History & politics school trip to Washington, D.C.
Take your students on a school trip to Washington DC and inspire them in the heart of historical and political America.
Overview
Washington D.C, the capital of modern democracy
Take your students on an educational school trip to Washington DC, the heart of historical and political America.
Home of pivotal US government sites, the Congress, Supreme Court, Whitehouse, and the Pentagon, as well as famous monuments and museums including the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery, a Washington school tour, is a favourite with students studying history and politics.
Many of the museums offer free admission and the majority of the famous sites can be visited on foot or using the Metro-Rail rapid transit system.
Our Washington educational Itineraries ensure you get the most out of your trip and maximise learning opportunities.
We can tailor your itinerary to your unique learning requirements, please contact us for a bespoke quote.
Itinerary
Day 1
- Depart UK
- Arrive in Washington
- Walking tour of the key monuments:
- Lincoln Memorial, National World War II Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial
- Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Day 2
- Breakfast
- Visits to key government sites and buildings:
- the White House, the National Archives, US Capitol Building and the Supreme Court.
Day 3
- Morning tour of the Pentagon, Headquarters of the U.S. defence
- Afternoon visit to Arlington Cemetery
Day 4
- Morning visit to the National Museum of American History.
- Free time for shopping or more sightseeing
- Overnight flight back to the UK
Day 5
- Arrive UK
Excursions
Arlington Cemetery
A National Shrine and living History of Freedom, where dignity and honour rest in solemn repose.' No-one who visits the cemetery can remain unmoved by the rows upon rows of graves that commemorate the lives of the people who died to serve the American people.
Capitol Building
The most impressive of the US government sites is undoubtedly the Capitol Building, which houses the meeting chambers for the House of Senate, the House of Representatives and the US Supreme Court. Together these three political wings are more powerful than the president and his administrative power at the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The building is enormous, covering over 6.7 ha, with 540 rooms, 648 windows (108 of which are in its crowning dome) and 850 doorways. It is partially open to the public as an art gallery but reservations must be made in advance.
Jefferson Memorial
Thomas Jefferson's speeches helped to shape the America we know today and so the Jefferson Memorial exists to remind us of the man and his words. Thomas Jefferson was considered so great that a Greek-style acropolis was built in his name and much of what he said and wrote is inscribed on the memorial walls.
National WWII Memorial
The World War II Memorial is in honour of the 16 million troops who served in the war, the 400,000 of those who died and all those who supported the war effort during the devastating World War II. It symbolises the defining event of the 20th century and is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice and commitment of the American people. Furthermore, it the only 20th-century event immortalised on the National Mall's central axis.
Supreme Court
Despite the importance of the Supreme Court in the American political system, it was not granted its own building until 1935. A visit to the Supreme Court, the White House and Capitol Hill on the Washington School Tour gives your students a great overview of the American political institutions and where they carry out their important work.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
More widely known as the FBI, a tour around one of the world's most famous institutions is bound to excite your students. As you would expect, the FBI tour is not always open to the public so please check in advance if you hope to do this as part of your Washington school tour.
The Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial celebrates the life of the USA's most famous president, Abraham Lincoln, who won the Civil War of Independence and abolished slavery throughout the United States. Lincoln's story is one that mirrors the American philosophy entirely; despite coming from a poor family on the Western frontier, he was self-educated and managed to become the country's most powerful and revered man. In the style of one of the most prosperous civilisations, the Lincoln Memorial was built to reflect Greek architecture, with Doric columns and a clean white marble finish. Ever since its completion in 1920, the Lincoln Memorial has been an important site for many political speeches including Martin Luther King's, 'I Have a Dream.'
The National Museum of American History
The National Museum of American History: Kenneth E. Behring Centre collects, preserves, and displays the heritage of the United States in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history. The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and located on the National Mall at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW in Washington D.C.
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the US Department of Defense and is one of the largest office buildings in the world. The National Capitol would fit into any one of the 5 wedge-shaped portions that make up the whole building. Tours must be booked in advance and are conducted by military personnel. There are numerous displays that highlight and depict significant moments in US military history.
The Washington Monument
The Washington Monument commemorates the life of George Washington, the first president of the United States, who triumphantly declared the country independent after the American Revolution. The monument was finished many years after his death in 1884. The Egyptian-style obelisk stretches 169.294 metres into the sky and is the tallest stone structure in the world. In 2011 the monument was damaged by Hurricane Irene and the Virginia earthquake so had to be closed to the public but it was reopened in spring 2014 and is as popular as ever. Visitors can go to the top and enjoy the fabulous views of Washington through the pyramidion windows.
The White House
The White House is world-famous as the official residence of the President of the USA and has been ever since President John Adams was inaugurated in 1797 as the second President of the USA. It was built between the years of 1792 and 1800 and these days the White House complex boasts 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms! The East Wing is reserved for the First Lady and her staff, whilst the West Wing is used by the President and the Executive team. The First Family lives on the second and third floors, which allows them some time away from the spotlight.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, featuring the names of over 58,000 Americans who died in military service for their country during the Vietnam War, is a poignant reminder of the tragedy of battle. A black wall, designed by a Yale University student, Maya Ying Lin, is inscribed with the names of the casualties. The vast wall of glossy black granite is striking in terms of its size and beauty, as well as in the way that it fits in so seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The reflective material that the wall is made with, reminds visitors of how the people who died were just like us.
Included
Our long haul school trips include:
- A detailed itinerary with pre-booked excursions
- Board and lodging as specified in your itinerary
- Return flights and overseas transfers
- Approximately one free teacher place for every 10 students on the trip
- 24-hour emergency back-up service
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Assistance with inspection visits
- Some of our long-haul trips will also include a guide
Extras to budget for:
- School to airport transfers and meals en route (if required)
- Visa charges and supplements for small parties, single rooms and additional adults
- Local tourist taxes which can only be paid in cash to the hotel
- Entrances other than those specified in your itinerary
- Hotel damage deposits
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