America's Capital
A Busy Tour With a Great Deal Of Activity and Variety
The Capital Buildings - Whitehouse – Arlington 
– Mount Vernon - Smithsonian – Busch Gardens

Day 1 Flight, Amtrak or motor coach transportation is included to Washington DC. Arrive in Washington and transfer to hotel on our own. Our tour guide will introduce us to sights local to our hotel. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 2 Experience the American capital firsthand with a visit to the Whitehouse (subject to approval and subject to availability-closed Sundays and Mondays). Our tour includes the Blue Room, Red Room, and State Dining Room. We cross the Potomac River en route to Arlington National Cemetery to see the tomb of the unknowns and the Kennedy grave-sights. A major controversy occurred when one of the identities of an entombed "Unknown Soldier" was discovered. We will learn of the consequences. Next we are off to the Capital Building where we have a chance to see the impressive rotunda, Senate and House of Representatives (subject to availability). Drive through Embassy Row to the National Cathedral. Following the included dinner enjoy a twilight tour of Washington’s famous monuments and memorials, including those to Jefferson and Lincoln. What an incredible day!! Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 3 Enjoy breakfast. Mount Vernon and the Smithsonian Institution are the highlights of the day. Mount Vernon was the estate of George Washington. We see colonial America with tool shops, smoke houses, and gardens that dot this historic homestead. This afternoon we enjoy time to visit the Smithsonian. There are various exhibits, including the fabled Hope Diamond, the gowns of the First Ladies, and a walk through the Apollo Rocket at the Air and Space Museum. The Smithsonian is the largest museum complex in the world. We return to Washington area. Dinner is on our own this evening after which we attend an interactive murder mystery at the Kennedy Center. WOW!

Day 4 After breakfast we walk the walls of the Vietnam Veteran’s memorial (time permitting) as well as the Korean War Memorial. The Arlington National Cemetery is an amazing experience. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier(s) is actually missing one of the original four and we will learn why. See the Challenger Shuttle Memorial and the final resting-place of the Kennedy’s. The cemetery is an awesome experience that we will never forget.

Day 5 We spend a day in Busch Gardens or other local them parks as chosen. This is a terrific theme park with roller coaster rides and water rides that are guaranteed to tire out the most energetic youth.

Day 6 Enjoy our last breakfast in Washington, District of Columbia and depart for home.