Overview
Walk in the footsteps of great leaders and learn the stories of America’s history on an educational journey to Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg. Stand on the site of the Civil War’s fiercest battle in Gettysburg, which resulted in more than 30,000 casualties. Then, trace history from Mount Vernon and the Jefferson Memorial to the World War II Memorial and Capitol Hill. Explore the amazing exhibits at Smithsonian museums and see the original Declaration of Independence at the National Archives.
Excursions & Highlights
Your program at a glance, including guided tours, independent visits, photo stops, and immersive activities.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Washington, D.C.
Lunch
Smithsonian Museum of American History visit
Walk through centuries of American history on display, including artifacts like President Lincoln's top hat and the infamous Greensboro lunch counter.
Dinner
Lincoln Memorial
In remembrance of President Abraham Lincoln and the nation he fought to preserve during the Civil War, visit one of the country's most popular memorials to immerse yourself in his legacy and read his history-changing speeches, including the Gettysburg Address.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Explore this memorial’s 19 stainless steel statues, remembrance pool, and etched granite wall that honors American Korean War veterans with its famous inscription, “Freedom is not Free.”
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Experience the power of this memorial, honoring the over 58,000 servicemen and women who gave their lives in service during the Vietnam War.
Day 2
Hotel Breakfast
Arlington National Cemetery visit
America's most famous military cemetery, featuring the Changing of the Guard, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Kennedy gravesites, and Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial. Arlington National Cemetery is one of only two cemeteries in the United States National Cemetery System maintained by the U.S. Army. Nearly 400,000 people are buried within its 639 acres in Arlington County, Virginia.
U.S. Marine Corps Memorial photo stop
Pay tribute to our past and present U.S. Marines while learning about this striking bronze statue, which is based on a famous WWII photo by Joe Rosenthal.
Lunch
National Archives Museum visit
Visit the home of the original U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence, and immerse yourself in interactive exhibits with original, historic documents.
Ford's Theatre visit
Explore this landmark theater to see the box where President Lincoln was assassinated in 1865 and learn about poignant insights on his legacy as one of our most celebrated presidents.
Dinner
Jefferson Memorial
Dive into Jefferson's enduring legacy in American history, philosophy, and governance while standing before his remarkable bronze statue, reading his famous quotes, and reflecting on his role as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
F.D.R. Memorial
Discover how Franklin D. Roosevelt connected with the American people during the Great Depression. His powerful words line the walls of the four rooms in this memorial, offering a glimpse into the hope and comfort they brought during those challenging times.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Inspired by his legendary “I Have a Dream” speech, this 30-foot statue of Dr. King is emerging from a “Stone of Hope,” and includes powerful quotes on civil rights, justice, hope, and love.
Day 3
Hotel Breakfast
Capitol Hill grounds tour
Explore the exterior grounds of Capitol Hill, including its scenic gardens, and walk past the Supreme Court building, the Library of Congress, and other historic landmarks (external photo stop or by appointment).
National Museum of African American History and Culture visit
This powerful, history-making museum focuses on understanding history through the viewpoint of the African American experience, featuring collections documenting art, history and culture covering artifacts from the African Diaspora to present day.
Lunch
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum visit
Experience a chronological narrative of the Holocaust, from the rise of the Nazi party to the victory of Allied forces, including personal objects and eyewitness testimonies of individual survivors.
White House photo stop
Snap a photo of your students at the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States.
Dinner
World War II Memorial visit
Reflect on the sacrifices made by the over 400,000 American service members who died during World War II as well as those who supported the war effort from home.
Washington Monument photo stop
Snap some photos in front of the world's tallest stone monument, honoring our nation's first president.
Day 4
Hotel Breakfast
Travel to Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg Visitor Center, Museum & Cyclorama visit
Delve deep into the history of the famous 1863 Civil War battle as you explore a wide range of interactive exhibits, artifacts, and an impressive 360-degree, immersive painting of the battle.
Gettysburg Battlefield tour
Take a profound journey through one of our country’s most historic sites as you tour this expansive battleground, explore famous landmarks, and discover the famous location of the Gettysburg Address.
Lunch
Travel to Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History visit
Explore one of the world's largest collections of artifacts and exhibits about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe, including the insectarium and a 94-foot-long blue whale.
Dinner
9/11 Pentagon Memorial
Experience this elegant and peaceful, open-air memorial with reflecting pools, trees, and illuminated benches that pay tribute to the 184 victims of the 9/11 Pentagon attack.
Day 5
Hotel Breakfast
Mount Vernon visit
Immerse yourself in George Washington’s landmark estate, with an interactive educational center, hundreds of rare artifacts, and his mansion set amid beautiful gardens and historic buildings.
Lunch
National Museum of the United States Army visit
Dive deep into the 245-year history of the U.S. Army through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and unique personal stories that honor the service and sacrifice of soldiers.
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
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
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)
Scenes from Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg
Health & Safety
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.
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.
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.