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

5 days, 3 nights Price from £899 pp
  • 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

Accommodation

Tour Highlights

Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.

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!

The Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.

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!

Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.

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!

Educational Activities

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill

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Capitol Hill's landmarks include not only the United States Capitol but also the Senate and House office buildings; the Supreme…

Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre

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The site of Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre offers museum exhibits, live theatre and immersive learning.…

Holocaust Memorial Museum

Holocaust Memorial Museum

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At the start of the tour, each visitor is given an identity card of a Holocaust victim that matches the…

Lincoln Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

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The Lincoln Memorial stands at the west end of the National Mall as a neoclassical monument to the 16th President.…

Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution

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The world's largest museum complex and research organization is composed of 19 museums, 9 research centres and the National Zoo.…

The White House

The White House

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The White House is the official home and principal workplace of the President of the United States of America. Built…

Vietnam Veteran's Memorial

Vietnam Veteran's Memorial

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Deliberately setting aside the controversies of the war, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial honours the men and women who served when…

Washington Monument

Washington Monument

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The Washington Monument is the most prominent attractions in Washington D.C. It was built in honour of George Washington who…

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This was a fantastic trip – although a whistle-stop tour, we still saw an extraordinary amount of things and had some great experiences. The students thoroughly enjoyed all activities, but especially seeing the preserved trenches as it brought it all to life for them. — Eggar's School , November 2018

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