Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Travelers arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport and transfer to Hilton Dulles Airport for check-in. 

Meet your group and tour escort to visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center National Air and Space Museum, featuring iconic air and spacecraft exhibits. 

Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner at a special local favorite before returning to the hotel to rest.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning.

Arrive on Capitol Hill to visit the Capitol Visitor Center and explore the United States Capitol, the most recognized symbol of democracy in the world. 

Afterwards, tour the United States Library of Congress, the largest national library in the world with more than 100 million items in three buildings and home to the personal collection of Abraham Lincoln. Lunch is on own at the Capitol Visitor Center Cafeteria. 

Drive through Embassy Row. After the Civil War, the powerful and socially elite built large mansions along Massachusetts Ave. After the Great Depression, many of the families who built these homes went broke. Today, the area is known as Embassy Row. Embassies, associations, foundations, and clubs have claimed and restored these lovely homes.  

Explore the Washington National Cathedral. Standing higher than the Washington Monument, it is the sixth largest church in the world. This 14th-Century-style Gothic wonder is situated on 57 acres and took 83 years to build.   

Discover a hidden gem at Hillwood Estate and Gardens. The mansion is the former home of cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and features one of the most comprehensive collections of eighteenth and nineteenth-century Russian Imperial art outside of Russia, as well as an extensive collection of eighteenth-century French decorative arts.  

The day concludes with a delectable dinner along the Potomac River followed by an illuminated monument driving tour.  Washington’s grand buildings, memorials, and monuments sparkle and are impressive during the day; but in the evenings they are illuminated, soft, focusing the solid stones and bronzes; fountains and water features shimmer in reflection; shadows darken highlighting the floodlit detail. Impressive during the day – stunning at night!  

Enjoy breakfast included at the hotel this morning.

This morning is the annual Cherry Blossom Parade!  You'll witness grand performances, brightly colored giant balloons, massive marching bands, and the Cherry Blossom princess, all from your premium grandstand seating by the National Archives and right across from the television cameras - guaranteeing a great show.   

Enjoy free time to explore, shop, and have lunch on your own as you explore along The Wharf Neighborhood.  This remarkable, mile-long stretch along the Potomac River comes to life with restaurants, retailers, residences, and businesses—all complemented by monumental views and a vibrant culture.   

Arrive for boarding the Odyssey III Cruise Ship for the annual "Pink Party Exclusive Cherry Blossom Cruise" on the Potomac.  Onboard enjoy a welcome Signature Pink Drink, a narrative cruise of the sites along the river, dancing to our live entertainment, and a delicious meal.  Get Your Bloom On and WEAR PINK today to help make our cruise especially festive.  There will be prizes for Best Dressed in Pink.  

The evening includes visits to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial before returning to your hotel for the night.

Enjoy breakfast at your leisure this morning.

Visits iconic memorials with your Guide this morning, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and National World War II Memorial. 

Arrive to explore George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate.  Enjoy lunch on your own upon arrival, followed by tours of the estate and museum.  It was here, 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.  

The day concludes with dinner in Old Town Alexandria and visits to historic sites like Christ Church and Robert E. Lee’s Boyhood Home.  A beautifully-preserved historic district on the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria is the heart of the city George Washington called home. Today Old Town’s cobblestone streets and red brick sidewalks hum with an energy that attracts everyone from presidents to pet lovers to some of the best restaurants, arts, events, shopping, and historic attractions.

The final day begins with breakfast at the hotel prior to checking out.  

Embark on additional City Touring and a stop for a photo opportunity at the White House before visiting the National World War I Memorial and Black Lives Matter Plaza. 

Visit Arlington National Cemetery with included tram tickets and visit notable sites, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where you can witness the elaborate ritual: The Changing of the Guard.  Arlington National Cemetery is known as America's most sacred square mile and the final resting place of many historical individual and heroes.  

Afterward, enjoy free time to explore various Smithsonian museums along the National Mall before departing for Washington Dulles International Airport for your return flights home.