Washington DC at Cherry Blossom Time
Gettysburg National Battlefield
America’s Historic Triangle
Jamestown, Yorktown & Colonial Williamsburg
March 28-April 8, 2017
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$2189 (Per Person) Double $1999 PP Triple $1949 PP Quad $ 2979 Single Occupancy
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 nights in Vienna, Virginia (about 1/2 hour from downtown DC) plus two nights in Colonial Williamsburg as well as other overnights along our journey. Read on to see what this Washington DC and Colonial Williamsburg Tour include.
This 12 Day Washington DC Tour Include:
This 12 Day Washington DC Tour Include:
- Round-trip Motor Coach Transportation- Duluth, Grand Rapids & Iron Range Cities PLUS St Cloud Area, Brainerd & Little Falls
- Eleven Nights of Great Accommodations: Five nights in Vienna, Virginia (Marriott Hotel); Two nights in Colonial Williamsburg (Woodlands Inn) ; Overnights in: Charleston, West Virginia (Hampton inn) ; Elgin, Illinois (Country Inn & Suites); Normal, Il (Hampton Inn)
- 15 Meals: 11 Breakfast each morning at our hotels; 2 Lunches; 2 Dinners (Plus a light dinner at the Drury Inn in Pittsburgh)
- Memorials & Monuments: Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam, Korean, Iwo Jima, WW II, MLK, FDR, Air Force Memorial and Police Memorial
- United States Capitol: This is about a 2 hour tour to include the Great Rotunda, Statuary Hall and more.
- Nat’l Archives, Ford’s Theater & Peterson House
- Mount Vernon Home, Estate & Meal in Alexandria (George Washington’s home, grave site, gardens, visitors center & meal)
- Natural History or American History Smithsonian and the Air & Space Museum or Museum of Art
- Arlington National Cemetery: Narrated tour, changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier & the Kennedy gravesites.
- America’s Historic Triangle: Colonial Williamsburg Historic District, Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement
- Gettysburg National Battlefield Tour and the Cyclorama Presentation
- Our Tours Always Include a Full-Time Washington DC Licensed Guide while in Our Nation's Capital
- Narrated Tours of Washington DC, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown
- All Taxes, Most Tips and Luggage Handling, Fully Escorted with a Happy Trails Tours Representative
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Day 1-March 28 -Tuesday Travel to Elgin, Illinois 445 miles from Duluth
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, WiFi, cup holders and seat belts.
____5:20 am- Gr Rapids Sawmill Inn-2301 S Hwy 169 (218-326-8501) ___6:10 am- Hibbing Park Hotel (1402 E Howard-218-262-3481)
____6:40 am- Virginia Village Inn (1500 13th St S -749-8289) ___6:55 am- Eveleth J & M Auto (1303 Industrial Park - 744-1969)
____7:00 am- Eveleth Super Eight (1080 Industrial Park Dr-744-1661) ___7:10 am- Makinen Swanson Park & Ride (Hwy 53/16)
8:00 – 9:00 am- Breakfast, paying on own at Perkins in Duluth / Miller Hill Mall
_____8:50 am-Duluth Perkins Miller Hill Mall (Bus departs from Duluth at 9:00 am and continues our journey southeast)
Trobec Bus Company – A full size coach (depending on how many people) will bring folks from Central Minnesota to Eau Clair, Wisconsin to meet the rest of the group for lunch. You will arrive around 11 am, take time to meet the rest of gang, have lunch and then continue together your journey southeast to DC.
____6:00 am- Baxter, Kohl’s ____6:30 am- Little Falls -Trobec Bus- (Walmart - 15091 18th St NE - 320-632-9268)
____7:15 am- Sartell AmericInn – (119 Lesaulk Drive - #320-259-0877)
____8:45 am- Anoka - Perkins Restaurant - (601 W Main Street- 763-421-0160)
9:00 - 9:30 am- Comfort / Breakfast Stop in the Northtown Mall area
____9:15 am- Blaine - (Northtown Mall - 301 Northtown Drive NE -Herberger's Side)
12:00 pm- All will meet in Eau Clair at the Oakwood Mall – This is a great venue to grab a quick lunch before we continue on.
_____ 12:00 pm- Eau Clair Oakwood Mall (Front Entrance Food Court Area)
1:00 pm- Re-board the coach. Other stops will be made as the day goes along ~ Enjoy your day getting acquainted with each other.
Comfort stops are made as the day goes along.
6:00 pm- Estimated arrival to our hotel to Elgin, Illinois.
Hotel: Country Inn by Carlson 2270 Point Blvd, Elgin, Illinois # 847-426-6400
This property has an indoor pool, coffeemakers, irons & ironing boards in the rooms as well as hair dryers. They also offer a very good breakfast in the morning. There are great restaurants within walking distance of this property.
Day 2- March 29-Wednesday Travel to Pittsburgh, PA 500 miles
6:00 -7:00 am – Breakfast is served in the hotel – Set your luggage outside your doors at 6:30 am when you go to eat.
7:00 am- The bus departs Elgin, Illinois for Pittsburg, PA.
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. Our route is straight east along I-90 and 1-80 into Pittsburgh. The states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania should offer an absolutely beautiful scenery~
We’ll lose an hour as we move into the Eastern Time Zone today.
6:00 pm- (Eastern Time) – Arrive to our hotel. The Dinner / Drinks begins at 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Hotel: Drury Inn Columbus NW – 717 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA Phone: 412-281-2900
This hotel is BRAND NEW! 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.
Day 3- March 30- Thursday Travel to Washington DC 250 miles
6:00 – 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 Pittsburgh, PA for DC. We will traveling near Gettysburg, PA on our way to Washington DC,
So we have decided that this is a perfect opportunity to visit the National Battlefield.
11:15 am- Arrive to historic Gettysburg. Begin with a wonderful Lunch at the Dobbin House.
This charming home dates back to the1700’s and is filled with history. (The food is delicious, too!) Be sure to walk up the winding staircase to the upper level and see where the runaway slaves hid during the "Underground Rail Road" era. After lunch, we’ll make our way to the Gettysburg National Military Park for an appointment to see the Cyclorama. Here we'll experience the "Cyclorama", visit the museum and gift shop before going out on a narrated battlefield tour.
Note: The "Cyclorama" was a very popular form of entertainment in the late 1800's, both in America and Europe. Most cycloramas depicted dramatic events such as great battles, religious epics, or scenes from great works of literature. Hundreds were in the early1800's, yet most were lost or destroyed as their popularity died out with the introduction of a more entertaining art form, motion pictures. The "Battle of Gettysburg" Cyclorama at Gettysburg National Military Park, painted by the French artist Paul Philippoteaux, is one that has survived. This fantastic painting brings the fury of the final Confederate assault on July 3, 1863 to life, providing the viewer with a sense of what occurred at the battle long touted as the turning point of the Civil War.
4:30 pm- We’ll re-board the coach and continue the rest of our journey to Vienna, Virginia. (About 1 ½ hours away).
6:00 pm- Check-in to our hotel in Vienna, Virginia.
Hotel: Marriott Hotel Tyson's Corner - 8028 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA (5 Nights) #703-734-3200
The beautiful Marriott Tyson's Corner is in a fabulous location in Vienna, Virginia (About 40 minutes from downtown Washington DC.) The property has an indoor pool, spa, fitness-center, free- WI, a lounge and cafe. They also provide a hot breakfast each morning. There are coffee makers, microwaves, hair dryers, irons & ironing boards in the rooms. They have coin operated guest laundry. We are very close to the Tyson's Corner Shopping Mall and they'll offer free shuttles to anyone who would enjoy going there. (300 Stores, Anchor stores such as Macy's, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom’s plus fabulous restaurants. They are open until 9:30 pm every night.)
Day 4: March 31 -Friday Exploring our Nation’s Capitol in DC
Please note, the next several days are subject to change to different dates. Many of the attractions listed will be requested with several dates and times preferred. Once they confirm the specific time and date (which can be as little as a couple of weeks prior to our arrival), we’ll update our schedules accordingly. Thank you for your understanding.
6:00 – 7:30 am -Hot Breakfast is served in the restaurant at the hotel. Help yourselves.
8:30 am- Arrive to Fords Theater for our tour of this historic theater. We’ll follow this appointment with a visit to the Peterson House just across the street.
11:45 am- Arrive for our appointment to visit the National Archives, where you'll view our most sacred documents to include, the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. This tour is about an hour long.
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm- We’ll take a break for lunch before continuing the afternoon attractions.
Next: WWII, Vietnam, Korean and Lincoln Memorials.
6:00 pm- Return to the hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as per your own agenda.
Day 5: April 1 – Saturday More Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
6:30 am -Enjoy the early morning as per your own agenda. Hot Breakfast is served in the restaurant at the hotel.
9:00 am- Board the bus as we set out to discover more wonderful sights and sounds of Washington DC! Our first stop will be the White House Visitors Center this morning. Here’s the place where you can pick up a few souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else. We’ll continue touring the area, including making a stop at the beautiful Botanical Gardens. We’ll also have a professional Panoramic Group Photo taken today. Today, you will enjoy lunch, paying on your own, while in Old Towne Alexandria.
2:00 pm-Travel to Mount Vernon Plantation, home of George Washington – There is a fair amount of walking here but lots of places to sit and rest. We have also included the admission into George Washington's Home. There's lots to see here. Enjoy your time strolling the grounds.
5:30 pm- Dinner is included tonight at the Mount Vernon Inn
7:30 pm- Board the coach and begin our evening tour of Washington DC.
Visit the Jefferson Memorials, FDR & Martin Luther King Memorial ~ As the sun sets and all the lovely lights begin to twinkle over the city, it's is breathtaking! Our tour will take us to the Tidal Basin as well where many of the historic cherry blossom trees are located.
10:00 pm- Return to the hotel with the rest of the evening to relax and enjoy as per our own agenda.
Day 6: April 2 – Sunday More Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
6:00 – 7:30 am -Hot Breakfast is served in the restaurant at the hotel. Help yourselves.
8:30 am- Depart the hotel for another full day of sightseeing in our Nation's Capital.
Today we'll visit Arlington National Cemetery. On our way, we'll take a drive along Embassy Row, past the National Cathedral to see the Iwo Jima Memorial.
11:30 am-This morning, we have an appointment to visit Arlington National Cemetery. Our tour will include visits to the Kennedy Grave Sites and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The tour will last about 2 hours.
1:30 pm -The rest of this day will be dedicated to the following Smithsonian's - You decide if you wish to split your time at two or three.... or spend all your time at just one! Choices are Air & Space Museum, Native American Smithsonian or National Gallery of Art Smithsonian. They have a food court where you can get lunch, paying on own.
6:00 pm- Board the bus and return to the hotel. On our way home, we'll make a stop at the Air Force Memorial - Bring your camera as the view over the city is spectacular! The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as per your own agenda.
Day 7: April 3 -Monday More Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
6:00 – 7:30 am -Hot Breakfast is served in the restaurant at the hotel. Help yourselves.
8:30 am- Depart the hotel for another full day of sightseeing in our Nation's Capital.
Today we'll visit the United States Capitol Building for a guided tour.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We highly recommend to leave your personal belongings on the bus. The following items are prohibited to bring into the building: liquid (including water); food or beverage of any kind, no fruit or unopened packaged food, non-aerosol spray (unless it's medication); no pointed objects, any bags larger than 18" X 14" X 8.5 "; electric stun guns, martial arts weapons, replica guns, ammunition, fireworks, knives, mace and pepper spray, razor and box cutters.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We will have This tour will offer a brief introductory film which begins the preview of tour and then we’ll walk with our tour guide through Statuary Hall and the Great Rotunda. This is about a two-hour tour.
1:00 PM- Our next stop is the Smithsonian's. You may spend the rest of the day between the American and the Natural History Smithsonians.
Our plan will be to stay here for the next few hours. They have a food court where you can get lunch, paying on own.
6:00 pm - Return to the hotel for the rest of the evening as per your own agenda.
Day 8- April 4 - Tuesday Travel to Colonial Williamburg, Virginia 160 Miles
6:00-7:00-Enjoy Hot Breakfast this morning - Set your luggage outside your door at 6:00 am. Full Breakfast is served at the hotel.
7:00 pm- Board the coach and travel to Colonial Williamsburg.
Once we arrive to America's Revolutionary City, we'll explore it's history on a walking tour with a licensed guide. This tour will include visiting authentic buildings, gardens and more. Prior to our free time to explore as per your own agenda, we'll have sit-down Lunch, included, at Shields' Tavern.
4:00 pm- Check into our hotel tonight.
Hotel: Woodlands Inn & Suites (2 nights) 105 Visitor's Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA # 757-220-7960
This is a beautiful property. They serve a full hot breakfast each morning. They have an outdoor pool, fitness center and free Wi-Fi. It also offers two beds in the rooms, coffeemakers, irons and boards and hairdryers. It is an entirely smoke-free property.
Day 9- April 5 - Wednesday Jamestown and Yorktown
6:00 – 7:30 am -Hot Breakfast is served in the restaurant at the hotel. Help yourselves.
8:30 am- Board the coach and begin your historic Revolutionary Tour of Jamestown and Yorktown.
9:00 am- Historic Jamestown Settlement. We‘ll learn the story of the people who founded Jamestown and of the Virginia Indians they encountered is told through film, gallery exhibits and living history. Expansive gallery exhibits and an introductory film trace Jamestown's beginnings in England and the first century of the Virginia colony and describe the cultures of the Powhatan Indians. We'll take a lunch break, paying on our own, after our tour in Jamestown.
2:00 pm- Yorktown Victory Center: On October 19, 1781, the decisive military campaign of the American Revolution culminated with the British surrender to combined American and French forces under the command of George Washington. The Siege of Yorktown effectively ended the six-year struggle of the Revolutionary War and set the stage for a new government and nation. Today America’s evolution from colonial status to nationhood is chronicled through a unique blend of timeline, film, thematic exhibits and outdoor living history.
5:00 pm- Dinner, at a nice restaurant is included tonight. (This is a sit-down restaurant).
6:30 pm- Return to the Woodland Inn & Suites for the rest of the evening to enjoy as per your own agenda.
Day 10- April 6 - Thursday Travel to Charleston WV 367 Miles
8:00 Set your luggage outside your doors for the porters. Breakfast is served in the breakfast room at the hotel
9:00 AM- The bus departs and begins our journey through the beautiful Appalachian Mountains to West Virginia. This drive will be very scenic.
Set your seats back and relax as the day goes along. Comfort stops and lunch break will be made as the day goes along.
3:30 pm- Estimated arrival to the hotel.
Hotel: Hampton Inn 511 State Route 34, Hurricane, WV # 304-760-7292
The Hampton Inn is a very nice hotel with restaurants within walking distance of the property. They serve a full hot breakfast each morning. They have a fitness center and free Wi-Fi. It also offers two beds in the rooms, coffeemakers, irons and boards and hairdryers.
Day 11- April 7- Friday Travel to Normal, Illinois 537 Miles
6:00 am-The breakfast room opens-Hot Breakfast is served included. Set your luggage outside your door for the porter when you go to breakfast.
8:00 am- The bus departs. We'll make stops throughout the day as needed.
Our estimated arrival home tonight will be 6:00 pm (Central). We'll gain our hour back today as we return to central time.
6:00 pm- (Central Time) – Arrive to Normal, Illinois.
Hotel: Hampton Inn Inn 320 S Towanda St, Normal, Illinois # 309-452-8900
This property has an indoor pool, coffeemakers, irons & ironing boards in the rooms as well as hair dryers. They also offer a very good breakfast in the morning and nearby a great restaurant for dinner “Jimmy’s Char House” (within walking distance).
Day 12 –April 8 - Saturday Homeward Bound 372 miles to Eau Clair, WI (+ 159 to Duluth) or (+236 to Baxter)
A Hot breakfast is served at the hotel.
6:45 am- Set your luggage outside your doors this morning. 7:45 am- The bus departs for home.
11:30 am- Estimated arrival to Madison, Wi (Lunch break)
3:30 pm- Estimated arrival to Eau Clair, Wisconsin – Oakdale Mall. Meet our Trobec Driver/Shuttle.
1:45 pm- We’ll depart Eau Clair. At this time we’ll also say good-bye to our west-central friends as here is where they will meet their shuttle ride. Our friends from Central Minnesota will arrive home between 6:00 pm- to Blaine/Anoka; 7:00 to Sartell, 7:45 pm to Little Falls.
Our friends from the Duluth / Superior area will arrive home between 6:45 - 7:00 pm.
Our friends from the Iron Range Cities - 8:15 pm to Eveleth; 8:30 to Virginia; 9:00 to Hibbing; 9:45 pm to Grand Rapids.
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 whatsoever 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
____5:20 am- Gr Rapids Sawmill Inn-2301 S Hwy 169 (218-326-8501) ___6:10 am- Hibbing Park Hotel (1402 E Howard-218-262-3481)
____6:40 am- Virginia Village Inn (1500 13th St S -749-8289) ___6:55 am- Eveleth J & M Auto (1303 Industrial Park - 744-1969)
____7:00 am- Eveleth Super Eight (1080 Industrial Park Dr-744-1661) ___7:10 am- Makinen Swanson Park & Ride (Hwy 53/16)
8:00 – 9:00 am- Breakfast, paying on own at Perkins in Duluth / Miller Hill Mall
_____8:50 am-Duluth Perkins Miller Hill Mall (Bus departs from Duluth at 9:00 am and continues our journey southeast)
Trobec Bus Company – A full size coach (depending on how many people) will bring folks from Central Minnesota to Eau Clair, Wisconsin to meet the rest of the group for lunch. You will arrive around 11 am, take time to meet the rest of gang, have lunch and then continue together your journey southeast to DC.
____6:00 am- Baxter, Kohl’s ____6:30 am- Little Falls -Trobec Bus- (Walmart - 15091 18th St NE - 320-632-9268)
____7:15 am- Sartell AmericInn – (119 Lesaulk Drive - #320-259-0877)
____8:45 am- Anoka - Perkins Restaurant - (601 W Main Street- 763-421-0160)
9:00 - 9:30 am- Comfort / Breakfast Stop in the Northtown Mall area
____9:15 am- Blaine - (Northtown Mall - 301 Northtown Drive NE -Herberger's Side)
12:00 pm- All will meet in Eau Clair at the Oakwood Mall – This is a great venue to grab a quick lunch before we continue on.
_____ 12:00 pm- Eau Clair Oakwood Mall (Front Entrance Food Court Area)
1:00 pm- Re-board the coach. Other stops will be made as the day goes along ~ Enjoy your day getting acquainted with each other.
Comfort stops are made as the day goes along.
6:00 pm- Estimated arrival to our hotel to Elgin, Illinois.
Hotel: Country Inn by Carlson 2270 Point Blvd, Elgin, Illinois # 847-426-6400
This property has an indoor pool, coffeemakers, irons & ironing boards in the rooms as well as hair dryers. They also offer a very good breakfast in the morning. There are great restaurants within walking distance of this property.
Day 2- March 29-Wednesday Travel to Pittsburgh, PA 500 miles
6:00 -7:00 am – Breakfast is served in the hotel – Set your luggage outside your doors at 6:30 am when you go to eat.
7:00 am- The bus departs Elgin, Illinois for Pittsburg, PA.
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. Our route is straight east along I-90 and 1-80 into Pittsburgh. The states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania should offer an absolutely beautiful scenery~
We’ll lose an hour as we move into the Eastern Time Zone today.
6:00 pm- (Eastern Time) – Arrive to our hotel. The Dinner / Drinks begins at 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Hotel: Drury Inn Columbus NW – 717 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA Phone: 412-281-2900
This hotel is BRAND NEW! 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.
Day 3- March 30- Thursday Travel to Washington DC 250 miles
6:00 – 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 Pittsburgh, PA for DC. We will traveling near Gettysburg, PA on our way to Washington DC,
So we have decided that this is a perfect opportunity to visit the National Battlefield.
11:15 am- Arrive to historic Gettysburg. Begin with a wonderful Lunch at the Dobbin House.
This charming home dates back to the1700’s and is filled with history. (The food is delicious, too!) Be sure to walk up the winding staircase to the upper level and see where the runaway slaves hid during the "Underground Rail Road" era. After lunch, we’ll make our way to the Gettysburg National Military Park for an appointment to see the Cyclorama. Here we'll experience the "Cyclorama", visit the museum and gift shop before going out on a narrated battlefield tour.
Note: The "Cyclorama" was a very popular form of entertainment in the late 1800's, both in America and Europe. Most cycloramas depicted dramatic events such as great battles, religious epics, or scenes from great works of literature. Hundreds were in the early1800's, yet most were lost or destroyed as their popularity died out with the introduction of a more entertaining art form, motion pictures. The "Battle of Gettysburg" Cyclorama at Gettysburg National Military Park, painted by the French artist Paul Philippoteaux, is one that has survived. This fantastic painting brings the fury of the final Confederate assault on July 3, 1863 to life, providing the viewer with a sense of what occurred at the battle long touted as the turning point of the Civil War.
4:30 pm- We’ll re-board the coach and continue the rest of our journey to Vienna, Virginia. (About 1 ½ hours away).
6:00 pm- Check-in to our hotel in Vienna, Virginia.
Hotel: Marriott Hotel Tyson's Corner - 8028 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA (5 Nights) #703-734-3200
The beautiful Marriott Tyson's Corner is in a fabulous location in Vienna, Virginia (About 40 minutes from downtown Washington DC.) The property has an indoor pool, spa, fitness-center, free- WI, a lounge and cafe. They also provide a hot breakfast each morning. There are coffee makers, microwaves, hair dryers, irons & ironing boards in the rooms. They have coin operated guest laundry. We are very close to the Tyson's Corner Shopping Mall and they'll offer free shuttles to anyone who would enjoy going there. (300 Stores, Anchor stores such as Macy's, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom’s plus fabulous restaurants. They are open until 9:30 pm every night.)
Day 4: March 31 -Friday Exploring our Nation’s Capitol in DC
Please note, the next several days are subject to change to different dates. Many of the attractions listed will be requested with several dates and times preferred. Once they confirm the specific time and date (which can be as little as a couple of weeks prior to our arrival), we’ll update our schedules accordingly. Thank you for your understanding.
6:00 – 7:30 am -Hot Breakfast is served in the restaurant at the hotel. Help yourselves.
8:30 am- Arrive to Fords Theater for our tour of this historic theater. We’ll follow this appointment with a visit to the Peterson House just across the street.
11:45 am- Arrive for our appointment to visit the National Archives, where you'll view our most sacred documents to include, the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. This tour is about an hour long.
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm- We’ll take a break for lunch before continuing the afternoon attractions.
Next: WWII, Vietnam, Korean and Lincoln Memorials.
6:00 pm- Return to the hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as per your own agenda.
Day 5: April 1 – Saturday More Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
6:30 am -Enjoy the early morning as per your own agenda. Hot Breakfast is served in the restaurant at the hotel.
9:00 am- Board the bus as we set out to discover more wonderful sights and sounds of Washington DC! Our first stop will be the White House Visitors Center this morning. Here’s the place where you can pick up a few souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else. We’ll continue touring the area, including making a stop at the beautiful Botanical Gardens. We’ll also have a professional Panoramic Group Photo taken today. Today, you will enjoy lunch, paying on your own, while in Old Towne Alexandria.
2:00 pm-Travel to Mount Vernon Plantation, home of George Washington – There is a fair amount of walking here but lots of places to sit and rest. We have also included the admission into George Washington's Home. There's lots to see here. Enjoy your time strolling the grounds.
5:30 pm- Dinner is included tonight at the Mount Vernon Inn
7:30 pm- Board the coach and begin our evening tour of Washington DC.
Visit the Jefferson Memorials, FDR & Martin Luther King Memorial ~ As the sun sets and all the lovely lights begin to twinkle over the city, it's is breathtaking! Our tour will take us to the Tidal Basin as well where many of the historic cherry blossom trees are located.
10:00 pm- Return to the hotel with the rest of the evening to relax and enjoy as per our own agenda.
Day 6: April 2 – Sunday More Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
6:00 – 7:30 am -Hot Breakfast is served in the restaurant at the hotel. Help yourselves.
8:30 am- Depart the hotel for another full day of sightseeing in our Nation's Capital.
Today we'll visit Arlington National Cemetery. On our way, we'll take a drive along Embassy Row, past the National Cathedral to see the Iwo Jima Memorial.
11:30 am-This morning, we have an appointment to visit Arlington National Cemetery. Our tour will include visits to the Kennedy Grave Sites and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The tour will last about 2 hours.
1:30 pm -The rest of this day will be dedicated to the following Smithsonian's - You decide if you wish to split your time at two or three.... or spend all your time at just one! Choices are Air & Space Museum, Native American Smithsonian or National Gallery of Art Smithsonian. They have a food court where you can get lunch, paying on own.
6:00 pm- Board the bus and return to the hotel. On our way home, we'll make a stop at the Air Force Memorial - Bring your camera as the view over the city is spectacular! The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as per your own agenda.
Day 7: April 3 -Monday More Sights and Sounds of Washington DC
6:00 – 7:30 am -Hot Breakfast is served in the restaurant at the hotel. Help yourselves.
8:30 am- Depart the hotel for another full day of sightseeing in our Nation's Capital.
Today we'll visit the United States Capitol Building for a guided tour.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We highly recommend to leave your personal belongings on the bus. The following items are prohibited to bring into the building: liquid (including water); food or beverage of any kind, no fruit or unopened packaged food, non-aerosol spray (unless it's medication); no pointed objects, any bags larger than 18" X 14" X 8.5 "; electric stun guns, martial arts weapons, replica guns, ammunition, fireworks, knives, mace and pepper spray, razor and box cutters.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We will have This tour will offer a brief introductory film which begins the preview of tour and then we’ll walk with our tour guide through Statuary Hall and the Great Rotunda. This is about a two-hour tour.
1:00 PM- Our next stop is the Smithsonian's. You may spend the rest of the day between the American and the Natural History Smithsonians.
Our plan will be to stay here for the next few hours. They have a food court where you can get lunch, paying on own.
6:00 pm - Return to the hotel for the rest of the evening as per your own agenda.
Day 8- April 4 - Tuesday Travel to Colonial Williamburg, Virginia 160 Miles
6:00-7:00-Enjoy Hot Breakfast this morning - Set your luggage outside your door at 6:00 am. Full Breakfast is served at the hotel.
7:00 pm- Board the coach and travel to Colonial Williamsburg.
Once we arrive to America's Revolutionary City, we'll explore it's history on a walking tour with a licensed guide. This tour will include visiting authentic buildings, gardens and more. Prior to our free time to explore as per your own agenda, we'll have sit-down Lunch, included, at Shields' Tavern.
4:00 pm- Check into our hotel tonight.
Hotel: Woodlands Inn & Suites (2 nights) 105 Visitor's Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA # 757-220-7960
This is a beautiful property. They serve a full hot breakfast each morning. They have an outdoor pool, fitness center and free Wi-Fi. It also offers two beds in the rooms, coffeemakers, irons and boards and hairdryers. It is an entirely smoke-free property.
Day 9- April 5 - Wednesday Jamestown and Yorktown
6:00 – 7:30 am -Hot Breakfast is served in the restaurant at the hotel. Help yourselves.
8:30 am- Board the coach and begin your historic Revolutionary Tour of Jamestown and Yorktown.
9:00 am- Historic Jamestown Settlement. We‘ll learn the story of the people who founded Jamestown and of the Virginia Indians they encountered is told through film, gallery exhibits and living history. Expansive gallery exhibits and an introductory film trace Jamestown's beginnings in England and the first century of the Virginia colony and describe the cultures of the Powhatan Indians. We'll take a lunch break, paying on our own, after our tour in Jamestown.
2:00 pm- Yorktown Victory Center: On October 19, 1781, the decisive military campaign of the American Revolution culminated with the British surrender to combined American and French forces under the command of George Washington. The Siege of Yorktown effectively ended the six-year struggle of the Revolutionary War and set the stage for a new government and nation. Today America’s evolution from colonial status to nationhood is chronicled through a unique blend of timeline, film, thematic exhibits and outdoor living history.
5:00 pm- Dinner, at a nice restaurant is included tonight. (This is a sit-down restaurant).
6:30 pm- Return to the Woodland Inn & Suites for the rest of the evening to enjoy as per your own agenda.
Day 10- April 6 - Thursday Travel to Charleston WV 367 Miles
8:00 Set your luggage outside your doors for the porters. Breakfast is served in the breakfast room at the hotel
9:00 AM- The bus departs and begins our journey through the beautiful Appalachian Mountains to West Virginia. This drive will be very scenic.
Set your seats back and relax as the day goes along. Comfort stops and lunch break will be made as the day goes along.
3:30 pm- Estimated arrival to the hotel.
Hotel: Hampton Inn 511 State Route 34, Hurricane, WV # 304-760-7292
The Hampton Inn is a very nice hotel with restaurants within walking distance of the property. They serve a full hot breakfast each morning. They have a fitness center and free Wi-Fi. It also offers two beds in the rooms, coffeemakers, irons and boards and hairdryers.
Day 11- April 7- Friday Travel to Normal, Illinois 537 Miles
6:00 am-The breakfast room opens-Hot Breakfast is served included. Set your luggage outside your door for the porter when you go to breakfast.
8:00 am- The bus departs. We'll make stops throughout the day as needed.
Our estimated arrival home tonight will be 6:00 pm (Central). We'll gain our hour back today as we return to central time.
6:00 pm- (Central Time) – Arrive to Normal, Illinois.
Hotel: Hampton Inn Inn 320 S Towanda St, Normal, Illinois # 309-452-8900
This property has an indoor pool, coffeemakers, irons & ironing boards in the rooms as well as hair dryers. They also offer a very good breakfast in the morning and nearby a great restaurant for dinner “Jimmy’s Char House” (within walking distance).
Day 12 –April 8 - Saturday Homeward Bound 372 miles to Eau Clair, WI (+ 159 to Duluth) or (+236 to Baxter)
A Hot breakfast is served at the hotel.
6:45 am- Set your luggage outside your doors this morning. 7:45 am- The bus departs for home.
11:30 am- Estimated arrival to Madison, Wi (Lunch break)
3:30 pm- Estimated arrival to Eau Clair, Wisconsin – Oakdale Mall. Meet our Trobec Driver/Shuttle.
1:45 pm- We’ll depart Eau Clair. At this time we’ll also say good-bye to our west-central friends as here is where they will meet their shuttle ride. Our friends from Central Minnesota will arrive home between 6:00 pm- to Blaine/Anoka; 7:00 to Sartell, 7:45 pm to Little Falls.
Our friends from the Duluth / Superior area will arrive home between 6:45 - 7:00 pm.
Our friends from the Iron Range Cities - 8:15 pm to Eveleth; 8:30 to Virginia; 9:00 to Hibbing; 9:45 pm to Grand Rapids.
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 whatsoever 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