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History is Something Best Experienced Firsthand in Washington, DC for Four Days & Three Nights at the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square for Two, Including a Private Guided Tour of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and a U Street Food, History and Street Art Tour (Land Only).

Washington, DC is the hub for American politics and patriotic memorials and monuments, and a showcase of American art, history and culture; come and learn about the people and events that have shaped America's past, present and future on two exciting tours! Immerse yourself in fascinating artifacts during a private two-hour tour of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, where the museum's collections tell the narrative of the planet and are a record of human interaction with the environment and one another! Then discover U Street's indelible past as the hub of commercial, intellectual, and cultural life for African-Americans in DC from the 1920s to the 1950s on a street food, history and art tour!

Step into the past and be amazed by the natural world on this two-hour private guided tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Your guide will take you to visit the highlights of the 126 million artifacts within the collection, housed in a massive building that covers the area of 18 football fields. Gaze into the world-famous Hope Diamond, whose brilliant blue sparkle, and immodest size at 46 karats, captured the attention of former owner Marie Antoinette. Wander through the displays of gems and minerals, including the Dom Pedro Aquamarine, the world's largest gem of its type, which glows brilliantly from within. Travel back in time to learn about death rituals while exploring real mummies from Ancient Egypt. Then step out of the past into the wild, exploring the mighty polar bears, elephants, and giraffes that roam across earth's surface. From the land, jump into the sea at the Ocean Hall, where you'll discover a live coral reef exhibit as well as a 45-ton whale, Phoenix, which is a replica of a real living whale that the museum tracks.

Get a taste of Washington DC's U Street neighborhood on this guided culinary walking tour! Discover the rich history and culture of these streets, formerly known as 'Black Broadway,' while stopping at multiple local restaurants to sample the foods that make these neighborhoods unique. Once the thriving heart of black culture in America, the U Street neighborhood is a treasure trove of African-American history and culture hiding in plain sight. Iconic figures like Zora Neale Hurston and Mary McLeod Bethune found refuge in Black Broadway, and performers such as Louis Armstrong and Billie Holliday made regular appearances there. Perhaps not coincidentally, it's also the birthplace of celebrated DC hero, jazz musician Duke Ellington. Today, this section of the city is as vibrant as ever, anchored by the lively 14th Street corridor to the west and boasting jazz clubs, nationally and internationally acclaimed bands and DJs playing aboveground and underground. The tour will take place predominantly along the U Street corridor, and then you'll stop outside of Lincoln Theater and speak briefly about the history of the building and events that have happened there, before passing by the African American Civil War Memorial, outside of the Civil War Museum. Not only will this tour taste good, it will also feel good to know that a portion of every ticket goes to feed district residents in need.

You'll find a blend of French flair and American spirit in the heart of our nation's capital located near the White House and monuments during your stay at the Sofitel Washingon DC Lafayette Square. This award-winning hotel, set in a historic building and boasting a prime location, perfectly captures Sofitel's signature balance of French design and American energy. Behind its doors, the sumptuous décor is an Art Deco triumph of rich colors and striking lines. The sleek décor of the rooms will transport you to the high style of Paris in the 1920s, enhanced with the latest comforts and technology. In the heart of the city, you are close to everything, including the National Mall and Memorial Parks, the National Theater, the convention center, Verizon Center, outstanding museums, shopping and entertainment.

Your trip for two includes:
4 days/3 nights accommodations at the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Daily complimentary breakfast
All room-related taxes
A private guided tour of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
A U Street Food, History, and Street Art tour
Free concierge reservation service

Terms and Conditions
Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Tour runs on specific days of the week and at specific times. If tour is not available, it may be substituted with equal or similar experience. A minimum 30 day advance reservation is required. Blackout dates: Oct 13-16. Please email us at auction@stmaryhs.org to find out the deadline.