Compare Signature City Washington, D.C. by Road Scholar vs Washington, D.C., Niagara Falls & N.Y.C. 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1
Check-In, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Washington, DC D Grand Hyatt Washington
Activity note: Hotel check in is available from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Hotel Check-in: Available from 3:00 pm. Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar desk in the lobby to pick up your arrival packet and the up-to-date schedule, and to confirm the time of the orientation session. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Do not forget to bring your name tag from your welcome packet. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet you with a warm welcome, introduce everyone, and provide key staff contact names and phone numbers. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 2
Lecture, Monuments & Memorials, Hillwood Estate, Cathedral
Washington, DC B,L,D Grand Hyatt Washington
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Lecture: "DC's Masonic Roots." Thanks to numerous books and movies, many people know of Masons but relatively few know exactly who they are and what they believe. There are also many myths, legends, and mysteries surrounding the role of Masons in the founding of the United States. Dan Brown’s best selling novel “The Lost Symbol” — set in Washington DC — blended Masonic history into his fantastic story. We’ll be joined by a 33rd Degree Mason who will help us separate fact and fiction as we examine the influence of Masonic teachings on our nation's Founding fathers, and learn about Masonic symbols throughout the city. Following the lecture, we’ll get an overview of our nation’s capital via motor coach. Learn more about your surroundings from your group leader as you see the iconic monuments and historic sites that make Washington, D.C. not only the nation’s capital but one of its most unique cities. Our city overview will drop us at the Hillwood Estate for a self guided exhibit for the home & gardens.

Lunch: For lunch today, we will enjoy an elegant spread of finger sandwiches, pastries & tea at the gorgeous Hillwood Estate.

Afternoon: We’ll then take an expert led field trip to Washington National Cathedral. See Woodrow Wilson's Tomb, marvel at the ironwork, and learn the history behind the country's “National House of Prayer.” Pierre L’Enfant, the architect President George Washington commissioned in 1791 to create a master plan for the nation’s capital, envisioned it. The cathedral’s “birth certificate” authorizing construction was signed in 1893, but the cornerstone was not laid until 1907. It was officially completed in 1990 and is recognized today as one of the great achievements of ecclesiastical architecture.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 3
Library of Congress, U.S. Capitol Building
Washington, DC B,L Grand Hyatt Washington
Activity note: Activity Notes Use of DC Metro public transportation system; in the event escalators are out of service, there will be 2-3 flights of stairs to climb. Extra security screening is in place at the U.S. Capitol. The Group Leader will advise what can and cannot be brought into the building prior to our field trip. Be prepared to stand on hard floors for the duration of our Capitol visit, about 1-1.5 hours, there is no seating available.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: To begin our day, we will walk from the hotel to the Washington DC Metro and head to the Library of Congress (LOC) for a self-led exploration; detailed brochures are available from Information Desks in the Thomas Jefferson Building. The LOC is America’s oldest federal cultural institution, established in 1800 by an Act of Congress. When the British burned the original collection housed in the capitol building in 1814, Thomas Jefferson replaced it with his own personal library. The LOC has grown to become the largest library in the world with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, manuscripts, and other resources. The main Reading Room is one of the most magnificent spaces in Washington.

Lunch: Lunch at the Madison Cafe located in the Library of Congress.

Afternoon: Next, walk to the United States Capitol Visitor Center where we’ll see a short film that traces the development of our democracy and introduces the amazing building that houses our Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate. We’ll see the Crypt, Statuary Hall, and the Rotunda with a representative from the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. “The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The Senate and the House of Representatives have met here for more than two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government.” (https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/) We will return to the hotel via Metro.

Dinner: Dinner is on your own this evening to explore and sample the city's numerous dining options. Your group leader will be happy to offer suggestions. .

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Ford’s Theater, National Portrait Gallery, Performance
Washington, DC B,L,D Grand Hyatt Washington
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Departing the hotel, we will walk to Ford's Theater, still a working professional theater. We will explore Ford's Theater and trace the events leading up to Lincoln's assassination on April 14th, 1865. Next, we will head across the street to the Peterson House where Lincoln died the following day, and explore the recently opened Center for Education and Leadership. The museum presents interactive exhibits on the presidency of Abraham Lincoln as well as historic artifacts including the deringer John Wilkes Booth used on the night of April 14, 1865, as well as clothing President Lincoln wore the night he was shot. The Peterson House across the street is where President Lincoln died. The adjacent Center for Education and Leadership opened in 2012. It features two floors of permanent exhibits addressing the aftermath of Lincoln’s death, his legacy, rotating exhibits, and extensive spaces for school programs and professional development for educators.

Lunch: We will walk across the street to have lunch at the National Portrait Gallery, with vouchers provided.

Afternoon: Spend some time exploring the National Portrait Gallery on your own after lunch. The National Portrait Gallery illustrates the extraordinary diversity of people who have had an impact on our country and our culture, including the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House. Your group will walk back the hotel at 3:00. Free time: Return to the hotel with the group or stay at the National Portrait Gallery to continue exploring if you wish.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: Enjoy an evening performance at one of D.C.'s local theaters or performing arts centers.

Day 5
Kennedy Center, Free Time, Farewell Dinner
Washington, DC B,L,D Grand Hyatt Washington
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach and depart to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on the banks of the Potomac River. The Kennedy Center annually presents some 3,000 events in all areas of the performing arts for an audience of more than 2 million people. The genesis of a national cultural center goes back to 1958. The finished complex was named as a living memorial to President Kennedy, its greatest advocate, after his death in 1963. We will have an expert led exploration of the center, learn how our national cultural center developed, and see an interactive exhibit on the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy.

Lunch: At the Kennedy Center Cafe, we will have boxed lunches with a choice of sandwich or salad, and chips, cookie or fruit with bottled soft drink or water.

Afternoon: The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the city on your own. Suggestions for activities have been provided on the sheet in your welcome folder, or your group leader would be happy to make their own recommendations.

Dinner: At the hotel, we will have a farewell dinner. Share your favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for departure following our final activity in the morning.

Day 6
Lafayette Square Neighborhood, Program Concludes
Washington, DC B
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles. Hotel check out is by 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: For our final field trip, we will walk to the historic Lafayette Square Neighborhood and explore on foot with our Group Leader. During our field trip, gaze upon landmarks that tell the history of our nations, such as St. John’s Church and the White House. As we walk, enjoy commentary and stories about U.S. presidents and the first ladies. After exploring Lafayette Square, we will walk back to the hotel. This concludes our program.

Afternoon: Check out by 12 PM. We hope you have enjoyed this Road Scholar learning adventure and look forward to having you on other programs in the future. Please stay in touch and share your memories, pictures, and comments via the Road Scholar Social Network. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1: A Monumental Time in Washington, D.C.

Welcome to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital and a haven for history and art buffs alike. On arrival at the airport, your transfer will take you to the luxurious Fairmont Hotel Georgetown.Join your Travel Director and meet fellow guests at a private Welcome Dinner with drinks at 18:00.

Day 2: Washington, D.C. Sightseeing Relaxed Start

In the morning, learn about the proud heritage of a nation. View the stately White House, striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the somber World War II Memorial. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Ask your Travel Director for their sightseeing and dinner recommendations to help you to make the most of America’s capital.

Day 3: Gettysburg and Harrisburg

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Gettysburg as you meet your Local Expert at the site of one of the Civil War's most pivotal, and fatal battles. Today the Gettysburg Foundation focuses not just on preserving artifacts from the battlefield but also on education to promote democracy.Move on to Harrisburg, the state capital of Pennsylvania situated on the Susquehanna River. This historic hub is now a beautiful and vibrant city.Enjoy Dinner with wine at a local restaurant in Harrisburg.

Day 4: On to Niagara

Make your way to the Corning Museum of Glass, where you can learn about the art, history, culture, technology, science, craft, and design that tells the riveting story of the museum's single material, glass. Sandblast your own keepsake before watching master artisans at work.Cross the Canadian border to arrive at Niagara Falls, where your hotel overlooks the majestic Horseshoe Falls – the largest of the three waterfalls in this area.

Day 5: Niagara Up-Close

View thundering Niagara Falls during a thrilling cruise to the base of the cascades.Visit Vineland Estates Winery for a tour and tasting with lunch. This stunning venue with extensive vineyards also showcases several restored historic buildings.This afternoon witness the falls in a new light from below and behind, as you descend 150 feet (46 metres) by elevator to observe the phenomenon.This evening, you'll have time to relax on your own.

Day 6: The Finger Lakes of New York

This morning you'll leave the falls behind and travel to the Finger Lakes region of New York. This beautiful natural setting features eleven glacial lakes situated among forested hills and quaint small towns. Pay a special visit to the Three Brothers Wineries and Estates near Seneca Lake, featuring wineries, a microbrewery, Slushie Hut and Cafe all focused on local sustainability. Become a student aboard the MV Teal as you engage in Floating Classroom activities run by the non-profit Discover Cayuga Lake. Experienced educators will provide narration and hands-on ecology lessons as you participate in this scenic eco-tour on the Finger Lakes' longest lake.

Day 7: A Bite of the Big Apple

Take a bite of the Big Apple on a tour of the city's highlights with a Local Expert.See the Empire State Building and the mirrored peak of the Art Deco Chrysler Building as you admire one of the world’s most iconic skylines.Afterward, ascend to the Top of the Rock – the 70th floor of the Rockefeller Center Building – for a sweeping view of the skyscrapers, parks, rivers and urban canyons that make up the teeming isle of Manhattan.

Day 8: Exploring N.Y.C. Relaxed Start

This morning, choose to enjoy a harbour cruise with impressive views of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, and the towering Statue of Liberty. Glide down the Hudson River and get a glimpse of several stunning landmarks. Alternatively, if it’s tranquility you’re after, relish the calm of Central Park with a scenic bike ride. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.A lively Celebration Dinner this evening concludes your journey. Join your fellow travellers at Redeye Grill, a sophisticated, timeless, and comfortable dining experience in Midtown Manhattan.

Day 9: Depart New York City

It’s time to say goodbye to the Empire State. A morning transfer will take you to JFK International Airport, LaGuardia Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, choose to see more of New York by extending your stay at your own rhythm.