Item Description

Art Lover's Tour:  A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Nation's Capitol in Washington DC, plus Dining, 3-Night Stay and Airfare for (2)

 This Experience Includes:

• 3-hour private guided tour of the art works at The Capitol and surrounding buildings
• $150 towards dining at Art and Soul Restaurant, including Meet & Greet with Executive Chef Wes Morton
• 3-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Washington DC
• Round-trip coach class airfare for (2) within the contiguous U.S. and Canada
• The purchase of this experience includes a complimentary booking service

Private Art Lover’s Tour of the US Capitol “The Most Famous Building in the World”

You and a guest will enjoy a private tour of the art works at The Capitol with the Chief Guide of the US Capitol Historical Society.  Beyond the public’s standard experience, your unique experience will be guided by historian Steve Livengood. He has spent more than 40 years studying not only the Congress and its activities, and the famous people who have served there, but also becoming an expert on the artwork. 

You will be able to enjoy:

• The sculptures of the Statuary Hall collection representing each State
• The Rotunda paintings and sculpture with a description of the iconography and evolution of the collection
• The new $600 million Capitol Visitor Center with the newest bronze and marble sculptures
• The restricted Senate corridors where refugee artist Constantino Brumidi sought to glorify “the one country on Earth where there is liberty”, and the 20+year conservation of those works still in progress
• Close examination of the plaster original of the sculpture atop The Capitol, where American sculptor Thomas Crawford represented Freedom Triumphant in War and Peace and its iconic role before the Civil War
• Historic portraits and busts of Washington, Lafayette, Lincoln and other iconic figures
• The 1970-90s corridors of New York muralists Allyn Cox and Jeff Greene in the corridors beneath the House of Representatives Chamber
• Works of Italian artists brought to Washington to create world-class decoration in the original building 
• Epic paintings of Western settlement, great battles, and crucial moments such as The Declaration of Independence in the Rotunda and The Signing of the Constitution in the Grand Staircase next to the House Chamber
• Visit the Houses of Congress
• View famous historic spots: the Old Senate and Old Supreme Court Chambers, and the Crypt
• Visit your Congressman’s and Senators’ Capitol Hill offices
• Visit the fabulous Library of Congress, as seen in the movie “National Treasure”
• Discuss history with a knowledgeable and engaging historian

Some additional suggestions of free museums and galleries in the area (not part of tour):

Museum of Contemporary Art

National Gallery of Art

Smithsonian Institution & Museums (a collection of 17 museums in the D.C. area such as the Natural History Museum, Air & Space Museum, American Art Museum, plus the National Zoo)

Dining at Art and Soul Restaurant

Enjoy $150 towards dining at Art and Soul, where Owner and Celebrity Chef Art Smith offers a modern, regional cuisine with Southern accents and was named one of the Best Brunches in DC.  Perhaps best known for being the former personal chef to Oprah Winfrey, Art Smith is a two-time James Beard Award recipient. Located in The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel, the restaurant and lobby lounge, ArtBar, provide a casually chic environment and offers indoor and outdoor patio seating. Art and Soul is just steps away from Union Station and the U.S. Capitol.

You will also enjoy an opportunity to Meet and Greet Executive Chef Wes Morton, subject to availability.  A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vermont, he has previously held positions at Citronelle, CityZen, and The French Laundry early in his career. Morton honed the techniques that would ultimately guide him to top toque at Art and Soul.  Chef Morton has received numerous accolades including recognition by Washingtonian Magazine as a 2010 “Rising Star” for his modern interpretations utilizing locally sourced ingredients.

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

Enjoy a three-night stay at this property providing easy access to all the attractions of our nation's capital from an ideal location in the heart of this popular downtown neighborhood. Within inviting accommodations, you'll find gracious service, deluxe amenities, plush beds, and tempting dining.  This is the premier luxury hotel in downtown Washington, DC.

American Airlines

This package includes round-trip coach class service for (2) from any American Airlines destination in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada to anywhere American Airlines flies in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada, subject to availability. A minimum of three nights or a Saturday night stay is required. AAdvantage miles may be earned in accordance with the terms and conditions of the AAdvantage frequent flyer program. Miles cannot be utilized to upgrade these coach class certificates to a higher level of service. 

Item Special Note

The following blackout dates apply:

2012: Jan 1-2; Feb 17-20; Mar 9-12, 16-18, 23-25; Apr 6-9; May 25-28; Jun 29-Jul 1, Jul 6-8; Nov 16-21, 24-26; Dec 21-24; Dec 28, 2012-Jan 2, 2013.

Airfare certificates will have a one-year expiration from the date of purchase. Any airport departure taxes, fees or fuel surcharges (if charged) are the responsibility of the purchaser.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Must be booked a minimum of 60 days in advance.  Reservations are subject to availability.  Certificates cannot be replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed.  All purchases are non-refundable.  Packages cannot be resold.  Ground transportation is not included unless where specified.

Multiple trips are available. Please contact seller.