Washington by Moonlight: VIP Memorials & Capitol Hill Tour

Overview

Itinerary

• Visit the National World War I Memorial, which honors the 4.7 million Americans who served during the First World War.nnAt the heart of the memorial is u201cA Soldieru2019s Journey,u201d sculptor Sabin Howardu2019s dramatic 58-foot bronze relief depicting the experience of an American soldier from departure and combat through loss, survival, and return home. It is especially striking when illuminated at night.nnYou will also see the statue of General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, along with battle maps, inscriptions, quotations, and interpretive panels that trace Americau2019s role in the war and its lasting impact.nnYour guide will explain the symbolism throughout the memorial and help bring the stories of the men and women who served during the Great War to life.

• View the White House from an available public vantage point and hear a brief introduction to its history and the presidents who have lived and worked here.nnPlease note: THIS IS AN EXTERIOR TOUR ONLY.nnWhite House interior tours are arranged separately through congressional offices. DCBT cannot arrange, authorize, or guarantee admission to the White House.

• Explore the World War II Memorial as evening falls, with its fountains and dramatic views toward the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.nnYour guide will explain the symbolism of Friedrich St. Florianu2019s design, including the Atlantic and Pacific arches and the 56 pillars representing the states, territories, and District of Columbia.nnAnd keep an eye out for two familiar faces from World War II u2014 the hidden u201cKilroy was hereu201d engravings tucked into the memorial.nnThis is also our first scheduled restroom opportunity.

• As we travel around the Tidal Basin, learn why the basin was created, why this location was chosen for the Jefferson Memorial, and the architectural and historical meanings behind its famous design.nnAt night, the illuminated memorial and its reflection across the water create one of Washingtonu2019s most memorable views.

• Experience the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial after dark, when the monumental figure of Dr. King takes on a particularly striking presence.nnYour guide will explain the symbolism of the Mountain of Despair and the Stone of Hope, point out quotations drawn from Dr. Kingu2019s sermons, speeches, and writings, and discuss his life and leadership in the Civil Rights Movement.nnFrom the memorial, enjoy another beautiful nighttime view across the Tidal Basin toward the Jefferson Memorial.

• Cross the Potomac into Arlington, Virginia, and learn how lands that are now part of Arlington were originally included within the District of Columbia.nnSee the dramatic U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial u2014 often called the Iwo Jima Memorial u2014 illuminated against the Washington skyline.

• Begin at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the Three Servicemen statue, and the Vietnam Womenu2019s Memorial.

• Continue to the Lincoln Memorial, with sweeping nighttime views across the National Mall. Stand near the place where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous u201cI Have a Dreamu201d speech during the 1963 March on Washington.

• Finish at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, one of Washingtonu2019s most evocative memorials after dark.

• As we travel through the National Mall, see the illuminated Washington Monument and learn about its original design, construction history, and famous change in stone color.nnDepending on routing and road access, we may also pass several Smithsonian landmarks, including the Smithsonian Castle and Arts and Industries Building.

• Continue to Capitol Hill for a nighttime drive past three of Washingtonu2019s great civic landmarks.nnSee the illuminated United States Capitol, home of Congress and one of the defining symbols of American government.nnDrive past the Supreme Court of the United States and its monumental classical fau00e7ade.nnThen see the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, one of Washingtonu2019s great Beaux-Arts landmarks.nnTogether, the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress create a spectacular nighttime finale and offer a view of Washingtonu2019s legislative, judicial, and cultural institutions within one remarkable architectural setting.

• The tour ends where it began - at lovely Freedom Plaza. It is near many central hotels and the subway line - your driver can help you find your way home.

Good to know

• Wheelchair accessible

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

• Service animals allowed

• Public transportation options are available nearby

• Infants are required to sit on an adultu2019s lap

• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.