"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” With these words a new nation was formed, free from British control, promising Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, but which soon faced civil war and global conflicts. A History trip to Washington DC immerses students in these events that have changed the world.
Washington DC - History School Trip
- 5 days
- -5
- America
-
727kg pp
- US Capitol Building
- Memorials
- White House (exterior)
- Arlington
- National Mall
For the latest travel advice, including passport and visa information, visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website
*Actual carbon figure provided in quote
Sample itinerary
This sample itinerary is offered as a guideline. The trip focus, length and itinerary/activities can be tailored to meet your learning objectives.
- Day
Day 1 - Fly to Washington DC
Arrive in DC and transfer to your hotel. Your first glimpse of the Capitol will be the Washington Monument in the distance, and with so much to see in the city, even a transfer to the hotel is a sightseeing tour.
Get yourself oriented in the city this afternoon. Explore Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s vision for the modern city at the heart of American history. Take a stroll down Constitution Avenue and back along Independence Avenue. Explore Pennsylvania Avenue, which connects the U.S. Capitol with the White House. The Smithsonian museums are ideal for a school history trip, offering students the chance to delve into a wide range of historical narratives without leaving the historic National Mall area.
Day 2 - US Capitol tour
The main focus today will be a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol. Begin in the Visitor Centre with a short video on how the many states became one nation, before embarking on a professionally led tour. Specialty tours include Votes for Women, Indigenous Peoples in Capitol Art, and Heroes of Civil Rights.
Next, students head across to the Supreme Court on a walk-through of the courtrooms and building – you might even see the court sitting. The Supreme Court debates the most important cases and has made many key historical rulings.
Then visit the Library of Congress, the national library. Among its 32 million books and 61 million manuscripts are the papers of the Founding Fathers and over 1 million U.S. government publications. A draft of the Declaration of Independence is kept here.
Day 3 - Memorials tour
Today, students take a walking tour through the thought-provoking memorials dotted around the National Mall. Depending on your period of study, your history trip to Washington DC can be curated to take in memorials of particular relevance. Options include the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial (surrounded by inscriptions from his famous Gettysburg Address), the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Washington Monument, where you can take the lift to the top for stunning views (at one time this was the tallest structure in the world!).
You can then cross the Potomac on Memorial Bridge into Arlington National Cemetery. Established during the Civil War, it is one of the central attractions on a Civil War tour of Washington DC. The cemetery has expanded following WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Take a look at the graves of President J.F. Kennedy and numerous astronauts from the ‘space race’ era, which make it one of Washington DC's many historical sites.
Day 4 - Choice of activity, fly home
Our Washington DC tours are all customisable, no one tour is alike. Students of modern history might choose to visit the Pentagon on a short tour (weekdays only) led by a member of the U.S. military. Civil rights students might embark on the Civil Rights Walking Tour, taking in many of DC’s top sites. For the early history of the USA, Ford's Theater is another excellent option. The museum-in-a-theatre focuses on the life of Abraham Lincoln up to his presidency and assassination in the Presidential Box, as well as the Civil War.
You could explore the Newseum, dedicated to journalism, more of the Smithsonians, or take photos of the iconic White House from across the lawn.
Later on, transfer to the airport for your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 5 - Arrive home
Arrive home in the morning with some unforgettable memories of a fantastic school tour to Washington DC.
Sustainability at our Heart
It’s always been important to us that our business is having a positive impact on the planet. As such, we are committed to helping reduce the emissions that we generate to mitigate the impact on the global climate crisis, and to give back to young people and communities.
What’s included
Full TCBC support from the moment you book until you return home
Full itinerary flexibility to ensure the perfect tour for your students
We'll source the best available flights based on your school's location
You'll have all our necessary contact details to hand should the need arise
Knowledgeable TCBC guide ready to bring your walking tours to life
Detailed itinerary, with all entrance fees included, no hidden costs
Return flights, 1 piece of hold luggage per person, airport taxes and security charges and ATOL Protection Contribution
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure. We can also arrange your UK airport transfers if you wish
Experienced local TCBC guide in Washington DC for your included walking tours
3 nights' hotel or hostel accommodation, with multi rooms for students and single rooms for teachers
Breakfasts daily and dinner on arrival day at accommodation
Two guided walking tours - the US Capitol, Supreme Court and the Library of Congress and the National Mall and Memorials
Advance bookings made for any additional pre arranged museum entries, meals at local restaurants or sporting events
There will be no hidden costs on tour, everything will be clearly explained before departure
24 hour emergency contact details of TCBC's office and your local guide's mobile number
The normal free staff place ratio is 1:10 but this is flexible and we'll work to whichever ratio you require
Please check at school to ensure you are covered by an adequate travel insurance policy which we will need to see a copy of. We can help you source cover if you need
We generally don't include lunches unless requested. We prefer to let the students explore the local options and choose for themselves
If you feel you have received excellent service, then our local guides and drivers will appreciate being tipped. Guidelines will be outlined in your quote
Event availability isn't usually known at the time of booking. We will inform you of options and ticket prices closer to departure
Local public transportation
Accommodation
The properties we use in Washington DC are used to working with our school groups and meet our high standards
Days Inn Hotel
The Days Inn Hotel is a modern, no frills hotel offering sophistication and comfort on a budget, making it an ideal choice for school groups.
Located just 3 miles from downtown DC, there are convenient transportation links nearby, such as the Van Ness/UDC Red Line Metro Station which is only a block away. Guest rooms include free WiFi, HDTV, complimentary coffee service and air conditioning.
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol
The Holiday Inn Washington Capitol is an ideal accommodation for school groups, offering a prime location just steps from the National Mall and major museums like the Smithsonian.
With comfortable rooms and modern amenities, it ensures a convenient and enjoyable stay. The hotel's proximity to Washington's key landmarks, including the Capitol Building and monuments, makes it perfect for educational trips.
Generator Washington DC
The Generator Washington DC is a modern and stylish hotel situated in the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood, making it an excellent choice for school group trips. Located near key attractions like the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Embassy Row, the hotel offers easy access to Washington’s famous landmarks.
Featuring a range of comfortable rooms, group-friendly amenities, and a lively atmosphere, it ensures a memorable stay for students. The hotel is within walking distance of the Dupont Circle Metro, making it convenient for educational excursions. With free Wi-Fi and comfortable communal spaces, Generator is perfect for young travelers.
Help with your visa application
We'll help you with the ESTA application process to make things as simple as possible
Reasons to travel with us
We honestly believe we are the best in what we do. We'd love the opportunity to show you.
Safety & reliability
The safety of all our travellers is our number 1 priority. We have a robust Safety Management System in place to ensure that our tours are run to the high levels you expect.
Experience & expertise
We have years of experience in planning school tours. Our expertise lies in our organisational skills, attention to detail and an understanding of what you need to make your trip a success.
TCBC local guides
Our guides are our greatest assets and consistently lauded. Highly experienced, knowledgeable and trustworthy, most are hand-picked and have worked with us for years.
Complete peace of mind
Our accreditations (ATOL, ABTA, STF, LOtC) provide you with the reliability, assurance and financial security expected from a specialist tour operator.
Customer
service
Our dedicated team is on hand to offer help and advice at every stage. We are positive you will be impressed with the high level of service you receive from us.
Flexibility & customisation
We customise every trip to suit your needs and offer maximum flexibility in planning your itinerary. We won’t rest until we get it right!
The personal touch
Getting to know our clients is very important to us. It’s very likely therefore that you’ll meet one or several of us at some point, either at school before departure or on the tour itself.
Total transparency
We include as much as possible in our quotes and are very transparent about what is and what is not included. There will be no hidden or surprise costs.
Pre-departure support
We understand how much work goes into planning a school trip. You will be dealing with the same people throughout the pre-departure process allowing us to respond quickly and accurately.
Repeat business
99.9% of teachers are so happy with our tours and our service that there is no need to travel with anyone else. We are confident you will feel the same way.
Thank you for all your help with our D.C. trip. The students absolutely loved it and didn’t want to leave! We did so much and yet had lots of time in the evenings to socialise with each other and relax. The students really had a trip of a lifetime.
