Trip to Washington DC for History Students
Washington is the decision-making capital of arguably the most powerful country in the world and, as such, cannot fail to inspire students of history and politics during a history college trip.
Washington’s grand buildings, parks and monuments present a calm and ordered façade, the antithesis of the political debates and scandals that take place within. Without doubt the city’s political significance dominates the Washington landscape, making our student trips to Washington hard to beat. Yet the city is home to the world’s largest museum complex – the Smithsonian Institute - offering exhibits on everything from fine art collections to moon landings.
Prices start from£799pp
Sample itinerary
Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daytime flight from a London airport & transfer to accommodation | Mount Vernon. Evening meal | |
| 2 | Guided walking tour of the government buildings in Washington DC | Ford's Theatre | Evening entertainment in Pentagon City. Evening meal |
| 3 | National Air & Space Museum | Guided tour of the Pentagon | Free time. Evening meal |
| 4 | US Capitol Building tour | Transfer to airport for return flight to the UK | |
| 5 | Arrive in the UK | ||
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
| Morning | Daytime flight from a London airport & transfer to accommodation |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | |
| Evening | Mount Vernon. Evening meal |
| Morning | Guided walking tour of the government buildings in Washington DC |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | Ford's Theatre |
| Evening | Evening entertainment in Pentagon City. Evening meal |
| Morning | National Air & Space Museum |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | Guided tour of the Pentagon |
| Evening | Free time. Evening meal |
| Morning | US Capitol Building tour |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | Transfer to airport for return flight to the UK |
| Evening |
| Morning | Arrive in the UK |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | |
| Evening |
Price Shown includes
- 3 nights’ room only accommodation
- Return flights & overseas airport transfers
- Extensive group travel insurance
- 1 in 10 free place ratio
The visits shown in the sample itinerary above are not included in your quoted price unless indicated. If you would like to add any of these activities to your quote price, please get in touch.
Price shown is based on 30 paying passengers departing from a London airport on selected dates and is subject to availability.
On-tour support
On-tour support includes...
- Airport assistance when you arrive back at your UK airport when you book a coach transfer to take you home
Additional on-tour support available...
- Airport assistance during check-in, security and gate checks on your outbound flight from the UK
- Pre-booked meals at great group prices
Top visits for college groups in Washington DC
Walking Tour - Political Sites
Half day tour with a local guide covering externally all the major government buildings:
- Pennsylvania Avenue
- The US Capitol (the Senate, House of Representatives, Supreme Court, Library of Congress)
- The Mall
- George Washington Monument
Walking Tour - Historical Sites
Half day tour with a local guide covering all the major historical sites and monuments:
- Jefferson Memorial
- FDR Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Lincoln Memorial
- Vietnam Memorial
- WWII Memorial
- The White House (exterior)
US Holocaust Memorial Museum
Explaining the story of the Holocaust in a uniquely and immensely thought provoking manner, students will never forget a visit to this museum.
Arlington National Cemetery
The history of this cemetery, the largest military graveyard in the world reflects the conflicts and struggles faced by the American people. Graves here include those from the Civil War, and both World Wars and the eternal flame burning by the grave of JFK.
National Museum of American History
Traces the country’s development in an entertaining and fairly lighthearted manner.
Lincoln Memorial Steps
Stand on the site of Martin Luther King’s famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech during the defining moment of the Civil Rights Movement in America.
FDR Memorial
This park traces 12 years of the history of the US using a sequence of outdoor rooms; one for each of Roosevelt’s terms of office. Sculptures and murals depict scenes from the Depression enabling you to stand in the ‘Breadline’.
The Pentagon
The headquarters of the Department of Defense is one of the world’s largest office buildings. It is possible for groups to have a guided tour around the building which covers highlights of significant moments in history. Tours must be booked direct by the group via your local MP.
The National Archives
Displays the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. Visits to the Public Vaults display original records and new interactive exhibits that allow you to touch and explore interesting documents. Key topics that can be studied here are Civil War, Civil Rights, Cold War, McCarthyism.
National Air & Space Museum
Discover the history of America’s aeronautical industry, from the Wright Brothers’ first flyer in 1903, to the Apollo 11 command module. An ideal visit to cover the Cold War and the Space Race.
Mount Vernon
An ideal visit en route to the airport, from the Mansion House to the Slave Quarters the plantation home of George Washington gives you the opportunity to see how the first President of the United States lived.
Smithsonian Institute
America’s national educational facility with 19 museums including:
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Portrait Gallery.
The Smithsonian Institute museums are free.
Ford's Theatre
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Ford’s Theatre Museum - explore Lincoln's presidency from his arrival in Washington to the very minute he arrived at Ford's Theatre on the fateful night of April 14, 1865. You will see rare artefacts related to the assassination.
Study themes
- American History
- The American Dream: Reality & Illusion
