FOURTH OF JULY
HOLIDAY TOUR OF PATRIOTIC AMERICAN CITIES
5 nights   June 30-July 5, 2012
Featuring 2 nights in New York and 3 nights in Washington DC
Plus visits to Philadelphia and to Fort McHenry, (outside of Baltimore harbor)
Or
4 nights    July 1-5, 2012
Featuring 4 nights in Washington DC

Spend this 4th of July with singles admiring the incredible fireworks over the Washington Monument in our nation’s capital

Plus

See the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor, visit the 9/11 memorial in NY and take in a Broadway play.
See the Liberty Bell & Independence Hall in Phily and tour Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, site of the true story of the Star Spangled Banner
Visit the Smithsonian Museum, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the new MLK memorial and the US Capitol Building
PLUS ENJOY THE MOST SPECTACULAR 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION IN OUR NATION, AS YOU ENJOY FREE CONCERTS, SYMPHONY, A PARADE & THE GREATEST 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY.

Join us for a long holiday weekend to visit the most patriotic sites of the USA’s east coast.  We will spend 2 days in New York, visiting the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 memorial and even have a chance to take in a Broadway play.  We will then drive to Philadelphia, where we will visit the Liberty Bell, visit Independence Hall and walk the “Rocky Steps”. 
We will continue down the coast to Baltimore harbor where we will visit Fort McHenry and learn the real life story of the writing of the Star Spangled Banner, written at Fort McHenry and learn the dramatic hostage story behind its writing during the War of 1812.

Finally, we will continue down to Washington DC for 3 days and nights in our nation’s capital, where we will have free time to explore its many museums, monuments and more.

OR
Choose to join us for just 4 nights in DC, July 1-5 including the visit to Fort McHenry, just outside Baltimore Harbor
And the visits to the US Capital building and the monuments & museums of DC

                                                                                                             PLUS - A special treat for both the 5 night and 4 night programs

We will enjoy the 4th of July in DC with festivities and free pop and symphony concerts all day long, a mid day parade & the nation’s best fireworks display, proudly launched over the Washington Monument!  

This trip is limited to 12 passengers for the 5 night program and 20 passengers for the 4 night program

Daily Itinerary

5 NIGHT TOUR JUNE 30-JULY 5TH, 2012

Saturday June 30th – Arrive at your own arrangement into New York City.  Transit at your own arrangement to our hotel, The Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites Times Square.

Our hotel’s 244 guest rooms include Complimentary Deluxe Continental Breakfast Daily, Complimentary Starbucks Coffee available 24 hours and in room Complimentary High Speed Internet. The hotel is centrally located just minutes from Times Square and the Broadway Theatre District.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycfi-fairfield-inn-and-suites-new-york-manhattan-times-square/

This evening we will have a welcome orientation at our hotel, followed by a free evening for all to enjoy the sights of Times Square, its great dining options and even a show if you wish.

Sunday July 1st – Today we will enjoy a visit to the 2 most patriotic sights of NYC – The Statue of Liberty and the 9/11 Memorial.

We will start our day with a visit to the 9/11 memorial.  The Memorial offers a poignant tribute to the victims of the 9/11 tragedy. 

Following our visit to the memorial we will enjoy a short walk to Battery Park where we will enjoy a ferry ride to the statue of liberty.  Lady Liberty has always been the most enduring symbol of our nation’s freedom and in the 4th of July holiday spirit, this symbol stands as a most shining beacon of this freedom.  Following our ferry ride we will enjoy a walk around its base for photo opps. of Lady Liberty standing proudly over New York harbor.as a symbol of our nation.                                                                                                                                                  

After our visit and walk around Lady Liberty, we will continue our ferry ride which will make a 2nd atop at Ellis Island and passengers will have the choice to visit this historic museum, chronicling the arrival of immigrants to the US, or continue on the ferry back to Battery Park from which we will return to our hotel for the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

This evening, join your new friends and enjoy once again the sights of famed Times Square and if you wish, take in a Broadway Play (we will email all passengers a list of suggested plays and prices and for those wishing to go we will book one play in advance.  Same day tickets can also be purchased based on availability)

Monday July 2nd – Today we will depart New York and drive down the coast.   We will make a stop in Philadelphia, only a 2 hour drive from NY.   In Philly we will visit its patriotic sights including The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

The Experience            

The Liberty Bell has a new home, and it is as powerful and dramatic as the Bell itself. Throughout the expansive, light-filled Center, larger-than-life historic documents and graphic images explore the facts and the myths surrounding the Bell.
X-rays give an insider’s view, literally, of the Bell’s crack and inner-workings. In quiet alcoves, a short History Channel film, available in English and eight other languages, traces how abolitionists, suffragists and other groups adopted the Bell as its symbol of freedom.
Other exhibits show how the Bell’s image was used on everything from ice cream molds to wind chimes. Keep your camera handy. Soaring glass walls offer dramatic and powerful views of both the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, just a few steps away.

Independence Hall is, by every estimate, the birthplace of the United States. It was within its walls that the Declaration of Independence was adopted. It was here that the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed. That document is the oldest federal constitution in existence.

Known as the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, Independence Hall is one of the most recognizable historical landmarks not only in Philadelphia, but in the entire nation. The hall is the highlight of the 45-acre Independence National Historical Park, home to 20 buildings of historical significance (many of which are open to the public). The Liberty Bell is located right around the way, though its original home was Independence Hall's bell tower. Tours of the hall are given every 15 minutes

You will see surviving copies of the following documents:

• Declaration of Independence
• Articles of Confederation
• Constitution of the United States

In addition, you will see the Independence Ink stand, crafted by silversmith Philip Syng for Pennsylvania's colonial government, which is believed to be the one used to sign both the Declaration and the Constitution.

After our visits we will enjoy free time for lunch (try an authentic Phily Cheese Steak if you wish) and then will make a final stop for a photo opp at the “ Rocky Steps”, made famous in the original movie Rocky.

We will continue on to Washington DC, only a two hour drive.   Here we will check in to our hotel, the Four Points by Sheraton downtown DC

Be close to everything at the Four Points by Sheraton Washington D.C. Downtown. Visit a museum, see the monuments or attend to business on the K street corridor. We are convenient to the Washington D.C. Convention Center, Penn Quarter and The Smithsonian.


Meet, Greet, and Eat. This is the place to meet - whether you’re planning a large corporate event in the 8,000 square feet of meeting space or gathering in the Club Lounge. And while you’re at it, don't forget a meal at the District Grill Restaurant and Lounge.

Live Free. Enjoy great freedoms while here. Free High Speed Internet Access in all guest rooms. Free fitness center and rooftop pool. And we’re very proud to offer a 100% smoke-free environment. You’re free to participate in our eco-initiatives or just sit back and relax while we do it for you.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1237&language=en_US

OUR HOTEL IS WALKING DISTANCE FROM ALL THE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS OF DC.  WE WILL BE ABLE TO WALK TO THE MONUMENTS, THE MUSEUMS AND THE SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ON THE 4TH OF JULY.

Tuesday July 3rd

This morning we will enjoy a guided tour of the capitol building featuring the 2 chambers of the House and Senate.  We will then visit the 3 monuments that stand as tributes to 3 of our nation’s most prominent leaders, The Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument as well as a visit to the new MLK memorial. Our visits will take us inside both the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials for a fascinating up close experience and our visit to the Washington monument will be of the grounds (the ascent of the monument is closed to visitors).

The United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is conceived of as an engaging landscape experience tied to other landscapes and monuments, not as a single object or memorial dominating the site. The composition of the memorial utilizes landscape elements to powerfully convey four fundamental and recurring themes throughout Dr. King's message: justice, democracy, hope and love. The semicircular geometry of the memorial, juxtaposed within the triangular configuration of the site, engages the Tidal Basin and frames views to the water

Lincoln Memorial	Jefferson Memorial
US Capitol Building	MLK Memorial

Wed. July 4th -  Today is a free today to enjoy the many festivities of the holiday.  The museums of the Smithsonian are also open today for exploration at your own leisure if you wish and all offer free admittance to explore at your leisure.

Washington DC is a spectacular place to celebrate July 4th! The National Mall, with Washington DC’s monuments and the U. S. Capitol in the background, forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America's Independence Day celebrations.

This is an all-day event in the nation's capital, beginning with a noon time parade along Constitution Avenue, followed by festivities all afternoon, then evening pop music concerts and symphony performances ending with a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument.

Washington, DC’s Independence Day Parade
 Parade Start Time: 11:45 a.m.
 Parade Route: Constitution Avenue and 7th to 17th Sts.
 

 Washington, DC’s 4th of July Parade features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats, and VIP's.   It runs along the save avenue where many of the Smithsonian museums are located, making it easy for anyone wishing to visit the museums today with a break at mid-day to view the parade.

Smithsonian Folk life Festival
The annual event includes daily and evening music and dance performances, crafts and cooking demonstrations, storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. The themes of the 2012 program will be: Campus and Community and Creativity and Crisis: Unfolding The AIDS Memorial Quilt. The hours on the 4th of July are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read more about the Smithsonian Folk life Festival.

 4th of July at the National Archives
 The National Archives celebrates the 4th of July with special family programming celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Visit the National Archives Building for this special birthday party from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Concert on the Washington Monument Grounds
 From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. the U.S. Navy Band performs on the Southwest corner of the grounds of the Washington Monument. The concert includes the talents of the U.S. Air Force Band, featuring American country music artist, Jo Dee Messina.

A Capitol Fourth Concert
 Time: 8 - 9:30 p.m.
 Location: West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol

 A 4th of July tradition in the nation's capital includes a live concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and several pop artists performing patriotic music on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. The concert and show is followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary. The annual event will be broadcast live on local TV station WETA TV 26 with a repeat airing at 10:00 p.m.

There are free musical performances on the lawn of national mall all afternoon and evening, leading up to another free symphony concert this evening which culminates in Tchaikovsky’s famous 1812 overture just before the spectacular fireworks display at 9pm.

4th of July Fireworks on the National Mall
 Fireworks Time: At dark, usually around 9:15 p.m. Rain Date: July 5th
 Launch Location: The fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument. See photos of A Capitol Fourth (below)

Everything on the national mall, including the grand fireworks display is walking distance from our hotel, making it easy for all to come and go from each site and from the fireworks display today.  So join your new friends on the trip and explore the history and excitement of our nation’s capital and witness the incredible fireworks and musical celebration that will make this Fourth of July the most special you have ever witnessed.

TONIGHT YOU WILL WITNESS ONE OF OUR NATION’S MOST SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS DISPLAYS AS THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT IS THE BACKDROP FOR THE PATRIOTIC DISPLAY IN SKY.

Click the following link to read an online article about the 4th of July in our nation’s capital.
 http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/4thofJuly.htm

Fireworks Over the Washington Monument  Photo © Music Celebrations International	A Capitol Fourth Concert - Fireworks over the Capital & Washington Monument - Photo © Capitol Concerts	A Capitol Fourth Photo © Capitol Concerts

THURSDAY JULY 5TH – Today is our departure day, so all passengers are free to arrange their own transit from the hotel to either of the DC area airports - DCA or IAD and book their own return flight at any time that is best for your own needs.  Some passengers may wish to stay an additional day to further explore DC at their leisure or take the train to nearby colonial Williamsburg for further sightseeing.

Your trip includes:

• 2 Nights’ accommodations at the Marriott Fairfield Hotel at Times Square with complimentary breakfast provided for all hotel guests.
• 3 nights’ accommodations at the Sheraton Four Points hotel in downtown Washington DC, just a short walk from the famous National Mall monuments and museums.
• Ferry ride in NY harbor to the statue of Liberty and Ellis island museum with admission to the grounds of the statue and admission to the museum
• Admission to the 9/11 memorial in NYC
• Transportation in 2 private vehicles, driving our group from NYC to Washington DC with stops at the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philly
• Guided tour of the US Capital Building, plus visits to the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and MLK Memorial
• Guided tour of Fort McHenry outside Baltimore Harbor with RT private transportation from DC
• Admittance to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia and to Fort McHenry outside Baltimore Harbor
• Free non smoking roommate matching, based on age & sex
• Allsinglestravel.com trip escort

Trip cost: Only $949 for 5 days and nights of holiday fun

A $200 deposit is due in 7 days of making your reservation

Deposits are refundable if cancelled by April 4th and non refundable thereafter

Balance payments are due May 1st and are non refundable.

This trip is limited to 12 passengers so book your space early to avoid being shut out.

OR CHOOSE OUR 4 NIGHT TOUR FEATURING 4 NIGHTS IN WASHINGTON DC WITH A TOUR OF THE US CAPITAL, PLUS VISITS TO THE MAJOR MONUMENTS OF DC AND A TOUR OF FORT McHENRY, OUTSIDE OF BALTIMORE HARBOR

4 NIGHT ITINERARY

Sunday July 1st – Arrive at your leisure into DC and make your way to our hotel, the Sheraton Five Points Downtown DC

This evening you will have a casual meet and greet with the rest of the passengers travelling on the 4 night DC holiday weekend.

Monday July 2nd – Today is a full free day to sightsee the many attractions of DC. at your leisure, such as the numerous museums of the Smithsonian (the museums are all free to enter)

Tonight, join us for a meet and greet with the passengers that travelled down from NY on the 5 night holiday program.

Tuesday July 3rd – This morning we will enjoy a guided tour of the US Capitol building featuring the 2 chambers of the House and Senate.  We will then visit the 3 monuments that stand as tributes to 3 of our nation’s most prominent leaders, The Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument as well as a visit to the new MLK memorial. Our visits will take us inside both the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials for a fascinating up close experience and our visit to the Washington monument will be of the grounds (the ascent of the monument is closed to visitors).

The United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is conceived of as an engaging landscape experience tied to other landscapes and monuments, not as a single object or memorial dominating the site. The composition of the memorial utilizes landscape elements to powerfully convey four fundamental and recurring themes throughout Dr. King's message: justice, democracy, hope and love. The semicircular geometry of the memorial, juxtaposed within the triangular configuration of the site, engages the Tidal Basin and frames views to the water

Lincoln Memorial	Jefferson Memorial
US Capitol Building	MLK Memorial

Wed. July 4th -  Today is a free today to enjoy the many festivities of the holiday.  The museums of the Smithsonian are also open today for exploration at your own leisure if you wish and all offer free admittance to explore at your leisure.

Washington DC is a spectacular place to celebrate July 4th!

The National Mall, with Washington DC’s monuments and the U. S. Capitol in the background, forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America's Independence Day celebrations.

This is an all-day event in the nation's capital, beginning with a noon time parade along Constitution Avenue, followed by festivities all afternoon, then pop music concerts and symphony performances, all ending with a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument.

Washington, DC’s Independence Day Parade
 Parade Start Time: 11:45 a.m.
 Parade Route: Constitution Avenue and 7th to 17th Sts.
 

 Washington, DC’s 4th of July Parade features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats, and VIP's.   It runs along the save avenue where many of the Smithsonian museums are located, making it easy for anyone wishing to visit the museums today with a break at mid-day to view the parade.

Smithsonian Folk life Festival
The annual event includes daily and evening music and dance performances, crafts and cooking demonstrations, storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. The themes of the 2012 program will be: Campus and Community and Creativity and Crisis: Unfolding The AIDS Memorial Quilt. The hours on the 4th of July are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read more about the Smithsonian Folk life Festival.

 4th of July at the National Archives
 The National Archives celebrates the 4th of July with special family programming celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Visit the National Archives Building for this special birthday party from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Concert on the Washington Monument Grounds
 From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. the U.S. Navy Band performs on the Southwest corner of the grounds of the Washington Monument. The concert includes the talents of the U.S. Air Force Band, featuring American country music artist, Jo Dee Messina.

A Capitol Fourth Concert
 Time: 8 - 9:30 p.m.
 Location: West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol

 A 4th of July tradition in the nation's capital includes a live concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and several pop artists performing patriotic music on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. The concert and show is followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary. The annual event will be broadcast live on local TV station WETA TV 26 with a repeat airing at 10:00 p.m.

There are free musical performances on the lawn of national mall all afternoon and evening, leading up to another free symphony concert this evening which culminates in Tchaikovsky’s famous 1812 overture just before the spectacular fireworks display at 9pm.

4th of July Fireworks on the National Mall
 Fireworks Time: At dark, usually around 9:15 p.m. Rain Date: July 5th
 Launch Location: The fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument. See photos of A Capitol Fourth (below)

Everything on the national mall, including the grand fireworks display is walking distance from our hotel, making it easy for all to come and go from each site and from the fireworks display today.  So join your new friends on the trip and explore the history and excitement of our nation’s capital and witness the incredible fireworks and musical celebration that will make this fourth of July the most special you have ever witnessed.

TONIGHT YOU WILL WITNESS ONE OF OUR NATION’S MOST SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS DISPLAYS AS THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT IS THE BACKDROP FOR THE PATRIOTIC DISPLAY IN SKY.

Click the following link to read an online article about the 4th of July in our nation’s capital.
 http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/4thofJuly.htm

Fireworks Over the Washington Monument  Photo © Music Celebrations International	A Capitol Fourth Concert - Fireworks over the Capital & Washington Monument - Photo © Capitol Concerts	A Capitol Fourth Photo © Capitol Concerts

THURSDAY JULY 5TH – Today is our departure day, so all passengers are free to arrange their own transit from the hotel to either of the DC area airports - DCA or IAD and book their own return flight at any time that is best for your own needs.  Some passengers may wish to stay an additional day to further explore DC at their leisure or take the train to nearby colonial Williamsburg for further sightseeing.

Your trip includes:

• 4 nights’ accommodations at the Sheraton Four Points hotel in downtown Washington DC, just a short walk from the famous National Mall monuments and museums.
• Guided tour of the US Capital Building, plus visits to the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and MLK Memorial
• Guided tour of Fort McHenry with RT private transportation from DC
• Free non smoking roommate matching, based on age & sex
• Allsinglestravel.com trip escort

Trip cost: Only $689 for 4 days and nights of holiday fun

A $200 deposit is due in 7 days of making your reservation

Deposits are refundable if cancelled by April 4th and non refundable thereafter

Balance payments are due May 1st and are non refundable.

This trip is limited to 20 passengers so book your space early to avoid being shut out.