Washington, D.C. Blossoms

Day 1 – Welcome to Washington, D.C.!

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at LAX for our scheduled nonstop flight to Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule to coordinate a flight arrival time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to dinner and onto the hotel. Upon arrival, we’ll board a deluxe motorcoach and meet our fellow travelers during an included dinner at a locals’ favorite. This evening we’ll begin a four-night, single-hotel stay at a deluxe hotel in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. (Dinner)

Day 2 – Washington, D.C.

Following an included breakfast, we’ll be joined by a local guide for a full day of sightseeing in our nation’s capital (note that extensive walking is required at some sites and entrance to any site is subject to availability). On Capitol Hill we’ll explore the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, featuring an exhibition gallery, an orientation theater and large gift shop. On a docent-guided tour of the United States Capitol we’ll visit the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall, a chamber in the Capitol that features 100 statues of prominent Americans – two from each state. The most recognized symbol of democratic government in the world, the U.S. Capitol has housed Congress since 1800 and is one of the most imposing public buildings in the world. We continue to the Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building featuring an elaborately decorated interior, embellished by works of art from nearly 50 American painters and sculptors. Established by an act of Congress in 1800, The Library of Congress is the largest national library in the world with more than 650 miles of bookshelves and more than 138 million objects in 470 different languages. This afternoon we’ll travel up Embassy Row to see the large mansions that now house international embassies but were originally built by the socially elite after the Civil War. A docent-guided tour of the Washington National Cathedral will showcase this 14th century Gothic-style wonder that took 83 years to build. This living symbol of our country’s heritage of faith and religious freedom is the sixth largest church in the world and it stands taller than the Washington Monument on 57 acres overlooking Washington, D.C. We’ll enjoy an included dinner this evening at a locals’ favorite on the Georgetown waterfront. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3 – Washington, D.C.

Following an included breakfast, we’ll be joined by a local guide and drive past the Pentagon enroute to the National Mall where we’ll pay our respects at the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial – all very different in their design yet strikingly similar in their ability to emotionally move you. Along the picturesque Tidal Basin, we’ll admire the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial featuring a 19-foot statue and offering a stunning view of Washington, D.C. At the World War II Memorial we’ll honor the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home. At the National Archives Museum we’ll visit the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom to see our nation’s most precious documents including the original Constitution of the United States, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights. This afternoon enjoy time at leisure exploring the Smithsonian museums of your choice (with no admission required). See the Hope Diamond at the National Museum of Natural History. See the actual flag that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner at the National Museum of American History. See the plane flown by the Wright brothers and the Apollo 11 command module at the National Air & Space Museum. Other free 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 and others. Enjoy an included dinner at a locals’ favorite this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 – Arlington, Mount Vernon, Alexandria

After an included breakfast, we’ll visit Arlington National Cemetery, America’s shrine to valor and sacrifice. On a narrated tram tour we’ll stop to pay our respects at President John F. Kennedy’s grave site and see the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This afternoon we’ll visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the southern plantation that sits on a grassy, shaded slope overlooking the Potomac River. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the grounds and 50 acres of gardens that include the tombs of George and Martha Washington. Walk through Washington’s mansion where he escaped the rigors of public office and enjoyed the life of a successful Virginia planter. The museum here features sculptures, paintings, portraits, models, photos, films, documents and diverse artifacts related to the life, times and accomplishments of our nation’s first president and “Father of Our Country.” Enjoy time at leisure exploring Old Town Alexandria, the charming, nationally designated historic district that was once a thriving seaport for the young American nation. After an included dinner at a locals’ favorite, we’ll visit the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima statue). One of the largest bronze statues ever created, it depicts the American flag being raised on Mount Suribachi during World War II and commemorates all marines who have died in battle since 1775. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 – Washington, D.C., Journey Home

Following an included breakfast, we’ll visit Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site, and go inside the restored historic theatre that appears as it did the night of April 14, 1865 when President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. We’ll continue across the street to The Petersen House to see the three rooms furnished in 1865 period pieces, the bed where Lincoln died and learn about the people who gathered around him that fateful night. This afternoon we’ll arrive at Reagan National Airport for our scheduled non-stop flight arriving in Los Angeles this evening. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule to coordinate a flight departure time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the airport. Back in Los Angeles, those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective drop-off points. (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.