America’s 250th: Washington, DC in Bloom - April 5-11, 2026

Introduction
America’s 250th: Washington, DC in Bloom - April 5-11, 2026 image

Washington, DC / April 5-11, 2026

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Patriotic Journey Overview

2026 marks the the semiquincentennial birthday of the United States. OregonWest Excursions is excited to announce the first of our tours honoring the patriotism, courage and sacrifice of our founding fathers and revolutionaries! On this tour we will be exploring the incredible monuments to our shared history, the world-renowned museums our country has created in its capitol and the home of the father of the country - George Washington. This tour will celebrate the beauty of our capitol city as well as the Potomac River with a dinner cruise and a cruise to Mt. Vernon. Come join us as we learn and enjoy the history of our first 250 years!

Patriotic Journey Overview

Patriotic Journey Overview image

At a glance

Day 1 - Arrive in Washington DC

05-Apr-2026
Day 1 - Arrive in Washington DC image

Arrive in Washington DC and Welcome Dinner

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Arrive in Washington DC

After an early morning departure from Oregon and a cross-country flight, we arrive in Washington, DC just in time for a relaxing check-in at our ideally located hotel on Capitol Hill. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening and settle in for an inspiring week of American history and heritage.
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Welcome Dinner

Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening and settle in for an inspiring week of American history and heritage.

Day 2 - Spies and the US Capitol

06-Apr-2026
Day 2 - Spies and the US Capitol image

Explore the Spy Museum and US Capitol

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International Spy Museum Visit

Our first full day begins at the fascinating International Spy Museum—an interactive experience that reveals the shadowy world of espionage.
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Guided Tour of the US Capitol

Walk the hallowed halls of the U.S. Capitol during a guided tour.
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Lunch

After lunch, marvel at the breathtaking architecture and literary treasures of the Library of Congress.
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Library of Congress Visit

Marvel at the breathtaking architecture and literary treasures of the Library of Congress.
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Downtime Before Dinner

Enjoy some downtime before dinner at a favorite local establishment near the Capitol.
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Dinner

Dinner at a favorite local establishment near the Capitol.

Day 3 - Cruise the Potomac to Mt. Vernon

07-Apr-2026
Day 3 - Cruise the Potomac to Mt. Vernon image

Cruise the Potomac and Visit Mount Vernon

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Potomac River Cruise to Mount Vernon

This morning we cruise the Potomac River to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s riverside estate.
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Mount Vernon Estate Tour

Stroll the stately grounds, tour the mansion, and reflect on the life of our nation’s first president.
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Lunch On-site at Mount Vernon

After lunch on-site, we return to the city for an evening of elegance with dinner at a historic restaurant —once frequented by presidents and dignitaries.
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Dinner at Historic Restaurant

Dinner at a historic restaurant —once frequented by presidents and dignitaries.

Day 4 - Old Town Alexandria

08-Apr-2026
Day 4 - Old Town Alexandria image

Explore Old Town Alexandria and Carlyle House

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Leisurely Morning

Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore at your own pace before we venture across the Potomac to picturesque Old Town Alexandria.
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Visit to Old Town Alexandria

Venture across the Potomac to picturesque Old Town Alexandria.
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Dockside Lunch

We’ll dine dockside for lunch.
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Carlyle House Visit

Visit the beautifully preserved Carlyle House.
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Optional Walking Tour or Free Time

Choose to relax, shop, or join an optional walking tour through this colonial gem.
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Dinner on King Street

Dinner this evening is at a beloved local favorite in the heart of historic King Street.

Day 5 - Air & Space and Monuments at Night

09-Apr-2026
Day 5 - Air & Space and Monuments at Night image

Smithsonian Air & Space and Illuminated Monuments Tour

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Visit to Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

Today begins with a visit to the Smithsonian’s newly reimagined National Air & Space Museum—home to pioneering aircraft and space artifacts.
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Lunch at Filomena’s Ristorante

We’ll enjoy lunch at the classic Georgetown favorite, Filomena’s Ristorante, before returning to the hotel for a restful afternoon.
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Illuminated Monuments Tour

This evening, set off on a stunning illuminated monuments tour, where DC’s iconic memorials glow with meaning during this special anniversary year.

Day 6 - Arlington by Trolley & Ford's Theater

10-Apr-2026
Day 6 - Arlington by Trolley & Ford's Theater image

Arlington Cemetery, Natural History, and Ford's Theatre

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Narrated Trolley Tour through Arlington National Cemetery

We begin with a narrated trolley tour through Arlington National Cemetery—final resting place of America’s heroes.
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Brunch

Following brunch, we explore the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History before heading to Ford’s Theatre.
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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Visit

Explore the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
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Ford's Theatre Visit

Visit Ford’s Theatre, where Abraham Lincoln’s legacy lives on.
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Dinner at Southern Inspired Restaurant

Dinner tonight is at Southern inspired restaurant, blending Southern charm with rich flavors in a stylish downtown setting.

Day 7 - Washington Monument & US History

11-Apr-2026
Day 7 - Washington Monument & US History image

Washington Monument and American History Museum

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Washington Monument Visit

On our final morning, we visit the soaring Washington Monument.
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National Museum of American History Tour

Tour the National Museum of American History—home to national treasures like the Star-Spangled Banner and presidential artifacts.
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Final Lunch

After a final lunch together, we bid farewell to the capital and begin our journey home, hearts full from a powerful and patriotic week.
Loading Map…

Map

1. International Spy Museum

700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024

2. U.S. Capitol

First St SE, Washington, DC 20004

3. Library of Congress

101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540

4. Mount Vernon

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121

5. Old Town Alexandria

King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

6. Carlyle House

121 N Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314

7. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560

8. Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, VA 22211

9. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560

10. Ford's Theatre

511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

11. Washington Monument

2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024

12. National Museum of American History

1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560