I have seen a lot of suggestions for the don't miss sites in DC when you travel w/ children. But how about when you are traveling with adults from a foreign country? I have relatives coming over from Italy in May. We will only be there from Fri-Sun and will be staying at the Radisson Barcelo. I know they learn a lot more about our history then we do about theres, but am not sure just how much they know. Obviously the White House, Vietnam Memorial, Air and Space Museum. Also, I speak the language but am not fluent and they don't speak English. So I would also like places where a lot of explaining is not necessary. Thanks

Donna:

Go to the Am. History Museum. They will not have to know much. There is the Hall of First Ladies (the gowns they wore for Inaugeration), there is machinery and television show artifacts they may be familiar with.

When we took our relatives around DC, like you, we looked for self-explanatory sites. One grouping suggested to us was the Wall, Korean, Lincoln and FDR. These are close enough to tour in 2 hours. Air and Space is a similar event. Check out the refurbished National Botanical Gardens. And stroll through the East extnsion of National Art Gallery.

It's been 20 years since I lived in Washington, but I think Stephanie means the "Natural History Museum," which is part of the Smithsonian. Either way, it's worth the visit. (Sorry, Stephanie, if I'm wrong.)

Many of the other spots have guided tours (George Washington's home, for instance) so if your visitors don't know the language, they'll miss a lot.

That said, you could spend a day or two just exploring the Air &Space and Natural History museums. There's a lot to see. But you may want to go to Arlington Cemetery to see the cahnging of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Bona fortuna!

Your Italian relatives may enjoy visiting the Basicila of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. You can even arrange for tours. Check out their website at http://www.nationalshrineinteractive.com

History -

There is the Natural History Museum (The Hope Diamond, Dinosaurs, etc.) and the American History Museum (the original Stars and Stripes, the original ruby slippers from Oz). They are next door to one another on the mall.

I would think you'd also like to show them the beauty of Washington. Go to the Lincoln Memorial for the view of the mall and capital, the Jefferson Memorial is itself a beautiful site. Go to the Iwo Jima Memorial (which is in Virginia). From there you have a great view of Washington - it's especially nice in the evening. In May, the city will be in bloom. The Old Post office has a tower which has good views of DC. Not sure when the Washington Monument is reopening (its been closed for renovation). Walk around the square in front of the White House (Pennsylvania Ave Side) to see some beautiful old homes. Massachusettes Ave has lots of embassies. The zoo isn't just for kids - especially the pandas.