Tours Beyond

Spring is in the Air

The Washington Cherry Blossom Festival is a 4-week celebration of spring that commemorates the international friendship between Japanese and U.S. citizens. Colours are bursting throughout Washington, D.C. and its surrounding neighbourhoods with art installations and various events occurring. The event culminates with a massive parade filled with floats, marching bands, balloons, and famous entertainers.  

Washington, D.C. City Tour

See the iconic sites and landmarks and hear the exciting stories on a city tour with a local stop-on guide. Explore the many neighbourhoods of Washington, D.C. and discover what makes each area unique. 

Visit the Home of a Founding Father

Registered as a National Historic Landmark, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is the home of America’s First President George Washington and First Lady Martha Washington. There are 500 acres of land to be explored, including more than 30 outbuildings, slave quarters, and gardens. Stop in the museum and discover the stories of everyone who once lived here. You can even pay your respects at the Washington Tomb.

The John F. Kennedy Center

Designated as a living memorial for President John F. Kennedy, a patron of the arts, The John F. Kennedy Center is the United States National Cultural Center. See a performance of Shear Madness, the longest-running play in the history of American Theater.

A Civil War Landmark 

The Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting all aspects of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. The museum features multiple exhibits, artifacts, and educational films.

Flowers in Niagara Falls 

Celebrate the beauty of springtime at the Niagara Parks Floral Show House and their annual Spring Showcase. Along with the permanent collection of gorgeous plants such as orchids and succulents, the three main display houses feature specially selected florals for the season. Be sure to check out the surrounding grounds to see more amazing botanical artwork.

The Amazing Cherry Blossom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Washington, D.C.’s premier annual events, where over 1 million people come to admire the 12 varieties of 3000-plus trees. While the cherry blossoms are an attraction on their own, many other events are held in conjunction that celebrate both the Japanese and American cultures. This spectacular event culminates with a grand parade that guests will watch from our reserved grandstand seats. 

“D.C. Owns Spring” 

Or at least they claim to! Come and experience the welcoming of spring in America’s capital city. On the Canadian side of the border, visit the Niagara Floral House to see their annual Spring Showcase.

The Perfect Blend of Art and History

While the fresh springtime and special flowers set the tone for this tour, a trip to Washington, D.C. would be futile without a history lesson. A three-hour city tour and visits to various historical landmarks will help you get caught up. For art lovers, along with world-class art museums, the Cherry Blossom Festival has various art installations set up throughout the city. A performance of Shear Madness at the Kennedy Center will also be a highlight.

• Our unique Connections Program
• Private coach transportation
• 5 nights of accommodation
• 5 breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 2 dinners
• Local professional guides and all entry fees to included highlights
• Services of Tours in Canada Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include HST.

Included Highlights:

• Washington, D.C. Guided City Tour
• George Washington’s Mount Vernon – Guided Tour & Lunch with Martha Washington
• Performance of Shear Madness at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
• Washington Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – Grandstand Seats
• Gettysburg Visitor Centre & Museum
• Niagara Floral Show House

Day 1:  Travel to Williamsport, PA

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you travel south to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. After you arrive at the hotel, settle in and freshen up before rejoining the group for a welcome dinner.

Stay: Genetti Hotel, Williamsport, PA

Nights: 1

Meals: D

Day 2: Arrive in Washington, D.C.

Welcome to Washington, D.C., a city draped in dramatic pinks and whites to commemorate the friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. It is cherry blossom season! Get your bearings with a city tour hosted by a local step-on guide. Hear the fascinating history of the U.S.A.’s capital city and see iconic landmarks and attractions. Arrive at your hotel and take the night to explore by yourself. Your tour director can suggest some dinner options. 

Stay: Holiday Inn Washington Capital/National Mall, Washington D.C.

Nights: 3

Meals: B 

Day 3: Mount Vernon, Kennedy Center Show

After breakfast, discover the historic home of America’s first president, George Washington. On your private guided tour, walk the immaculate grounds while learning about Washington’s life. Included is entry to the iconic Mansion with its 3 floors and 21 interpreted rooms. Enjoy lunch in the 18th-century Mount Vernon Inn with a special guest, Martha Washington. After an exciting journey back in time, the rest of the afternoon is free time. Check out one of the many museums, walk the sites at the National Mall, or see the art displays and free events associated with the Cherry Blossom Festival. Rejoin the group for an included dinner and then a performance of Shear Madness at the John F. Kennedy Center. It's a hilarious murder mystery where the outcome changes nightly! 

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Washington Cherry Blossom Festival Parade 

Prepare for decorative floats, talented marching bands, and an all-around spring celebration showcased today at the Cherry Blossom Parade. Watch the fun from your premium grandstand seat and wave to your favourite entertainment personalities. The rest of the day is yours to continue sightseeing your way.  

Meals: B, L

Day 5: Depart Washington, D.C., Gettysburg Museum

Say goodbye to Washington, D.C. and head to the site of one of the most significant battlegrounds of the American Civil War. On your self-guided tour of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, see interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts that tell the story of America's deadliest war. Hop on the coach and travel to the battleground site with a step-on guide. Lunch today will be at the historic Dobbin House Tavern, the oldest house in Gettysburg and a former hospital during the Civil War. In the afternoon, board the coach and head for home. Your stopover tonight will be in Corning, New York. After you check in to the hotel, rejoin the group for a final farewell dinner.    

Stay: Hilton Garden Inn, Corning, NY

Nights: 1

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Niagara Floral House, Home 

Continue on the journey home today. After crossing the border and stopping at Duty Free, proceed to Niagara Falls for an included lunch. Visit the Niagara Floral House, where spring has already sprung, and marvel at the magnificent botanical artworks on display during their Annual Spring Showcase. Board the coach and travel home with renewed energy and warm thoughts that the Ontario landscape will soon bloom with new life.

Meals: B, L

Genetti Hotel, Williamsport, PA  (1 night)

This elegant and premier hotel dates back to 1921 with its old-fashioned charm still very present today. Antiques line The Genetti Hotel's lobby and the same classic theme continues into the traditionally styled rooms. 

Holiday Inn Washington Capital/National Mall  (3 nights)

Located within walking distance of many museums and sites, the Holiday Inn Washington Capital/National Mall is a comfortable and convenient accommodation choice while in Washington D.C. 

Hilton Garden Inn, Corning, NY (1 night)

The Hilton Garden Inn is conveniently located close to the Corning Glass Museum in quaint Corning, NY. Complete with comfortable accommodations, onsite dining, a fitness centre, and free wifi, this stopover hotel is a great choice for an end to your tour.

This 6-day day tour follows pickup Route B, and includes our unique Connections Program.  The pickup locations are:

• Lindsay
• Peterborough
• Bowmanville
• Whitby
• Markham
• Brampton
• Burlington
• Stoney Creek
• Grimsby
• St. Catherines

The weather in Washington, D.C. can still be cool at this time of the year. The Cherry Blossom Parade is outdoors and happens rain or shine. We suggest packing appropriate clothing for sitting in the grandstands for 3+ hours.

Although this motorcoach tour starts and ends in Southern Ontario, guests can join this tour from anywhere in the world by flying to Toronto, and using our Connections Program for transportation to a pickup location!  Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.

There are many free events occurring during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Plan ahead and see if there is anything you would like to attend during your free time. You can also watch the growth of the trees ahead of time with their handy Blossom Watch stream.