Overview
Students will deepen their passion for history as they explore the iconic sites they’ve read about in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston. Explore the wonders of the Smithsonian museums and feel inspired by the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. In New York, stand in awe at the base of the Statue of Liberty and see iconic sites like Times Square and Rockefeller Center in person. Then, head to Boston to stand where the Revolutionary War began and walk the Freedom Trail. Students will climb Bunker Hill and reenact the Boston Tea Party on this hands-on educational adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Washington, D.C.
Lunch
Arlington National Cemetery visit
Pay tribute to generations of service members as you walk among marble headstones and memorials in America’s most celebrated cemetery. Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, visit the Kennedy gravesites, and uncover the history behind renowned monuments.
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial photo stop
Admire the iconic statue based on Joe Rosenthal’s famous WWII Iwo Jima photo, depicting U.S. Marines raising the flag in a powerful tribute to their courage and sacrifice. Capture photos, admire the dramatic detail, and reflect on the bravery of U.S. Marines past and present.
Dinner
Lincoln Memorial visit
Discover a massive statue of Abraham Lincoln at one of our nation’s most iconic memorials. Immerse yourself in Lincoln’s famous words and the monument’s symbolic design of national unity as you stand where Martin Luther King, Jr. shared his dream of equality with the world.
Korean War Veterans Memorial visit
Pay tribute to the Korean War service members as you explore the memorial’s striking sculptures and contemplative landscape. Reflect by the Pool of Remembrance and view the etched granite wall honoring veterans with its famous inscription, “Freedom is not Free.”
Vietnam Veterans Memorial visit
Feel the profound impact of this solemn, black granite wall engraved with over 58,000 names of service members who lost their lives or went missing in Vietnam. Explore nearby statues and memorials as you reflect on the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our nation’s past and present heroes.
Day 2
Breakfast
Ford's Theatre visit
Step back in time at this restored 1860s theater where President Lincoln was assassinated, forever changing American history. Explore the recreated Presidential box, Civil War-era exhibits, and rare artifacts that tell the story of that tragic day.
White House photo stop
Stand before the nation’s most famous residence, a symbol of leadership and democracy since the late 18th century. Pause to take the perfect photo that’s become a classic image for visitors, framed by the neoclassical architecture and manicured grounds.
National Archives Museum visit
Stand in awe of our nation’s Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights under the Rotunda’s majestic glow. Explore centuries of American history and culture through modern interactive exhibits, unique artifacts, and personalized AI experiences.
Lunch
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum visit
Experience this poignant memorial dedicated to Holocaust remembrance, history, and the strength of its survivors. Discover immersive exhibits, personal stories, artifacts, and more that present s chronological timeline of the Holocaust with an emphasis on preventing future atrocities.
Capitol Hill Grounds tour
Stroll past manicured gardens, iconic monuments, and neoclassical government buildings. Follow your guide past the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and other celebrated landmarks while learning about the ornate architecture and rich history of Capitol Hill.
World War II Memorial visit
Visit this iconic memorial honoring the 16 million Americans who served in WWII. Walk among 56 pillars symbolizing unity, see the Freedom Wall’s 4,048 gold stars for the fallen, and pause by the Rainbow Pool to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by service members.
Washington Monument photo stop
Experience the world’s tallest stone monument honoring our nation’s first president and Founding Father. Marvel at its symbolic obelisk design and changing stone colors while capturing your own photos of this world-renowned landmark.
Dinner
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial visit
Gaze in wonder at this 30-foot granite statue of Martin Luther King, Jr., inspired by his “I Have a Dream” speech. Explore the memorial’s rich symbolism of equality, hope, and love, and contemplate the meaning behind his most famous quotes on the Inscription Wall.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial visit
Explore this tranquil, 7.5-acre memorial honoring FDR’s leadership during the Great Depression and WWII. Walk through the park's four outdoor “rooms” representing each of his terms in office with bronze sculptures, symbolic waterfall features, and inscriptions of his famous quotes.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial visit
Step inside this revered memorial to view a towering bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson and his famous quotes, celebrating his legacy in shaping American democracy and ideals. Marvel at the neoclassical design inspired by the Pantheon, including the rotunda’s iconic dome.
Day 3
Breakfast
Travel to New York City
Lunch
Central Park walking tour
Explore America's most famous park, home to the 2.5-acre Strawberry Fields, a moving tribute to John Lennon, and the Great Lawn, site of numerous iconic concerts and events over the years.
Midtown Manhattan walking tour
Take a walking tour through the humming streets of New York’s Midtown which is the home of famous sights such as Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Madison Square Garden and some of the city’s most revered museums and institutions.
Dinner
Broadway show performance
Experience a world-famous Broadway show and feel the energy of New York City’s theater scene. Immerse yourself in dazzling performances of music, dance, and storytelling, and create memories that'll last long after the final curtain.
Group Photo
Day 4
Breakfast
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island visit
Ferry across the bay to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, two world-famous symbols of New York City’s history. Admire the statue’s design and walk the same halls as 12 million immigrants as you learn about their experience through exhibits, passenger manifests, and the Wall of Honor.
Wall Street and Financial District visit
Explore the heart of America’s financial hub, where George Washington took the first presidential oath at Federal Hall. Admire iconic landmarks like the New York Stock Exchange and Charging Bull as you uncover the area’s Dutch colonial roots, Revolutionary history, and role in early commerce.
9/11 Memorial visit
Quietly reflect beside the twin pools marking the footprints of the fallen World Trade Center towers. Experience the emotional gravity of the memorial’s design, where cascading water and bronze panels honor nearly 3,000 lives lost in the 9/11 and 1993 attacks.
Lunch
Travel to Boston, MA
Faneuil Hall visit
Walk through the halls of history at this iconic venue that has hosted countless meetings, protests, and celebrations for over 275 years, from the Revolutionary Era to suffragists and labor unionists.
Freedom Trail Downtown walking tour
Immerse yourself in Revolutionary history as you journey through the heart of downtown Boston. Visit the legendary Old South Meeting House and Faneuil Hall Marketplace as your guide shares stories of protests, debates, and key moments that fueled America’s fight for independence.
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Freedom Trail North End walking tour
Follow the red brick path through Boston’s oldest residential neighborhood, rich in Revolutionary history. Visit Old North Church and Paul Revere’s home as your guide shares stories of patriotic heroes, midnight rides, and the critical events that sparked America’s fight for independence.
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum visit
Board an authentically restored 18th-century tea shop for a captivating reenactment of the Boston Tea Party protest. Explore American Revolutionary history through interactive exhibits, feel the thrill of throwing tea overboard, and view rare artifacts like the Robinson Tea Chest.
Lunch
Travel to Concord and Lexington, MA
Lexington Green visit
Step onto this famous battlefield where the first shots of the Revolutionary War rang out in 1775. Learn about the tense clash that sparked the “shot heard ’round the world” while exploring historic grounds and memorials honoring fallen militiamen.
Minute Man National Historic Park visit
Experience the battlefields where the American Revolution began in 1775. Explore preserved colonial structures, monuments, and historic sites in Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln that honor the early militias’ bravery in our nation’s fight for independence.
Dinner
Ghost Tour
Head out for an evening of frightful fun while exploring Boston’s spookiest sites, buildings, and Revolutionary landmarks. Follow along as your guide shares fascinating local ghost stories that blend history and humor with a hint of haunting.
Day 6
Breakfast
Plymouth Rock photo stop
Visit this symbolic site commemorating the historic 1620 Mayflower landing and Pilgrims’ arrival to America. Step inside the airy portico to capture photos of the legendary granite boulder engraved with 1620 on its side.
Mayflower II visit
Board the Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the legendary ship that carried the Pilgrims to America in 1620. Walk the decks, see the cramped quarters where passengers lived for 66 days at sea, and discover what life was like for those who helped shape a new beginning in America.
Plimoth Patuxet visit
Step into 17th-century America as you explore historic homes, traditional crafts, and daily life in a Plymouth Colony village. Participate in demonstrations, meet costumed interpreters, and learn about the history and culture of the Wampanoag.
Lunch
Freedom Trail Charlestown walking tour
Walk along an iconic trail through Boston’s oldest neighborhood, where Revolutionary landmarks bring history to life. Explore the Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution, and more as your guide shares stories of courage, sacrifice, and America’s fight for independence.
Dinner
Depart for home
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldStrides Course Leader - a dynamic destination expert who brings learning to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.