Washington D.C.

Discover Washington, D.C.: The Best of the Capital

Program No. 2833RJ
Discover D.C. through expert-led explorations of Capitol Hill, the memorials and topical issues. Plus, enjoy visits to historical institutions and a live show at a local theater!

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Experience the invigorating environment of America’s capital city as knowledgeable instructors immerse you in a wide-ranging exploration of Washington D.C.’s iconic memorials, eclectic neighborhoods and topical conversations. During lectures with D.C. experts, discuss policy issues, explore vital history, and learn about famous figures throughout the capital. Delight in an introduction to Washington’s vibrant cultural institutions as you venture into the Smithsonian Museums, Library of Congress, Kennedy Center, National Cathedral and attend a live performance at a local theater.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 1-4 miles per day, including to/from motor coaches; some standing.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Gain historical insights while visiting Washington’s most treasured monuments and its newest memorials.
  • Explore America’s unique political system with expert lectures and visits to the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, and the White House.
  • Go behind the scenes at the Kennedy Center, learn about the many extraordinary gifts from the governments of more than 60 countries that make this a truly international destination.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Ann McClellan
Ann McClellan is author of “The Cherry Blossom Festival: Sakura Celebration,” and “Cherry Blossoms, The Official Book of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.” She has held executive positions at the Smithsonian Institution, World Wildlife Fund, the American Lung Association, the American Association of Museums, and the George Washington University Law School. Ann has viewed cherry blossoms in Japan, giving her even more of an appreciation for Washington’s sublime blooming season.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Ann McClellan
Ann McClellan View biography
Ann McClellan is author of “The Cherry Blossom Festival: Sakura Celebration,” and “Cherry Blossoms, The Official Book of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.” She has held executive positions at the Smithsonian Institution, World Wildlife Fund, the American Lung Association, the American Association of Museums, and the George Washington University Law School. Ann has viewed cherry blossoms in Japan, giving her even more of an appreciation for Washington’s sublime blooming season.
Profile Image of Lynde Vespoli
Lynde Vespoli View biography
Lynde Vespoli has been leading groups since 2006 and has worked for Road Scholar since 2012. She has certificates in travel and tourism, as well as hospitality and tourism management. A native Midwesterner, she has led programs in that region as well as Washington, D.C., New York, Canada, Cuba, and Italy. In her free time, Lynde enjoys traveling with her family and spoiling her granddaughters.
Profile Image of Karen Warnecke
Karen Warnecke View biography
Karen Warnecke attended the University of Buffalo. After college, she made her way to San Diego, California, where she met her husband. His 30-year naval flight career led them to raise four sons all over the country. In Charlottesville, Karen continued her career with the University Of Virginia School Of Medicine as a course coordinator for first-year medical students. She retired several years ago to allow more opportunities to travel, visit family and friends, work in her garden, read, and enjoy the local area.
Profile Image of Lili Murad
Lili Murad View biography
Lili Murad knows firsthand the unique, life-changing moments that only travel can provide, whether it be building houses with Habit for Humanity in New Zealand, working at an eco-lodge in Costa Rica, or participating in a Bald Eagle field study project in Alaska. She made her first solo trip at the tender age of 9, and has since visited 30 countries and 29 U.S. states. In between adventures, she has put down deep roots in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Boston.
Profile Image of Steve Flynn
Steve Flynn View biography
Steve Flynn was raised in Oregon. He pursued graduate work in intercultural studies and has extensive experience leading educational groups for students and adults both within and outside the U.S. A current resident of Washington, D.C., he has spent his professional career working in international student exchange programs for the University of North Carolina system.
Profile Image of Raymond Batvinis
Raymond Batvinis View biography
Dr. Raymond J. Batvinis is the Historian for the Society of Former Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. For 25 years, he was a Special FBI Agent concentrating on counterintelligence and counterterrorism. Dr. Batvinis operates fbistudies.com, a website focused on the FBI. In addition to authoring scholarly articles, he has contributed to the Oxford History of Intelligence and has produced two books on the history of the FBI’s counterintelligence program: "The Origins of FBI Counterintelligence" and "Hoover’s Secret War Against Axis Spies."
Profile Image of Donald Daniel
Donald Daniel View biography
Donald C.F. Daniel is Professor Emeritus at Georgetown University and Milton E. Miles Professor Emeritus at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He was Special Assistant to the Chairman, US Intelligence Council in Washington; Ford Foundation Research Fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington; Research Associate at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London; researcher-in-residence for the UN Institute for Disarmament Research in Geneva; and Associate Fellow at the Swedish National Defense College, Stockholm. He has directed political-military simulations involving participants worldwide.
Profile Image of Gautham Rao
Gautham Rao View biography
Gautham Rao, Associate Professor of History at American University, is Editor-in-Chief of “Law and History Review.” He did his undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Chicago and has been a fellow at the New York University School of Law and the University of Wisconsin Law School. His first book was “National Duties: Custom Houses and the Making of the American State” with the University of Chicago Press. His current book is “Slavery's Leviathan: Fugitive Slaves and the Making of the American Police State.”
Profile Image of Eric Arnesen
Eric Arnesen View biography
Eric Arnesen is the Teamsters Professor of History at George Washington University. He earned his B.A. from Wesleyan University and an M.A. in African-American Studies and a Ph.D. in history from Yale University. A specialist in the history of race, labor, politics, and civil rights, he has written two award-winning books: “Brotherhoods of Color: Black Railroad Workers and the Struggle for Equality” (2001) and “Waterfront Workers of New Orleans: Race, Class, and Politics, 1863-1923” (1991). He has written, edited, or co-edited five other books.
Profile Image of Ella Schiralli
Ella Schiralli View biography
Ella Schiralli is a certified D.C. group leader with a passion for sharing the culture, history, and modern vibrancy of our nation’s capital. She graduated from George Washington University with a B.B.A. and E.M.B.A. Ella values diversity and is passionate about leadership. She has had the opportunity to work and volunteer in organizations that range from advanced homeland security solutions and public policy advocacy, to women’s military achievements, the performing arts, and children’s advocacy.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
12 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 27, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024
  • Oct 27, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024
  • May 05, 2024 - May 10, 2024
  • May 19, 2024 - May 24, 2024
  • May 26, 2024 - May 31, 2024
  • Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024
  • Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
  • Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024
  • Oct 27, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024
  • Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
  • Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
  • Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
  • May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025
  • May 18, 2025 - May 23, 2025
  • Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
  • Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
  • Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
  • Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.
5 nights
Arlington
Full service hotel located above Arlington's Crystal City metro subway station just three stops from National Mall where iconic memorials and Smithsonian Museums are located. Eclectic Crystal City neighborhood around hotel is home to a dozen locally owned ethnic eateries and national.





Recommended For You

loading spinner