• Private coach transportation
• Our unique Connections Program
• 5 nights accommodation
• 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
• Local professional guides and all entry fees and passes for included highlights
• Services of a Professional Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include HST.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

• Washington, D.C. Guided City Tour
• Performance of Shear Madness at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
• Washington Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – Grandstand Seats
• Hershey Chocolate World: HERSHEY'S Great Candy Expedition & Create Your Own Candy Bar
• Niagara Floral Show House

The Amazing Cherry Blossom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Washington, D.C.’s premier annual events, where over 1 million people come to admire the 12 varieties of 3000-plus trees. While the cherry blossoms are an attraction on their own, many other events are held in conjunction that celebrate both Japanese and American cultures. This spectacular event culminates with a grand parade that guests will watch from our reserved grandstand seats. 

“D.C. Owns Spring” 

Or at least they claim to! Come and experience the welcoming of spring in America’s capital city. On the Canadian side of the border, visit the Niagara Floral House to see their annual Spring Showcase.

The Perfect Blend of Art and History

While the fresh springtime and special flowers set the tone for this tour, a trip to Washington, D.C. would be futile without a history lesson. A three-hour city tour and visits to various historical landmarks will help you get caught up. For art lovers, along with world-class art museums, the Cherry Blossom Festival has various art installations set up throughout the city. A performance of Shear Madness at the Kennedy Center will also be a highlight.

Day 1:  Travel to Williamsport, PA

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you travel south to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Arrive at our stopover hotel, an elegant century-old landmark, and take time to settle in and freshen up before rejoining the group for a welcome dinner.

Stay: Genetti Hotel, Williamsport, PA (1 night)

Meals: D

Day 2: Arrive in Washington, D.C.

Welcome to Washington, D.C., a city draped in dramatic pinks and whites to commemorate the friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. It is cherry blossom season! Get your bearings with a city tour hosted by a local step-on guide. Hear the fascinating history of the U.S.A.’s capital city and see iconic landmarks and attractions. Arrive at your centrally located hotel and take the night to explore independently. Your tour director can suggest some dinner options.

Stay: Holiday Inn Washington Capital/National Mall, Washington D.C. (3 nights) 

Meals: B 

Day 3: Smithsonian Museums, Free Time, A performance of Shear Madness 

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of free time. Be sure to check out one of the many museums, walk the sites at the National Mall, or see the art displays and free events associated with the Cherry Blossom Festival. Rejoin the group for an included dinner and then see a performance of Shear Madness at the John F. Kennedy Center. Take part in a hilarious murder mystery where the outcome changes nightly! 

Meals: B, D

Day 4: Washington Cherry Blossom Festival Parade 

Prepare for decorative floats, talented marching bands, and an all-around spring celebration showcased today at the Cherry Blossom Parade. Watch the fun from your premium grandstand seat and wave to your favourite entertainment personalities. The rest of the day is yours to continue sightseeing your way.  Regroup and share your stories of your fun day during an included group dinner. 

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Depart Washington, D.C., Hershey Chocolate World

Say goodbye to Washington, D.C. and head to the charming town of Hersey, P.A. to dive into the confection creations at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Immerse yourself into Hershey’s Great Expedition and cast your vote on which flavourful lands to discover! Take your seat for a thrilling adventure into some magical destinations. Then, head to the lab and create your own one-of-a-kind candy bar. In the afternoon, board the coach and head for home. Your stopover tonight will be in Corning, New York. After check-in, rejoin the group for a final farewell dinner.  

Stay: Hilton Garden Inn, Corning, NY (1 night)

Meals: B, D

Day 6: Niagara Floral House, Home

Cross the border mid-morning, and proceed to Niagara Falls for an included lunch. Visit the Niagara Floral House, where spring has already sprung, and marvel at the magnificent botanical artworks on display during their Annual Spring Showcase. Board the coach and travel home with renewed energy and warm thoughts that the Ontario landscape will soon bloom with new life.

Meals: B, L

This tour includes our unique Connections Program, and follows a special travel Route B, picking up in the following locations:

• Lindsay
• Peterborough
• Bowmanville
• Whitby
• Markham
• Brampton
• Burlington
• Stoney Creek
• Grimsby
• St. Catherines

Although this motorcoach tour starts and ends in Southern Ontario, guests can join this tour from anywhere in the world by flying to Toronto, and using our Connections Program for transportation to a pickup location! Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.

FITNESS LEVEL: While all of the attractions are accessible, guests will need to be able to climb flights of stairs, including bleacher stairs during the parade on day 4. On day 4, guests will need to walk from the hotel to our grandstand seats (location unknown until closer to the event).

The weather in Washington, D.C. can still be cool at this time of the year. The Cherry Blossom Parade is outdoors and happens rain or shine. We suggest packing appropriate clothing for sitting in the grandstands for 3+ hours.

There are many free events occurring during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Plan ahead and see if there is anything you would like to attend during your free time. You can also watch the growth of the trees ahead of time with their handy Blossom Watch stream.

While all of the Smithsonian museums have free admission, the following museums require passes or tickets: African American History and Culture Museum, Air and Space Museum in D.C., and National Zoo. Visit their websites for more information.