“A Capital Christmas” – Dec. 10-13th, 2024 – Washington D.C.

​Your tour escort and guide will meet you at 11:30 at Reagan National Airport.

Begin your adventure by exploring the United States Botanic Gardens, where breathtaking Christmas poinsettia displays create a magical atmosphere. Marvel at the intricate beauty of nature's festive colors and feel the joy of the season surrounding you.

After lunch on your own at Luna Hall DC food market, visit the National Archives, home to the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Delve into the rich history of our nation and gain a deeper appreciation for the principles that have shaped America. For the first time in modern history, all the pages of these documents are on display to the public during the day before being lowered 20-ft into a bomb and fireproof vault overnight!

We’ll then check in to the spacious Spring Hill Suites Herndon where baggage handling is included and then we will depart for an included dinner at Silver Diner, an award winning, chef-driven restaurant featuring American favorites with a contemporary twist!

But this tour is not just about sightseeing; it's about making a difference. Departing after breakfast, join us as we volunteer at DC Central Kitchen, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger and poverty in the city. Working alongside locals, you'll have the opportunity to lend a helping hand, connect with the community, and bring the true meaning of Christmas to life. DC Central Kitchen is a nationally recognized "community kitchen" that repurposes food from​​​ around Washington, D.C., and uses it as a tool to train unemployed adults to develop work skills while ​​​providing thousands of meals for local service agencies in the process.

Next we’ll depart for the Museum of the Bible. Have lunch on your own at their phenomenal restaurant and discover one of the World’s largest private collections of biblical ​​objects, artifacts, and interactive displays which convey the global impact and compelling history of the Bible and bring it’s stories to life.

Dinner this evening will be at Tupelo Honey famous for it’s Appalachian inspired Southern cuisine that utilizes responsibly sourced ingredients and made from scratch dishes.

As the sun sets, embark on an illuminated monument tour, which showcases D.C.'s most extravagant Christmas lights. Be mesmerized by the enchanting glow of the city's iconic landmarks, including The Kennedy Center, the Marine Corps Memorial, the Air Force Memorial, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, and many more famous sites!

After a delicious buffet breakfast, we will depart for the White House Visitor’s Center. Within the White House Visitor Center, you can watch a 14-minute film that takes you inside the White House and the lives of the First Families. Explore nearly 100 artifacts, including President Lincoln’s telegraph key used to communicate with Gen. Grant during Robert E. Lee’s Surrender. You’ll get an interactive touchscreen tour of the white house, and gift shop to find the perfect souvenir!

Take a moment to honor our veterans at the National World War I & II Memorials, paying tribute to those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Reflect on their bravery and resilience as you admire these powerful monuments.

Continue your journey with a visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, an inspiring tribute to a visionary leader who fought for equality and justice. Connect with the spirit of Dr. King's legacy and be inspired to carry his message forward.

Enjoy lunch at the U.S. Capitol Visitor's Center cafe and embark on a guided tour of this historic institution.

Marvel at the grandeur of the Capitol building and gain a deeper understanding of American democracy and governance. The Capitol Visitor Center welcomes visitors to the seat of American government. At nearly 580,000 square feet, the CVC is the largest project in the Capitol’s history and is approximately three quarters the size of the Capitol itself. The most recognized symbol of democratic government in the world, the U.S. Capitol has housed Congress since 1800 and is one of the most imposing public buildings in the world. The Capitol is where Congress meets to write the laws of our nation, and where presidents are inaugurated. Its ceilings are decorated with historic images, and its halls are lined with statuary and paintings representing great events and people in the nation’s history.

Indulge in the festive spirit at the Downtown Holiday Market, where local vendors showcase their unique crafts, gifts, and delicious treats. Stroll through the market, enjoy live entertainment, and discover the perfect holiday treasures. Located next to the must-see National Portrait Gallery, you can take time to enjoy both!

Experience the joy and wonder of the theatrical production of "A Christmas Carol" performed at the famous Ford's Theatre! Let the classic tale of redemption and the spirit of giving warm your heart and remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.

After breakfast, visit George Washington's Mount Vernon, the beloved home of the nation's first president, which is beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Experience the charm of Christmas in the 18th century as you step back in time and explore the estate. It was here that George Washington escaped the rigors of public office and enjoyed the life of a successful Virginia planter. America’s most visited historic house, Mount Vernon sits on a grassy, shaded slope overlooking the Potomac River. Many of the furnishings are original pieces acquired by Washington himself. Mount Vernon is both George Washington’s home and final resting-place. This Southern plantation details the life of the “Father of Our Country” while providing fascinating insights into colonial times.

Conclude your journey with lunch on your own, followed by a guided colonial walking tour of Historic Old Town Alexandria. This quaint and festive town, one of America's oldest historic districts, exudes historical charm and offers a delightful final chapter to your Christmas tour.

Arrive at Reagan National to depart for your flight home or return to the hotel if you drove.