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
- Approx. 6hrs
- 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
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, focus on U.S. military might and U.S. global power, with either a visit to the Pentagon, the headquarters of the Department of Defense, or the Washington Navy Yard.
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.
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
Capitol Skyline Hotel
The Capitol Skyline is a newly renovated, modern boutique hotel, located just over a mile from the National Mall and five blocks from the U.S Capitol. Guest rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, desks, digital safety deposit boxes, free WiFi and air conditioning.
The hotel also offers a seasonal rooftop pool and recreational sports campus across the street, featuring tennis courts, a playground, football pitch and a baseball field.
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.
Harrington Hotel
Despite being slightly dated, the Harrington Hotel offers clean rooms and an unbeatable location. It is situated just half a block from Pennsylvania Avenue, between the Capitol and the White House, and is in the heart of the tourist district and the metro station is only two blocks away.
As well as a gift shop and 3 onsite restaurants, the hotel has 242 guest rooms equipped with cable TV, refrigerators, air-conditioning and free WiFi.
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.
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!
