Philadelphia, Williamsburg & DC – Cherry Blossom Festival | April 4-11

Apr 4 | Arrival in Philadelphia, PA

Today, arrive at PHL International Airport, where you’ll receive a warm greeting from our Professional Tour Director and board a luxury motorcoach for your transfer to your downtown Philadel-phia hotel. Take some time to freshen up and relax before gathering for a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Downtown Philadelphia                 (D)

Apr 5 | Philadelphia – Birthplace of a Nation

Enjoy break-fast before setting off to tour the historic city of Philadelph-ia, where echoes of liberty resound along every cobblestone street. Step into the nation’s story with a guided visit to Independence Hall, where the founding ideals of freedom and democracy were forged. Then pause at the iconic Liber-ty Bell, its famous crack a powerful symbol of resilience and justice. Next, meet your Historic Philadelphia step-on guide for a “Story Stroll,” bringing the city’s most legend-ary moments to life, followed by a visit to the Betsy Ross House (audio tour), where the tale of the first American flag unfolds. Touring also includes the President’s House and Christ Church Burial Ground, the final resting place of Ben Franklin. Enjoy an included lunch featuring an authentic Philly cheesesteak—a delicious local tradition! This afternoon, discover the National Constitution Center, an essential Philadelphia experience that explores the Constitution’s history and lasting relevance, and invites you to embrace your role in the story of “We the People.” We’ll cap off the day with a photo stop at the famous Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art—walk (or run!) to the top for unforgettable skyline views. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of Philly’s great restaurants.

Overnight: Downtown Philadelphia              (B,L)

Apr 6 | Berkeley Plantation

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll depart for Williamsburg, VA. En route, visit Berkeley Plantation, Virginia’s most historic plantation. Step back in time to a bygone era and experience a genteel 18th-century lifestyle. Here, history begins in 1619 when early settlers observed the first official Thanksgiving in America. Berkeley’s 1726 Georgian mansion is the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V, signer of the Declaration of Independence. The estate is also the birthplace of William Henry Harrison, ninth president of the United States, and the ancestral home of his grandson, Benjamin Harrison, the twenty-third president. During the Civil War, Berkeley was occupied by Union troops, and it is here that “Taps” was first played by a bugler, O.W. Norton. You’ll be led by enthusiastic guides in period costumes as they tour you through the mansion, furnished with a magnificent collection of 18th-century antiques and artifacts. Then enjoy free time to explore the grounds at leisure, including five terraces of boxwood and flowering gardens leading to the James River, monuments, and more. Later, you’ll arrive in historic Colonial Williams-burg and check into your hotel for a relaxing two-night stay. This evening, enjoy a planned dinner together.

Overnight: Colonial Williamsburg                  (B,D)

Apr 7 | Colonial Williamsburg

After breakfast, step into the story of America’s founding as we spend the day in Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum—an unforgettable setting where 18th-century Virginia comes vividly to life across its expansive Historic Area. Meet the people of the past, encounter skilled trades-people and interpreters, and experience the sights and sounds of the colonial capital as the era’s ideas, debates, and daily rhythms unfold all around you. Today and tonight, enjoy a private, colonial-themed experience reserved just for your group. In the early evening, we’ll gather for a memorable colonial dinner at one of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic taverns, where the ambiance is as rich as the flavors.

Overnight: Colonial Williamsburg                    (B,D)

Apr 8 | Mount Vernon Estate & Luncheon

Enjoy breakfast before we depart Williamsburg and travel north toward the Washington, DC area. Midday, you’ll arrive at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the beloved riverside home of President George Washington. Here enjoy lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, where colonial charm and warm hospitality set the stage for a delicious meal inspired by regional and early American flavors. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring this remarkable estate and working farm overlooking the Potomac River—stroll the grounds, visit the historic outbuildings, and enjoy a self-guided tour through the mansion itself. Later this afternoon, you’ll check into your hotel in Alexandria Old Town for the next three nights. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own.

Overnight: Alexandria Old Town                  (B,L)

Apr 9 | US Capitol Tour, Library of Congress, Arlington National Cemetery & Illumination Monument tour

Enjoy breakfast included at your hotel this morning before meeting your local guide and heading to the United States Capitol Visitor Center for a memorable Red Coat Tour—an inside look at one of the world’s most recognizable symbols of democracy. Continue on to the magnificent Library of Congress, where history comes alive among awe-inspiring architecture and treasures, including the legendary personal collection of Thomas Jefferson. Lunch is on your own today at the Capitol Café. This afternoon, reflect and remember during a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, America’s most sacred square mile, with tram transportation included for ease and comfort. On the way to a delicious dinner this evening, pause to see the striking U.S. Air Force Memorial. Then cap off the day with a truly unforgettable Illuminated Monument Tour, where the grand memorials of the Na-tion’s Capital glow under the evening lights—featuring highlights such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorials. Enjoy a stop at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for spectacular rooftop terrace views of the city at night, then take in the powerful U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), beautifully illuminated and breath-taking after dark. Return to your hotel to rest and relax for the evening.

Overnight: Alexandria Old Town                  (B,D)

Apr 10 | Cherry Blossom Parade, The People’s House & DC Touring with Monuments

This morning, enjoy breakfast before setting off to attend the Annual National Cherry Blossom Parade! This vibrant springtime tradition is set against the backdrop of DC’s most iconic landmarks along Constitution Avenue. Enjoy reserved grandstand seating (Telecast/ East End Seating) as we view giant colorful heli-um balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the Parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the Festival. From the National Archives to the Washington Monument, spectators are wowed by the pageantry and excitement that is the nation’s premier springtime parade. After the parade, enjoy time at your own pace with lunch on your own as you explore The Wharf—a lively waterfront district filled with tempting eateries, great shopping, and a picture-perfect boardwalk along the water. Later this afternoon, rejoin your group for a guided city experience beginning at The People’s House: A White House Experience, an engaging, modern attraction that brings the story of the White House to life—its history, the people who have lived there, and the dedicated staff who keep it running. Continue on for classic photo stops at the White House and the World War I Memorial, then wrap up with a scenic stroll around the Tidal Basin, a gorgeous spot for memorable photos with views of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial. This evening, gather for a memorable dinner together to recap the wonderful week filled with special memories!

Overnight: Alexandria Old Town                  (B,D)

Apr 11 | Smithsonian museums and home

After breakfast and checking out, you’ll have some time to visit one of the Smithsonian museums along the National Mall, where remarkable exhibits and world-class collections bring history, culture, and discovery to life. Later, transfer to a DC area airport for your flight home, wrapping up a memorable journey. (B)

Inclusions:

• Roundtrip airport transportation from FSM
• or XNAAir to Philadelphia and from the DC area home (checked bag fees are not included)
• Eight days deluxe motor coach transportation
• Professional Tour Director
• Seven nights accommodations
• Seven breakfasts, Two lunches, and Five dinners
• Visit to Liberty Bell Center, and the Library of Congress
• Admissions to Betsy Ross House, the National Constitu-tion Center, the Berkeley Mansion, a day-pass to
Colonial Williamsburg, and Mount Vernon
• Red Coat Tour of the United States Capitol Visitor Cen-ter
• Admission and tour of the Arlington National Cemetery, and the People’s House (White House experience)
• Cherry Blossom Parade including reserved bleacher seating
• Evening Illumination tour
• Luggage handling (one piece per person)
• Hotel taxes; meal taxes and gratuities
• All gratuities for drivers, guides, step-on guides