Overview
Explore our country’s roots and how Catholicism contributed to its founding, military, and growth. Starting in Washington, D.C., students visit the Smithsonian Museum of American History and the White House. They’ll attend Mass at one of D.C.'s storied Catholic churches and tour the Lincoln, Vietnam, and Korean Veteran's memorials. In NYC, they’ll visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, enjoy a Broadway play, and pay homage to the fallen at the 9/11 Memorial.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Washington, D.C.
Lunch
Smithsonian Museum of American History visit
Journey through centuries of American history and culture, from the first colonial settlements to modern life. Explore a wide range of thematic galleries filled with everyday artifacts, and national treasures like Lincoln’s top hat and the Star-Spangled Banner.
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.
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.
St. Patrick Catholic Church photo stop
Ford's Theatre photo stop
Dinner
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.
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.
Day 2
Breakfast
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.
Lunch
Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America guided tour
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception guided tour
Attend mass at a historic D.C. Church
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.
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.
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.”
Day 3
Breakfast
Mount Vernon Education Center and Grounds Tour
Step into 18th-century life at George Washington’s scenic estate and mansion while exploring historic buildings, gardens, and an education center. Learn about the first president’s life through interactive exhibits, tour the working farm, and visit the family tombs where he and Martha are buried.
Lunch
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.
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.
Museum of the Bible visit with Washington Revelations film
Discover the lasting impact of the Bible on the world and enjoy a multi-sensory experience "flying" past biblical references around our nation's capital!
Dinner
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.
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.
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.
Day 4
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Travel to New York City
Lunch
Central Park visit
Discover New York City's most famous park, spanning 843 acres of trails, lakes, gardens, and iconic landmarks. Stroll through the Mall, catch street performances, take in the views from Bethesda Terrace, and soak up the park’s vibrant blend of nature and culture.
Midtown Manhattan visit
Venture through the bustling heart of Midtown, where Times Square, historic theaters, and iconic skyscrapers define the skyline. Discover landmarks like the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, and celebrated museums and cultural institutions.
St Patrick's Cathedral photo stop
Dinner
Broadway Show
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.
Times Square group photo
Pose for a professional group photo amid Times Square’s towering billboards and dazzling neon lights. Feel the nonstop energy of this world-famous landmark as it comes to life around you.
Hotel check-in
Day 5
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Lower Manhattan visit
Uncover Lower Manhattan’s rich history as a Dutch and colonial settlement, Revolutionary War battlefield, first U.S. capital, and beyond. Explore Wall Street, Trinity Church, Art Deco skyscrapers, and iconic monuments as you learn about the birthplace of New York City.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine at St. Peter's Church
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.
Lunch
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.
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to and 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
Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Focused time for devotionals, prayers, and scripture throughout the program
Scenes from Washington D.C. and New York
Health & Safety
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.