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| District of Columbia, Capital Region, United States of America |
Washington is the capital city of the U.S.A. and is known for being the centre of politics and power, history and culture, monuments and memorials. It is also one of the most popular visitor destinations in the U.S. with 16.4 million visitors (2009 Dept of Commerce stats) arriving each year, of which 90% are American citizens. The city of Washington is located in the District of Columbia which stands on the north-eastern bank of the Potomac River, the site of which was chosen by George Washington. The city was planned by Pierre L’Enfant, and although never fully realised according to his plans, the main focus of Washington remains the ‘grand avenue’ which today is called the National Mall, a large open and centrally located park which runs from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial. Home to numerous national monuments, memorials, museums and galleries, sightseeing is one of the easiest and most popular activities to enjoy in Washington. This can best be achieved by a self-guided or guided, bus or shuttle tour, thus avoiding the difficulties of driving and parking in this busy city environment. Enjoy views of the White House, Washington Monument, Supreme Court of the United States, United States Capitol building and the Kennedy Centre of Performing Arts, learn to move around town, remember the places to visit again. Cross the river and see the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial which stands outside the walls of the Arlington National Cemetery, drive past the Pentagon and maybe make the trip to see George Washington’s house at Mount Vernon. Home to some conservative and some colourful neighborhoods, Washington provides visitors with an interesting destination and offers specialty shops, chic international restaurants, side-walk cafes, bars, clubs and a variety of late night entertainment options. During the year there always seems to be something happening in Washington such as the Smithsonian Folklife Festival which is the largest annual cultural event in the city, the National Cherry Blossom Festival which takes place at the beginning of Spring, the 10 day long Filmfest DC, the Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks, the Capitol Jazz Festival which is the world’s largest showcase of contemporary jazz, and the National Christmas Tree Lighting in December – it all adds up to an exciting place to visit.
Capitol Hill is the site of the United States Capitol, the meeting place of the United States Congress, and from here the National Mall runs towards the west overlooking the 169 metre high Washington Monument which is the tallest and most prominent structure in the city. The Mall continues past the Jefferson Stone, the National World War II Memorial, the Reflecting Pool and finally the Lincoln Monument. Directly north of the Jefferson Stone lies the White House and due south can be found the Jefferson Memorial which is located besides the tranquil waters of the West Potomac Park. Also in the West Potomac Park can be seen the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial which is a collection of four outside rooms that reflect his terms of office, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. To the north-east of the Lincoln Memorial can be found Constitution Park in which the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located that consists of three components, the Memorial Wall which contains over 58,000 names of service members who were either killed or missing in action, the ‘Three Soldiers’ statue and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. If this is enough sightseeing then perhaps it’s time to turn your attention to some of the world class museums and galleries which are located in the city. The Smithsonian Institute operates several museums within Washington which include the National Museum of Natural History, the American Art Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of the American Indian, while the privately operated International Spy Museum captures the imagination of many and the Laogai Museum provides great food for thought!
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| Accommodation | Activities |  |
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Holiday Inn Capitol
Washington City
 |  The Holiday Inn Capitol Hotel is the most convenient choice when visiting the United States' capital city. Only minutes from the city's most popular museums and monuments, this inviting downtown Washington DC hotel featurs classic décor and soothing color patterns as well as high class amenities su... |
The Liaison Capitol Hill
Washington City
 |  Close to everything people come to DC for, the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel, an Affinia Hotel, has both a powerful connection to the nation’s capital and is also a comfortable escape. The lobby is a declaration of sophistication that flows seamlessly into the restaurant, lounge, and bar areas. Randy S... |
The Fairmont Washington
Washington City
 |  Located in Washington’s fashionable West End and adjacent to historic Georgetown, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. hotel welcomes guests in capital style. A sunlit urban oasis that soothes the spirit, the Fairmont, perfect for business or leisure travel, celebrates many local Washington traditions. Kno... |
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Washington DC Guided Day Tour
Tour
Washington City |  Make the many monuments, museums and memorials seem a little less daunting by taking a guided tour of Washington DC! This tour has it all, combining a bus tour with short walks and a private boat cruise on the Potomac River. You'll get to see all the DC monuments and memorials up close and personal,... |
Gettysburg Day Trip
Tour
Washington City |  Take a day trip from Washington DC into the stunning countryside of of Maryland and Pennsylvania. Devoted to the historic battlefield of Gettysburg, you'll gain rich insights into an important part of America's heritage, and learn the story of the largest battle ever fought on US soil. On arrival, y... |
Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Half Day Trip
Tour
Washington City |  Jouney to Mount Vernon, the home of America's foudning father, George Washington, on this half day tour. Along the way you'll see sights both old and new from the pretty seaport town of Old Town Alexandria to the famous Pentagon in Washington DC. Wander around the area to get a feel for the stunning... |
Washington DC Dinner Cruise
Cruise
Washington City |  Cruise along the Potomac River and enjoy picturesque views of Washington DC from a different angle. You will get to see Washington DC's stunning city lights as you feast on a freshly prepared 3-course dinner and dance to captivating live music! Arrive early in your elegant attire to enjoy a cocktail... |
Washington DC Night Tour
Tour
Washington City |  Explore Washington DC as it is spectacularly lit up at night. This guided tour takes you to Washington DC's major attractions including the Washington Monument, US Capitol Building, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, the White House, Vietnam Memorial, Arlington Cemetry and many more floodlit highlight... |
Washington DC Capital Sites Bike Tour
Biking
Washington City | Get active on your holiday by joining this Washington DC Capital Sites Bike Tour, a safe and fun way to see all of Washington DC's sights! Cycle by some of the city's key landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial, White House, Supreme Court, Union Station and the Capitol Building. This three-hour Was... |
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