Treasures of Washington, D.C.

This tour is currently sold out.

The ICAA is pleased to partner with Classical Excursions to present this exceptional tour of Washington, D.C.

This tour is arranged by Classical Excursions. Please note, that you must contact Classical Excursions’ Director, Lani Summerville to formally register for this program. Upon completing a registration form, submitting a deposit to Classical Excursions, and receiving a confirmation from Classical Excursions you will be considered registered for this program. Payment of the $500 donation to the ICAA prior to registration does not guarantee placement on the trip. Again, to inquire about registration for this program, please contact Lani Summerville at [email protected] or 413-446-8728.

A fully tax-deductible donation of $500 per person is required to participate in this travel program. Please note that this donation is non-refundable except in the case that this travel program is cancelled by the organization. All travel program participants have the opportunity to receive a complimentary Individual level membership for one year to the ICAA.

A special visit to Mount Vernon, George and Martha Washington's estate located 30 minutes south of DC, in Virginia. As participants travel to the estate, they will take in gorgeous views passing through historic Alexandria, which features beautiful streets lined with historic brick and wooden homes. At Mount Vernon, participants will enjoy a private curatorial tour followed by a dinner.

The first building on the property took place in 1734 building by the Washington family, and it was in 1754 that George Washington took over the running of the estate and began the expansion of the house to what we know today.

This program includes private tours of some of the most prestigious homes in the DC, Georgetown area, designed by top architects and firms in the field, including BarnesVanzes Architects, Mona Hajj, Christian Zapatka, and Skip Sroka, amongst many more.

This tour includes lunch at the private Sulgrave Club. The Club was originally a Dupont Circle Mansion, designed by architect George Cary, completed for 1900 for the Wadsworth family. The plot of land is triangular and the architect took advantage to create its most distinctive feature with the protruding round corners rooms at each point of the triangle. In 1932 it was converted by architect Frederick H. Brooke for the club.

Participants will enjoy a brunch at the private George Town Club. The club was established in 1966, however its building dates back to the 18th century and is one of the few remaining frame buildings in the historic port district of Georgetown.

The program features a dinner at The private Cosmos Club, located in the Embassy area of Massachusetts Avenue. The mansion was designed by Carrere and Hastings and completed in 1900 for the Townsend family. It is one of the most distinctive of houses with a tall central four-story block flanked by wings.

Participants will enjoy a visit to Dumbarton Oaks. Parts of the home date back to 1846 however much of what is seen today dates to 1921-1923 by architect Frederick H. Brooke. The famed firm, McKim Mead & White designed the Music Room addition. Since 1940, the property has been part of Harvard University as a Research Library and Collection focused on Byzantine, Barden and Landscape and Pre-Columbian studies. There is also a Pre-Columbian Pavilion designed by Philip Johnson in 1959. The research library contains over 200,000 items. The extensive gardens were originally done by landscape gardener Beatrix Farrand in 1921.

The tour includes a visit to Tudor Place. The Federal-style mansion, which was once home to Martha Washington's granddaughter, sits on 5.5 acres and dates back to 1815. Tudor Place, designed by Dr. William Thorton, who also designed the United States Capital and The Octagon House, is now the home of the AIA Foundation.

The program will feature a visit to Hillwood Estate, which sits on edge of Rock Creek Park. The Estate was originally built in the 1920’s to the design of architect John Deibert. In the 1950’s it was acquired by Marjorie Merriweather Post. While serving as her home, she also transformed the house and property to showcase her extensive decorative arts collection that with a focus on Russian imperial items including two of the renowned Fabergé eggs.

Participants will enjoy an architectural tour of the National Mall, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial, lead by top architect, ICAA Board Member, and Founding Principal of BarnesVanze Architects, Anthony "Ankie" Barnes.

Visits will also include the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, completed in 1897, the National Archives designed by John Russell Pope and completed in 1935, and the West Building of the National Gallery of Art, also by John Russel Pope and completed in 1941.

The program will include a visit the Woodrow Wilson House in the Embassy Row area. The Woodrow Wilson House was designed by architect Waddy Wood in the Georgian Revival style and was completed in 1915. The Woodrow Wilson House was designed by architect Waddy Wood in the Georgian Revival style and completed in 1915. The Wilson’s purchased the home in 1920 and the former President died in the house in February 1924.The house is now a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The tour will feature a visit to the Decatur House, dating back to 1818, was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe. The house is now a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

What’s included

  • Three nights stay at the deluxe Hay-Adams Hotel, on Layfette Square, with the White House just beyond. The hotel, completed in 1928, was built on the site of homes of John Hay and Henry Adams – both of whom worked in the administration of Abraham Lincoln and later other presidents.
  • A visit, including a private curatorial tour and dinner, to the Mount Vernon Estate.
  • Exclusive tours of prestigious D.C. and Georgetown homes, designed by top architects and designers including BarnesVanze Architects, Christian Zapatka, Skip Sroka, Mona Hajj, and more.
  • Meals and visits to private clubs throughout D.C. and Georgetown, including lunch at the Sulgrave Club, brunch at the George Town Club, and dinner at the Cosmos Club.
  • Tours of Dumbarton Oaks and Tudor Place, both in Georgetown.
  • A visit to Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, which sits on the edge of Rock Creek Park. The estate was originally built in the 1920’s to the design of architect John Deibert and In the 1950’s it was acquired by Marjorie Merriweather Post.
  • An exclusive architectural tour of the National Mall, led by Founding Principal of BarnesVanze Architects and ICAA Board Member, Anthony "Ankie" Barnes, which will include visits to the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial.
  • A visit to the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, completed in 1897, the National Archives designed by John Russell Pope and completed in 1935 and a trip to the West Building of the National Gallery of Art, also by John Russel Pope and completed in 1941.
  • A tour of the Woodrow Wilson House, located in the Embassy Row Area, designed by architect Waddy Wood in the Georgian Revival style and completed in 1915.
  • A visit to the Decatur House, which dates to 1818 and designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe.

National Gallery Of Art Washington, D.C.



Mount Vernon (Image: Wikimedia/Martin Falbisoner)



The Sulgrave Club (Image: Wikimedia/Almonroth)



(Image: Wikimedia/Difference Engine)



Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens (Image: Wikimedia/Missvain)



Jefferson Memorial (Image: Wikimedia/King of Hearts)



Woodrow Wilson House (Image: Wikimedia)



Single Occupancy
$3,750
November 9 - November 12, 2023
Double Occupancy
$2,975
November 9 - 12, 2023

FAQ

How do I register for an ICAA travel program?

If you would like to register, you may contact the travel operator organizing the program. Please note that a $500 donation per person to the ICAA is required in order to participate in each travel program.

What does the required $500 donation fund?

Your $500 donation helps to further the ICAA’s goal of advancing the practice and appreciation of the classical tradition in architecture and the allied arts by supporting its varied educational programs, including continuing education courses, college workshops, the Summer Studio in Classical Architecture, New Heights, and many more.

Am I required to pay a $500 donation for each travel program I register for?

Yes, a donation of $500 to the ICAA is required for each travel program you register for. The donation is required for each person attending a tour.

How do I make my $500 donation to the ICAA?

You can make your $500 donation to the ICAA online, or you can download, complete, and mail this form to the ICAA. You can alternatively fax a copy to 212-730-9649. You may also call 212-730-9646 x109 or email [email protected] to make a donation. Donations must be made separately from the registration fee.

Do I have to be a member of the ICAA to participate in an ICAA travel program?

No, membership is not required to attend an ICAA travel program. However, complimentary Individual membership to the ICAA is included with your $500 required donation.

I don’t see the full itinerary for the tour I am interested in. When will it be released?

For full itinerary and more information, contact [email protected], 860-926-4895. Due to the exclusive nature of our tours, some private locations or visits may be omitted from the ICAA's website.

What kinds of trips does the ICAA offer?

Over the past several years, the ICAA has travelled to destinations including Paris; Andalusia; Atlanta; Barbados; South Africa; Chicago; the Netherlands and Belgium; Scotland; the French Riviera; Morocco; the Italian Lake Region; Charlottesville; Naples; and New Delhi, among many other locations. The ICAA is always looking to diversify its travel offerings. If you have a suggestion or location you would like to see added, please email [email protected].