Independence Day in Washington D.C.

Tour Inclusions: 5 nights’ accommodation; 5 breakfasts; 1 lunch; 5 dinners; admissions, entrance, and guide fees as stated in the itinerary, including taxes, and gratuity, except gratuity for guide fees is not included on adult tours unless otherwise requested. Based on 35 paying passengers and one (1) comp in double occupancy.

• Guided City Touring
• Old Town Alexandria
• George Washington Masonic National Memorial
• Christ Church
• Tall Ship Providence
• Gadsby’s Tavern
• National Archives
• National Independence Day Parade
• Live Reading of the Declaration of Independence
• Fourth of July Festivities (Schedule: TBD)
• Smithsonian Folklife Festival
• Private Dinner in indoor / outdoor climate controlled space with floor to ceiling windows and views of the fireworks over the National Mall
• George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate
• DAR Constitution Hall
• Anderson House / Society of the Cincinnati

Day 1 - Welcome to Washington, DC, to Celebrate Our 250th Independence Day

• Arrive at your leisure and settle into your accommodations at the luxurious McLean Hilton.
• In the evening, gather with fellow travelers for a delightful Welcome Dinner at popular restaurant. Enjoy the ambiance and cuisine before returning to the hotel to relax and rest. (D)

Day 2 - Discovering Colonial Alexandria

• Breakfast is included at the hotel each morning.  After breakfast, explore Alexandria’s rich history with visits to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Christ Church, and Gadsby’s Tavern. Stroll through Old Town Alexandria on a guided walking tour and enjoy free time for lunch and shopping.
• In the evening, embark on a scenic Wine Sail aboard the Tall Ship Providence, a living link to our rich maritime, naval, and Revolutionary history.  Providence is a reproduction of the first ship authorized to serve in the Continental Navy and John Paul Jones’ first American command. Experience a taste of what life was like aboard an eighteenth-century sloop. Enjoy a tour led by a Historical Interpreter and a gentle cruise along the Potomac River.
• Dine this evening at Gadsby’s Tavern with a special guest—Martha Washington, herself! Established in 1785, nearly all of the founders of American Independence enjoyed the warm tavern hospitality of Gadsby’s Tavern. Notable visitors include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, & James Monroe.  No public building in America is more intimately associated with the struggle for independence and establishment of national sovereignty. For nearly a century, it was a center of political, social and cultural life in this important colonial seaport community. (B, D)

Day 3 - Independence Day Celebration in DC

• Start your Independence Day with breakfast and secure a prime spot near the National Archives for the patriotic festivities.  America’s National Independence Day Parade takes place annually on July 4th in Washington, D.C., on Constitution Avenue before a street audience of hundreds of thousands of spectators. The Parade consists of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP’s, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants. The Parade is a major national event which seeks to draw the attention of Americans to the real meaning for the holiday. It is a patriotic, flag-waving, red white and blue celebration of America’s birthday!
• Witness the reading of the Declaration of Independence, live performances, and the vibrant Fourth of July Parade.
• After some rest, head to the exclusive Top of the Town venue featuring floor to ceiling windows, for a private Dinner and Entertainment special event experience with unparalleled views of the elaborate fireworks display over the National Mall. (B, D)

Day 4 - Monuments and Memorials

• Enjoy a Guided tour of DC’s iconic monuments, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial.
• Spend the afternoon immersed in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
• Choose to visit additional Smithsonian museums before ending the day with a delicious dinner, followed by an Illuminated Monument tour showcasing the city’s landmarks at night.  Our Nation's Capital and towering landmarks are impressive during the day, stunning at night.  (B, D)

Day 5 - George Washington's Virginia

• Travel to Mount Vernon to explore George Washington’s historic estate, participate in a wreath-laying ceremony, and tour his Gristmill and Distillery.
• Visit George Mason’s Gunston Hall to learn about Revolutionary-era rights and ideas.
• Conclude the day with a sumptuous Riverfront Dinner before returning to the hotel. (B, D)

Day 6 - Revolutionary Heritage

• Conclude your journey with a tour of DAR Constitution Hall and the National Archives, where you’ll view our original Declaration of Independence.
• Enjoy a farewell lunch, before visiting the Anderson House for an engaging tour of the Society of the Cincinnati’s history before departing with fond memories. (B, L)