Washington DC

by – Jordan Allen, Tour Manager, North America

Washington DC is the capital if the United States of America

Famous sights and landmarks

Washington DC is filled with a plethora of iconic structures and memorials.

Lincoln Memorial

This stately marble statue of Abraham Lincoln is surrounded by 36 columns, one for each state in existence during Lincoln’s time. On the walls are carved the Gettysburg Address and the second inaugural address, Lincoln’s two most famous speeches.

United States Capitol

The country’s most familiar landmark is on Capitol Hill and is surrounded by a 73 ha (181 acre) park. The 540 rooms have been constructed over a period of 160 years based on the original design by Dr William Thornton. The two wings, constructed of marble, contain the Senate and the House of Chambers.

Arlington National Cemetery

by – cdm115

The best known of the United States’ National Cemeteries, it was established on the land that was once Robert E. Lee’s estate. Arlinton is the resting place of veterans from every war, justices from the Supreme Court, Presidents of the United States and the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Tomb on the Unknowns (official site) is guarded by the Third US infantry and their is a changing of the guard every hour (every 30 minutes during summer months), which is not to be missed when visiting the cemetery.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

This is the United States’ memorial to those who were murdered during the Holocaust. The permanent exhibit (passes are required) presents a moving history of the Holocaust through photographs, films and eyewitness testimonies. There is also the story of Daniel, a young boy growing up during the Holocaust in Germany. (official site)

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Memorial

A memorial to one of the most influential American President’s. FDR is the only President to serve 4 terms in the White House and has left an indelible mark on the county. The memorial is designed in 4 different sections, each ‘room’ representing his 4 terms in office, covering the depths of the Great Depression and the struggles of World War II.

Art and Culture

The Smithsonian

by – davidg, Tour Manager, North America

The Smithsonian museums are packed with rich history and culture that showcase our country. From the original Wright Brother’s flyer to the first Star Spangled Banner, these fascinating collections offer you a great chance to experience and learn about some of the most important events in American history!