Departing Dallas/Ft. Worth and Little Rock

Day 1 – Memphis

We begin our journey to Washington, DC, a city for all seasons, but none more breathtaking than spring. Literally hundreds of cherry trees and dogwoods inundate the city with their delicate blossoms.

(D) Overnight: Memphis, Tennessee

Day 2 – Rippavilla Plantation

Take a journey through 150 years of Tennessee history, as we tour and have a delicious lunch at Rippavilla Plantation. Relive the Civil War happenings before going to our overnight stop.

(B,L) Overnight: Crossville, Tennessee

Day 3 – Appalachians

Our drive today is alongside the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. This is some of Virginia’s most beautiful country – rolling hills, lush farms and timbered mountains.

(B,D) Overnight: Charlottesville, Virginia

Days 4, 5 & 6 – Monticello/Washington, DC Monuments & Parade

Before leaving Charlottesville, we’ll tour Monticello, designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. Then it’s on to our nation’s capital to enjoy another famous home, the 18^th century Mt.Vernon, where George and Martha Washington lived for 40 years. Food court vouchers will be furnished for an early dinner. The next day’s activities include a guided tour to some of the well-known monuments and memorials, so plentiful in the city – Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, WW II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Our downtown hotel, the Hamilton Crowne Plaza provides a convenient location for “metro-hopping” or walking to see your favorite attraction during free time. You’ll want to spend some time at the Smithsonian Institution – the National Air & Space Museum is always popular. Be sure to see the $621-million, 3-level U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center which opened a year ago and is a virtual treasure trove of American artifacts. An underground walkway provides a link to the Library of Congress which is made up of three buildings; one of the three is the Jefferson Building, said to be one of America’s most beautiful public institutions! On Saturday, the highlight is the colorful annual Cherry Blossom Parade which celebrates the original 3,000 cherry trees gifted by Tokyo in 1912. We will enjoy watching the marching bands and floats from reserved grandstand seats.

Day 4 (B,D); Day 5 (B,D); Day 6 (No Meals)  Overnights: Washington, District of Columbia

Day 7 – Colonial Williamsburg

Discover the charm of the 18^th century, as we explore the re-created homes and shops of America’s nation builders in Colonial Williamsburg. Converse with the costumed interpreters who are always “in character.”

(B,D) Overnight: Williamsburg, Virginia

Day 8 – Natural Bridge

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World is on our route today – the Natural Bridge. This magnificent stone arch has taken millions of years to form.

(B,D) Overnight: Knoxville, Tennessee

Day 9 – The Hermitage

We’ll stop at the Hermitage, the former home of Andrew Jackson, for a tour and lunch before going to our last overnight stop.

(B,L) Overnight: Memphis, Tennessee

Day 10 – Homeward Bound

We arrive home with a new appreciation of our nation’s history and beauty.

(B)