Fall in Washington D.C.

What a perfect time of year to visit our Nation’s Capital. Enjoy magnificent views of the city’s historic landmarks framed by stunning foliage in brilliant reds and shades of gold. Today’s travels take us east through the Twin Cities and into the beautiful rolling countryside of Wisconsin. A noon meal is included in Black River Falls, WI. By late afternoon, our coach arrives in Schaumburg, a suburb of Chicago. (L)

After a hearty breakfast, we leave the hustle and bustle of Chicago. Our coach follows I-80 east into the flat farmland of Indiana and the central plains of Ohio. After an included noon lunch, we continue traveling across the Allegheny Plateau, part of the Appalachian Highlands. This region is considered a plateau even though there are rolling hills, remote forested areas, lofty mountain peaks, and winding creeks and streams that cut deep into its valleys, all created by enormous glaciers. Our evening accommodations are in a quiet suburb of the busy city of Pittsburgh, PA. (B) (L)

This morning, our coach follows the Pennsylvania Turnpike through tunnels and over mountains to Gettysburg, PA. After your included noon lunch at the battlefield visitor center, you’ll have time to orient yourself to the historic battle and Gettysburg’s role in the American Civil War by exploring the museum’s exhibits. We’ll view a film and the Cyclorama painting, a unique panoramic image designed to portray a 360-degree cylindrical view. You’ll feel as though you’re on the battlefield during Pickett’s Charge. This afternoon, we’re off to the Gettysburg Battlefield with a knowledgeable tour guide who will help us explore and navigate the battlefield. You’ll learn about its history and understand the scope of the battle where 51,000 men were wounded or killed. July 1-3, 1863, was considered “The most important engagement of the American Civil War” and was one of the bloodiest battles. Minnesota forces fought bravely on July 2, 1863, when a regiment of only 262 men was ordered to charge 1,600 Confederate soldiers. This heroic conflict helped secure the victory of the Battle of Gettysburg. By late afternoon, we arrive in Washington, D.C., where we’ll check into the Hyatt Centric for a five-night stay. (B) (L)

This morning our tour guide joins us and will remain with us for most of our stay in Washington, D.C. We’ll discover as many of the major sites and historic landmarks as time permits in our Nation’s Capital such as the National Cathedral, United States Capitol, Federal Triangle, War Memorials, Presidential Memorials, Embassy Row, and more! Have your cameras ready and wear comfortable shoes; there is much to see! This morning, you’ll view the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and visit Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 400,000 active-duty service members. Service to country is the common thread that binds all who are remembered and honored at Arlington. While at Arlington Cemetery, we’ll visit President Kennedy’s Grave and observe the “Changing of the Guard” at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later this morning, our guide will take us to the east side of the National Mall to Capitol Hill. A staff member will give us a tour of our Nation’s Capital Building. This is the home of the U.S. Congress and the seat of the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Federal Government. You will see the Rotunda, Capitol Crypt, and Statuary Hall. This evening, Rustad Tours has arranged for you to enjoy a fabulous upscale Dinner Cruise on the Potomac River as you drift past historical landmarks such as the Jefferson Memorial, the Georgetown Waterfront, and the Lincoln Memorial, just to name a few. Savor every unforgettable moment aboard this exquisite glass-enclosed and climate-controlled vessel, specifically built to go under the low-lying bridges in Washington, D.C. We return to our hotel exhilarated, filled with cherished memories! (B) (D)

Our Nation’s Capital has many historic buildings, and we’ll see a few this morning with our local guide. Our first stop is a photo opportunity at the White House—the home of the President of the United States and his family, as well as a museum of American History. The Library of Congress is the main research arm that serves the U.S. Congress and is the national library of the U.S. It is not only the oldest but also the largest cultural institution in the U.S. Constitution Hall was designated as a National Landmark building in 1985. The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest federal court in the U.S. It was established by the U.S. Constitution and is deeply tied to its traditions set in the 1700s. This afternoon, our guide will share fascinating stories of George and Martha Washington while traveling to Mount Vernon. This once vibrant plantation in the 18th century is now one of the nation’s most visited historic sites. Mount Vernon is a national treasure where you’ll learn about the 18^th century estate, roam the lush gardens and grounds, and visit the museum galleries. There will be a guided tour of the home followed by free time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own. This evening, Rustad Tours has arranged for you to attend a special “America 250” event. “1776”, a theater production at Ford’s Theater, is an American musical that gives a vibrant and humorous account of our “Fledgling Nation’s” beginnings in 1776. The quick-witted dialogue in 1776 dramatizes the debates that took place in Philadelphia’s 2nd Continental Congress and underscores this historical moment in our country’s beginning. We take a pause to honor and reflect on the contributions of our Founding Fathers and to look ahead toward a bright future for our beloved country! (B)

Colonial Williamsburg is our main attraction today. We arrive by mid-morning at the visitor center, where you can watch a short orientation film, explore museum exhibits, and browse the bookstore. Colonial Williamsburg is the largest open-air living history museum in the world, showcasing a historic district in Williamsburg, Virginia. This 301-acre area features several hundred restored or recreated buildings from the 18th century, when the city was the colonial capital. We’ll take a mid-day break to enjoy an included lunch before embarking on a private guided walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg. This afternoon, you’ll walk in the footsteps of America’s forefathers with our guides dressed in period attire, sometimes speaking in colonial grammar and diction. They will explain and demonstrate daily life in the past, sharing stories of early patriots and their efforts for American independence. During the tour, you’ll hear stories often left out of textbooks, learning about the founding fathers and visiting the same historic buildings they did. You’ll also discover unexpected connections between colonial times and the present day. After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore more of the historic district, visit art museums, or shop near Merchants Square. After a full day immersed in the beginnings of American history, we’ll return to our hotel, leaving you a free evening to enjoy dinner and explore the area on your own. (B) (L)

Our guide joins us on our final day of touring our Nation’s Capital. We’ll marvel at Washington, D.C.,’s National Monuments and Memorials that make up “America’s Front Yard.” According to the American Institute of Architects, half of America’s top 12 architectural gems line the National Mall. Depending on the weather, etc., we hope to visit several memorials such as the Holocaust, WWII, Korean, Lincoln, and Vietnam memorials. We’ll take a break for lunch on your own before our guided tour of the Washington National Cathedral. A knowledgeable cathedral guide will present an in-depth tour including the rich history and architectural features of this famous landmark. A driving tour of historic Georgetown will take us down streets with beautiful mansions of the rich and famous, historic homes, and beautiful formal gardens. Our final stop on our tour of Washington, D.C., includes the Kennedy Center. Located on the Potomac River, it was named as a memorial to John F. Kennedy, who was a supporter of the arts. It is one of America’s premier performing arts centers. We’ll take a guided tour through the hallways and discover the rich history of this famous landmark. What an experience we have had in this historic city! It’s time to pack our bags tonight and start our journey home. (B)

We bid Washington, D.C., farewell, but embrace all the experiences we’ve had and the sites we’ve seen. “Just a common field one day and the next day a field of honor forever!” We stop for an emotional visit to the Flight 93 Memorial. Four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001. Because of the heroic actions of 40 passengers and crew aboard Flight 93, the attack on the U.S. Capitol was prevented. At this site, you’ll want to take in the Tower of Voices, a monumental 93-foot-tall musical instrument holding 40 wind chimes, and a self-guided tour at the visitor center to view artifacts, multimedia, and other interactive exhibits. The Memorial Plaza is the quarter-mile northern boundary of the crash site. It is the final resting place for the passengers and crew, where a polished marble stone wall is inscribed with their names. Our travels continue and retrace our route through Pennsylvania and the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, and take the Ohio Turnpike with rest stops and a lunch on your own along the way. We’ll pass the large cities of Cleveland and Toledo on our way to our evening accommodations in Maumee, Ohio. (B)

After a hearty breakfast, we start our travels westward across Indiana. The Amish have settled in many communities in the United States, and one of these areas is in north central Indiana at Nappanee. By mid-morning, we’ll take time for a nostalgic visit to an Amish farm and homestead where we’ll be treated to a “Homestyle Lunch.” A film introduces us to the Amish lifestyle, followed by a farm tour. The farm spans across 80 acres with 18 restored buildings, some of which are used for craft demonstrations. Before leaving Amish Acres, you’ll enjoy a riding tour with a guide through the Amish countryside. Later this afternoon, we join the rush hour traffic traveling through Chicago to our evening accommodations in Schaumburg, IL. (B) (L)

Rise and shine! It’s our final day on the “Springtime in Washington, D.C.,” tour, and time to reminisce about the wonderful sights and experiences you’ve had. By mid-morning, our travels take us through the beautiful state of Wisconsin with a stop at the Mousehouse Cheesehaus. Not only do they have Wisconsin-made cheese, but also sausage, gourmet items, and a wide variety of gifts and Wisconsin memorabilia. A noon meal is included, and by early evening, we arrive back in Kerkhoven, proud to be Americans and feeling extremely patriotic! (B) (L)