Overview
Explore American history through a Christian perspective on a journey through Washington, D.C., Gettysburg, Lancaster, and Philadelphia. Reflect on faith, courage, and sacrifice at Gettysburg, experience the traditions of Amish life, and see biblical stories brought to life at Sight & Sound Theatres. In Philadelphia, visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell while considering the ideals that shaped the nation. Daily prayer, devotionals, and discussion help students connect the lessons of the past with their Christian faith and lives today.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Washington, D.C.
Lunch
Opening Devotional
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.
St. John’s Church photo stop
Capture your best side at the "Church of the Presidents," where every U.S. president has worshiped since Madison. Designed by the U.S. Capitol’s architect and hosting countless presidential photo-ops and demonstrations over the last century, you'll stand in the footsteps of historic moments.
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
Daily Prayer and Devotional
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 photo stop
Take a photo outside this famous building with its many lives from church to live performance space to government facility and back to theater. Touch the actual brick President Lincoln would have passed on that doomed night in 1865 that changed American history.
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.
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
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 3
Breakfast
Daily Prayer and Devotional
Museum of the Bible visit with Washington Revelations film
Discover the lasting impact of the Bible on the world and enjoy a multi-sensory experience "flying" past biblical references around our nation's capital!
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
Breakfast
Daily Prayer and Devotional
Travel to Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg Visitor Center, Museum & Cyclorama visit
Experience the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg through authentic artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the monumental Cyclorama painting. Discover the strategies, key figures, and defining moments of this three-day conflict that shaped the outcome of the Civil War.
Gettysburg Battlefield Tour
Stand on the legendary 1863 battlefield that reshaped the Civil War and later echoed with Lincoln’s world-famous Gettysburg Address. Explore the historic grounds where pivotal moments of the war unfolded and visit monuments honoring the soldiers’ courage and sacrifice.
Lunch
Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center visit
Explore the issues and events that defined the Battle of Gettysburg through interactive exhibits at this museum housed in historical buildings on the actual battlefield where the fighting unfolded. Learn about wartime strategy as well as the soldiers, civilians, and medical personnel who lived through the clash on Seminary Ridge.
Gettysburg National Cemetery visit
Stand where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address and discover why this speech is widely considered to be one of the best written. Pay homage to fallen soldiers who fought for American ideals and democracy and learn how their sacrifice set this nation on a course of unity.
Dinner
Gettysburg Ghost Tour
Explore the streets where America's bloodiest battle took place and listen to wartime stories that still haunt Gettysburg today. Stand before a historic bed and breakfast that's pockmarked by over 100 bullet holes from Confederate soldiers and uncover the tragic history of the orphanage.
Day 5
Breakfast
Daily Prayer and Devotional
Travel to Lancaster, PA
Amish Countryside Tour
Visit a community that lives without electricity or cars, relying instead on traditional farming methods and horse-drawn carriages. Discover how the Amish balance old-world tradition with self-sufficiency, and try their farm-to-table staples, like freshly churned butter and homemade jams.
Amish Farm and House visit
Take in the peaceful Lancaster countryside while visiting a traditional Amish farm and homestead. Experience the Amish way of life as you explore historic outbuildings, meet farm animals, and discover their customs, crafts, and traditions passed down for centuries.
Lunch
Sight & Sound Theatres show
Sit down and hold tight as this immersive live theater production of biblical stories come to life in front of you. Featuring staggering three-story sets, live animals, and moving musical performances, you’ll get a new understanding of some of the Bible’s most inspiring stories.
Travel to Philadelphia, PA
Dinner
Rocky Statue and Steps photo stop
Strike a victorious pose with the legendary Rocky statue and climb (or run!) up the iconic 72 steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Take in sweeping skyline views as you capture must-have shots at this world-famous cultural landmark.
Day 6
Breakfast
Daily Prayer and Devotional
Independence Hall visit
Explore the birthplace of American democracy, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed. Visit the historic chambers where founding delegates met, admire colonial architecture, and learn about the revolutionary leaders who shaped the nation’s ideals.
Liberty Bell visit
Get an up-close view of the iconic bell that symbolizes American freedom and marvel at its large famous crack. Learn about its history as the second version cast in 1753, and the role it played in inspiring revolution, independence, and civic pride.
Lunch
Historic Old City Philadelphia visit
Discover the birthplace of American democracy, where cobblestone streets lead to historic colonial landmarks. Explore Franklin Court and 18th-century homes on Elfreth’s Alley, and uncover stories of revolutionaries, debates, and significant milestones in American history.
Closing devotional
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to and 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
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. and Pennsylvania
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.