AAA South Dakota - AAA Sojourns Vacations

Detailed Description
Itinerary

Seeing Washington is on many Americans' travel wish lists. Make your trip to this special destination even more memorable by visiting during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, when our nation's capital is at its loveliest and liveliest! Every spring, a downy robe of cherry blossoms enfolds the city, sparking a two-week celebration that includes parties, talks, tours and shows, and culminating in the annual Cherry Blossom Parade.

The Cherry Blossom Festival recognizes the friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. This year's event marks the 99th anniversary of the original gift of 3,000 cherry trees by the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, D.C. in 1912. The Festival includes a massive parade - for which you'll have reserved grandstand seating - several free concerts on the mall, lantern lighting, dances and races.

Our nation's history blossoms at the other major D.C. sights you'll visit on this escorted tour vacation as well, including the Library of Congress, the museums of the National Mall, and the World War II, Vietnam, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. Also enjoy a tour of George Washington's home at Mount Vernon and a Nighttime Illumination driving tour.

Price includes:
• 6 nights accommodations at Marriott Fairview Park
• Daily breakfast, 1 lunch and 3 dinners
• Grandstand seating at the Cherry Blossom Parade
• Guided tours: Nighttime Illumination tour; George Washington's estate at Mount Vernon; George Mason's estate, author of the Bill of Rights; Washington D.C. city tour that includes visiting the capital's most famous memorials
• Visits to: Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Visitor's Center, U.S. Library of Congress, National Air & Space Museum, White House Visitor's Center, Washington National Cathedral (pending availability), National Museum of American History, National Archives (pending availability), National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of the Marine Corps, Newseum, and Old Town of Alexandria

Limitations and Restrictions *Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Due to the event's "festive" environment, this tour is not recommended for children. Single supplement may apply. Unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement and vary by provider. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member benefit is per person and applies to first and second traveler only. Member benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or cancelled subject to the travel providers policies. Black out dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of publication, but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance.

Note: This tour involves quite a bit of walking and standing for extended periods each day.

Day 1 - Arrive Washington, D.C.
Arrive in Washington, D.C. and transfer on your own to the hotel. The tour escort will be available in the hotel lobby to assist with check-in and answer questions from 12 noon - 6 p.m. today. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free for you to relax. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to the nearest Metro, which is two miles away.
Accommodation: Marriott Fairview Park - 6 nights

Day 2 - Arlington National Cemetery and National Air & Space Museum
A visit to Arlington National Cemetery is followed by a stop at the Capitol Visitor Center with a photo opportunity of the United States Capitol, and a visit to the Library of Congress. Next, visit the National Air & Space Museum before dinner at "Sequoia" restaurant, a 2-story glass fronted restaurant with views of the Potomac followed by a walk through the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Day 3 - White House Visitor's Center, National Cathedral & Illuminated Monuments
Visit the White House Visitor's Center followed by a photo stop at the White House. Drive along Embassy Row, and tour Washington National Cathedral (pending availability). This afternoon tour the National Museum of American History, the National Archives (pending availability), and the National Portrait Gallery. Dinner is included at "America" restaurant followed by a driving tour of the city's illuminated monuments, including a stop at the Air Force Memorial.

Day 4 - Cherry Blossom Parade & Memorials Tour
After breakfast, enjoy your reserved grandstand seats at the annual Cherry Blossom Parade! The Cherry Blossom Festival marks the celebration of the original gift of 3,000 cherry trees by the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, D.C. in 1912. The celebration includes a massive parade, which navigates down Constitution Avenue from 7th Street towards the Tidal basin. Along the parade are several free concerts on the mall, lantern lighting, dances and races. Afterwards visit Newseum and continue your tour of Washington, D.C. with stops at The National World War II Memorial, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Lincoln Memorial, The Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the September 11, 2001 Memorial at the Pentagon. Explore Georgetown on your own before returning to the hotel this evening.

Day 5 - Mount Vernon Tour & Alexandria
This morning tour the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico and enjoy lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn. Visit the estate of George Washington and feel the presence of history as you are guided through the first president's home. Tour Gunston Hall, home of George Mason and author of the Bill of Rights. Later this afternoon drive through Old Town Alexandria for a brief orientation tour followed by free time to explore and dine on your own before returning to the hotel in the evening.

Day 6 - Free Day in Washington, D.C
Enjoy a free day in Washington, D.C. with an included Metro pass. Your tour escort will assist with any questions you may have, before dropping you at the National Mall. Spend the day at your choice of area museums, including the Smithsonian, Phillips Collection, National Museum of Women in the Arts, or Hillwood Museum and Gardens (admission fees not included). At the end of the day you will meet the motor coach at the National Museum of Natural History Mall entrance and transfer back to the hotel to freshen up before a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7 - Depart Washington, D.C.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport on your own for your flight home. Your tour escort will be available today at the hotel to assist with any check-out needs.