What could be more spectacular than viewing the Fourth of July fireworks in Washington, D.C., during the semi quincentennial anniversary in 2026.
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In 2026, as America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country, we will be able to relearn our history and reaffirm the principles on which our nation was founded and has endured through good times, trying times, war time, peace time, and questionable times.
You can bet Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., are in the planning stages of some wonderful events for this very special semi quincentennial anniversary. Collette Vacations is offering a patriotic get-away allowing you to take part in the celebrations in each city, with the largest event taking place in our nation’s capital.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowers states, “We know that there is no place in the world that tells the story of America better than Washington, D.C. So, our message to fellow Americans is this: Start planning your trips to D.C. now – we can’t wait to celebrate with you.”
We took Mayor Bowers message to heart and immediately called our Collette Vacations sales rep to reserve 15 seats on a tour following the timeline from when the first shot rang out in the Lexington Battle Green on April 19,1775 in Lexington, Mass., to Philadelphia, the “birthplace of America,” ending with a Fourth of July spectacular fireworks show for which Washington, D.C. is so famous.
Yes, our eight-night history tour will end with three nights in Washington, D.C., a city every American should know for so many reasons. This is a city of contrasts, great history, great food, and patriotism. The city should be all decked out in patriotic red, white and blue.
While the planning is ongoing, currently there will be a parade, over-the-top fireworks, exhibits and a two-day celebration on Pennsylvania Avenue. You won’t want to miss this! Let’s start at the very beginning of the tour.
Departure from Reno will be June 28, 2026, with our first stop in Boston, “the cradle of liberty,” where we will enjoy a two-night stay. The American Revolution will come alive in Lexington and Concord, and you shall follow the path of the British troops as they prepared for battle against the minutemen and militia.
As New York City is on the way to Philadelphia, the tour will stop for two nights staying in the heart of Times Square. On the way to the city, there is a stop and tour planned at West Point, considered by Gen. George Washington to be the most important military academy in the U.S. training the leaders of tomorrow.
While in New York City, you’ll have some time on your own after a diner breakfast and a guided tour of the Big Apple with a stop for lunch at Fraunces Tavern, the most historic inn in the city where Washington and his officers gathered to celebrate the departure of British troops from American soil.
You will have two evenings free here to enjoy Broadway and if there are 10 people on the tour who may want to enjoy a dinner and “Hamilton,” this could be arranged.
On to Philadelphia on day five where you will tour Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell, and visit the Museum of the American Revolution.
Though history is the highlight here, the included dinner aboard the most iconic restaurant in Philly, the Moshulu, the world’s oldest and largest four-mastered tall ship turned into a restaurant, should be quite the historic experience of another kind. Enjoy a cocktail as you overlook Penn’s Landing.
Next stop is Washington, D.C., with a stop at Valley Forge National Historic Park, where Washington and his continental army encamped for six months during the winter of 1777-78 to keep an eye on the British forces.
A guide will walk you through Washington’s headquarters retelling stories of the day. You’ll arrive in Washington, D.C., on July 3, where you will enjoy a three-night stay at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.
On the Fourth of July, there’s guided tour of the U.S. Capitol along with a tour of Arlington Cemetery to pay respects to President John F. Kennedy and the unknown soldier gravesites. Get ready to revel on your own in the evening when the skies light up with amazing fireworks. It should be quite the once-in-a-lifetime show.
Sunday, July 5, should be a more peaceful day as you journey to George Washington’s home, Mt. Vernon. Before departing, you’ll resume your city tour to see most of the famous sites that make this city so special including the famous war memorials to include the moving World War II, Vietnam and Korean memorials.
By the end of this tour, to honor our nation’s 250th birthday, you’ll be able to teach sixth grade history. This tour should be one of our most popular, so book early for the $150 per person discount.
The cost of $4,399 per person includes round-trip airfare from Reno, free parking at the chamber, all airport transfers, eight nights in centrally located four star hotels, breakfast daily, one lunch and three dinners plus all guided tours.
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and living history lesson. If you’ve never been on a guided tour, make this your first. You’ll be taken care of every moment, meet new friends, be safely escorted, and see places so hard to see on your own.
Call the Chamber Travel Club at 775-882-1565 to book now. The full itinerary may be viewed at carsoncitychamber.com by clicking on the Travel Club site located on the home page. Early booking is advised.