Washington, DC

This vibrant seat of power is also a blossom-filled city with space to breathe, attention-seeking architecture which will stop you in your tracks and public parks and gardens around every corner.

Itinerary

Day One:

Metro to Van Ness and head east to Hillwood Garden & Museum. Next grab a taxi and head to the National Cathedral gardens to view the Glastonbury thorn tree or the lengthy Boxwoods. Take the No 30 bus down Wisconsin to Georgetown for a bite to eat at Mendocino Wine Bar. Next make a short visit to Tudor Place and Dumbarton Oaks, for a look at some historic gardens. Don’t forget to do some shopping! Georgetown is DC’s prime retail neighbourhood with luxury brands at every corner. Just before returning to the hotel, be sure to stop by Meridien Hill Park in the U Street neighbourhood for a look at a quintessential early 20th-century Neoclassicist park design and maybe grab a quick bite to eat at a new Obama favourite, Ben’s Chili Bowl.

Day Two:

Get an early start and Metro to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for a look at spectacular lilies and lotuses. Next head back towards the National Mall and visit the U.S. Botanic Gardens complete with renovated conservatory. Next, a visit to the National gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden on the north side of the Mall. Head just a few blocks north of the Mall to the District Chop House & Brewery for some fresh brewed beer and a juicy steak. Finish up the afternoon with a bicycle tour of West Potomac Park and the National Mall with Bike the Sites, and learn a thing or two about the museums and memorials that you might not have already known.