Washington DC at Cherry Blossom Time
and Gettysburg
March 25-April 4, 2019
Update on the Washington DC Tour
during the Government Shutdown
Dated January 17, 2019
Many of the National Monuments and Memorials such as; WWII, Vietnam, Korean, Iwo Jima, Lincoln, Jefferson, Air Force, FDR, MLK,
and the Police Memorial are ALL open for viewing up close. The restrooms, gift shops and ADA entrances are closed at these attractions. Ford's Theater, the National Archives and the Smithsonians are the only venues closed at this time.
Other attractions open and giving tours listed in our brochure are the US Capitol Building, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon Estate, Gettysburg Museum, National Battlefield, the United States Marine Corp Museum in Quantico and Flight 93 Memorial outside grounds.
Hopefully, our government will resolve this problem soon and everything will be up and running as usual soon. In the meantime, rest assured, there are plenty of things to see in Washington DC!
And remember, the government cannot control the Cherry Blossoms.
during the Government Shutdown
Dated January 17, 2019
Many of the National Monuments and Memorials such as; WWII, Vietnam, Korean, Iwo Jima, Lincoln, Jefferson, Air Force, FDR, MLK,
and the Police Memorial are ALL open for viewing up close. The restrooms, gift shops and ADA entrances are closed at these attractions. Ford's Theater, the National Archives and the Smithsonians are the only venues closed at this time.
Other attractions open and giving tours listed in our brochure are the US Capitol Building, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon Estate, Gettysburg Museum, National Battlefield, the United States Marine Corp Museum in Quantico and Flight 93 Memorial outside grounds.
Hopefully, our government will resolve this problem soon and everything will be up and running as usual soon. In the meantime, rest assured, there are plenty of things to see in Washington DC!
And remember, the government cannot control the Cherry Blossoms.
Double Per Person-$2069 Triple PP-$1929 Quad PP-$1829 Single Occupancy-$2659
SAVE $100 WITH EARLY REGISTRATION BY NOVEMBER 1ST
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 nearly 30 years! Needless to say… we know what our customers want to see. We’ve included FIVE wonderful nights in Vienna, Virginia at the Marriott Tyson's Corner AND one night in Gettysburg, PA to include Civil War history. Read on for more details on this patriotic 11 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;
Brainerd, Little Falls, Rice, Sartell, Anoka and Eau Clair, WI
10 Nights of Great Accommodations: Five nights at the Marriott Tyson's Corner in Vienna, VA (about 30 minutes from DC)
Other overnights: Elgin, Illinois; Dublin, Ohio; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and Grove City, Ohio.
13 Meals: Breakfast each morning at the hotels; 3 Dinners PLUS Light Dinners & Drinks at the Drury Inns in Columbus and Grove City
Memorials & Monuments: Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam, Korean, Iwo Jima, WW II, Air Force and FDR , MKL, Police & Air Force Memorial
Smithsonian’s: Visit the Natural History & American History, Air & Space, Native American & National Gallery of Art
United States Capitol: To Include a Film, the Great Rotunda Hall and Statuary Hall.
National Archives, Ford’s Theater and Mount Vernon Plantation and Estate in Alexandria
Side Trip to Quantico, VA to see the 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 Memorial in Shanksville, PA
Washington DC Historian throughout our five days in Washington DC and Gettysburg National Park Ranger
All Taxes, Most Tips and Luggage Handling, Fully Escorted with a Happy Trails Tours Representative
SAVE $100 WITH EARLY REGISTRATION BY NOVEMBER 1ST
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 nearly 30 years! Needless to say… we know what our customers want to see. We’ve included FIVE wonderful nights in Vienna, Virginia at the Marriott Tyson's Corner AND one night in Gettysburg, PA to include Civil War history. Read on for more details on this patriotic 11 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;
Brainerd, Little Falls, Rice, Sartell, Anoka and Eau Clair, WI
10 Nights of Great Accommodations: Five nights at the Marriott Tyson's Corner in Vienna, VA (about 30 minutes from DC)
Other overnights: Elgin, Illinois; Dublin, Ohio; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and Grove City, Ohio.
13 Meals: Breakfast each morning at the hotels; 3 Dinners PLUS Light Dinners & Drinks at the Drury Inns in Columbus and Grove City
Memorials & Monuments: Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam, Korean, Iwo Jima, WW II, Air Force and FDR , MKL, Police & Air Force Memorial
Smithsonian’s: Visit the Natural History & American History, Air & Space, Native American & National Gallery of Art
United States Capitol: To Include a Film, the Great Rotunda Hall and Statuary Hall.
National Archives, Ford’s Theater and Mount Vernon Plantation and Estate in Alexandria
Side Trip to Quantico, VA to see the 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 Memorial in Shanksville, PA
Washington DC Historian throughout our five days in Washington DC and Gettysburg National Park Ranger
All Taxes, Most Tips and Luggage Handling, Fully Escorted with a Happy Trails Tours Representative
- 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 Feb 1, 2019. Final documents will arrive mid- February.
- Full refunds available with cancellations made no later December 1, 2018. Money orders, personal checks, credit card accepted.
- Monies returned with cancellations from Dec 1, 2018 to February 1, 2019, are contingent on what Happy Trails Tours receives back from hotels, tour companies, charters, restaurants, and other attractions. No refunds with cancellations after February 1, 2019.
- 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
Washington DC and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania March 25-April 4, 2019
Things to “Know before you go on your Washington DC Tour”
How to Dress: 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.
Luggage: 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 carrry. 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.
Hotels: The hotels are very nice throughout the entire tour. Most have indoor pools, coffeemakers, 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.
Meals: 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 inlcuded for the meals we pre-packaged. Tips are not included for other meals that you pay for on own.
The Coach/ Seat Rotation: The coach is a new 56 passenger motorcoach with reclining seats, big windows, restroom, TV’, CD & DVD and chartered through Trobec’s Bus Company, St Stephens. They are beautiful coaches and they have fantastic drivers. 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. Special requests for seating cannot be promised and are taken on a first-come, first served basis. All seating is preassigned prior to departure. Any special reqeusts must be noted in writing on your application forms in advance of the tour. We stop every 2 - 3 hours for breaks. PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes we end up on a stretch of interstate that may prevent us from stopping exactly at 2.5 or 3 hours. We do our best to accommodate but remember…there’s also a restroom on board IF you need it. Thank you for your understanding.
Special Needs: Be sure to let us know of any special needs...such as diet, walking, stairs, allergies or motion sickness, etc…. Any special reqeusts must be noted in writing on your application forms in advance of the tour. If you use a wheelchair, walker (one with a seat is best) or a scooter, please let us know. Please refrain from using strong cologns or perfumes while on board the coach. So many folks have allergies and we want everyone comfortable while traveling. Diabetics are encouraged to bring along some little snacks as we cannot always promise meal breaks on schedule though we do our best to. Remember we are also on eastern time zone. So pack accordingly.
Tipping: 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.
Schedule Changes: 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 will let you know and try to adjust the schudule with something of equal value or better. 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: 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”.
Holocaust Smithsonian: 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!
Please note: 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. 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.
Disclaimer: 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.
Please contact us for a more detailed day-by-day brochure.
How to Dress: 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.
Luggage: 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 carrry. 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.
Hotels: The hotels are very nice throughout the entire tour. Most have indoor pools, coffeemakers, 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.
Meals: 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 inlcuded for the meals we pre-packaged. Tips are not included for other meals that you pay for on own.
The Coach/ Seat Rotation: The coach is a new 56 passenger motorcoach with reclining seats, big windows, restroom, TV’, CD & DVD and chartered through Trobec’s Bus Company, St Stephens. They are beautiful coaches and they have fantastic drivers. 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. Special requests for seating cannot be promised and are taken on a first-come, first served basis. All seating is preassigned prior to departure. Any special reqeusts must be noted in writing on your application forms in advance of the tour. We stop every 2 - 3 hours for breaks. PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes we end up on a stretch of interstate that may prevent us from stopping exactly at 2.5 or 3 hours. We do our best to accommodate but remember…there’s also a restroom on board IF you need it. Thank you for your understanding.
Special Needs: Be sure to let us know of any special needs...such as diet, walking, stairs, allergies or motion sickness, etc…. Any special reqeusts must be noted in writing on your application forms in advance of the tour. If you use a wheelchair, walker (one with a seat is best) or a scooter, please let us know. Please refrain from using strong cologns or perfumes while on board the coach. So many folks have allergies and we want everyone comfortable while traveling. Diabetics are encouraged to bring along some little snacks as we cannot always promise meal breaks on schedule though we do our best to. Remember we are also on eastern time zone. So pack accordingly.
Tipping: 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.
Schedule Changes: 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 will let you know and try to adjust the schudule with something of equal value or better. 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: 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”.
Holocaust Smithsonian: 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!
Please note: 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. 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.
Disclaimer: 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.
Please contact us for a more detailed day-by-day brochure.
Day 1: March 25-Monday Travel to Elgin, Illinois
We begin our trip with several convenient pickups including the Iron Range, Duluth, Little Falls, St. Cloud area and the Twin Cities. Trobec Bus Company is our charter company. They offer beautiful new deluxe motor coaches with reclining seats, huge windows, restroom on board, window shades, foot and arm rests, TV, CD and DVD player, sound system, #110 outlets, Wi-Fi, cup holders and seat belts. With comfort stops every 2-3 hours, including a lunch stop in Eau Clair, sit back and relax as you get acquainted with fellow travelers.
Day 2: March 26-Tuesday Travel to Columbus, Ohio
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Elgin for Columbus, Ohio. This is another day dedicated to travel, so set your seats back and enjoy the company of fellow travelers on board. We'll travel through the states of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio today, with comfort stops every 2-3 hours. We end the day with appetizers and drinks (included) at our lovely hotel.
Day 3: March 27-Wednesday Travel to Washington DC
Today is another travel day. Enjoy the scenery as we travel through the beautiful state of Pennsylvania. Once at our hotel just outside downtown Washington D.C., enjoy a leisurely evening on your own. Take the hotel shuttle to the Tyson’s Corner Shopping Mall. With 300 stores, including Macy’s Bloomindales and Nordstrom as well as several fabulous restaurants, there is something there for everyone!
Day 4: March 28-Thursday Exploring our Nation’s Capital in Washington DC
We begin our tour of the Washington D.C. area with a narrated tour of the Capitol Building. After lunch and a group photo, we head to the Ford’s Theater and National Archives.
Day 5: March 29-Friday Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
We continue our tour of the nation’s capital with stops at the Vietnam, Korean, Lincoln and World War II Memorials. We spend our afternoon at the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex composed of 16 museums. Explore the Natural History and American History Museums. Dinner is included tonight at a popular Washington D.C. Italian family style restaurant followed by a magnificent evening tour of the Jefferson, FDR and MLK Memorials.
Day 6: March 30-Saturday More Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
Today we travel to Quantico, Virginia and the new United States Marine Corps Museum, one of the most impressive museums we’ve ever visited. Here you will view the actual flag that was flown on Iwo Jima. Once back to the city, we head back to the Smithsonian Institute where we can visit the Air & Space Museum, the American Indian Museum as well as the National Gallery of Art. We conclude the day with stops at the Air Force and Police Memorials.
Day 7: March 31-Sunday More Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
Sightseeing continues in the Capitol City with a drive by the National Cathedral and a visit to the Iwo Jima Memorial. We make our way to the Arlington National Cemetery with a fully narrated tour of the John F. Kennedy Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We then journey to Mount Vernon, the sprawling estate of George and Martha Washington. We enjoy a lovely dinner (included) at the Mount Vernon Inn before returning to the hotel.
Day 8: April 1-Monday Travel to Gettysburg, PA
Today we travel to historic Gettysburg, PA. Here we will visit the Gettysburg National Battlefield Museum, view the Cyclorama Film and enjoy the National Park Battlefield Drive. Dinner is included tonight at the charming Dobbin House.
Day 9: April 2-Tuesday Travel to Grove City, Ohio
Today we begin our journey homeward. Enjoy the scenery as we travel through Pennsylvania and Ohio, including a special stop at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA. We wrap up our travel day with a buffet of hot appetizers and cold drinks at our lovely hotel.
Day 10: April 3-Wednesday Travel to Elgin, Illinois
Today is another travel day. We gain an hour as we return to Central Standard Time and should arrive in Elgin in the early evening.
Day 11: April 4-Thursday Homeward Bound
All great things must come to an end and today we arrive home. After a lunch break in Eau Clair, WI, we say goodbye to our west-central MN and Twin Cities friends as we part ways. Estimated arrival times home are between 4:30-8:00 p.m., depending upon location.
We begin our trip with several convenient pickups including the Iron Range, Duluth, Little Falls, St. Cloud area and the Twin Cities. Trobec Bus Company is our charter company. They offer beautiful new deluxe motor coaches with reclining seats, huge windows, restroom on board, window shades, foot and arm rests, TV, CD and DVD player, sound system, #110 outlets, Wi-Fi, cup holders and seat belts. With comfort stops every 2-3 hours, including a lunch stop in Eau Clair, sit back and relax as you get acquainted with fellow travelers.
Day 2: March 26-Tuesday Travel to Columbus, Ohio
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Elgin for Columbus, Ohio. This is another day dedicated to travel, so set your seats back and enjoy the company of fellow travelers on board. We'll travel through the states of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio today, with comfort stops every 2-3 hours. We end the day with appetizers and drinks (included) at our lovely hotel.
Day 3: March 27-Wednesday Travel to Washington DC
Today is another travel day. Enjoy the scenery as we travel through the beautiful state of Pennsylvania. Once at our hotel just outside downtown Washington D.C., enjoy a leisurely evening on your own. Take the hotel shuttle to the Tyson’s Corner Shopping Mall. With 300 stores, including Macy’s Bloomindales and Nordstrom as well as several fabulous restaurants, there is something there for everyone!
Day 4: March 28-Thursday Exploring our Nation’s Capital in Washington DC
We begin our tour of the Washington D.C. area with a narrated tour of the Capitol Building. After lunch and a group photo, we head to the Ford’s Theater and National Archives.
Day 5: March 29-Friday Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
We continue our tour of the nation’s capital with stops at the Vietnam, Korean, Lincoln and World War II Memorials. We spend our afternoon at the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex composed of 16 museums. Explore the Natural History and American History Museums. Dinner is included tonight at a popular Washington D.C. Italian family style restaurant followed by a magnificent evening tour of the Jefferson, FDR and MLK Memorials.
Day 6: March 30-Saturday More Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
Today we travel to Quantico, Virginia and the new United States Marine Corps Museum, one of the most impressive museums we’ve ever visited. Here you will view the actual flag that was flown on Iwo Jima. Once back to the city, we head back to the Smithsonian Institute where we can visit the Air & Space Museum, the American Indian Museum as well as the National Gallery of Art. We conclude the day with stops at the Air Force and Police Memorials.
Day 7: March 31-Sunday More Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
Sightseeing continues in the Capitol City with a drive by the National Cathedral and a visit to the Iwo Jima Memorial. We make our way to the Arlington National Cemetery with a fully narrated tour of the John F. Kennedy Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We then journey to Mount Vernon, the sprawling estate of George and Martha Washington. We enjoy a lovely dinner (included) at the Mount Vernon Inn before returning to the hotel.
Day 8: April 1-Monday Travel to Gettysburg, PA
Today we travel to historic Gettysburg, PA. Here we will visit the Gettysburg National Battlefield Museum, view the Cyclorama Film and enjoy the National Park Battlefield Drive. Dinner is included tonight at the charming Dobbin House.
Day 9: April 2-Tuesday Travel to Grove City, Ohio
Today we begin our journey homeward. Enjoy the scenery as we travel through Pennsylvania and Ohio, including a special stop at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA. We wrap up our travel day with a buffet of hot appetizers and cold drinks at our lovely hotel.
Day 10: April 3-Wednesday Travel to Elgin, Illinois
Today is another travel day. We gain an hour as we return to Central Standard Time and should arrive in Elgin in the early evening.
Day 11: April 4-Thursday Homeward Bound
All great things must come to an end and today we arrive home. After a lunch break in Eau Clair, WI, we say goodbye to our west-central MN and Twin Cities friends as we part ways. Estimated arrival times home are between 4:30-8:00 p.m., depending upon location.