Overview
Bring your students on an exciting journey through America’s story on this six-day educational tour through some of the most historic cities on the East Coast. In Washington D.C., your students can look forward to exploring the grounds of Capitol Hill, visiting Ford’s Theatre, following in the footsteps of George Washington at his estate, and discovering the unforgettable collection of the Holocaust Museum. Your group will also explore the famous battlefield and museum at Gettysburg before ending your tour in Philadelphia, where they’ll enjoy a historic walking tour and a visit to Independence Hall.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Washington, D.C.
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.
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.
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
Hotel 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 visit
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
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.
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
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
Hotel Breakfast
National Museum of the U.S. Army visit
Experience the U.S. Army’s history from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts through immersive galleries. Explore flight and tank simulators, rare artifacts, and first-hand accounts that bring battles, innovations, and personal stories to life.
Lunch
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.
Smithsonian Museums visit
Journey through America’s past, present, and future at the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. Marvel at immersive galleries, national treasures, interactive exhibits, and diverse collections spanning history, art, natural wonders, culture, science, and beyond.
Dinner
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.
Day 4
Hotel 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
9/11 Memorial visit
Reflect on the events and aftermath of 9/11 on the site of the former World Trade Center. Honor the legacy of the brave legions of first responders at the breathtaking memorial.
Travel to Gettysburg, PA
Dinner
Gettysburg Ghost Tour
Be led through some of the historic sites of the area, hear tales of spirits that remain in an area sometimes known as the birthplace of ghost storytelling.
Day 5
Breakfast
Gettysburg Cyclorama & Museum visit
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.
Travel to Philadelphia, PA
Historic Philly walking tour
Stroll through history on Philly's cobblestone streets, exploring Franklin Court, peeking into 18th-century homes on Elfreth's Alley, the nation's oldest residential street, and standing in awe before the Liberty Bell.
Independence Hall visit
Discover where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution was written as you tour this prestigious building and hear fascinating stories about our country’s Founding Fathers.
Dinner
Penn's Landing & Wharf
Named in honor of William Penn's historic landing in Philadelphia in 1682, Penn's Landing offers stellar views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Delaware River.
Day 6
Hotel Breakfast
Liberty Bell visit
Discover one of our country’s most iconic symbols of freedom and justice as you get an up close view of the bell and explore interactive exhibits that portray its history and cultural significance.
National Constitution Center visit
Delve deep into the history and ongoing cultural relevance of the U.S. Constitution as you explore interactive exhibits, displays, and life-sized statues of our nation’s Founding Fathers.
Lunch
Rocky Statue & Steps picture stop
Recreate the famous scene from “Rocky” as you climb the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and take in the stunning views of the city. Before you go, grab a photo with the famous bronze “Rocky” statue.
Depart for home
Dinner
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., Philadelphia, and Gettysburg
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.