Washington, D.C.: The Capital Tour

Tour length: 3 - 5 Days

Overview
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

Overview

Travel to Washington, D.C., the heart of American politics and the ideal destination for teachers and students to connect with our nation’s history and culture. Trace the steps of our country's founders as you witness the modern-day marvels of our nation’s capital. This is a perfect tour for students interested in history and government.

Highlights:

Library of Congress
Capitol Building

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Day 1: Washington, D.C.

Arrive in Washington, D.C.
Learn about the Smithsonian Institution during an introduction by your tour director
Visit the Smithsonian museum of your choice, which may include:
- National Air and Space Museum
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Museum of African Art
- National Museum of American History
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- National Portrait Gallery
Take a night tour of Washington
- Lincoln Memorial
- WWII Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial

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Day 2: Washington, D.C.

Visit Arlington National Cemetery
- Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier
- Kennedy gravesites
Make a photo stop at the Marine Corps War Memorial
Take a guided tour of Washington
- Washington Monument
- FDR Memorial
- Martin Luther King, Jr National Memorial
- Jefferson Memorial
Visit Mt. Vernon
- Explore the estate and gardens of George Washington's home, including the Georgian mansion, Ford Orientation Center and Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center
Enjoy an evening activity

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Day 3: Washington, D.C.

Visit Capitol Hill
- U.S. Capitol and Visitor Center
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Library of Congress
Take a guided tour of the Library of Congress
Visit the U.S. Supreme Court
Visit the National Archives
Visit the Smithsonian museum of your choice, which may include:
- National Air and Space Museum
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Museum of African Art
- National Museum of American History
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- National Portrait Gallery
Optional: Potomac River Cruise (Mar-Sep)

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Day 4: Washington, D.C. (optional extension day)

Visit the exhibit Daniel's Story at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Visit the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park
Optional: Theater performance

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Day 5: Washington, D.C. (optional extension day)

Visit the Newseum
Depart for home

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What's included
Reviews
Educational resources

No matter where you go with Smithsonian Student Travel, no matter your length of tour, you are guaranteed an all-inclusive experience. All of our tours feature round-trip transportation, hotel accommodations with professional overnight security, breakfast and dinner daily, air-conditioned motorcoach and gratuities.

Round-trip transportation
Air-conditioned motorcoach while on tour
2 overnight stays in hotels (3 or 4 nights with our 4- or 5-day tours)
Breakfast and dinner daily
Full-time Smithsonian Student Travel tour director
Sightseeing tour led by a licensed guide
Visits to special attractions per itinerary
Educational materials developed by the Smithsonian
Overnight security
Gratuities
Smithsonian Membership

We take pride in offering exceptional educational travel across America. Each tour is enhanced with resources created by educational consultants including the Smithsonian Institution and PBS. Use the search form below to find the best materials for your class.