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 17-20, 2026
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 17, 2026
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 18, 2026
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. 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 19, 2026
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 20, 2026
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
Cancellation insurance is not included but is optional and recommended. Ask Beth Rackham about insurance when booking.
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.
Explore More
Get excited for your trip and learn more about your destination with our curated list of books, films, music, and more.
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Read
The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (2023) — A fictionalized account of the real-life friendship between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune, this novel is a heartfelt tribute to their shared fight for equality and the enduring bond that sustained them through life’s challenges.
George Washington’s Final Battle: The Epic Struggle to Build a Capital City and a Nation by Robert P. Watson (2021) — After leading the country to independence, our first president took on the surprisingly contentious challenge of establishing the nation’s capital on the banks of the Potomac River. His efforts helped unite a fragile young nation and forever shaped the city that now bears his name.
Heartburn by Nora Ephron (1983) — In a hilarious yet poignant novel inspired by her own divorce, journalist and filmmaker Nora Ephron provides a scathing account of the upper middle-class social scene in Washington, D.C.
The List by Karin Tanabe (2013) — Loosely based on real events, this debut novel by a former Politico reporter follows a young D.C. journalist who discovers an affair between one of her ambitious colleagues and a high-profile U.S. senator.
“Honor Bound” by Jeri Rowe (Our State, November 2023) — Ninety-nine North Carolina military veterans, whose service spans from World War II to more recent conflicts, spent a day of reflection in Washington, D.C. — and returned home to joyous celebration.
Watch
The West Wing (1999-2006; HBO Max) — In this Emmy Award-winning political drama, the staff of a fictional president navigates personal challenges amid the demands of guiding the country through crises, conflicts, elections, and scandals.
The Post (2017; rent online) — Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks star in this gripping drama about The Washington Post’s dangerous decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, revealing government deception during the Vietnam War.
Washington: The Classical City (2020) — This half-hour documentary by the National Civic Art Society delves into the history and legacy of D.C.’s neoclassical architecture and design.
National Treasure (2004; Disney+, rent online) — D.C. landmarks set the stage for this family-friendly adventure film starring Nicolas Cage as a historian and treasure hunter racing to uncover secrets left by the Founding Fathers.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939; rent online) — An idealistic and naïve new senator (played by Jimmy Stewart) takes on political corruption in the nation’s capital in this classic comedic drama.
Listen
John Philip Sousa — “The March King,” born and raised in D.C., was the 17th director of the U.S. Marine Band and composed more than 100 patriotic marches, including the iconic “Stars and Stripes Forever” (1896).
Bustin’ Loose by Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers (1979) — A pioneer of D.C.’s signature go-go sound, Chuck Brown fused funk, call-and-response vocals, and driving percussion. The title song of this album became an anthem for both the genre and the city.
1969 All Star White House Tribute to Duke Ellington — Recorded at the White House on Duke Ellington’s 70th birthday, this album showcases the jazz legend’s big-band brilliance and celebrates his deep roots in D.C.
