturesque Tidal Basin, we’ll take in sweeping views of the city from the stately Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Following an exterior view of the White House, we’ll delve into presidential history at the White House Visitor Center, home to interactive exhibits and roughly 100 authentic artifacts. We’ll pay tribute to the 16 million Americans who served—and the more than 400,000 who gave their lives—at the National World War II Memorial, before visiting the stirring U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima). Later, we’ll explore historic Old Town Alexandria, a bustling seaport in the nation’s early days. See Robert E. Lee’s boyhood home, the seven-foot-wide Spite House, and historic Christ Church, where George Washington and Robert E. Lee worshipped. This evening we’ll enjoy an included dinner at a locals’ favorite in Alexandria. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3 – Washington, D.C. (Sunday, April 11)

This morning, we’ll visit Arlington National Cemetery, America’s revered sanctuary of valor and sacrifice. A narrated tram tour takes us to President John F. Kennedy’s grave site and the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Spend the afternoon exploring your choice of world-class, admission-free Smithsonian institutions. See the legendary Hope Diamond at the National Museum of Natural History, view the historic Star-Spangled Banner flag at the National Museum of American History, or marvel at the Wright brothers’ flyer and Apollo 11 command module inside the newly renovated National Air & Space Museum. Other acclaimed museums within walking distance include the National Museum of African American History & Culture, the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of African Art, the National Museum of Asian Art, the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden. Enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 4 – Mount Vernon, Richmond, Williamsburg (Monday, April 12)

This morning, we’ll visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the southern plantation situated on a shaded, rolling slope overlooking the Potomac River. Tour the stately mansion, stroll through 50 acres of cultivated grounds and gardens containing George and Martha Washington’s final resting place, and view insightful exhibits detailing the life and legacy of the "Father of Our Country." This afternoon, we’ll travel south to Virginia's capital, Richmond, to visit Historic St. John’s Church—a cornerstone of American liberty. Here, in the spring of 1775, Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and over 100 colonial delegates gathered in secret defiance of the royal governor, where Henry delivered his impassioned "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech. This evening we’ll arrive in Williamsburg, the legendary hub of patriots, loyalists, and early American history. We’ll settle into the Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection for a three-night stay. Located in the historic district, this acclaimed hotel pairs upscale modern comfort with rustic-chic, colonial-inspired design. Enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure with various eateries within walking distance of the hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 5 – Williamsburg (Tuesday, April 13)

This morning, we’ll immerse ourselves in Colonial Williamsburg with an all-access pass granting entry to 88 meticulously restored 18th century sites. Highlights include the regal Governor’s Palace; the Colonial Capitol, where revolutionary ideals were forged into law; historic Bruton Parish Episcopal Church; the George Wythe House, once Washington’s headquarters; and Raleigh Tavern, a spirited meeting place where independence was vigorously debated. Steps from our hotel, the 173-acre historic district comes alive as skilled artisans and period interpreters invite you into the daily trades, politics, and conversations of early America. Following dinner on your own, join the candlelit Haunted Williamsburg Ghost Tour. Led by costumed storytellers, this exclusive one-hour walk offers rare nighttime access inside historic buildings to share authentic colonial legends and chilling modern encounters. Please note that some historic interiors are not ADA-accessible; the tour operates rain or shine, barring severe weather. (Breakfast)

Day 6 – Jamestown, Yorktown (Wednesday, April 14)

This morning, we’ll take a short drive to Jamestown Settlement, which commemorates the first permanent English colony in the New World. Step aboard full-scale replicas of the three 1607 ships to discover the harsh voyage endured by early settlers, and explore the reconstructed fort brought vividly to life by costumed historical interpreters. This afternoon, we continue to Yorktown to tour the Yorktown Battlefield, site of the Revolutionary War’s decisive final clash. Through compelling films and visitor center exhibits, trace the allied American and French siege that led to General Cornwallis’s surrender and secured American independence. Enjoy leisure time along Yorktown’s scenic Riverwalk Landing, home to several eateries and expansive views of the York River. This afternoon we’ll visit the American Revolution Museum, featuring dynamic, interactive galleries that chronicle America’s transformation from fragile colonies to a newly constitutional republic. Tonight, we’ll gather for an included tavern dinner steeped in authentic 18th century hospitality. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 – Fredericksburg, Journey Home (Thursday, April 15)

This morning, we head north to Fredericksburg to tour Kenmore, the elegant Georgian estate of George Washington’s only sister, Betty, and her patriot husband, Colonel Fielding Lewis. The home features some of the finest, most ornate decorative plasterwork ceilings surviving from the colonial era. Afterward, enjoy free time in Historic Downtown Fredickersburg, a charming, walkable riverside district encompassing over 250 years of American history. Later, we’ll take a guided tour of George Washington’s Ferry Farm, his boyhood home on the banks of the Rappahannock River, offering a vivid glimpse into the future president’s formative years. We’ll continue north to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for our scheduled nonstop flight, arriving in LAX tonight. Guests booking independent flights can request the group flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate similar departure times. Upon arrival at LAX, guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their designated drop-off locations. (Breakfast)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.