Walking The Spirit Tours - Explore Black Culture of Yesterday and Today

Washington, D.C. is home to 300 years of critical achievement by African-American men and women. No field has been untouched by greatness - politics, arts, activism, education, entertainment. Duke Ellington was born here, Carter G. Woodson fathered Black History Month here, Langston Hughes wrote, abolitionist Frederick Douglass inspired, and Lois Mailou Jones painted and nurtured art students at Howard University. Along Washington's well-traced African-American heritage trails await monuments, famous homes, art galleries and memorials to Washington's rich Black history and culture.

Plus, no other city boasts so many free, world-class museums and historical sites. Then there's the food - delicious down-home, local specialties and fine dining. And in springtime, the world-famous Cherry Blossom Festival turns the city pink with pleasures and activities.

We will take you into the very heart of it all on our fully escorted, 4-day excursion by luxury motorcoach.

You’ll stay at a deluxe hotel with an adjoining mall and nearby entertainment.

On your first day, a local African-American guide will share his insider views as we bus tour and walk Black neighborhoods and historic sites. And, you just might be tempted to dance while we stroll up Black Broadway - made famous by Ellington, Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey and the wildly popular Ben’s Chili Bowl restaurant.
Along the way, art-lovers will find inspiration in the vibrant art galleries.

Next day, from the comfort of your reserved grandstand seating, you can ooh and ahh and tap your feet during the 97th annual National Cherry Blossom Festival parade. The festival originated in the gift of blossoms from Japan to the United States. Since then, visitors come from far for the lovely display of Japanese culture and the beat of American marching bands.

Your afternoons and evenings are free to explore Washington’s amazing array of cultural and iconic institutions - The White House Visitors Centre, National Monument, the stunning Smithsonian, International Spy Museum, Lincoln Memorial, Holocaust Museum, and much more for the entire family.

YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Fully escorted, luxury motorcoach service departing from Kitchener, and possibly Cambridge and Guelph.
- 3 nights accommodation in a 3-star Courtyard hotel.
- 3 full breakfasts.
- 1 Welcome Group dinner ($25 voucher).
- 1 Walking/Bus tour through 3 distinct Black neighbourhoods and famous Black historical sites and homes, led by a local PhD scholar in African-American history.
- VIP lunch at the legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl on Black Broadway, a favourite of Bill Cosby, Denzel Washington and countless celebrities and politicians.
- Reserved grandstand seating at the Cherry Blossom parade (April tour only).
- Metro tickets and map.
- Free time to visit monuments, museums, gardens, and to go shopping.
- Complimentary Tourist Information.
- Accompaniment of expert tour leader, Julia Browne of Walking The Spirit Tours.

              TOUR COST PER PERSON

                                        Quadruple - $685.
                                        Triple - $750.
                                        Double - $850.
                                        Single - $970.
                   Prices include hotel and group dining taxes.

Booking:
This trip is suitable for travelers of all ages.
A deposit of $100 is required at the time of reservation to hold your space (50% refundable). Reserve here.
Full payment is due January 15, 2010. Ask us about our installment plan! Payment accepted by certified cheque, Credit Card, and/or through Paypal (I will forward you an invoice).

Company Cancellation Policy:
45 days or more prior to departure - full refund, including deposit.
32-44 days prior to departure - $100 per person charge
31 days or less prior to departure - no refund.

For further information or inquiries, don't hesitate to contact us at:
Email: info@walkingthespirit.com or
Phone: 519.497-0933

Walking The Spirit Tours was created by Ontario-based Julia Browne. Since 1994 we have shared our passion for Black History with hundreds of groups and individuals. Along with this Washington D.C. bus tour and our 1-day Black Washington excursion, we also offer exciting Black heritage and traditional tours in Paris, France and along the Underground Railroad in Southern Ontario.