Overview
Set out on a journey of discovery in our nation’s capital, exploring the intersections of faith, history, and culture. Follow in the footsteps of the founding fathers at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate, and the FDR Memorial. Reflect on the sacrifices made by brave service men and women at Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon Memorial and enjoy a guided tour of the National Cathedral. Throughout the journey, participate in devotionals and discussions about the impact of God and the lessons we can learn about faith in our world today.
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
Opening Devotional
Washington Monument photo stop
Snap some photos in front of the world's tallest stone monument, honoring our nation's first president.
White House photo stop
Snap a photo of your students at the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States.
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 2
Breakfast
Daily Prayer and Devotional
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.
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
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).
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 3
Breakfast
Daily Prayer and Devotional
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.
Lunch
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.
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 4
Breakfast
Daily Prayer and Devotional
National Cathedral guided tour
Explore this beloved, 14th century-style Gothic cathedral with an expert guide and learn about its sacred artwork, world-famous pulpit, and impressive architecture.
Museum of the Bible visit
Experience over 4,000 years of human history at this high-tech museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of the Bible on the world around us.
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.
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.
Closing devotional
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
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.
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
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.