7 days
Go on a pilgrimage along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, following the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. Start the cultural journey in Atlanta, Georgia, where Martin Luther King, Jr. was born and grew into a powerful leader of the Civil Rights Movement. Join a local specialist for a guided tour of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and see significant sites from his life.
Continue to Alabama to experience more of the stories that are significant to the U.S. Civil Rights Movement from the 1950s to 1960s. At the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, learn about the first African American pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces. Go on a tour of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church to experience the historic church community where Martin Luther King, Jr. preached his message of freedom for all. Meet the mother of the Civil Rights Movement at the Rosa Parks Museum. Follow in the footsteps of history while visiting the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
Journey through the history of civil rights, black culture and commerce in Memphis, Tennessee. On a guided tour along the Mississippi River with a local specialist, see how much change has taken place at the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, Auction Square, MLK Reflection Park and the National Civil Rights Museum. Experience the heart and soul of Memphis on Beale Street, where African Americans gathered to take part in the community of legendary blues musicians, such as B.B. King, Muddy Waters and Louis Armstrong. While at Sun Studio and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, walk through the collected history of American music from its origins in Tennessee, creating a culture of rhythm and blues.
Begin the journey through civil rights history, traveling from home to Atlanta. Get oriented to the city by exploring Midtown, walking through Centennial Olympic Park and stopping by the Georgia State Capitol. Dine at Paschal’s this evening before checking in to local accommodations.
Go on a guided tour to learn civil rights history with a local specialist by motorcoach and on foot, starting at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. During the tour, stop at Martin Luther King, Jr.’s church, see the home where he was born, view his burial place and more. Spend time in the King Historic District before free time for lunch on own at the historic Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Explore the exhibits of the civil rights movement from the 1950s to the 1960s and the interactive galleries on global human rights at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Travel from Atlanta to Montgomery early this morning. En route, visit the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site to learn about the first African American pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces. On arrival in Montgomery, tour the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King, Jr. served as a pastor. View local destinations on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, including the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, Civil Rights Memorial, Alabama State Capitol and Court Square. Check in to local accommodations and eat dinner nearby.
Learn from the past on a guided tour of the Rosa Parks Museum, where artifacts and exhibits share the story of Rosa Park’s arrest in 1955 that began the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Continue the U.S. Civil Rights Trail in Alabama, stopping in Selma for the Footprints to Freedom Tour with the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute. This tour includes The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, the Slavery and Civil War Museum, Brown Chapel AME Church and the Edmund Pettus Bridge. End of the day in Birmingham in time for dinner and check in to local accommodations.
Following breakfast, everyone climbs into the motorcoach for a city orientation tour around Birmingham. Go on an educational tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute with lesson plans to guide the learning process through the exhibits. On a tour of the 16th Street Baptist Church, learn about the bombing tragedy that took place here in 1963 and how people came together in support of their church community. Spend some free time at Kelly Ingram Park, viewing the commemorative sculptures of figures who fought for racial equality. Afterwards, travel to Memphis, arriving in time for dinner and checking in to local accommodations.
Go on a guided tour of Memphis to learn civil rights history with a local specialist by motorcoach along the Mississippi River, including Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, Auction Square and MLK Reflection Park. VVisit the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, and take a guided tour of the National Civil Rights Museum. Hear the stories of the musical legends who recorded their first albums at Sun Studio. Dine on Beale Street this evening.
After breakfast, visit the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum to see the birth of rock and soul exhibit. Inspired by these musical pioneers, begin the journey home to share the experience with family and friends.
On this Civil Rights Tour, start in Atlanta, Georgia to explore the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., who grew up in a time of racial segregation and became a leader of the Civil Rights Movement. Travel along the Civil Rights Trail to Alabama, following the steps on the Edmund Pettus Bridge and sit ins in protest of racial inequality that eventually resulted in the Voting Rights Act of 1965. End the journey in Memphis, Tennessee, where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated and where blues musicians lifted their voices to share their spirit of freedom. With a curated curriculum for educators to apply with the program, students are empowered to put their learning into practice before, during and after the trip.
Quality, safe hotels with quad occupancy corresponding to the destination.
A night chaperone is on site to ensure security.
All transportation is provided throughout the program.
Two meals are provided daily, breakfast and dinner, featuring local cuisine.
Interactive learning experiences designed to expand educational and career goals.
Scheduled activities, experiences and guided tours are all included.
Full-time Tour Directors are on site for the duration of the trip, for an all-inclusive experience.
Customized experiences developed by travel experts to promote learning and engagement.
Tips for bus drivers, guides, Tour Directors and meals.
Advanced student security software that integrates geofencing, logistics, communication and more optimized safety features.
Dedicated 24/7 staff availability, supporting students every step of the way.
