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National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.

Program Number: 18683RJ
Start and End Dates:
4/11/2013 - 4/14/2013;
Duration: 3 nights
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Price starting at: $794.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Festivals, Misc.
Meals: 6; 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

The National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 planting of 3,000 flowering cherry trees and honors the friendship between the United States and Japan. Known as “sakura” in Japan, the cherry blossom is cherished for its unrivaled beauty and fragrance despite its short life. Greet the spring as you take part in the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, a narrated cherry blossom walk on the National Mall, and more. Expert instructors discuss Japanese history and culture, while showcasing our own nation’s historical treasures in spring glory.




Highlights

• Take a narrated historical and botanical walk amidst the cherry trees on the National Mall and the Hillwood Japanese garden.
• Experience the pageantry of the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade from reserved grandstand seats.
• Delve into Japan's rich and ancient culture with expert presentations and take part in the largest one-day exhibition of Japanese culture in the U.S. at the Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street Festival.



Activity Particulars

Use of public transportation and walking up to five blocks a day.




Date Specific Information

4-11-2013

To extend your stay in D.C. and continue exploring our nation’s capital this spring, enroll in our new program: Lincoln’s Life and Legacy: A Retrospective Look at America’s 16th President #21256.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Washington

From the sophisticated ambiance of Georgetown to the bohemian rush of Adams Morgan, D.C. is a world-class city offering visitors an unparalleled blend of history, politics and culture. One of our nation's magnificent metropolitan creations, it is home to grand monuments, humbling memorials, and some of the country’s most visionary architecture.
Accommodations
Hotel in close proximity to the Washington Metro, and within walking distance from DC's iconic sites including the White House and Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Meals and Lodgings
   Grand Hyatt Washington
  Washington, DC 3 nights
 Grand Hyatt Washington
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Contact info: 1000 H Street NW
Washington, D.C., USA 20001
Washington, DC 20001 USA
phone: 202-582-1234
web: www.grandwashington.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-grandwashington/index.jsp?null
  Room amenities: 42" flat screen TV Hyatt Grand BedTM Portico spa amenities Hair dryer Electronic door locks Coffee maker Turndown service (upon request) High-speed wireless Internet access (fee) Concierge Cable movie channels and in-room pay movies Herman Miller® office chair and oversized work desk Iron / ironing board Individual climate control iHome stereo with iPod® docking station Cordless and corded telephones with message lights Wake-up calls (upon request) In-room dining Safe deposit boxes (at front desk)
  Facility amenities: Full-service business center / PDA check-in / Fast Board™ Two gift shops, florist / laundry, dry cleaning / valet service Wireless high-speed internet throughout hotel (fee) / in-lobby metro access Valet & self-parking / Concierge / Hyatt E-Concierge Full-Service FIT Club / Yoga Away Sauna / pool / steam rooms Massage therapy / personal trainers Game room
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom:
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior:  Contact Road Scholar Boston at (617) 521-5373 for additional night information. Depending on availability, the Road Scholar group rate may be available.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after:  Contact Road Scholar Boston at (617) 521-5373 for additional night information. Depending on availability, the Road Scholar group rate may be available.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:00-5:00 PM, Registration at the hotel. You will be staying at Grand Hyatt Washington that night.
  End of Program:
11:00 AM You will be staying at Grand Hyatt Washington the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Valet Parking is $40 per nigh with in/out prvivleges, and Self-Parking s $32 per night with NO in/out prvivleges. Both options are based upon availibilty. Additional parking garages are available in the immediate area.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Washington, DC
  Nearest city or town:  Alexandria, VA
  Nearest highway: I-66
  Nearest airport:  Reagan National Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Washington, DC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

By Washington Metro

 

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

> $10
Prices are subject to change.
   

Take the Blue, Orange or Red lines to the Metro Center stop. Once at the Metro Center station, take the 11th st exit out of the station and you will see a set of glass doors directly in front of you. Go through these doors and continue straight to the Grand Hyatt entrance.
 

From Union Station

 

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation

 

Distance:

 

1.6 miles
   

Union Station is the principle hub for Amtrak and Greyhound Services. Participants can transfer to the hotel from Union Station via TAXI or WASHINGTON METRO. From the Union Station Metro stop embark the Red Line towards the Shady Grove station, getting off at the Metro Center stop. Once at the Metro Center station, take the 11th st exit out of the station and you will see a set of glass doors directly in front of you. Go through these doors and continue straight to the Grand Hyatt entrance.
 

From the Reagan International Airport

 

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Washington Metro
phone: 202-637-7000

   

Take the Blue Line Metro (cost: $1.60) from the National Airport station towards Largo Town Center station, and get off at the Metro Center station. Once at the Metro Center station, take the 11th st exit out of the station and you will see a set of glass doors directly in front of you. Go through these doors and continue straight to the Grand Hyatt entrance. There are also numerous Taxi services from the airport to the Grand Hyatt for approximately $20.

 
Driving Directions
  From Reagan National Airport to the Grand Hyatt Washington Take George Washington Memorial Parkway North. Merge onto US-1 N toward Washington. Stay straight to go onto 14th Street NW, then turn right onto New York Ave NW. Turn slight right onto H Street NW; The Grand Hyatt is on the corner of 11th and H Streets NW.
  From the north to the Grand Hyatt Washington Take I-95-South to Exit 22 B (Baltimore-Washington Pkwy South); Follow onto New York Avenue for six miles. Turn left onto 5th Street NW and follow for three and a half blocks. Turn right onto H Street NW and follow for five blocks. The Grand Hyatt is at the corner of 10th and H Streets NW.
  From the south to the Grand Hyatt Washington Take I-95-N to 395 North. Continue over the 14th Street Bridge, then merge into the right lane. Take the exit for 12th Street, continue though the tunnel for eight blocks. Turn Right onto H Street and follow for one block. The Grand Hyatt is at the corner of 11th and H Streets NW.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival - Orientation
(Thursday, April 11)
   
 Arrive To: Grand Hyatt Washington
 Afternoon: Registration at hotel between 3:00 - 5:00 PM in the Wilson room located on the 3B Constitution Level.
 Evening: Welcome and Orientation to the program in the Wilson room at 5:00 PM followed by dinner at 6:00 PM.
   
Accommodations: Grand Hyatt Washington

Day 2: Presentation on the Cherry Blossom Festival - Garden Visit at Hillwood - Lunch at Hillwood - Garden Tour at Dumbarton Oaks - Cherry Tree Walk on National Mall
(Friday, April 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Presentation on the Japanese gift of cherry trees to Washington and the history of the Cherry Blossom Festival by Ann McClellan. Proceed to Hillwood, the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, for a visit to the Japanese Garden.
 Lunch: Lunch at Hillwood.
 Afternoon: After lunch head towards Georgetown for a fieldtrip to Dumbarton Oaks. Explore the elegant gardens and expansive collections of the Bliss Family. Then, take a guided walk along the Tidal Basin and see some of the oldest Japanese Cherry Trees in the District.
 Dinner: Dinner at a Japanese restaurant tonight.
   
Accommodations: Grand Hyatt Washington
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Cherry Blossom Festival Parade - Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival- Evening Activity
(Saturday, April 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Watch the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, with reserved seats in the grandstand.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own
 Afternoon: Free time to explore the National Portrait Gallery, Freer Gallery of Asian art, and the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival. Here you will discover dance, music, and martial art performances, special guests, and the famous Taste of Japan featuring 25 Asian and Japanese food vendors.
 Dinner: Dinner at area restaurant
 Evening: evening activty based on current offerings
   
Accommodations: Grand Hyatt Washington
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Presentation - Departure
(Sunday, April 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Presentation on "What Makes the Japanese so Japanese," by former diplomat, Robin Berrington.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Washington, DC Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery, our nations most treasured burial ground, is home to more than 285,000 honored dead. Among the thousands of white headstones are the graves of President John F. Kennedy, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, world champion boxer Joe Louis and the Tomb of the Unknowns. Free. For additional information, visit www.arlingtoncemetery.org
  Corcoran Gallery of Art
Washington DC’s oldest art museum presents the art of our times and of times past. The museum is internationally renowned for its collection of American art as well as European paintings and sculpture For additional information, visit www.corcoran.org
  Ford's Theatre
As a living tribute to Abraham Lincoln's love of the performing arts, Ford's Theatre presents plays and musicals underscoring multi-culturalism and highlighting the eclectic character of American life. For additional information, visit www.fordstheatre.org
  George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Explore George Washington's estate overlooking the Potomac River and discover 45 acres of family fun, including hands-on activities, special tours, river cruises, farm animals, shopping, dining, and more. Open every day! For additional information, visit www.mountvernon.org
  National Mall
A splendid green park area extending approximately two miles from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. Lining either side of the park near the Capitol are 200-year-old American elm trees, several of the Smithsonian Institution museums, National Archives, National Gallery of Art and U.S. Botanic Gardens. For additional information, visit nps.gov/nama
  Smithsonian Museums
Explore the many Smithsonian Museums around the National Mall, including the American Indian Museum, Freer and Sackler Galleries, Natural History Museum, and more. For additional information, visit www.si.edu/
  Washington Visitor's Bureau
Visit this website to get a full overview of the many activities and cultural opportunities Washington, DC has to offer. For additional information, visit www.washington.org
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


The Cherry Blossom Festival: Sakura Celebration


Author: Ann McClellan


Japanese Flowering Cherries


Author: Wybe Kuitert


The Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees of Washington, D. C. : a Living Symbol of Friendship


Author: Roland M. Jefferson


The Cherry Blossoms of Japan, their season a period of festivity and poetry


Author: Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore


The Samarai Way


Author: Tom O'Neill


Cherry Blossoms, The Official Book of the National Cherry Blossom Festival


Author: Ann McClellan


Monument Wars: Washington, D.C., the National Mall, and the Transformation of the Memorial Landscape


Author: Kirk Savage




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