Happy Trail Tours
PO Box 432
Forbes, Minnesota 55738
(218) 744-4159
Toll Free at 1-800-635-7779
E-mail us!
 
 
Boarding in Eveleth, Virginia, Hibbing, Grand Rapids, Duluth

Cherry Blossom Festival’s 100th Birthday at Washington DC

April 10 - 20, 2012

It’s no wonder that over a million visitors travel annually to visit our Nation’s Capital to Washington DC with all its monuments, museums, art galleries, libraries, shrines, churches, parks and monumental buildings, squares and more. It’s an honor for Happy Trails Tours to bring groups to this magnificent city richly endowed with American history. We’ve been taking groups to DC for over 20 years. So, needless to say… we know what our customers want to see. We’ve included FIVE wonderful nights in Old Town Alexandria at the Sheraton Suites Hotel AND one night in Gettysburg, PA to include Civil War history. Read on for more details on this patriotic 10 day package to Washington DC.

This 11 Day Washington DC Tour Includes:

  • Round-trip motor coach transportation by Trobec’s Bus Company - Grand Rapids, Iron Range, Duluth / Superior
  • 10 nights of great accommodations Five nights at the Sheraton Hotel in Old Towne Alexandria, VA
    Other overnights: One night in Gettysburg, PA; St Clairsville, OH; Grove City, OH; and a Pre-night & Post night in Le Roy IL
  • 12 Meals- Breakfast each morning at the hotels; 2 Dinners
  • Memorials & Monuments: Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam, Korean, Iwo Jima, WW II, Air Force and FDR and now the new MKL Memorial
  • Smithsonian’s: Visit the Natural History & American History, Air & Space (Length of stay at the Smithsonian’s are as time allows)
  • United States Capitol-This is about a 2 hour tour to include the Great Rotunda & Statuary Hall. It is a new facility and your tour begins with a film. We are also given headsets so that we can hear the tour guide’s narration. Note: This tour requires a fair amount of walking.
  • The Newseum Museum, Nat’l Archives, Ford’s Theater, Peterson House and Mount Vernon in Alexandria
  • An opportunity to Worship on Sunday morning at the National Cathedral
  • Side Trip to Quantico, VA to see the new United States Marine Corp Museum
  • Arlington National Cemetery – Tourmobile, Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier & Kennedy Gravesites.
  • Gettysburg, Pennsylvania- Includes overnight in Gettysburg, National Battlefield tour and the new Cyclorama /Museum & Dinner.
  • Flight 93 New Memorial in Shanksville, PA
  • Washington DC Historian throughout our five days in Washington DC (including tip) and Gettysburg Guide
  • All Taxes, Most Tips and Luggage Handling, Fully Escorted with a Happy Trails Tours Representative
Prices in (US Funds)
Per person Double Per person Triple Single Traveler  
$1,879 $1,659 $2,619  
Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservation is considered secure without a deposit paid.
Deposit of $150 per person is due when registering. Final balance is due February 20, 2012. Final documents will arrive early March.
Full refunds available with cancellations made no later December 20, 2011.
Money orders, personal checks, credit card accepted.
Monies returned with cancellations from December 20, 2011to February 20, are contingent on what Happy Trails Tours receives back from hotels, tour companies, charters, restaurants, and other attractions. No refunds with cancellations after February 20, 2012.
Cancellation insurance is available at an additional charge and can offer peace of mind & financial security. Pre-existing conditions are waived when purchased within 12 days of your initial down payment. Call us for a brochure. 1-800-635-7779
Click here for printable reservation form to mail to: Happy Trails Tours, PO Box 432, Forbes MN 55738

Things to “know before you go on your Washington DC Tour”

  • Pack light. Bring casual clothing, comfortable shoes & a lightweight jacket. Everything we are doing or places we eat are casual No need to pack a jacket & tie or dress outfits unless you wish to.
  • Pack one suitcase each. This suitcase is delivered each night to your rooms by the porter. (Tips are included so do not tip them more). You may bring a carry-on bag, as well, on board. Carry-on bags are handled by yourself. Do not make them heavier than what you can carry. Pack a swimming suit if you enjoy the pool, bring a camera, a raincoat, & an umbrella. It is wise to pack an alarm clock, too, as sometimes a glitch occurs for wake-up calls from the front desk.
  • The hotels are very nice throughout the entire tour. Most have indoor pools, coffee makers, irons, ironing boards and fitness centers. Read the day-by-day about each property. The Drury Inn offers a “Quick Start” hot and cold appetizers and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) from 5 – 7 pm each day.
  • There are many nice meals included in this tour. Most breakfasts are deluxe continental breakfast (which are very complete) and some are full hot style breakfasts. Dinners included are sit-down style where you’ll have several entrée’s to select from in advance of the event. Be sure to put any special diet requests on your final invoices included in this envelope. Tips for the waiters/waitresses are included for the meals we pre-packaged. Tips are not included for other meals that you pay for on own.
  • The coach is a 2011 (or a few years older) 56 passenger motorcoach with reclining seats, big windows, restroom, TV’, CD & DVD and chartered through Trobec’s Bus Company, St Stephens & Little Falls. They are beautiful coaches and they have great drivers, too. We practice an open seating upon boarding on the first day. We do not rotate seats so you will keep the seat you have throughout the tour. If you have a special need for seating, kindly let us know in advance. If the coach is full, we will assign seats according to physical need and the date of registration. We stop every 2 - 3 hours for breaks.
  • Be sure to let us know of any special needs...such as diet, walking, stairs, allergies or motion sickness, etc…. If you use a wheelchair, walker (one with a seat is best) or a scooter, please let us know. Please refrain from using strong colognes or perfumes while on board the coach. So many folks have allergies and we want everyone comfortable while traveling.
  • The tour includes tips for luggage handling, meals and step-on-guides while touring Washington DC and Gettysburg. Tips are not included for your driver & on board travel host.
  • We play movies, play games, listen to cassettes & tell stories as we pass the time along while traveling. If you have a cute joke or story (and it’s appropriate for all audiences!) then we invite you to use the microphone and share your humor with all on board.
  • We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling. Sometimes changes occur beyond our control. If a change occurs, we’ll replace it something of equal value. We have no control over any of the attractions listed in this flyer nor can we control our Nation’s Government. Changes can occur especially during now with the world events that are occurring.
  • Travel protection insurance is available to folks for many different types of emergencies that may result in a personal cancellation on this tour. However, many factors may apply in whether or not coverage would apply. Please read through the enclosed brochure and decide if you are interested in travel protection insurance at an additional charge. Many people think it’s just a medical insurance policy (and it’s not) and some even believe that their homeowners insurance covers last minute cancellations, which is does not. Most of our clientele are seniors so many of those registering for tours may have medical situations that arise. Travel protection insurance offers financial security as well as, “peace of mind”.
  • We do not generally include the Holocaust Museum because it’s very sad and graphic and many of our customers have a difficult time going there. We will tell you it’s an amazing museum and if this is something you wish to do, no problem…we can direct you there. There is one thing that makes this museum a bit more challenging. You must have a ticket in advance (especially during Cherry Blossom time) and they are timed (cost is minimal). These can be obtained over the internet. However, the schedule we have listed here may change and your ticket may not fit our schedule. It may be best to try to obtain the tickets once you arrive to DC just in case. Please let us know if you want to go there and we’ll try our best to make this happen for you!

    There’s NEVER enough time to see everything in this magnificent city…and everyone’s interests vary. We do promise a wonderful well-scheduled tour so that you can enjoy the things you are seeing. Generally, we leave the hotel after breakfast about 8:30 am and then return in time for dinner (between 6-7 pm). On occasion, we’ll take an evening drive back into the city to see some of the monuments lit up at night. (They are really beautiful). We try to get folks back to their hotel rooms in the early evening whenever possible so they have time to unwind and relax before retiring for bed. Hopefully, you start the next morning refreshed and ready to begin another great day of sightseeing.
    Keep in mind…when you think DC….think “pavement” and “walking”. Buses cannot drop off at front doors here. Sorry. The buses cannot stay running in the city, either. They must leave immediately after unloading passengers and return only minutes before it’s time to re-board. Because we have a full time historian / guide on board while in the city, it allows our Happy Trails host to help those with special needs who may be in need of extra help.
    If you’ve been to DC before and want to see something else NOT listed or wish to spend more time at your leisure …just let us know and we’ll be happy to help you with any arrangements. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions or concerns. We’ve taken tours to DC for over 24 years and promise you a wonderful time!

    Happy Trails Tours acts only as an agent for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, theater, or other services connected with this tour. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Happy Trails Tours, INC and their respective employees, agents, representatives accept no liability what-so-ever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other default of any company or person in performing these services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of country in which they are provided. Happy Trails Tours INC is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours/trips arranged by Happy Trails Tours. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects.

Cherry Blossom Festival’s 100th Birthday at Washington DC
April 10 - 20, 2012

Travel to Le Roy, IL 540 miles
Convenient boarding will be offered in the towns of Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Virginia, Eveleth and Duluth. We’ll travel southeast through Wisconsin and into Illinois. We’ll break for breakfast and lunch, paying on own, as well as other stops in the mid-day. We try to stop every 2-1/2 - 3 hours so folks can stretch their legs and walk around a bit. We’ll spend our first night in LeRoy, Illinois.
6:30 pm - Estimated arrival to LeRoy. NOTE: LeRoy is 15 miles East of Normal, IL. Hotel: Holiday Inn Express
The rooms have two queen beds, coffee makers, irons & boards, hairdryers, microwaves and some have mini refrigerators.
Travel to St Clairsville, OH 450 miles
6:30 - 7:30 am – Breakfast is served in the hotel – Set your luggage outside your doors at 6:30 am when you go to eat.
7:30 am - The bus departs for St Clairsville, Ohio. (St Clairsville is 12 miles west of Wheeling, WV on I-70).
This is another day dedicated to travel … so set your seats back, enjoy the company of fellow travelers on board, stops will be made every 2-½ - 3 hours for meals and restroom stops. As we cross the Illinois / Indiana border, we’ll move into eastern-time zone.
6:00 pm - (Eastern Time) – Arrive to our hotel. Hotel: Hampton Inn
The rooms have two queen beds, coffee makers, irons & boards, hairdryers, microwaves and some have mini refrigerators.
Travel to Washington DC 300 miles
6:30 – 7:15 am – Breakfast is served in the hotel – Set your luggage outside your doors at 6:30 am when you go to eat.
7:30 am - The bus departs St Clairsville, Ohio for DC. A mid-morning stop will be made en-route before having our lunch in
Frederick, Maryland. (It’s easier to get lunch before we get into the city – then once we arrive, we’ll begin our touring our Nation’s Capitol)!
2:30 pm - Estimated arrival to Washington DC – Begin sightseeing. Our first stop will be the FDR and Jefferson Memorials – We’ll
see the Washington Memorial from the outside (we are not going up it-sorry). Our DC guide will give us narration as the afternoon progresses. So…enjoy.
6:30 pm - Estimated hotel check in. Hotel is the lovely Sheraton Suites hotel in Old Towne Alexandria. This property is amazing.
It’s in a location where you can take a short stroll down to the Potomac waterfront and is just off King Street (home to boutiques, galleries, restaurants and shopping). It’s a full service property with an indoor pool and hot tub, guest laundry, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons & boards & free Wi-Fi. Enjoy the rest of the day as per your own agenda. Hotel: Sheraton Suites Hotel (1st Night)
Please Note: At this time, we will give you a preliminary list of the attractions included in this package. Though we’ve listed the attractions in a specific order, changes may occur. It is difficult to tell you this early out just exactly what day you will do them as the schedule may change due to current events at the time we are there. With the government as it is right now, changes are always possible and likely to happen. Rest assured, you will see all that is planned (maybe on a different day than what is stated here) unless circumstances beyond our control prevent it. We list them like this so that you get an idea of how we operate each day and the length of each day. This tour requires a fair amount of walking so please keep that in mind when registering for this tour. If you use a wheelchair, walker or an electric scooters, bring it. If you do have special needs, kindly have someone with you to assist and please let us know in advance. We’d love for all to enjoy this tour regardless of physical abilities but we want everyone well prepared. We’ve been bringing groups to Washington DC for over 20 years. We’ve had great feed back from our tour groups and we’re certain that you, too, will have a fabulous time in DC.
Exploring our Nation’s Capitol in Washington DC
6:30-8:30- Breakfast is served in the restaurant at the hotel. Help yourselves.
8:30 AM- Board the coach and we’ll tour a variety of historic DC attractions. Stop by the Air-Force Memorial this morning.
From here we’ll visit our Nation’s Capitol Building. A brief introductory film begins our tour and then we’ll walk with our tour guide through Statuary Hall and the Great Rotunda. This is about a two-hour tour. We’ll be wearing head-sets so that we can hear the guide as we walk. After the Capitol tour, we’ll get a group photo taken before continuing on to our next stop.
12:00- Next stop: Newseum Museum – You won’t believe this place! Every headline that hi-lights any major event in our country is here! It’s amazing. Most people say they never have enough time so we’ve added an extra hour! You’ll be able to get lunch here – they have a food court.
4:00 - 6:00 PM - Visit the Vietnam and Korean and Lincoln. These attractions should finish filling up the day quite well.
6:00 pm - Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening as per your own agenda. (Sheraton Hotel – 2nd night)
More Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
6:30 - 8:30 - Breakfast is served in the restaurant at the hotel. Help yourselves.
8:00 am - Board the coach and visit the World War II Memorials before the parade.
We’ll also tuck in a memorial or two as time permits before taking our seats for the 10 am parade. This morning, for those who’ve ordered the National Cherry Blossom Parade tickets, we’ll bring you to your parade route seats. (This event is an additional $18 per person which is added on to your final invoice. You need to check if you want this or not) This parade celebrates it’s 100th Anniversary and is sure to be spectacular! It’s one of the top 10 attractions visited in our nation. Please note: For those who will not be going to the parade, you may explore on your own during this time. There are many memorials and Smithsonian’s located in this same area. Though nearby, it requires walking. You would have about 2.5 hours.
12:00 pm - This afternoon highlights more of our nation’s historic sites….Travel to the National Archives Building and view our
our most sacred documents. This tour is about 1-½ hours depending on the lines. Nearby is Ford’s Theater and the Peterson House which we’ll also stop by and visit.
3:00 pm - More time at the Smithsonian’s- to enjoy as per your own agenda. Air & Space, Native American or National Gallery of Art.
6:30 pm - Return to the hotel. Spend the rest of the evening as per your own agenda. We are in a great location of restaurants, shopping and more in Olde Towne Alexandria. (Sheraton Hotel – 3rd night)
More Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
6:30 - 8:00 - Enjoy the early morning as per your own agenda. Breakfast is served in the restaurant at the hotel.
8:00 am- Board the bus for another wonderful day! Before we attend church, we’ll try to get in the new MLK Memorial and then
drive along Embassy Row on our way to the cathedral.
11:00 AM - Church service begins. Whenever possible, we make time for the worship service at the National Cathedral.
When in DC, we have been reserving Sunday mornings for this time of worship for quite a few years now. Our groups tell it’s the hi-light of their time in DC. The service welcomes all faiths (though it is Episcopal) and we’ve never had anyone not absolutely love it. The speakers and special music and choirs have always been wonderful. Of course, if you prefer not to attend, kindly come along so that you don’t miss the morning attractions before the service but take your time to explore the church’s other venues during the service. They also have a coffee shop & gift shop. The service will last 1 ¼ hours.
12:30 pm - Board the coach – and we’ll continue touring after we get a quick bite to eat……….
1:30 - 3:30 pm - Next: We’ll begin our morning with a ride out to Quantico, Virginia to see the new United States Marine Corps Museum.
This is probably one of most impressive museums we’ve ever visited. It is AMAZING. You can see the actual flag that was flown on Iwo Jima (That’s just one exhibit that will leave you in awe) Not many groups visit Quantico but Happy Trails Tours does and you’ll see why we have continued to keep in our itinerary. You’ll have time to grab a bite to eat, paying on own, while at the museum.
5:00 pm - Estimated arrival back to the hotel. (Sheraton Hotel – 4th night)
More Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
6:30 - 8:30 - Enjoy the early morning as per your own agenda. Breakfast is served at the hotel.
8:30 am - Board the bus. Our first stop will be Iwo Jima Memorial. This works well as it’s on the way to the cemetery.
9:30 am - Visit Arlington National Cemetery. At this cemetery you’ll board a “Tourmobile Tram” and see the Kennedy Grave Sites and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This tour is fully narrated.
11:30 – 2:30 pm-Visit the American History Smithsonian or visit the Natural Smithsonian if you prefer- they are next to each other.
2:30 - 6:00 pm - Travel to Mount Vernon, home of George Washington – Here’s where we’ll spend the remainder of the day.
6:30 pm - Dinner, included, at the Mount Vernon Inn (Restaurant is located on the grounds-several plated entrée’s to pick from).
6:30 pm - Return to the Sheraton for the rest of the evening to enjoy in Olde Towne at your leisure. (Sheraton Hotel -5th night)
Travel to Gettysburg, PA 80 Miles
6:30 - 8:30 - Enjoy the early morning as per your own agenda. Breakfast is served at the hotel.
7:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors for the porter.
8:00 am Board the coach. Before we leave town, we’ll visit the White House Visitors Center. Here’s the place where you can
pick up a few souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else.
9:30 am - Begin traveling to Gettysburg – arriving to the downtown area where you can lunch, paying on own.
1:15 pm - Re-board the coach for your visit to the Gettysburg National Battlefield Museum and the new Cyclorama Film
We’ll do the museum and film first – then take our drive through the national park.
5:30 pm - Check into our hotel tonight. Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn
6:30 pm - Dinner, included, at the historic Dobbin House tonight. (Several plated entrée’s to pick from). This property dates back to the 1700’s and is charming and filled with history. (The food is delicious, too!)
Travel to Grove City, Ohio 360 Miles
Enjoy the early morning as per your own agenda. Breakfast is served at the hotel. 7:00 am- Set your luggage out.
8:00 am - We’ll check out of the hotel begin our journey homeward through Pennsylvania and Ohio.
10:30 - We are so close to the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA, that we have decided to visit the brand new memorial. We
have been stopping at this sight for the past few years and have been watching this work in progress. We hope you find it as touching as we do. We’ll get lunch on the way.
12:30 – Board the coach. Travel through the lovely states of Ohio before arriving to Grove City, Ohio.
5:30 pm - Estimated arrival to Grove City. Hotel: Drury Inn
The Drury Inn will offer a wonderful hot buffet of appetizers, snacks and hot & cold beverages upon our arrival. Many people tell us they are satisfied with what is offered. However, there is a nice restaurant within walking distance. This property also offers two beds in the room, coffee makers, microwaves, hair dryers, irons & ironing boards.
Travel to Le Roy, Illinois 360 miles
7:30 – 8:30 am - Breakfast is included this morning. 7:30 am- Set your luggage outside your door for the porters.
8:30 am- The bus departs. This day is dedicated to travel. Stops along the way will be made so set your seats back & relax.
4:00 pm- (Central Time) – Arrive to Le Roy, Illinois Hotel: Holiday Inn Express
Again…the rooms have two queen beds, coffee makers, irons & boards, hairdryers, microwaves and some have mini refrigerators.
Homeward Bound 550 miles
5:30-6:30 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel. 6:30 am- Set your luggage outside your doors this morning.
6:30 am - The bus departs for home.
Stops along the way for lunch and restroom breaks will be made as the day goes along. Sit back and relax as we travel through the beautiful states of Illinois and Wisconsin.
5:00 pm - Estimated arrival to Superior / Duluth area; 6:30 pm to Eveleth; 6:45 pm - Virginia; 7:15 pm - Hibbing; 8:00 to Grand Rapids.
Click here for printable reservation form to mail to: Happy Trails Tours, PO Box 432, Forbes MN 55738
Disclaimer: Happy Trail Tours are arranged and operated by Diane Olds @ Happy Trail Tours INC, PO Box 432, Forbes, MN 55738. Happy Trail Tours, INC and its employees act only as agents for others (airlines, bus lines, hotels, restaurants, theaters, etc.) in providing services included in the tours. No liability shall be incurred by Diane Olds, Happy Trail Tours, INC or its employees because of injury, monetary, or property loss, or other complications experienced by tour members.
Occasionally a change will occur in a tour listed. Whenever possible, we'll replace it with something of equal value or more. Happy Trail Tours always reserve the right to adjust any scheduled itinerary for the benefit of all traveling.
Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Happy Trail Tours, PO Box 432, Forbes MN 55738 (218) 744-4159 or toll free (800) 635-7779
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