Join the annual celebration of the gift of beautiful cherry trees from the people of Japan to the people of the United States. Then tour Washington, DC, the Laurel Highlands, and Mount Vernon.
Day
1 Pennsylvania
Travel to Pennsylvania today as you begin your journey to Washington, DC. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your new traveling companions.
Meal: D
Day
2 Travel to Washington, DC
Arriving in Washington, DC, begin your tour at Arlington National Cemetery. View the grave sites of John and Robert Kennedy as well as the eternal flame that burns in dedication to the memory of John F. Kennedy. Appreciate the military precision of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Meals: B, D
Day
3 National Cherry Blossom Parade & Mount Vernon
Attend the National Cherry Blossom parade, which
celebrates the blooming of the Japanese Cherry trees planted
around the Tidal Basin. The beauty and aroma of these
blossoming cherry trees will amaze as you enjoy the National
Cherry Blossom Parade from reserved grandstand seats.
Marching down Constitution Avenue, the parade showcases
floats, helium balloons, international performance groups and
some of the country’s finest marching bands.
This afternoon, visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. The Ford
Orientation Center and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum offer
visitors the chance to experience Washington’s life through
movies and exhibitions. Explore his mansion filled with 18th-century
treasures and stroll the gardens Washington himself
designed. Take in the views of the Potomac River from the
mansion’s piazza.
Meal: B
Day
4 Washington, DC Touring & The Smithsonian
Begin the day with a panoramic tour of the National Mall area with the
many monuments and memorials dedicated to past presidents
and the nation’s wars including the National World War II
Memorial.
This afternoon, visit the Smithsonian Institution,
the world’s largest museum complex which is comprised of
16 museums in the Washington, DC area. In the evening, see
the nation’s monuments and memorials bathed in light.
Meals: B, D
Day
5 The Laurel Highlands
Today, leave the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC, and head to the quiet beauty of the Laurel Highlands in southwestern Pennsylvania. Make a stop at the Flight 93 Memorial before taking the Lincoln Highway through the quaint town of Ligonier with its antique stores and specialty shops. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your traveling companions.
Meals: B, D
Day
6 Travel Home
Traveling back home, arrive in the early evening with wonderful memories of your journey.
Meal: B