Washington D.C.

Trip Length:

5 Days

Cost:

$1,655

2024 Dates:

June 23 - June 27
June 27 - July 1
July 2 - July 6
July 3 - July 7
July 13 - July 17
July 23 - July 27

Enroll By:

May 19
May 23
May 28
May 29
June 8
June 17

Take a trip back in time this summer. Follow the footsteps of the founding fathers at Mount Vernon and the Smithsonian’s collection of American antiques.

Then, return to modern day to experience all the excitement of today’s Washington D.C., including tours of world-renowned museums, the National Mall, and America’s Zoo.

Get your camera ready for sights like...

  • Monument Row: Arlington National Cemetery, Iwo Jima Memorial, and the Pentagon Memorial
  • Museum Central: Air & Space, Artechouse, and Spy, oh my!
  • An unforgettable twilight cruise across the Potomac
  • Bringing history to life with a ghost tour of Old Town Alexandria

Bring a Friend and Save!

We know that seeing the world is more fun when you do it with friends. That’s why we’re offering you $200 off when you bring a friend on your WorldExplore trip. As an added bonus, your friend will also enjoy $200 off their trip. Win-win! You can learn more about claiming your savings by speaking to a member of our team.

Take The Leap

Throughout your trip, your Course Leader will guide you through various LEAP activities, from discovering the symbolism behind the design of some of the nation’s most memorable monuments to exploring the historic home of America’s first president, George Washington, at Mount Vernon. All LEAP activities are designed to inspire active discussions about the various cultural and historical monuments you’ll be visiting, and to make you feel even more connected to the world around you.

What's Included

Authentic, local meals

Comfortable Double Accommodations

Expert Course Leader

Entrance to museums and historic sites

Travel securely knowing that your trip is backed by WorldAssist – our global team of security experts that are available 24/7 to address any questions or concerns.

Itinerary Highlights*

Day One – Arrive in D.C. and enjoy a visit to Arlington National Cemetery
Day Two – Full day of touring, including Georgetown and the Air & Space Museum
Day Three – Visit the White House and Artechouse, home to experimental art
Day Four – Visit the National Zoo and enjoy a ghost tour of Old Town Alexandria
Day Five – Explore Mount Vernon before departing for home
DAY ONE
  • Arrive in D.C.!
  • Hit the ground running with an afternoon monument tour through the Pentagon Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial
  • Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for over 400,000 soldiers and former presidents. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most famous landmarks inside the cemetery and is guarded 24/7 by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard. The Old Guard was established in 1784, making them the oldest unit in the United States Army.
  • Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant before taking in an outdoor movie on the lawn at Gateway Park
DAY TWO
  • Set off on an expansive walking-and-shopping tour of Georgetown with your Course Leader
  • One of the most historic neighborhoods in D.C., Georgetown is also home to its namesake university. Many notable figures in U.S. history have called Georgetown their home, including Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Graham Bell, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
  • In the afternoon, take in the newly revamped Air & Space Museum before stopping for a sunset photoshoot at the Washington Monument
  • Enjoy bowling, bocce, and dinner
  • Head off for a tour of the monuments at night, all brightly lit and glowing in the evening air
DAY THREE
  • Take a brisk morning walk through the city, stopping outside the White House for some photos and a discussion led by your Course Leader
  • Continue on to explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)
  • One of the most recent additions to the Smithsonian’s lineup in D.C., the NMAAHC was established by an Act of Congress in 2003 and opened its doors in 2016. The design of the museum itself is part of the experience for visitors who first encounter the bronze lattice that surrounds the entire building as an homage to the intricate ironwork crafted by enslaved African Americans.
  • After lunch, head to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, a contemporary ode to modern art
  • Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant
  • That evening, explore Artechouse - an explosion of color and visual noise, home to an unbeatable collection of experimental, experiential art
  • Finish your full day with ice cream at The Soda Pop Shop, a local retro favorite
DAY FOUR
  • Spend your morning exploring the National Zoo
  • The National Zoo is also home to over 1,800 animals. Receiving over 2 million visitors every year, the National Zoo is one of the most popular Smithsonian destinations in D.C.
  • After lunch, head up the Hill for stops at various Capitol Hill hotspots, including the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the Botanic Gardens
  • Enjoy a refreshing water taxi down the Potomac to National Harbor, home to restaurants, shops, rides, historical monuments, and more!
  • After dinner in Old Town Alexandria, you’re in for a spooky time as you head into the night on an Old Town Ghost Tour
  • Many locals believe that Washington D.C. is one of the most active haunting spots in all of the United States. From former presidents roaming through the White House to the public staircase made famous by the movie “The Exorcist.”
DAY FIVE
  • On the final morning of the tour, set off to explore Mount Vernon - the historic home of George and Martha Washington
  • After you’ve had your fill of history, it’s time to head back to the airport and depart for home

*The events included on this itinerary are subject to minor changes before your departure date.

Meet a WorldExplore Course Leader!

WorldExplore tours are led by experienced educators that have extensive, firsthand knowledge of the culture around you because your Course Leader is a local. That means hearing the real story of the ghost of Albert Clemens and discovering all the hidden-in-plain-sight legends that surround D.C.

WorldStrides receives nearly 1,000 Course Leader applications each year. On average, only 90 applicants will make the cut.

Walter Guzman Ferrel

Hola! I am a Licensed Tour Guide in DC and member of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides. As a guide, my experience goes back 19 years when I started in South America, leading adults and students in nature and cultural tours. I am a native Spanish speaker who has traveled to most of the countries in South America and now I really enjoy exploring and discovering the hidden jewels in the Nation’s Capital. I can’t wait to bring you along as we explore local places that have played a national role in historic events. Together, we will see and feel the best of DC’s most prominent public memorials, monuments, and buildings.

We are incredibly proud of our entire team of Course Leaders. Walter is just one example of our roster of experienced guides and may not be the actual Course Leader for your Washington D.C. tour.

WorldStrides receives nearly 1,000 Course Leader applications each year. On average, only 90 applicants will make the cut.

What Our Travelers Are Saying...

“Our tour had a fantastic local guide and driver. From the minute we got off the plane until the we got back on the plane to go home, our days were filled with planned tours, self guided tours, wonderful meals, and very nice motel rooms. I definitely plan on going on another trip!”

– Bess, 2022

“Everyone at WorldStrides worked hard to ensure that we had the best possible trip to Washington DC. I am beyond impressed with our course leader director and itinerary. I am already planning another trip with WorldStrides for next year!”

– Stephanie, 2022