A Capital Holiday

Departure Info:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:00am
Catskill, Exit 21 Commuter Lot - 7:45am
Kingston Plaza, Kingston - 8:05am

Sun., December 8:

Today we head south towards our Nation’s Capital and to our accommodations at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (301-965-4000), a four-star property on the shores of the Potomac River in National Harbor, Maryland. From the 19-story glass atrium overlooking the river to the seven distinct restaurants, you can experience it all. All spacious rooms are furnished with flat-panel Smart TVs and mini-refrigerators. Free shuttles are provided to the MGM National Harbor and Tanger Outlets located less than 2 miles from the hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening before we travel to the infamous Ford’s Theater for an evening performance of A Christmas Carol. Experience a live performance in a historic theater like no other. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption.

Mon., December 9:

A breakfast voucher is included at the hotel each morning to use at the Potomac District Market & Cafe. The best way to see a city is through the eyes of a local guide. Today you will be treated to a narrated full day tour of this magnificent, historical city (this is a riding tour with stops at memorials). Visit the stark, black granite walls of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the WWII Memorial, the Air Force Memorial, the all new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and even an up close view of the National Christmas Tree! A boxed lunch is included for you to enjoy while on your tour. Savor a sandwich on a freshly baked roll, chips, fruit, cookie and a bottled water. Sandwich choices are 1)Smoked Turkey, 2)Baked Ham, 3)Roast Beef or 4)Veggie. The remainder of the day is on your own to enjoy the resort and National Harbor area as well as the ICE display right at the hotel (included)! Experience some of the most loved movie moments from The Polar Express, hand-carved in more than 2 million pounds of ice, by a team of 35 world-class ice artisans from Harbin, China, spanning nearly 20,000 square feet. The display is kept at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit, but don’t worry, guests will be provided National’s signature blue parkas to keep them warm and toasty.

Tues., December 10:

Following your breakfast this morning, we’re off to the Smithsonian Institute, which encompasses more than a dozen different buildings. At the National Museum of American History, you will find a wealth of Americana; at the National Museum of Natural History you'll find the 45.5 carat Hope Diamond; and at the National Portrait Gallery you'll find portraits of famous Americans from the world of politics, sports, literature, stage and screen. The Smithsonian Institution Information Center, known as The Castle, the oldest of the 14 Smithsonian museums in Washington, is located at 1000 Jefferson Drive, SW, Washington, D.C. We will head back to the hotel later this afternoon and you will have the remainder of the day on your own. Enjoy some time on your own exploring the hotel or the National Harbor, 5 minutes from the hotel. At the National Harbor there are over 40 dining options and 160 retail shops. Also included is the Capital Wheel which you can visit any time during your stay. Enjoy breathtaking views enclosed in warm and cozy climate-controlled gondolas. Take in the bird’s eye view of the nation’s capital, Washington Monument, National Harbor and the Potomac River.

Wed., December 11:

After breakfast at the hotel (included), we’ll make our way to Mount Vernon, home to George Washington for more than 45 years which will be decorated for the holidays. First known as Little Hunting Creek Plantation, the Estate was originally granted to Washington's great grandfather John Washington in 1674. Over the years, Washington enlarged the residence and built up the property from 2,000 to nearly 8,000 acres. You will have time on your own to explore the Mansion, museums, gardens, & more. Costumed guides are posted throughout to answer any questions and to tell you more about the property. You'll also learn all about historic holiday traditions and the Washingtons' personal family celebrations. Lunch will be on your own in the cafe before our departure at 2:00pm. Our approximate arrival in the Capital District will be 11:00pm. Stops will be made each way.