A politics school trip to Washington D.C. will help your students to better understand America’s political system and how it is different to that of the UK!
Washington D.C. was founded in 1791 to serve as the new national capital. In its time as the capital, Washington has experienced everything from civil war to civil rights protests.
As spending increased in the capital, new government buildings, memorials and museums emerged. Its history is told through its varied architecture, with many classic designs seen in its historic and contemporary buildings, including Victorian, Queen Anne and Georgian. A rich and diverse history for your students to explore and enjoy awaits.
Suggested Itinerary (5 days, 3 nights)
| Day | Morning Summary | Afternoon Summary | Evening Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Flight from UK to Washington |
Transfer to accommodation on arrival |
Optional evening meal at a local restaurant |
| 2 |
Morning visit to Capitol Hill and take a free guided tour of the Capitol Building |
Explore the Mall including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial Visit Ford's Theatre for the museum, talks and a show |
Optional evening meal at a local restaurant |
| 3 |
Visit some of Washington's famous and free museums such as the US Holocaust Memorial Musem |
Cross the Potomac River into Virginia and visit the Arlington National Cemetery |
Optional evening meal at a local restaurant |
| 4 |
Visit the White House Visitors Center and take a photo stop outside the house |
Transfer to the airport |
Return flight to the UK |
| 5 |
Arrive back in the UK |
||
- 3 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation
- Airport transfers in resort
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
- Detailed information pack
- Flights inclusive of tax
- Free staff place ratio 1:10
- Itinerary planning service
- VAT
Curriculum Links
A-Level
- Key institutions of US government
- The US Constitution and federalism
- Function and structure of US Congress
- US presidency: formal and informal sources of power
- The nature and role of the Supreme Court
- Civil rights and liberties
- US democracy and participation
Accommodation
Tour Highlights
Visit Capitol Hill
Home to the United States Capitol, the Senate and House office buildings, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and several other important institutions, Capitol Hill is an essential stop on your politics school trip!
Capitol Hill is not only a metonym for the United States Congress, it’s also one of the oldest and most densely populated neighbourhoods in Washington D.C.
It’s been home to the United States Congress since 1800 and was carefully selected for this role by Pierre Charles L’Enfant in his plans for the new federal capital.
Did you know?
The Capitol building is huge – it has 540 rooms with 658 windows!
See the Lincoln Memorial
This impressive memorial to Abraham Lincoln, 16 th President of the United States, has become a symbolic venue for the Civil Rights Movement.
The Lincoln Memorial has two of Lincoln’s most memorable speeches inscribed on its walls – the Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address.
And the memorial has, of course, been the setting for other historic speeches, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech, which makes it a must-see on your politics and civil rights school trip to Washington D.C.
Did you know?
The Lincoln Memorial is absolutely enormous! It’s 99 feet tall and 202 feet wide. Plus, it’s foundations stretch 66 feet underneath it, in order to support the weight of this colossal marble structure!
Visit the Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum complex in the world, with 19 world-class museums, galleries and gardens – there’s even a zoo!
Around 30 million people visit the Smithsonian Institution every year and all are admitted completely free of charge.
The Smithsonian was founded in 1846 using funds from the estate of British scientist James Smithson. It was his wish that an institute be founded in his name for the ‘increase and diffusion of knowledge’.
Did you know?
The Smithsonian is nicknamed ‘the nation’s attic’ thanks to its vast, eclectic collection which consists of around 154 million items!
