Springtime in Washington

Departure Info

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:00am
Catskill, Exit 21 Commuter Lot - 8:00am
Kingston Plaza, Kingston - 8:20am

Thursday, April 10:

As Spring approaches, we look forward to our tour to Washington where we can rediscover our past and imagine an exciting future. We will travel south to our accommodations tonight at the Westin Crystal City in Arlington, VA (703-486-1111). Upon our arrival you will have time to relax and freshen up and then dinner is on your own tonight. Enjoy nearby restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings, P.F Chang’s, and many more!

Friday, April 11:

A full breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. The best way to learn the history of an area is to see it through the eyes of a local guide. We'll meet our guide this morning in DC and embark on an unforgettable journey through our nation’s capital. Turn back the pages of history and get a feel for the spirit of our nation's founders on a full day city tour. You will view the stark, black granite walls of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and drive past Capitol Hill where laws are made, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, the Smithsonian Institute, the Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the World War II Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and the all new Martin Luther King Memorial. There will be time for visiting and photos at the memorials. Lunch will be on your own this afternoon. Dinner is included this evening at the Fish Market in Alexandria. Your meal choices are 1) Fish & Chips (Beer-battered and fried cod filets served with Captain’s fries and coleslaw,) 2) Combination Seafood Pasta Shrimp, scallops and white fish with penne and fusilli pasta cooked in a light cream sauce) 3) Grilled Chicken served w/roasted red potatoes & fresh vegetable of the day, or 4) Grilled Flank Steak (Prime beef flank steak cooked medium unless otherwise requested and served with Captain’s fries and coleslaw). Please give your entrée selection to our staff when you make your reservation. Your meal also includes all non alcoholic beverages, mixed green salad and Pop’s Homemade ice cream for dessert.

Saturday, April 12:

Following your full breakfast at the hotel, we're off to the Arlington National Cemetery for a narrated Tourmobile ride. The Arlington National Cemetery is our nation's largest burial ground with more than 600 acres of landscaped hills. Among the thousands of white headstones are Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and World Champion Boxer Joe Louis. You will be able to leave and board the Tourmobile at different points on the route. Visit the gravesite and eternal flame on the grave of President John F. Kennedy! After our time at Arlington we’ll make our way to Mount Vernon, home to George Washington for more than 45 years. 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. He divided the acreage into five working farms, including the Mansion House Farm, where he lived with his family. At the Mansion House Farm, Washington sought to create a landscape combining beauty and functionality in a serenely harmonious setting. You will be on your own for lunch in the café and then 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. We’ll return to the hotel later this afternoon & dinner will be on your own tonight. After a dinner break we will depart to do a night light tour of the monuments. You will have the opportunity to disembark the coach & take in some of these monuments.

Sunday, April 13:

Following your full 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. Lunch will be on your own in this area before our departure at 2pm. Our approximate arrival in the Capital District will be 11pm. Stops will be made each way.