If America is the most powerful nation in the world, then Washington DC, its purpose-built capital, is its most powerful city. The iconic architecture of Congress, the White House, and the Supreme Court has hosted the most important political debates of the day, on power, on rights, and on the very identity of this global superpower.
Washington DC - Politics 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
*Carbon emission per person amount to be offset based on sample itinerary below and group size of 30+3 travelling from London region. Actual carbon figures represented in quotes.
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
Pack for a school trip to Washington DC and fly into Washington Dulles International Airport before transferring by coach to your hotel. Along the way, you’ll see some of the incredible monuments that make up the National Mall area. Get excited as you glimpse the Washington Monument. Even from afar, DC never fails to inspire.
Once in the city, get yourself oriented. Explore Constitution Avenue and take a stroll back along Independence Avenue. Capitol Hill, Downtown and Foggy Bottom are all easily accessible. Pause at the National Archives to read the original U.S. Constitution. Don’t forget to take off your hat! From here, head out to see memorials dedicated to FDR, Martin Luther King, and World War II. All can’t fail to spark excitement at the seismic impact of decisions taken here on the U.S. and across the world.
Day 2 - US Capitol tour
The main focus today will be a school visit to Congress with an expert-guided tour. Start learning with a short video on how representative democracy works in the US before embarking on a professionally led tour. Specialty tours include Votes for Women and Heroes of Civil Rights. School groups visiting the Capitol can also access the in-person education offerings, including a live simulation of the Congressional voting experience.
Next, students learn about the Supreme Court on a walk through the courtrooms and building – it is often possible to watch Supreme Court cases being heard. The Supreme Court debates the most important cases related to the Constitution and American identity, making landmark decisions such as Brown vs. Board of Education and, recently, overturning the seminal Roe vs. Wade.
Then, visit the Library of Congress. Among its 32 million books and 61 million manuscripts housed here is a draft of the Declaration of Independence.
Day 3 - Memorials tour
Today’s Washington DC trip itinerary is jam-packed, so grab a coffee and set out on a walking tour of the political landmarks of DC. Discuss themes of civil rights, international conflict, political ideologies, and state power whilst exploring the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the African American Civil War Memorial.
You can then cross the Potomac on Memorial Bridge into Arlington National Cemetery. Look out for the graves of President J.F. Kennedy and numerous astronauts from the 'space race' era.
This afternoon, step into the National Archives, home to some of the United States’ most important founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Students can explore how these historic texts shaped the nation’s identity, governance, and role on the world stage.
Day 4 - Choice of activity, fly home
Our Washington, D.C. tours are all customisable, no one tour is alike. DC hosts over 70 world-class museums, including the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. You could explore the Newseum or head to the White House to take photos of the iconic seat of U.S. presidential power. Follow this with a visit to the White House Visitor Center, where your school group can enjoy a virtual interactive tour of the home of the U.S. President, watch a short film about the role of the White House in the presidency, and see important artefacts.
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 Politics school trip 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.
Get a Quote For a Washington DC Trip Today
We source a fantastic and tailored experience that highlights the best of Washington DC to your students, and provides them with a look into its eye-opening history.
TCBC source fair rates and only work with high quality and established accommodation, transport and experience providers that meet our high standards.
Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss what we can do for you, or fill out the quote form below to get an estimate on a school trip to Washington DC.
Excellent guides, superb organisation, good hotels, a great mixture of fun and high-quality learning experiences for the students. A fantastic trip to America, thank you!
