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Highlights...
The Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center
Monuments & Memorials Tour • World War II Memorial
Insider Tour of NPR Headquarters
National Gallery of Art • National Museum of the American
Indian
Steve Kraske, the Kansas City Star's political reporter and Stephen
Steigman, producer of Up to Date have extensive knowledge of the
workings of our Nation's capital.
In addition to the great sites, restaurants, and museums we'll visit
in DC, you'll also have the opportunity to meet with members of
Congress, tour National Public Radio, and see first-hand how political
decisions are made and shared with the world. Plus, should you choose,
you're invited to be part of the live audience for a broadcast of
Up to Date from DC.
Major new museums have recently opened to showcase special collections
and the hallowed World War II memorial now graces the National Mall.
Learn more about the history of the nation’s capital, enjoy
special programs at the newest Smithsonian museums, including the
National Museum of the American Indian and the National Air and
Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center.
Day
1: Arrive Washington, D.C.
Explore the nation’s capital at your leisure prior to a special
welcome reception and dinner. (D)
Day
2: Washington, D.C.
Begin your day with a presentation on the Smithsonian Institution’s
intriguing collections, followed by a city sightseeing tour. Travel
along Pennsylvania Avenue, the grand boulevard connecting the White
House and Capitol Hill, to view the impressive U.S. Capitol and
the venerable Supreme Court. During a visit to the Library of Congress,
learn about the Library’s vast collections and spectacular
architecture, and enjoy a panoramic perspective of the historic
Reading Room from the viewing area. Return to your hotel for a presentation
about the nation’s capital. A free evening provides the opportunity
to experience one of Washington’s fine restaurants, attend
a theater performance, or simply relax. (B)
Day
3: Washington, D.C.
Arrive early in the morning for a guided tour of the new Udvar-Hazy
Center, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s
newest facility located near Dulles Airport. This striking museum
currently exhibits over a hundred aircraft and space artifacts,
many of which have never been on display for the public. View historic
aircraft hanging aloft and walk among artifacts on the floor, including
the supersonic Concorde passenger jet and the SR-71 “Blackbird”
reconnaissance aircraft, and the Space Shuttle “Enterprise.”
(B)
Day
4: Washington, D.C.
Enjoy a narrated coach tour of the national monuments and memorials
of Washington, D.C. Begin your tour at Arlington National Cemetery,
final resting place for many national heroes. Pay tribute to the
Shuttle Columbia astronauts at the new memorial dedicated to the
members, as well as to John F. Kennedy, at the eternal flame that
marks his gravesite. En route to the National Mall view the stately
monuments to Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln, and stop to walk
through the newest memorial, dedicated to the veterans of World
War II. In the afternoon, attend a guided tour of the National Gallery
of Art. This important art gallery is home to paintings by the Old
Masters, French Impressionists, and many other important artists.
(B, D)
Day
5: Washington, D.C.
This morning visit the fascinating National Museum of the American
Indian. The museum possesses the largest and most extensive collection
of Native American art and artifacts in the world. This 16th and
the newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution was opened to the
public in September 2004. Your day continues with a guided tour
of the Freer Gallery of Art, known for its comprehensive collection
of Asian art as well as its American art collection, including Whistler's
Peacock Room. This evening, gather with fellow travelers and celebrate
your Washington journey during a sumptuous farewell dinner. (B,
D)
Day 6: Washington, D.C - Tour Concludes
(B)
Educational
Highlights
As a symbol of democracy and repository of American
history, Washington, D.C. holds a unique place in the hearts and
minds of the American people. During talks by a curator and historians,
take a closer look at the Smithsonian Institution - the world's
largest museum complex - and discover how Washington, D.C. developed
along the Potomac River.
• A Smithsonian historian will trace the history of the Institution
beginn
ing with the intriguing bequest by the English scientist James Smithson
in 1829 to the present-day complex of museums and research centers.
• During a talk by historian Kenneth Bowling, hear the intimate
story of the nation's capital, featuring a look back at the ideals
and practical issues that underlay the city's establishment.
**Smithsonian
Journeys Travel
Smithsonian
Journeys Travel Adventures offers the best in educational travel
worldwide. These custom-crafted tours are created for adventurous
travelers like you, who seek the thrill of discovery and learning,
combined with flexibility and economical rates. Local expert speakers
really make the difference between simply seeing and truly understanding
your destination.
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