Overview
Take off on an incredible educational journey to Washington, D.C. with WorldStrides! History unfolds as you trace the steps of our Founding Fathers and learn the stories of our nation at iconic monuments and memorials. Honor sacrifice at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, explore the Smithsonian’s world-class exhibits, and enjoy the renowned National Zoo. Inspire your students with a trip of a lifetime that brings learning to life.
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
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.
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.
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 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
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.
Dinner
9/11 Pentagon Memorial visit
Feel the quiet reverence of this poignant memorial, honoring the 184 lives lost in the 9/11 Pentagon attack. Discover the site’s symbolic design, where every illuminated bench, name, and reflection pool serves as lasting reminders of courage, resilience, and national unity.
Day 3
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.
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
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.
National Museum of African American History and Culture visit
Start your visit with the powerful “elevator experience,” descending into the museum’s chronological narrative. Explore African American history from slavery to the civil rights movement through reflective galleries with impactful artifacts, personal stories, and interactive exhibits.
National Cathedral guided tour
Visit this beloved Gothic cathedral that welcomes all faiths and admire its Darth Vader grotesque (yes, you read that right) and historic Space Window. Explore its famous pulpit, sacred art, and symbolic decor as your guide shares stories of presidential events and Martin Luther King, Jr. sermons.
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
George Washington's Mount Vernon 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
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History visit
Discover one of the largest collections of artifacts and history exhibits on human cultures, the natural world, and universe. Explore iconic exhibits on human origins, the Hope Diamond, T. Rex, ancient Egyptian mummies, a live insect zoo, and FossiLab, where you can see paleontology in action.
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)
Scenes from Washington, D.C.
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.