Our State Trips & Events

What to Expect Newsletter Travel Club Carolina Calendar
WASHINGTON, D.C. | Sep 18 - Sep 21, 2025

N.C. to D.C. Train Trip

Visit the iconic memorials, museums, and major D.C. landmarks on our nation’s capital tour.

All aboard for Our State’s memorable and inspiring visit to our nation’s capital as we tour the iconic memorials and monuments that commemorate the heroes who’ve shaped America. This trip includes a three-night stay at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel.  

September 18–21, 2025

 

Package Includes:

  • Three nights’ accommodations at the Omni Shoreham Hotel
  • Transportation by Amtrak and motor coach
  • Transportation by motor coach while in D.C.
  • Six meals: three breakfasts, one lunch, two dinners
  • All sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
  • Tips for guides and motor coach driver
  • Our State and AAA hosts

 

Itinerary Highlights:

  • Amtrak train ride to D.C.
  • U.S. Capitol tour with lunch in the cafeteria
  • World War II Memorial
  • Vietnam Memorial
  • Korean War Memorial
  • Arlington National Cemetery — changing of the guard ceremony
  • Smithsonian museums
  • Washington National Cathedral
  • Dinner at the Old Ebbitt Grill, considered Washington’s oldest saloon

 

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Travel to D.C. by Train • Panoramic Tour • Old Ebbitt Grill
Thursday, September 18, 2025

In the morning, we will board an Amtrak train in Cary, North Carolina, for a relaxing ride to our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Lunch (on your own) will be aboard the train. Upon arrival at the historic Union Station, we will meet a local guide for a panoramic tour by motor coach. Along the way, we will enjoy a ride down Embassy Row. How many countries will you be able to identify from their flags? Before we check into the hotel, we will stop for dinner at the Old Ebbitt Grill. Old Ebbitt Grill was founded in 1856 and is considered Washington’s oldest saloon. After dinner, we’ll take in a few more sites as we make our way to the luxurious and elegant Omni Shoreham Hotel, which will be our home for the next three nights. The hotel has played host to presidents, world leaders, and celebrities. The Beatles stayed at the hotel in 1964. Be sure to find their concert playlist written by John Lennon on hotel stationery and displayed in the lobby.

Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

 

Day 2: City Tour • U.S. Capitol • Washington National Cathedral • War Memorials
Friday, September 19, 2025

Breakfast every morning is in Robert’s Restaurant, which boasts a buffet and omelet station in an opulent dining room with tranquil views of the Rock Creek National Park. After breakfast, we will discover the celebrated history of Washington, D.C., on a tour with a local expert. Marvel at views of the White House and the Washington Monument, and delight in the views of our capital’s amazing architecture and many museums. Our first stop of the day is the U.S. Capitol. As you walk through the Rotunda, you will be immersed in the history of our great nation. The five levels and 540 rooms include the meeting rooms of the Senate and House of Representatives. Following the tour, enjoy lunch at the Capitol’s restaurant. (Try the famous white bean soup!)

Then, on to Washington National Cathedral. This magnificent church took 83 years to complete (the only cathedral in the world built in one century!), and has been host to such poignant moments in America’s history as state funerals, Presidential inaugural masses, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s last sermon. Admire the beautiful craftsmanship of the cathedral as you learn more about its history. We will then embark on a guided tour of the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial. Dinner will be on your own this evening in the eclectic neighborhood surrounding the Omni Shoreham.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

 

Day 3: Arlington National Cemetery • Smithsonian Museums
Saturday, September 20, 2025

Following breakfast, we will continue to discover our nation’s capital. Our first stop will be Arlington National Cemetery where we will board a tram for a guided tour through the cemetery. We will see the famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the changing of the guard ceremony, and we will visit the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy to see the Eternal Flame. Lunch is on your own today with recommendations in the Smithsonian Museum area. The rest of the day is yours to explore the various Smithsonian museums. We will return to the hotel in the late afternoon. This evening, there will be a special farewell dinner at Carmine’s, a family-style Italian restaurant with wonderful food. Nobody will leave hungry!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

 

Day 4: Departure
Sunday, September 21, 2025

This morning, we will have breakfast at the hotel before boarding a coach for our ride back to Cary. Our coach will make several convenience stops, as well as a scheduled stop for lunch (on your own).

Meals: Breakfast

 

Tour Rates:

Regular rate: $1,999 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single rate: $2,518

 

For Reservations & More Information:

AAA Vacations
Beth Rackham
(919) 832-0543, ext. 16012
barackham@acg.aaa.com

For more information on physical requirements and what to expect on an Our State trip, click here.