The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., is a symbol of the American people and our government and the meeting place of the nation's legislature, the US Congress. Construction of the Capitol began in 1793. In November 1800, Congress, along with the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court, moved into the newly completed north wing. The south wing was completed by 1807, but in 1814, the British burned the Capitol during the War of 1812. What is now the centre portion of the Capitol was completed in 1826. Circle the grounds of the US Capitol, stopping outside for viewing and photos.

We will cycle to the Library of Congress. If you desire, we can go in and see the wonderful architecture and exhibits, spending from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Both a beautiful building to experience and a historic landmark, the Supreme Court building is a wonderful stop. We can scale the steps and enjoy the great view of the capitol as well get a great photo with the iconic white columns.

We will stop for a snack and rest if needed at the Taft Memorial Carillon. The memorial consists of a Tennessee marble tower and a 10-foot bronze statue of Senator Taft sculpted by Wheeler Williams. "This Memorial to Robert A. Taft, presented by the people to the Congress of the United States, stands as a tribute to the honesty, indomitable courage, and high principles of free government symbolised by his life." The shaft of the tower measures 100 feet high, 11 feet deep, and 32 feet wide. The base of the memorial measures 55 by 45 feet and stands approximately 15 feet high. Jets of water flow into a basin that rings the base. The 27 bells in the upper part of the tower are among the finest in the world and were cast in the Paccard Bell Foundry in Annecy, France. The largest, or bourdon bell, weighs 7 tonnes. The bells are automatically operated to strike the hour and sound on the quarter hour; they can also be played manually.

A bike is a perfect way to view the Washington Monument, which is a further walk from the Capitol Building than you might guess! We can bike to the Washington monument largely on trails on the National Mall, and stop for a photo. Tickets to enter the monument are free and if desired can be requested but not guaranteed depending on timing. The Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills and eventually completed by Thomas Casey and the US Army Corps of Engineers, honours and memorialises George Washington at the centre of the nation's capital. The structure was completed in two phases of construction, one private (1848-1854) and one public (1876-1884). Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilisations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches.

From the US Capitol grounds, experience the beautiful views of the National Mall, the Capitol Reflecting Pool, and the Washington Monument.

We will cycle to the gardens, and experience the indoor or outdoor gardens, depending on your interests. The Conservatory features plants from across the United States and around the world ranging from desert plants to tropical forests to orchids and is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens are open from dawn to dusk daily. The gated outdoor gardens ("National Garden") are open 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. These gardens have extended spring-summer hours April 1 – September 15, staying open until 7:00 p.m.

Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904) is best known for creating the Statue of Liberty. Bartholdi created this cast-iron fountain for the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The fountain weighs 30,440 pounds, stands 30 feet high, and has caryatid figures 11 feet in height. The fountain was purchased by the US Congress for $6,000 at the suggestion of Olmsted, the architect who designed the US Capitol Grounds. It was moved to Washington, D.C., in 1877 and placed at the base of Capitol Hill on what used to be Botanic Garden grounds. The gas lamps, lighted by battery in 1881, made the fountain a popular attraction at night. ­and the fountain was completely electrified in 1915. From 2008 to 2011, it was taken off-site for a full restoration and updated with energy-efficient systems and water treatment technology.

A favourite of locals, Lincoln Park is the largest Capitol Hill Park and features monuments to two of the nation's greatest leaders: President Abraham Lincoln and educator and Civil Rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune. It is located directly east of the United States Capitol Building at East Capitol and 11th Streets in the Northeastern quadrant of the City. The open space that is now Lincoln Park was part of Pierre L'Enfant's original 1791 plan for the District of Columbia and was intended for public use. In 1867 when Congress officially named the park Lincoln Square, it was the first site to bear the name of the martyred President. To further recognise President Lincoln, a memorial statue was placed in the park in 1876. The statue was unveiled on April 14, the 11th anniversary of President Lincoln's death, with over 25,000 people in attendance. Frederick Douglass delivered the keynote address before President Ulysses S. Grant, his cabinet, and members of Congress.

Barracks Row is a beautiful historic area which sis a great location for lunch or dinner. We will see the area as well as view the Marine Barracks building and guard station. The Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., also known as "8th & I," is the oldest active post in the Marine Corps. It was founded by President Thomas Jefferson and Lt. Col. William Ward Burrows, the second commandant of the Marine Corps, in 1801. Located on the corners of 8th & I Streets in southeast Washington, D.C., the Barracks supports both ceremonial and security missions in the nation's capital. The Barracks is home to many nationally recognised units, including the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Band, the official Marine Corps Colour Guard, and the Marine Corps Body Bearers. It is also the site of the Home of the Commandants, which along with the Barracks, is a registered national historic landmark.