School travel allows students to step back in time and truly experience history by standing where pivotal events took place, participating in hands-on exhibits, and discovering through many different mediums the people, places, and events they’ve only read about in a book. Washington DC is perhaps the most popular city for group tours in our nation, because it meets so many of these exciting school travel goals. It has plenty of museums, historic sites, and national landmarks to accomplish every educational intent. Its attractions also entertain as they teach.
Now consider adding a living, working community straight from the 1700s, and truly step back in time. Colonial Williamsburg is just a few hours south of Washington DC and makes a great second destination to school travel tours. Here’s a sample itinerary to give you an idea of what a 4-day tour to both destinations might look like.
Day One
Arlington National Cemetery – Put your walking shoes on for your tour of this expansive, breathtaking national landmark. You’ll recognize the many beautifully similar gravestones that set Arlington apart, but many grand, unique stones will surprise you. Arlington House and the Amphitheater are beautiful historical sites here. Some presidents and other famous figures are buried in Arlington, including those in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Embassy Row – Tour the street in DC that contains international embassies. This can be thrilling for students as they notice the many flags and identifying factors for each.
Monuments and Memorials Tour – The presidential memorials, war memorials, and other monuments are the most familiar part of a visit to the nation’s capital. A professional guide can make this experience even more meaningful.
Ford’s Theater and Petersen House – Walk in the footsteps of a national tragedy when you visit the theater where President Lincoln was assassinated and the home where he died.
Day Two
Capitol Hill – This is one of the most exciting tours in DC. Step inside the extravagant home of our legislature. Experience the history and the beauty, and be inspired by the power of democracy.
Supreme Court – Another magnificent government building in DC. View court proceedings or on alternate days lectures about the Supreme Court, its history and its vital role.
National Archives – This moving look at our nation’s most important historical documents is an unforgettable one for every DC visitor.
Museum of American History – This Smithsonian museum highlights historic memorabilia from favorite presidents and their wives, America’s trends in fashion and design, the Star Spangled Banner itself, and pop culture thrills.
Air and Space Museum – Housing an enormous number of air and spacecraft, this museum is spacious, both to accommodate the crowds and the walk-through exhibits and actual planes and spacecraft within.
Day Three
Mt. Vernon – The beautiful estate built by George Washington and beloved by him throughout his lifetime is also a beautiful part of any Washington DC tour.
National Holocaust Memorial Museum – You’ll never forget this museum and memorial experience, which walks you through the Holocaust in a beautiful way. The exhibit Daniel’s Story was designed and approved by child psychologists to present the events for even the museum’s youngest visitors.
Museum of Natural History – Reptiles, dinosaurs, mammals, and creatures of the sea make an appearance in some of this museum’s favorite exhibits. Unique gem stones, butterflies, and many more surprises await as well.
Day Four
Your tour concludes with a day at Colonial Williamsburg. This working 18th century community never ceases to amaze and entertain its visitors as they watch history interpreters replicate the actual household, farm, and business chores of this pre-revolutionary existence.
