Washington Cherry Blossom Time

Today we enjoy a relaxing drive across North Carolina and Virginia to Washington, DC, a grand and stately city of imposing national shrines and monuments that testify to some of America’s greatest names. Before we check into our hotel in Washington for a three-night stay, we’ll visit several of our national monuments. We’ll also enjoy an included dinner this evening. (D)

We’ve got a lot to see today, so we get an early start! See the Capitol Building with its impressive dome; visit the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial; cross the Potomac River to see the Iwo Jima Memorial and Arlington Cemetery with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. See the changing of the guard and the graves of John and Robert Kennedy. Then it’s time for the cherry trees! The blooming of the famous Japanese Cherry Trees marks the unofficial beginning of spring in our nation’s capital. During a scenic drive, you will see some 650 cherry trees that line the Tidal Basin. The Yoshino Trees have deep pink, single blooms, and the Akebono have single, pale pink blooms. The National Cherry Blossoms Festival is officially opened by the lighting of an ancient ceremonial Japanese lantern. Tonight we enjoy a delicious dinner in our nation’s capital. (D)

This morning we enjoy our grandstand seats as we view the Cherry Blossom Parade traveling down Constitution Avenue. Talented bands, along with dance and drumming performance teams from Japan to the USA highlight the parade. After the parade we continue our sightseeing in Washington, DC. We’ll make a picture stop at the White House and spend some time exploring the museums of the Smithsonian Institution. This incredible collection began through the efforts of Englishman James Smithson in 1846. You could spend years here and not see it all! From Air and Space to Natural History to American History to Art, there’s something here for everybody. (The April 11 departure will see the parade on Day 4)

We begin our journey home, arriving late in the afternoon.