Overview
Explore the intersections of government, history, and culture in two of the most historic cities on the East Coast. Your students will follow in the footsteps of the founding fathers, from Mount Vernon—George Washington’s home—to Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. Your group can also look forward to discovering one of the oldest centers of science discovery in the nation at the Franklin Institute, exploring the Holocaust Museum, and visiting the Liberty Bell.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Washington, D.C.
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).
White House photo stop
Snap a photo of your students at the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States.
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
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
National Air and Space Museum visit
Explore the world’s largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft, learn about taking flight in the sky or galaxy through interactive exhibits, or catch a show at the planetarium.
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
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.
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
Smithsonian Museums visit
Spend time exploring the world’s largest museum complex, featuring renowned institutions like the National Air and Space Museum (by appointment), the National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Museum of American History.
Travel to Philadelphia, PA
Dinner
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.
Day 5
Breakfast
Historic Old City 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.
Lunch
U.S. Mint
Tour the world's largest mint and discover the coins created there. Walk the halls of the first mint commissioned under George Washington in 1792.
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.
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.
Dinner
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
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.
Day 6
Breakfast
Valley Forge National Historic Park visit
Site of the American Continental Army’s winter camp in 1777–1778, this historic park honors the resilience and sacrifice of the Revolutionary War generation—and the enduring spirit of Americans coming together in times of adversity.
Lunch
The Franklin Institute visit
Visit The Franklin Institute, one of the nation's oldest and most renowned science museums. Don’t miss the hands-on Franklin…He’s Electric exhibit, celebrating Benjamin Franklin’s genius and featuring historical artifacts like his lightning rod.
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 Philadelphia
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.