Washington DC and Williamsburg Independence

Overview Go on a journey to the capital of the United States, Washington DC. Start at Embassy Row and then stop for a photo op at the White House. Spend time reflecting on the memorials and monuments dedicated to national heroes. One shining example is the Lincoln Memorial, inscribed with the president’s famous speeches. At the Capitol Building, get inspired by the Flame of Knowledge at the Library of Congress and the architecture of the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill. Discover the rights and freedoms that are foundational to the U.S. government at the National Archives, viewing the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

After getting to know the country’s history at the capital, learn about the colonists in Jamestown and Williamsburg. Take a leap back in the cultural and historical timeline to before the U.S. was a nation, on a guided tour of the first permanent English colony in America, Jamestown Settlement. Walk around a life-size fort and step into a Native American village from the era. In Colonial Williamsburg, view the elegant displays of British wealth and royalty at the Governor’s Palace. Visit the Public Gaol, where pirates, runaway slaves and political prisoners awaited their fate. Discover the historic trades of the time period, and explore the Colonial Gardens to learn what foods and flowers were common in the 1700s. Daily Itinerary (5 Days)

DAY 1 TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON DC – SYMBOLS OF DEMOCRACY Arrive at our nation’s capital, starting off with sightseeing along Embassy Row and stopping for a photo op in front of the White House. Tour the Memorials in the afternoon and put history lessons into context. • Travel to Washington DC • Embassy Row • White House • World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Tidal Basin and Washington Monument

DAY 2 WASHINGTON DC, MOUNT VERNON, ALEXANDRIA AND ARLINGTON – PRESERVING HISTORY For a glimpse into colonial life, visit George Washington’s preserved estate, Mount Vernon. Then stop by historic Old Town Alexandria. Reflect on our nation’s past on visits to Arlington National Cemetery and U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. • Mount Vernon • Old Town Alexandria • Arlington National Cemetery • U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (also known as Iwo Jima Memorial)

DAY 3 WASHINGTON DC TO WILLIAMSBURG – FOUNDATIONS Explore the historical landmarks of the National Mall. Start at the Capitol, taking in grand architecture in the Crypt, Rotunda and National Statuary Hall. Tour Capitol Hill, stopping in at the Visitor Center by appointment, see the Library of Congress and climb the steps of the Supreme Court. View the National Archives, to see the documents that U.S. independence and rights are built upon, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Discover history hands-on in a scavenger hunt at the Smithsonian Museums. End the day traveling to Williamsburg. • U.S. Capitol Building: Crypt, Rotunda and National Statuary Hall • Capitol Hill, Visitor Center, Library of Congress and U.S. Supreme Court • National Archives: Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights • Smithsonian Museums Scavenger Hunt • Travel to Williamsburg

DAY 4 WILLIAMSBURG – COLONIAL CRAFTSMANSHIP Start the day on a Jamestown Settlement guided tour, learn about this English settlement in North America. Explore Colonial Williamsburg, visiting the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, the Public Gaol, historic trades like the blacksmith and cooper, taverns, gardens and other government buildings. Attend an evening program where performers bring history to life. • Guided tour of Jamestown Settlement • Colonial Williamsburg, including Governor’s Palace • Evening historical program

DAY 5 WILLIAMSBURG, WASHINGTON DC TO HOME – JOURNEY HOME Travel back to Washington DC this morning to begin the journey home. • Return to Washington DC • Depart Washington DC for home