Chicago & Washington,DC

Chicago

Chicago is simply a magnificent destination that caters to every kind of traveller. No matter what time of year, visitors in search of a city break will love Chicago's legendary lakefront, world-class museums, innovative architecture, hot clubs, award-winning restaurants and unsurpassed shopping options. Take a trip up to The Sears Sky deck introducing "The Ledge" this summer - four all-glass bays extending off the west side of the 103rd floor for a completely unique view of the city.

If shopping is your bag, then experience one of the largest shopping areas in the United States in the Woodfield Chicago Northwest region, featuring more than 300 stores and restaurants. Shop-a-holics should include the Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Bucktown/Wicker Park neighbourhoods on their itineraries for unique boutiques, deals and steals not available anywhere else. Visit the Oprah Store, adjacent to the famous Harpo studios in Chicago's West Loop, to find souvenirs, clothing and art that represent the style and taste of Oprah.

When the summer sun arrives, Chicago restaurants and bars take sustenance to the streets, offering patio and garden seating throughout the city. Piccolo Sogno, Corosh, The Park Grill and Puck's at The MCA are few al fresco favourites. Chicago's hot night scene has drawn attention from locals, celebrities and the world's best DJs. Dance into the early morning hours at Chicago hotspots like Angels & Kings, Rebar, J Bar and Vertigo Sky Lounge.

Washington,DC

In Washington, DC, you'll enjoy access to fascinating, FREE attractions and historic sights. Touch a moon rock, marvel at the Hope Diamond, view Dorothy's Ruby Red slippers or explore Native American culture at the Smithsonian Institution's fifteen Washington, DC area facilities. Discover treasures like the Gutenberg Bible at the Library of Congress, the only da Vinci painting in North America at the National Gallery of Art and historic documents like the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives.

Away from these celebrated federal sites, Washington, DC unwinds into a fascinating network of neighbourhoods where visitors discover trendy boutiques, hip bars and restaurants, plus art galleries, historic homes and lush parks and gardens. Shoppers love the store-lined streets of Georgetown, while jazz music fans won't want to miss a trip to U Street, where Duke Ellington played his first notes. The city's international character shines through in its Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle neighbourhoods, two prime destinations for eclectic dining and nightlife and the historic centre of the city's embassy community.

The arrival of several new eateries has made the nation's capital a prime destination for dining out, with many of the city's top tables located in the downtown Penn Quarter neighbourhood. DC is also earning new recognition as a thriving performing arts town, with 65 professional theatre companies based in the metropolitan area presenting edgy world premieres and celebrated Broadway musicals throughout the year.

It's easy to find a hotel to suit your taste and budget in Washington, DC. Choose from award-winning luxury properties, business traveller-ready chains, stylish boutique hotels, comfortable family-friendly inns and charming, romantic b&bs. Thanks to DC's pedestrian-friendly streets and its safe, efficient public transportation system—including Metrorail and the hip, new Circulator.