5 days
Interactive and educational, this 5-Day Washington DC and Williamsburg program introduces students to U.S. history and culture, even before the nation began. Williamsburg showcases the living history, traditional craftsmanship and culture of English colonialism in America in Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement. Experience the national landmarks of Washington DC, explore the local museums and see the documents that shape U.S. rights and freedoms.
Go on a journey to the capital of the United States: Washington DC. Start at Embassy Row, where visiting international ambassadors stay, and then stop for a photo op at the White House. On a sightseeing tour, see the U.S. memorials and monuments that stand as symbols of American freedoms. One shining example is the Lincoln Memorial, inscribed with Lincoln’s famous speeches and where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. At Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate is still a pristine example of U.S. colonial life from the mansion to the farms. Nearby, Old Town Alexandria is keeping history alive throughout its cobblestone streets. Honor the sacrifices of veterans at Arlington National Cemetery and visit the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial (as known as the Iwo Jima Memorial) to see the statue of six Marines raising the American flag.
Continue on to experience the frameworks that the country was built on. At the U.S. Capitol Building, see the artistic representations of history in the Crypt, Rotunda and the National Statuary Hall. Be inspired by the “Flame of Knowledge” at the Library of Congress and the columned architecture of the U.S. Supreme Court on Capitol Hill. At the National Archives, see the documents that record our basic rights and freedoms up close: The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Go on a scavenger hunt through the world-class Smithsonian Museums, the funds for which were donated by a man who never set foot in the U.S.
After getting to know the country’s history at the capital, learn about the colonists in Jamestown and Williamsburg. Take a leap back in our cultural and historical timeline to before the U.S. was a nation, on a guided tour of the first permanent English colony in America, Jamestown Settlement. Climb onto recreated ships, walk around a life-size fort and step into a Native American village from the era. In Colonial Williamsburg, view the elegant displays of British wealth and royalty at the Governor’s Palace. Tour the halls of the Capitol, where American liberty was debated and decided. Visit the Public Gaol, where pirates, runaway slaves and political prisoners awaited their fate. Experience the historic trades of the time, including blacksmiths and coopers. Explore the Colonial Gardens to learn what foods and flowers were common in the 1700s.
Arrive at our nation’s capital, starting off with sightseeing along Embassy Row and stopping for a photo op in front of the White House. Tour the Memorials in the afternoon and put history lessons into context.
For a glimpse into colonial life, visit George Washington’s preserved estate, Mount Vernon. Then stop by historic Old Town Alexandria. Reflect on our nation’s past on visits to Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, which is also known as Iwo Jima Memorial. Follow a costumed guide on a stroll through the Colonial seaport town of Alexandria to discover U.S. history from the Revolutionary War to the Reconstruction era.
Explore the historical landmarks of the National Mall. Start at the Capitol, taking in grand architecture in the Crypt, Rotunda and National Statuary Hall. Tour Capitol Hill, stopping in at the Visitor Center by appointment, see the Library of Congress and climb the steps of the Supreme Court. View the National Archives, to see the documents that U.S. independence and rights are built upon, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Discover history hands-on in a scavenger hunt at the Smithsonian Museums. End the day traveling to Williamsburg.
Start the day on a Jamestown Settlement guided tour, learn about this English settlement in North America. Explore Colonial Williamsburg, visiting the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, the Public Gaol, historic trades like the blacksmith and cooper, taverns, gardens and other government buildings. Attend an evening program where performers bring history to life.
Travel back to Washington DC this morning to begin the journey home.
Learn the culture and history of the U.S. firsthand in Williamsburg and Washington DC on visits to world-famous museums and iconic landmarks. Exploring Williamsburg, see where the English settlers began to colonize America and experience traditional craftsmanship. In Washington DC, gain a deeper understanding of how the U.S. grew as a nation and get to know the leaders of U.S. freedoms. Go on an experiential learning adventure of a Smithsonian Museum with a scavenger hunt.
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.
Customized experiences developed by travel experts to promote learning and engagement.
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.
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.
