Washington

Mount Vernon, Old Town Alexandra, and Grand Tour

In Washington, enjoy the experience of being close to the nation’s arbiters of power, the spirit of the founding fathers, and objects of art and exploration.

A huge city bordered by Virginia and Maryland, Washington is divided into several districts: the busy downtown, East, West, and the diverse North Central. Generally referred to by its shorter version, DC, the American capital has numerous government offices, first-rate art and space museums, and bustling public spaces.

Sightseeing is as its best in the National Mall, a national park holding surrounded by major attractions: the White House, U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian Complex, Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial, and many more prestigious cultural centers and national monuments. These sights are within a stone’s throw of each other.

• At the Smithsonian, the world’s largest museum complex and fondly referred to as “America’s Attic,” prepare to be amazed at the astounding collections at the various museums: aviation, science and technology at the National Air and Space Museum; treasures of heritage at the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African Art; and a gothic castle at the National Museum of Natural History
• Humanity’s achievements since the Middle Ages are showcased at the National Gallery.
• Spy stories take center stage at the well-loved International Spy Museum.
• The JFK Center has seven theaters, on which premier performance arts shows are held.
• Government offices, topped by the White House and the Capitol, command visitors’ admiration.

The Pentagon is also a striking presence in Washington. About 30 minutes south of DC, Old Town Alexandra continues to attract history lovers; in this town, the founding fathers met to discuss freedom and revolution. Neighboring Mount Vernon shelters a wealth of colonial history, as well as the home of George Washington, set in a wide green expanse leading to the Potomac River.

Washington offers more than sightseeing delights. Shopping, dining, and nightlife are important elements in the city. Georgetown and the North Central neighborhoods feature fine dining and lively nightlife establishments. In Washington, you can either muse on the symbols of bureaucratic power or on the evidence of human genius and artistry.