Optional Tours: The International Academy of Estate and Trust Law Meeting 2020

We are pleased to offer the following Optional Tours in Washington, DC. This year, we are offering a Pre-Conference tour on the Saturday before the meeting begins, and a Post-Conference tour on the Friday after the meeting. More information will be available on the pre and post tours shortly. If you choose either of these tours, please make sure your flights are scheduled to arrive or depart accordingly.

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All tours have a minimum number of participants who must register. Registrants cancelling tours on or before March 30, 2020 will receive a 100% refund less a USD $35.00 processing fee. Registrants cancelling after March 30, 2020 will not receive any refunds. Registering for an activity guarantees a space for that activity/tour so the cancellation policy will be strictly enforced. You are welcome to find a substitute for yourself on the tour. Tours not meeting the minimum numbers by March 30, 2020 are likely to be cancelled.

Throughout history, the First Ladies of the United States have made countless contributions to policy, culture and the American spirit. This morning, we take the time to observe, highlight and take in the vast influence these women have had on our country, our Presidents, and on each of us.

We start with a visit to the White House Visitor Center for a glimpse of what life is like for those who inhabit the iconic residence. Guests will have time to visit exhibits and watch a 14-minute video, during which several recent first ladies discuss their time in the White House. Next, we will head over to the National Museum of American History where we’ll tour the stunning gowns worn by our First Ladies during the Inaugural celebrations, as well as some of the contributions they made to the White House and their philanthropic activities.

Departing from the hotel, we will explore some of the most iconic DC landmarks starting with viewing the document that started it all. We start by visiting the National Archives to see some of the documents that forged our Nation. Next, we’ll walk from the National Archives to the Library of Congress, with passing views of many monuments, the US Capitol Building, and the United States Supreme Court. Our last stop is the Library of Congress, where we’ll have a guided tour of the stunning architecture, history and importance in American Culture.

*A minimum of 10 people is required for this tour to operate.

Travel back in time and discover what daily life was like for the Founding Fathers. The mansion started as a one and one half story farm house built by George Washington’s father Augustine in 1735. George acquired the property in 1754 and from there he spent 45 years expanding the house to the 21 room residence we see today.

Your private tour includes a visit to The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center where guests can explore any of the 14 galleries and theaters that feature priceless collections and art as well as interactive displays. Then visit the historic mansion and go through behind the scenes areas of the house and grounds not usually accessible to the public.

While you’re there, savor the flavors of early America at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, located just footsteps from George Washington’s historic estate. This charming lunch spot is the perfect compliment to a day exploring the life and times of George and Martha.

Nestled in the hills of Northwest Washington, D.C, Hillwood welcomes visitors from around the world with its gracious hospitality. Experience Marjorie Merriweather Post’s exquisitely maintained mansion and gardens, a reflection of her beauty, elegance and graciousness. We will enjoy a private tour of the estate rooms, stunning collections, distinguished 18th century French decorative art, a sampling of 25 acres of serene landscaped gardens, and the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia.

* A minimum of 15 people is required to operate this tour.

The many gardens that surround the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall are a “museum without walls.” All have been designed to complement the museums they border and to enhance the overall museum experience of learning, appreciation, and enjoyment. During this tour we will explore three of those gardens. First, we’ll visit the United States Botanic Garden, the vision of George Washington. Established in 1820, the U Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. From roses to orchids, the rainforest to the Mid-Atlantic, rare and endangered plants to the latest in-home gardens, you will find a world of plants and environments in our permanent exhibits and gardens. Next, we will visit the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. The Sculpture Garden includes works from the Gallery’s growing collection as well as special exhibits. We will round out this tour with a visit to the picturesque Mary Livingston Ripley Garden. Its unusual curvilinear design—the work of noted Washington, D.C., architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen—along with a profusion of flowers in raised beds, creates a distinctive sense of intimacy and informality.

The United States Capitol has been the home of the United States Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government since 1800. During this guided tour of the US Capitol, visitors will see several historic areas of the Capitol including Statuary Hall, the Crypt, and the magnificent Rotunda. Continue the tour with a privately led tour of the Capitol grounds, where you will hear about significant events that took place in and around the US Capitol.

Note: We may be able to get a tour of the Capitol Railway but cannot be guaranteed.

*A minimum of 20 people is required for this tour to operate.

Though hailing from Illinois, Mr. Lincoln created quite a history for himself in the city of Washington, DC. This tour traces that history to uncover an understanding and sense of comradery with this great figure by seeing his time in DC through his own eyes. We will visit of his dwelling at Lincoln Cottage. While living here, Lincoln made nation-changing decisions about the Union, Freedom, and the Presidency, most notably the Emancipation Proclamation. From there will Visit the place of his assassination by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theater with a private guided tour.

On April 14th, 1865, after being shot by Booth, President Lincoln was carried to a boarding house across the street where, at 7:22am on April 15, 1865 the President died.

Join us at the Fig & Olive for a 3 course dinner with a choice of entree. After a wonderful dinner, we will board the trolley to see DC in A Different Light! The Monuments by Moonlight Tour knows just the right way to show off the capital city when the sun goes down. Enjoy a night of moonlight merriment aboard their all-weather touring trolleys with stadium seating. This 2 1/2-hour tour of Washington is fully narrated by licensed tour guide conductors. The tour includes panoramic scenic views and stops at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and US Marine Corps War Memorial.

2020 marks the centennial of Women’s suffrage, the ratification of the 19^th Amendment by Congress. To celebrate this achievement, we will take guests back in time to learn what it took to reach this great achievement! Guests will start at the Library of Congress where they enter in the “Shall Not Be Denier” exhibit and will see original marquee records, images, hear music, merchandise, cartoon and ephemera of the movement. Next, we will head over to the National Archives Museum where they can see the original 19^th Amendment on display, as well as more than 90 other artifacts. Last, the group will enter the National Portrait Gallery where they will learn about some of the most influential leaders that helped lead this movement.

We begin by driving by the sites of some notorious DC scandals -the US Capitol, Library of Congress, White House, the Mayflower Hotel – where revered figures sometimes did some unscrupulous things!

No tour involving spies and lies would be complete without a stop into the Watergate Hotel where we will have private lunch at the Kingbird to continue the conversation, discuss the historical implications and perhaps dish a little gossip.

We will then head to the International Spy Museum. Finally, you can live out your inner most James Bond fantasies while exploring the shadowy world of espionage!

Though hailing from New England, The Kennedys left a lasting impression on Washington, DC, the Nation and the world. This private tour escorts guests on a trip through all things Camelot, starting with the Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown, the spot where JFK not only asked Jackie to be his wife, but also where he drafted his inauguration speech. We will continue to drive by the various Kennedy homes and sites in Georgetown including Holy Trinity Church where the Kennedys worshiped. Explore the more political side of the Kennedys DC experience by driving by the locations of a few prominent Speeches as well as a private guided tour of the Prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where countless world-class performances, ceremonies and honors take place. Finally, take in the stunning views of from the final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery, where guests will view the grave site and eternal flame dedicated to life of this extraordinary man..

optional tours

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