Each year over 3,500 Japanese cherry trees provide a gorgeous pink display in Washington’s Potomac Park. A gift from the Mayor of Tokyo, these trees inspired the city’s beloved spring festival.
Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Attend one of Washington's most exciting traditions, The Cherry Blossom Festival. Your marching band will compete for one of sixteen coveted spots in the parade, which runs along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets, NW, and will be featured in a live simulcast on ABC 7/ WJLA-TV and News Channel 8. Combine music and history with this premiere festival in Washington, D.C. Take your marching band to the largest annual spectator event in the Nation's Capital.
The epicenter of American democracy, the U.S. Capitol is an architectural marvel and living museum. Sit in on a session of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives and enjoy a tour of this building’s historic halls.
The Washington Mall is the beautiful home of some of the nation’s most important and inspiring monuments. These monuments are visually stunning and are an essential stop for your student group’s trip to Washington. A tour of the the monuments and memorials may include stops at the Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Franklin D. Roosevelt monuments.
The White House is a national treasure and fantastic historical and architectural landmark for your student’s to visit. “The People’s House” houses famous pieces of American art and provides a history lesson like no other for your group.
Washington, D.C. is home to the nation’s most important pieces of art and artifacts. See the Hope Diamond and Memphis Belle, in the Smithsonian Institute Museums or spend an afternoon exploring modern media in the Newseum. Other museums that are not to be missed are the National Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum, National Holocaust Museum and the National Art Gallery.
Take time to explore the war memorials near the heart of Washington. Student groups can pay homage to past heroes at the Iwo Jima, World War II, Vietnam and Korean War Memorials.
Arlington National Cemetery is hallowed ground and testament to the sacrifices made by great Americans. Your student group can see numerous memorials including the Kennedy Eternal Flame, Space Shuttle Challenger memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Your student group can explore the historic site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Included in the tour of this historic theatre is a look at Petersen House, the boarding house where the 16th president passed away.
Day 1
- Arrive in Washington, DC
- Visit the Cherry Blossoms
- Lunch
- U.S. Capitol or National Archives
- Dinner
Day 2
- Early Breakfast
- National Cherry Blossom Parade Performance
- Lunch
- Smithsonian Museum
- Dinner
Day 3
- Breakfast
- Arlington National Cemetery wreath laying
- Lunch
- Mount Vernon
- Dinner
- Guided Illuminated Monument Tour
Day 4
- Breakfast
- Smithsonian Museum
- Lunch
- Prepare for Home
* Please Note: some activities listed are seasonal, and therefore will be available only on specific travel dates.
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