26008 DC in the Springtime

Day 1

Our journey begins as we depart Iowa and head east toward Washington, DC. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a rest break and lunch on your own in East Peoria, IL, before continuing to Dayton, Ohio. Tonight, check into the Drury Inn Dayton North. The evening includes the hotel’s signature Kickback reception, offering complimentary hot food and beverages—a relaxed and welcoming start to your adventure.

Day 2

After breakfast, we continue toward Virginia. Enjoy rest and lunch breaks along the way before arriving at the Courtyard Manassas Battlefield Park, located near the historic site of the first major battle of the Civil War. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at Cracker Barrel, where traditional country cooking and warm hospitality await.

Day 3

Our professional step-on guide joins us today as we begin exploring some of the nation’s most treasured landmarks:

Arlington National Cemetery – No ground in America is more hallowed. Ride the tram through the cemetery and stop at historic sites, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where you will witness the solemn Changing of the Guard. Visit the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame, and see the final resting places of Robert and Ted Kennedy, Audie Murphy, Joe Louis, and countless soldiers who gave their lives in service to our country. The narration throughout enriches your visit with history and reverence.

United States Capitol – Lunch today is on your own in the Capitol Visitor Center Cafeteria before a guided tour. The U.S. Capitol is one of the most recognized symbols of democracy in the world. Inside its grand halls, Congress has met since 1800 to craft the laws of our nation. The Rotunda is adorned with historic frescoes and paintings, and Statuary Hall is filled with figures representing the people and events that shaped America.

Library of Congress – Step into the largest library in the world, boasting over 100 million items. The Thomas Jefferson Building is a marvel of gilded ceilings, stained glass, and mosaics, often called the most beautiful building in Washington.

Air Force Memorial – Three stainless steel spires soar skyward, evoking the image of the “bomb burst” maneuver performed by the Thunderbirds. The memorial also features a bronze Honor Guard and a contemplative glass chamber, overlooking sweeping views of DC.

Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue) – One of the world’s largest bronze statues, this iconic image of Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi honors all who have served since 1775.

Dinner this evening is included at Ireland’s Four Courts, an authentic Irish pub with hearty fare and warm atmosphere.

Day 4

Another full day of sightseeing with our guide begins at:

The People’s House: A White House Experience – A cutting-edge new museum located one block from the White House. This immersive attraction tells the story of the Executive Mansion, its inhabitants, and the staff who have dedicated their lives to its history.

Lafayette Park – Known as “President’s Park,” this historic square has been the backdrop for protests, vigils, and celebrations since the early days of the Republic. It offers a direct view of the White House.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial – A moving black granite wall etched with over 58,000 names of Americans who gave their lives in Vietnam. Many visitors trace names and leave flowers, flags, and personal mementos.

Lincoln Memorial – Modeled after a Greek temple, this majestic monument houses a 19-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln and inscriptions of the Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address.

Korean War Veterans Memorial – Nineteen statues of soldiers in ponchos march across a field, backed by a polished granite wall etched with images of those who served.

Following a drive along Embassy Row, with its grand mansions now serving as embassies, we arrive at the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. Once home to cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood showcases exquisite Russian Imperial treasures (including Fabergé eggs), French tapestries, and 25 acres of gardens.

Tonight, we enjoy an authentic German dinner at Old Europe, where servers in traditional attire bring classic Bavarian dishes. Afterward, we embark on an Illuminated Monuments Night Tour, seeing the city’s memorials glowing against the night sky—including a stop at the Kennedy Center, the WWII Memorial, and the National Mall’s shimmering fountains and monuments.

Day 5

Today’s sightseeing highlights leaders who shaped America:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial – A towering granite statue honors the civil rights leader, surrounded by quotes from his speeches that inspire justice, democracy, and hope.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial – A sprawling memorial of waterfalls, bronze sculptures, and four distinct “rooms” representing each of FDR’s presidential terms.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial – A domed rotunda houses a 19-foot statue of Jefferson, overlooking the Tidal Basin framed by cherry blossoms in springtime.

The morning concludes at Washington National Cathedral, one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals. Its soaring towers, intricate stained glass, and serene chapels honor figures such as Woodrow Wilson and Helen Keller, both buried here.

This afternoon, enjoy free time at the Smithsonian Museums—choose from the Air & Space, American History, Natural History, or National Gallery of Art. Dinner tonight is at Texas Jack’s Barbecue, offering Lone Star–style brisket, ribs, and rustic charm.

Day 6

This morning, visit Ford’s Theatre, preserved as it was on the night of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The adjacent museum provides moving exhibits on his presidency and legacy.

Next, we tour George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the beloved home and plantation of the nation’s first president. Walk through the mansion filled with original furnishings, visit the museum and education center, and reflect at Washington’s tomb overlooking the Potomac.

Later, enjoy free time in Old Town Alexandria, with its cobblestone streets, waterfront, and boutique shops. Dinner this evening is at the Fish Market Restaurant, a long-standing favorite for fresh seafood. On our drive back, we’ll pass Christ Church, where George Washington and Robert E. Lee once worshipped, and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, a towering tribute to the nation’s first president.

Day 7

After breakfast, we depart Washington, DC, making rest stops and lunch on your own along the way before returning to the Drury Inn Dayton North for an overnight stay and evening Kickback reception.

Day 8

After breakfast, we begin our journey home, arriving with cherished memories of monuments, museums, and the beauty of springtime in the nation’s capital.