  

 Day 1: Arrive Washington, D.C. Welcome to Washington, D.C., our Nation’s Capital! Enjoy the facilities at your historic hotel in a beautiful park setting, where world leaders have stayed since 1930. This evening meet your fellow Grandtravelers at a welcome dinner and learn about the exciting adventure ahead. Omni Shoreham Hotel (D) Day 2: White House, Capitol Hill, Museums & Memorials Head to Lafayette Square and have your picture taken in front of the White House, home of U.S. presidents since John Adams. View the Old Executive Office Building, which houses the Vice President’s office, and Blair House, the official state guest house. At Capitol Hill see the stunning exteriors of the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, and Library of Congress. Visit the National Air and Space Museum to discover the various crafts that have taken people to the moon. Explore the sublime waterfalls, granite rock walls, and bronze sculptures of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Dine along the Potomac River followed by an evening visit to some of the city’s most impressive monuments: the Lincoln, Vietnam War, Korean War, and World War II memorials, each softly illuminated against the night sky. (B,D) Day 3: Arlington Cemetery, National Archives, International Spy Museum Visit Arlington Cemetery, situated on a peaceful verdant hillside overlooking the Potomac River. Witness the solemn pageantry of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and view President John F. Kennedy’s burial site, anchored by an eternal flame. At the National Archives see famed documents and photographs that tell America’s story. Explore the International Spy Museum and learn the craft and history of espionage through fun, interactive exhibits. After lunch, the rest of the day is free to explore the museums on the Mall. Experience the living butterfly exhibit at The Museum of Natural History, the spectacular Hall of Mammals, and the breathtaking gem collection featuring the legendary Hope Diamond. Known as “The Nation’s Attic,” the newly refurbished Museum of American History is home to the original Star Spangled Banner. In addition to several art museums, other choices include the Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Sculpture Garden. (B, L) Day 4: Annapolis, Naval Academy Drive to Annapolis and stroll the town’s cobblestone streets on a guided walking tour, stopping by the City Dock and the Maryland State House—the oldest in the country. Tour the serene waterfront campus of the U.S. Naval Academy, and visit the museum, which highlights man’s history at sea. During time on your own in Annapolis, browse through the shops or take a short cruise on the Severn River. Return to Washington via Embassy Row, where embassies representing many countries are concentrated. Also, drive by the early 20th-century National Cathedral, adorned with gargoyles, flying buttresses, and stained-glass windows. (B)
Day 5: Mount Vernon, Williamsburg Drive to Mount Vernon, the plantation home of George and Martha Washington set on the banks of the Potomac River. Explore the restored home and gardens, the cook house, the slave quarters, stables, and reconstructed 16-sided barn. On a specially arranged walk, learn about our first president, who was also an innovative farmer. Next, head south to Williamsburg and check into the Kingsmill Resort, relaxing by the pool before tomorrow’s adventure. (B,L,D) Day 6: Colonial Williamsburg On a full-day exploration of Colonial Williamsburg, discover some of the more than 500 restored and reconstructed buildings spread across 300 acres, where 3,500 archaeologists, researchers, historians, and interpreters have uncovered and preserved remnants of one of America’s earliest towns. On a guided tour stroll along Duke of Gloucester Street, flanked by historic trade shops, and take in the pulse of mercantile life as it was more than 200 years ago. Meet the local artisans—blacksmiths, shoemakers, gunsmiths, printers, cabinetmakers, and wigmakers—all plying their trades using period tools. Discover the reconstructed Capitol, where fiery debates and Patrick Henry’s defiant speeches led to the American Revolution. Enjoy an 18th-century-style lunch at the elegant King’s Arms Tavern, followed by time to explore on your own. This evening celebrate our week of discovery at a festive farewell barbeque at the resort. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Home After breakfast say goodbye to newly made friends, departing from Richmond Airport on flights home. (B)   | Rates per person are based on a minimum of two persons sharing a room. See Terms and Conditions. | Adult/Child double | $3,295 | Adult/Child triple | $2,995 | | | | Airfare to Washington, D.C. and return from Richmond is not included. GRANDTRAVEL is happy to assist in making your air travel arrangements. | |