Spotlight on Washington, D.C. Exploring America's Capital

Spotlight on Washington, D.C. Exploring America's Capital

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6 Days From

$2649

$2237

Spotlight on Washington, D.C. Exploring America's Capital

6 Days Starting and ending in Washington, D.C., USA

Visiting: Washington, D.C., Arlington

Tour operator:

Collette

Tour code:

15598

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

From: $2649 $2237 (USD) Operator discount: -$300 Travel Club discount: -$112 -16%

NB: Prices correct on 10-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of America's capital with the "Spotlight on Washington, D.C." tour. Spend five unforgettable nights exploring the rich history and iconic landmarks of Washington, D.C. Begin with a guided tour of the storied U.S. Capitol building and continue with visits to the Washington National Cathedral and the poignant war memorials. Choose your own adventure with options like a walking tour of the Lincoln Assassination or a visit to the International Spy Museum. Discover the life of George Washington at Mount Vernon and enjoy the charm of Old Town Alexandria. Experience the diverse culinary scene and explore the treasures of the Smithsonian Institution at your leisure. Conclude your historical journey with a farewell dinner, celebrating the memories made in this vibrant city.

Highlights

  • Tour the iconic and storied U.S. Capitol building.

  • Behold the impressive Washington National Cathedral.

  • Peek into the life of America’s first president at Mount Vernon.

  • Visit Arlington National Cemetery and the Kennedy gravesites.

  • Explore the historic streets of Old Town Alexandria.

  • Experience DC your way by visiting a Smithsonian Museum of your choice.

  • Reflect at the poignant World War II, Vietnam Veterans, and Korean War Memorials.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Washington, D.C.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Accommodation Name: Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle

Explore America’s heritage and history during your stay in the capital city of the United States – Washington, D.C.

Day 2 : Washington, D.C.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Your day begins at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center with a guided tour of this historic and storied building. Discover the celebrated history of America’s capital on a city tour. Take in views of the White House, National Mall and other monuments and museums. Pause to reflect at the poignant World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 3 : Washington, D.C.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Tour the Washington National Cathedral, which hosted state funerals, Presidential inaugural masses, and MLK’s last sermon. Decide how you want to see more of D.C. today – it’s your choice. Join a walking tour retracing the plots and events leading to the Lincoln Assassination -OR- explore the life of espionage with a visit to the International Spy Museum. This evening after an included dinner, enjoy an illuminated twilight tour of the Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Lincoln Memorials before returning to the hotel.

Day 4 : Arlington National Cemetery - Mount Vernon, Virginia - Alexandria

Location: Arlington

Accommodation Name: hotel

Visit Arlington National Cemetery for a narrated tour that takes you to the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy gravesites. Head to Old Town Alexandria, nestled along the Potomac, and enjoy time to stroll the cobblestone streets on your own during a break for lunch. Continue to Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George Washington. After a limited tour of the home, spend time wandering through the gardens and grounds before visiting the tomb of General Washington and his wife, Martha. This evening is yours to explore the district’s culinary scene.

Day 5 : Washington, D.C.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Spend time in the White House Visitor Center and see artifacts from the White House collection. Then, uncover some of the treasures of the Smithsonian Institution with free time to visit any of the more than 10 museums surrounding the National Mall. This afternoon you can choose to live like a local and take the metro with your Tour Manager to return to the hotel. Gather in the evening for a farewell dinner commemorating the end of your historical journey.

Day 6 : Washington, D.C. - Tour Ends

Location: Washington, D.C.

Your tour comes to a close in Washington, D.C. this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay for 5 memorable nights in the heart of Washington, D.C. at the Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle.

  • Guided Tours

    Enjoy a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol building and a city tour of Washington, D.C.

  • Washington National Cathedral

    Tour the Washington National Cathedral, a site of historical significance.

  • Smithsonian Museum Visit

    Experience DC your way by visiting a Smithsonian Museum of your choice.

  • Arlington National Cemetery

    Visit Arlington National Cemetery for a narrated tour.

  • Mount Vernon

    Peek into the life of America’s first president at Mount Vernon.

  • Meals

    Enjoy included dinners and a farewell dinner commemorating the end of your historical journey.

  • Local Cuisine

    Experience international cuisine in local restaurants throughout the city.

  • Choice of Activities

    Choose between a walking tour retracing the Lincoln Assassination or a visit to the International Spy Museum.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Transportation to Start Location

    Transportation to the start location in Washington, D.

    C.

    is not included.

Experiences

Behold the impressive Washington National Cathedral.Peek into the life of America’s first president at Mount Vernon.Experience DC your way by visiting a Smithsonian Museum of your choice.

Culinaries

Experience international cuisine in local restaurants throughout the city.

Must See

Spend 5 memorable nights in the heart of Washington, D.C.Tour the iconic and storied U.S. Capitol building.

Choice Highlights

U.S. Capitol Building Tour Set on top of Capitol Hill and the eastern end of the National Mall, this building is home to the U.S. Congress. First used in November of 1800, the Capitol Building is a symbol of American democracy. Designed by a Scottish-trained physician living in the British West Indies, the building is made up of two rectangular parts with a centralized dome.

World War II Memorial The National WW II Memorial is dedicated to the 16 million who served in the armed forces, the 400,000 who perished and all those who supported the war effort on the home front. Dedicated in 2004 and designed by architect Friedrich St Florian, the memorial sits in a place of honor on the National Mall. It was the culmination of an 11-year effort, mainly funded with private contributions.

Washington National Cathedral Since the moment workmen laid the cornerstone in 1907, the Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul has been America's national worship site for people of all faiths. The church atop Mount Saint Alban overlooking the city has played host to the state funerals of Presidents Dwight D Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan. As well as being the place from which the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached his last Sunday sermon in 1968.

Choice on Tour: International Spy Museum or Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour After your tour of the Washington National Cathedral, you will choose how you want to see more of D.C. this day. You might choose to join a walking tour retracing the plots and events leading to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. During this 1-mile walk, learn about the sites where these connected attacks against the government played out. Or, you could decide to visit the International Spy Museum, which sheds light on the secret world of espionage and intelligence. The museum’s exhibits and experiences take you undercover.



NEO DAY #3 - International Spy Museum

Activity Level: 1

This is a self-guided tour where travelers have time to explore the museum at their own pace.



NEO DAY # 3 - Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour Activity Level: 2

Walking tour which is 1 mile in length.



Washington, D.C. With it's status as the Nation's Capital, Washington, D.C. sits along the Potomac River on land donated by the states of Virginia and Maryland. Home to all three branches of government, DC also has numerous museums, Arlington Cemetery and The National Mall. An open-air park between the Jefferson Memorial and the Capital Building, the Mall is dotted with memorials such as the WWII and Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.

Mount Vernon Situated on the banks of the Potomac River, Mount Vernon was the home of 1st U.S. President, George Washington. Explore 21 beautiful rooms spread out over the mansion's three floors or see the outbuildings that housed the important trades which helped to sustain the property. Washington redesigned the grounds of the estate to not only grow provisions but reflect a naturalistic 18th-century landscape.

Alexandria, VA

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Washington, D.C. With it's status as the Nation's Capital, Washington, D.C. sits along the Potomac River on land donated by the states of Virginia and Maryland. Home to all three branches of government, DC also has numerous museums, Arlington Cemetery and The National Mall. An open-air park between the Jefferson Memorial and the Capital Building, the Mall is dotted with memorials such as the WWII and Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.

Washington, D.C. With it's status as the Nation's Capital, Washington, D.C. sits along the Potomac River on land donated by the states of Virginia and Maryland. Home to all three branches of government, DC also has numerous museums, Arlington Cemetery and The National Mall. An open-air park between the Jefferson Memorial and the Capital Building, the Mall is dotted with memorials such as the WWII and Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.

Mode of Transport

Explore Washington, D.C. with guided tours and the convenience of local transportation options, including the metro for a true local experience. Enjoy narrated tours and the flexibility to discover the city at your own pace.

Accommodation

Stay at the Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle, offering a comfortable and convenient base in the heart of Washington, D.C. Enjoy easy access to the city's iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods during your memorable 5-night stay.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a guided visit to the U.S. Capitol, a tour of the Washington National Cathedral, a choice between a walking tour of the Lincoln Assassination or a visit to the International Spy Museum, and a narrated tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore Mount Vernon and enjoy free time at the Smithsonian Institution.

  • Are there any evening activities planned during the tour?

    Yes, on the third day, after dinner, there is an illuminated twilight tour of the Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Lincoln Memorials. On the fifth day, there is a farewell dinner to commemorate the end of the tour.

  • What options do I have for exploring Washington, D.C. on the third day?

    On the third day, you can choose between joining a walking tour that retraces the events leading to the Lincoln Assassination or visiting the International Spy Museum to learn about espionage.

  • Will there be opportunities to explore on my own during the tour?

    Yes, there will be free time to explore Old Town Alexandria on your own during a break for lunch on the fourth day. Additionally, you will have free time to visit any of the Smithsonian museums on the fifth day.

  • Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?

    Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.

  • Can my children travel on tour?

    Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.

  • What is the difference between a twin room and double room?

    In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.

  • Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?

    Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.

  • Do I need a passport?

    Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.

  • Is there a lot of walking on tour?

    We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Tuesday

Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025
$2569 $2447 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$122 (USD)

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Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025
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Travel Club discount: -$122 (USD)

Wednesday - Monday

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Travel Club discount: -$122 (USD)

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Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025
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Operator discount: -$300 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$112 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$126 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$126 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$126 (USD)

Thursday - Tuesday

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Travel Club discount: -$121 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$126 (USD)

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    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

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    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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