🎆4TH OF JULY BIRTHDAY BASH IN WASHINGTON DC: JULY 1-6, 2026🎆

Day One, Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Visit the DAR Museum in Washington, D.C., is a decorative arts museum focused on collecting and interpreting objects and social history from pre-industrial American homes, featuring 31 period rooms, and a collection of decorative arts, and household items.

Check into Tysons Corner Marriott – Baggage handling is included.

Depart for dinner included at Ristorante Bonaroti. An Italian outpost with old-world charm offering a vast menu of handmade pastas & other classic dishes.  Meals: D

Day Two, Thursday, July 2, 2026

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Meet your escort/guide and depart. Tour starts with a drive by the George Washington Masonic National Memorial – offering one of the finest views of Washington, and a drive by Robert E. Lee’s Boyhood Home.

Arrive on King Street and meet your Alexandria Guide. Embark on a captivating journey through history with a Colonial Walking Tour in Old Town Alexandria, a charming slice of American heritage nestled along the Potomac River. This immersive tour invites you to stroll through Cobblestone Streets and past well-preserved 18th-century buildings, each with its own story to tell.

Tour Christ Church, dating from 1773.  Plaques mark the pews of George Washington, who served as a vestryman, and Robert E. Lee.

Tour Gadsby’s Tavern Museum was once a center of political, social and cultural life in Alexandria. Nearly all the founders of American Independence enjoyed the warm tavern hospitality, just like you will today with lunch included.

After lunch, arrive at Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington, on the banks of the Potomac River, America’s most visited historic house. Here George Washington escaped the rigors of public office and enjoyed the life of a successful Virginia planter.

Visit the Ford Orientation Center & Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center at Mount Vernon, with 25 state-of-the-art galleries the museum displays many objects shown at Mount Vernon for the first time.

Arrive at Tall Ship Providence for a Dock Side History Tour followed by a Cocktail Reception. Step back in time into the shoes of a sailor fighting the American Revolution and when you’re ready, you will board Providence and present yourself to her esteemed captain.  From there, you will visit the quarterdeck, the main deck, the captain’s cabin, and the hold to see where you’ll be spending the next several months during your time at sea!

Enjoy dinner on your own in Old Town Alexandria.  Meals: B, L

Day Three, Friday, July 3, 2026

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before departing with your escort/guide.

Arrive at the Capitol Visitor Center on Capitol Hill and proceed through to security.

Visit The United States Capitol. The Capitol is where Congress meets to write the laws of our nation, and where presidents are inaugurated.

Enjoy lunch on your own at the Capitol Visitor Center Cafeteria offering a wide variety!

Visit the United States Library of Congress. The largest national library in the world with more than 100 million items in three buildings. DID YOU KNOW? The library has more than 650 miles of bookshelves, and more than 138 million objects in 470 different languages.

Tour (the exterior of) The Supreme Court Building.  Within the walls of this white marble monument the third branch of government exercises its mandate to protect and interpret the spirit of the Constitution

Visit the National Archives – The spacious rotunda of the National Archives contains the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. For the first time in modern history, all the pages of these documents are on display to the public. At night, the display is lowered 20 feet into a bomb- and fireproof vault.

Stops during the tour will be at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and at The National World War II Memorial.

Enjoy dinner at Nick’s Riverside Grill, A family-owned restaurant specializing in fresh seafood in Georgetown along the river.

After dinner, walk through the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. See the incredible view of the city from the rooftop terrace.  Return to the hotel for the evening.  Meals: B, D

Day Four, Saturday, July 4, 2026

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then depart with your escort/guide.

Arrive at the National Mall for todays events. There is no designated seating- we suggest bringing your own folding chair.

The Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony begins on the steps of National Archives, including: Greetings by the Master of Ceremonies, Presentation of Colors by the Continental Color Guard* Performance of the National Anthem Performance by the Fife and Drum Corps*

Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by reenactors portraying historical characters, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Abigail Adams, John Dunlap, John Hancock, and Ned Hector

Performance of “America the Beautiful”

Watch the 4^th of July Parade! Marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic, flag-waving, red, white and blue celebration of America’s birthday! – box lunches will be delivered.  Parade Ends and we depart to continue touring.

Stop by The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. Also, The Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and The Jefferson Memorial.

Return to the hotel to freshen up for this evening celebration!

Arrive at Julas on the Potomac for a spirited night of entertainment and celebration! Kick off the evening with a live performance by The Chanteymen, a talented ensemble known for their rich harmonies and lively sea shanties that will transport you straight to America’s maritime past. As you settle in, enjoy a delicious selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres, thoughtfully curated to complement the evening’s festive vibe. Each guest will also receive a signature patriotic cocktail and 1 drink ticket.

• Dress code: Smart Casual to Dressy with a suggested Red, White, and Blue color scheme.

Dinner is served. As night falls, the event continues with an exclusive live stream of the star-studded “A Capitol Fourth” concert, broadcast directly from the iconic Capitol Lawn. Watch legendary performers and national treasures take the stage on multiple large screens, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of this beloved Independence Day tradition. Then, prepare to be dazzled as the sky lights up with a breathtaking fireworks spectacular celebrating America’s 250th birthday! While the full show will be streamed for all to enjoy, guests may also catch glimpses of the fireworks live from outdoor viewing decks overlooking the Potomac River and surrounding areas — though visibility may vary and is not guaranteed. It’s an evening filled with music, flavor, and patriotic spirit — a perfect way to celebrate this historic milestone together!  Meals: B, L, D

Day Five, Sunday, July 5, 2026

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing with your escort/guide.

Arrive at The People’s House: A White House Experience. The new educational experience is located just one block from the White House. The museum tells the story of the Executive Mansion and the people who have dedicated their careers to its functions

Depart and walk Lafayette Park, formerly known as “President’s Park”, is a historically significant public park named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, a key figure in the American Revolutionary War. Lafayette Square dates back to the early days of the American Republic and has witnessed significant events, including the construction of the White House, political gatherings, protests, and celebrations.

Photo stop at the White House and The National World War I Memorial.

Arriving at the National Mall for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, established in 1967, honors contemporary living cultural traditions and celebrates those who practice and sustain them. Produced annually by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the Festival features participants from all fifty states and many other countries.

The 2026 Folklife Festival Theme will be Our Nation’s 250^th! The festival takes place every summer on the National Mall, with free performances, workshops, demonstrations, and other activities. Visitors are invited to sing and dance along, try crafts and games, learn traditional recipes, ask questions, and take part in this unique cultural exchange.

Visit your choice of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museums on the National Mall, including but not limited to the following: National Museum of African American History and Culture*,  National Museum of American History, National Air & Space Museum *, National Museum of Natural History, The National Museum of the American Indian, The National Gallery of Art, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden,  The National Portrait Gallery,  The National Museum of African Art

* Advanced tickets are required and are not included. Individuals are responsible for obtaining their own tickets online. 

Enjoy dinner at The Point. Perfectly situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, the contemporary design with live green walls, tranquil open-air patio and fire pits, complement the picturesque and panoramic views.

After dinner, stop at the Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue). One of the largest bronze statues ever cast depicts the American Flag being raised on Mount Suribachi during World War II and commemorates all Marines who have died in battle since 1775.

Return to the hotel for the evening.  Meals: B, D

Day Six, Monday, July 6, 2026

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out – Baggage handling included.

Depart hotel for Arlington National Cemetery. No land in American is more sacred than this square mile. It is America’s shrine to valor and sacrifice. This is the final resting place for President John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Robert F. Kennedy, Edward Moore (Ted) Kennedy, Audie Murphy, prizefighter Joe Louis, and thousands of soldiers from every major U.S. war. The Cemetery is the former plantation and home of Civil War General Robert E. Lee. Arlington House, Space Shuttle Challenger Astronauts’ Memorial, and Monuments to nearly every major sacrifice that affected our country are located within these 624 + acres. The Tomb of the Unknowns speaks of a nation’s debt to the many whose ultimate sacrifice helped make a nation free. Arlington averages 27 to 30 funerals, including interments and inurnments, each weekday, and six to eight services on Saturday. The crews, service members, and groundskeepers follow an elaborate choreography to ensure each funeral feels like it is the only one taking place. Tram tickets are included for your visit.

• There are Four (4) stops: President John F. Kennedy gravesite, U.S. Army Gen. John J. Pershing’s gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Memorial Amphitheater, and the Ord & Weitzel walking gate to see the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima).
• Changing of the Guard: The guard is changed every hour on the hour October 1 to March 31 in an elaborate ritual. From April 1 through September 30, another change is added on the half hour. Plan to be at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 10 minutes prior to the ceremony in order to be seated on the steps.

Board our coach and depart for free time to shop and lunch on your own while exploring The Wharf. The Wharf reestablished Washington, DC, as a waterfront city and destination. This remarkable, mile-long stretch along the Potomac River comes to life with restaurants, retailers, residences, and businesses—all complemented by monumental views and a vibrant culture.

Depart for home with a feeling of pride and thankful for America, Celebrating 250 years!

Meals: B

Price per person: Single $3,300 | Double $2,899 | Triple $2,775 | Quad $2,700