National Capital Region: Land of The Free

Duration: 2 Days | Meals Included: 2 Lunches

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Mount Vernon Estate

Step into the world of America’s first president at Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington. Your grounds pass grants access to the mansion, gardens, historic outbuildings, the working estate farm, and beautifully manicured grounds. Designed by George Washington himself, the gardens served both practical and ornamental purposes and remain one of the estate’s most delightful features. Explore Washington’s 18th-century home and the surrounding grounds that offer a vivid glimpse into colonial life.

 

Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant

Set right on the grounds of George Washington’s iconic estate, the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant invites you to “savor the flavors of early America.” Diners enjoy classic American fare in a charming colonial-inspired setting, just steps away from the historic mansion and gardens.

 

National Museum of the United States Army

The National Museum of the United States Army honors more than 245 years of Army history and pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of soldiers—past, present, and future—from the Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. As the only museum to tell the Army’s story through the eyes of the American Soldier, it preserves and showcases invaluable artifacts, immersive exhibits, and personal stories that connect visitors to the Army’s traditions, heritage, and its enduring role in shaping our nation.

 

Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant

Originally built in 1792 as the City Hotel, Gadsby's Tavern has been meticulously preserved and restored to reflect its late 18th-century charm. Today, the restaurant offers an authentic colonial dining experience, complete with period-appropriate food, serving pieces, furnishings, costumes, and entertainment. Guests can enjoy the same historic atmosphere that once hosted patriots, high society, and even President George Washington.

 

Gadsby's Tavern Museum

Step back into the 18th century at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, where history comes alive through the stories of famous figures and everyday people who dined and stayed here. Explore the rich history, architecture, decorative arts, social customs, cuisine, and attire of the era. Experience the same hospitality that once welcomed George Washington, who attended the annual Birthnight Ball held in his honor, along with other distinguished patrons like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette.

 

National Harbor

National Harbor is the ultimate waterfront escape, offering a unique blend of dining, entertainment, and breathtaking views from the iconic Capital Wheel (admission not included). The National Harbor Circular Bus is a free shuttle between the Gaylord Hotel, MGM Casino, Tanger Outlets & Waterfront. Reservations are recommended for dining in National Harbor; click here to check out all the dining options. For information on other activities in National Harbor, click here.

 

Tanger Outlets

Tanger Outlets National Harbor provide the best deals, all with the benefit of the awesome waterfront nearby! Brand-name stores include Pandora, Samsonite, Gap Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Under Armour, Michael Kors, Vera Bradley, UGG, Nike Factory Store, Columbia, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, J. Crew Factory Store, and many more.

 

MGM National Harbor Casino

Experience world-class excitement at MGM National Harbor, the first luxury gaming resort in the DC–Maryland–Virginia region. This premier destination features 125,000 square feet of state-of-the-art gaming, including over 3,000 slot machines, 124 table games, a 39-table poker room, 10 craps, 12 roulette, 25 variations of carnival games, 58 Blackjack tables, and 25 Baccarat tables. Beyond the casino floor, guests can indulge in fine and casual dining at 15 exceptional restaurants, relax at the on-site spa and salon, or explore upscale retail shops.

 

Meal Information:

 

Lunch on day one is included at Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. Choices are:

• Tavern Cobb Salad: crispy greens, topped with turkey, tomato, bacon, egg, crumbled bleu cheese and avocado

• Colonial Turkey Pye: white meat turkey stew served with mixed vegetables

• Cheeseburger with Tavern Chips: 8 oz Angus Burger with lettuce, tomato, and cheese

Lunch is served with Mount Vernon Cherry Pie for dessert, along with iced tea or fountain drinks. Vegetarian option available upon request.

 

Lunch on day two is included at Historic Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant. Choices are (guests order when seated):

• Top round roast beef

• Chicken fontina

• Baked New England-style codfish

• Butternut squash ravioli

Lunch is served with a tavern salad, bread, dessert, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

 

Need to Know:

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included.

 

Accessibility:

• Gadsby's Tavern Museum: Involves two ascending/descending staircases. There is no elevator.

• Mount Vernon Estate: First floor of the Mansion is accessible; however, the historic area has many areas with uneven terrain and steep inclines. Standard, non-motorized wheelchairs and wheeled walkers are available free of charge inside the Ford Orientation Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Electric scooters are not available. For accessibility information, click here. 

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, MD

This spectacular waterfront resort, with a stunning 19-story glass atrium and sweeping views of the Potomac River, is steps from National Harbor's premier entertainment and shopping district. The hotel features restaurants/lounge, indoor pool, and fitness room. Guest rooms are "Standard" rooms and include a coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board. The National Harbor Circular Bus is a free shuttle between the hotel, MGM Casino, Tanger Outlets & Waterfront (just show your room key to ride the shuttle; if your room key is not ready upon arrival, we will give you an “unprogrammed” room key to use).