About Washington, D.C.:

America's capital, a totally-planned city, is full of majestic marble monuments celebrating the ideals of "liberty and justice for all." The public area, a big park called the "Mall", is laid out in a rough cross shape, with the Washington Monument at its axis, and the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, Capitol, and White House at each of its ends. There is a "bird’s-eye" view of the city from the 500-foot level of the Washington Monument, so you can see where everything is. During this weekend the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is usually held on the Mall.

You may go on your own at many points in the tour, but a staff member will be available to help you, when needed. Here are some of the sights we will see and a suggested itinerary: 

• 4th of July Fireworks - celebrating the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence from Britain (1776)

• Jefferson Memorial - A beautiful domed monument to the Third president of the United States, who was also an architect who loved domed structures. He was a first-class political philosopher who drafted the text for the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Our vantage point will give you a great photo foreground for the memorial.

• White House - Presently there is not a tour inside the White House, but we will go to the best places where you can get close-up photos of the exterior. Who knows? Maybe the President will wave to you!

• Ford’s Theater - Restored to look exactly as it looked the fateful night of April 14, 1865 when actor John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln while he was watching a comedy drama to relax after the Civil War ended. The House where Lincoln died is right across the street.

• Museums of the Smithsonian Institution - A government-subsidized collection of artifacts and memorabilia founded in the 1800's which line the Mall on both sides. The 19 museums, galleries, and gardens are organized by themes or areas of interest. Here are a few which you can visit:

  • National Museum of American History - The original "Star-Spangled Banner", the actual inaugural gowns of many of the presidents’ wives, as well as exhibits on high-tech communication, Native Americans, and America’s diversity fill this large museum.

  • National Museum of Natural History - See the world’s largest diamond, dinosaur skeletons, a huge stuffed real elephant, moon rocks, and exhibits on ancient cultures.

  • National Air and Space Museum - Life-sized replicas of famous "firsts" in space exploration, the real first airplane, first lunar orbiter, and the plane that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima. Excellent IMAX movies and planetarium shows are options for about $8-10 each.

• Arlington National Cemetery - Visit John F. Kennedy’s Grave, the Arlington House (where Southern General Robert E. Lee retired so he could keep his eye on what was going on in Washington), and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with its "changing of the guard" ceremony.

• Lincoln Memorial - The site also where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech--and where Forrest Gump jumped into the reflecting pool!

• National Gallery of Art - Two buildings in one, with both classical and modern art in buildings that are themselves great works of art.

• U.S. Supreme Court - We will go inside if it is open, but usually the court is not in session during this holiday weekend.

• U.S. Capitol Building - Though Congress is seldom in session at this time, you can see where they meet, and be awed by the amazing sculptures and paintings on the inside of the dome.

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