Double Header: Cherry Blossom Festival & The International Tattoo
Seldom do these two incredible event dates line up to combine both VIP experiences on the same tour!
April 10 - 17, 2026Double Header ~ Special Event Tour
Celebrate spring’s arrival in the nation’s capital with the unforgettable Cherry Blossom Festival and Parade, followed by a coastal escape to Virginia Beach and Norfolk for the awe-inspiring International Tattoo performance.
This exclusive tour blends the beauty of blooming cherry blossoms, iconic monuments, and vibrant cultural events with the serene coastal charm of Virginia’s beaches.
With premium experiences, delicious meals, and world-class performances, this is the perfect trip to enjoy the best of Washington, DC, and coastal Virginia. Reserve your spot today and make memories to last a lifetime!
Tour Pricing Inclusions: 4 nights’ accommodation, baggage handling, 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 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.
Available April 10th - 17th, 2026
Highlights Include:
- Washington, DC's Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
- VIP / Premium Cherry Blossom Parade Seating - MARS Exclusive
- "Pink" Dinner Cruise - MARS Exclusive
- Tidal Basin Pink Stroll ~ Guided Monument & Memorial Touring in DC
- Keepsake 2026 Cherry Blossom Commemorative Pin
- Pink Pom-poms to cheer on Parade Performers
- Arlington National Cemetery & Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- United States Capitol Building Red Coat Tour
- United States Library of Congress Tour
- George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
- Old Town Alexandria Colonial Tour
- Museum of the Army
- Marine Corps Museum
- Flag-Laying Ceremony Quantico
- Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel
- Chrysler Museum
- Douglas MacArthur Memorial
- Nauticus
- VA Beach Boardwalk & Free time on the beach
- Virginia Aquarium
- Dolphin Cruise
- Hullabaloo Pre-Show Festivities
- Premium seats at the International Tattoo - MARS Exclusive
- Full-time MARS Tour Director & Staff onsite
Sample Itinerary: Day 1: Friday, April 10, 2026
- Arrive in Washington, DC, where your Guide will greet you for a day of exploration.
- Visit Arlington National Cemetery, America's most sacred square mile, to witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then stop at the iconic Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima).
- Enjoy a warm Welcome Dinner at a local favorite restaurant before checking into your MARS-Partner property hotel to rest and recharge for the exciting days ahead.
- Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before experiencing the breathtaking Cherry Blossom Parade! From your MARS Exclusive, premium VIP seating, enjoy elaborate performances with pink pom-poms in hand to cheer on the entertainers. Premium seats are situated next to the national television cameras airing the parade nationwide. Because of the cameras, each special performance will stop the parade's advancement to begin an elaborate choreographed routine. Shake those pom-poms! You've seen them on TV - those are MARS groups!
- Spend the afternoon at DC’s new boardwalk social hotspot, The Wharf, where waterfront views, unique shops, mini boardwalk bars, and delicious eateries await.
- Late afternoon, sail away on the Annual MARS Pink Dinner Cruise for stunning views, live entertainment, delicious dining, fun pink-themed games (wear PINK!), and a festive atmosphere on the Potomac River.
- End the day with a Guided Walking Tour along the water called the Tidal Basin. Your Guide will be highlighting the Jefferson, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and FDR Memorials, followed by free time to explore Pentagon City Mall.
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before departing on a Guided Tour of DC’s most iconic monuments and memorials, including the Vietnam War, Lincoln, and Korean War Veterans Memorials, with a photo stop at the White House.
- Spend your afternoon at discovering history and extraordinary artifacts at the Smithsonian Museum of your choice along the National Mall.
- Tour the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where you’ll see the larger-than-life bronze bust of JFK, enjoy city views from the terrace, and explore the new JFK Exhibit.
- Conclude the day with a delicious group dinner and an Illuminated Monuments Tour, showcasing the city’s landmarks in their nighttime splendor. DC's grandiose monuments and memorials are impressive during the day - stunning at night!
- After breakfast at the hotel, depart for an exciting day.
- Embark on a "Red Coat" Tour of the United States Capitol Building, the most recognized symbol of democracy and imposing buildings in the world.
- Dine at the Capitol Cafe for lunch where virtually every type of food desire can be found!
- Marvel at the grand Library of Congress as you explore over a million historic books including the personal library of Thomas Jefferson.
- Experience history at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s historic estate overlooking the Potomac River. Tour his mansion, the estate property, visit his gravesite, and engage in conversation with a multitude of costumed docents.
- Explore Old Town Alexandria on a Colonial Guided Walking Tour, and cap off the day with dinner in this charming, historic area.
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning prior to checking out.
- Head south to visit the Museum of the Army and Marine Corps Museum. Enjoy an engaging film and a solemn flag-laying ceremony before continuing to Virginia Beach.
- Savor a waterfront Welcome Dinner featuring fresh, locally sourced cuisine, then settle into your MARS-Partner oceanfront accommodations.
- Unwind with a relaxing evening stroll along the beach or boardwalk and retire to your rooms at your leisure.
- Start the day with breakfast at your oceanfront hotel.
- This morning, delve into art and history at the Chrysler Museum, an esteemed museum with a broad collection of ancient to contemporary art, including glass & sculpture.
- Visit the Douglas MacArthur Memorial, otherwise known as Norfolk City Hall, is a historic city hall located in Norfolk, Virginia. It was built in 1847, and is a two-story, granite faced, temple-form building. Within, exhibits, a learning center, & a theater honor Douglas MacArthur & vets of WWI, WWII, & the Korean War.
- After lunch on your own at the Waterside District, explore Nauticus, an interactive maritime-themed science center and museum located on the downtown waterfront, also known as the National Maritime Center. Experience the science exhibits, an aquarium, & a historic battleship!
- Wrap up the day with dinner on your own and plenty of free time to enjoy the lively Virginia Beach boardwalk, or splurge with your hotel amenities.
- Start the day with breakfast at your oceanfront hotel.
- Enjoy a free morning to relax by the ocean or explore Virginia Beach’s boardwalk.
- In the afternoon, visit the Virginia Aquarium and embark on a delightfully fun Dolphin Cruise!
- Savor an included dinner before attending the lively Hullabaloo pre-show event.
- The evening culminates with the International Tattoo performance, a spectacular display of music, culture, and pageantry. The International Tattoo is an awe-inspiring celebration of military tradition, cultural, and pride featuring global military performances! With MARS Premium seats, you’ll have the best view of this world-class spectacle featuring music, drill teams, and dazzling routines.
- Return to your hotel to rest and relax for the night.
- Conclude your journey with breakfast at the hotel.
- End your exciting, but relaxing, vacation with a leisure check-out time before departing for home, taking with you memories of blooming cherry blossoms, historic landmarks, amazing military musical performances, and stunning coastal experiences.
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