Washington, DC Educational Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

Morning: The group travels by chartered bus from the school and arrives in Washington, DC around midday, then checks in at the downtown hotel. Students settle into rooms while chaperones confirm the itinerary.

Afternoon: After lunch, the class walks to the White House for an exterior photo session and then explores the National Mall, visiting the iconic Washington Monument and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Evening: A welcome dinner at a family‑friendly restaurant near the hotel provides a chance for introductions, followed by a brief orientation meeting in the hotel conference room.

Day 2: Capitol Hill & Museums

Morning: Guided tour of the U.S. Capitol building, including the historic Rotunda, and a visit to the adjoining Library of Congress to see its magnificent reading rooms.

Afternoon: The group spends time at the National Museum of American History, exploring exhibits on the nation's heritage, with a catered lunch in the museum’s cafeteria.

Evening: After returning to the hotel, students enjoy a relaxed evening stroll to see the illuminated Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial before a light dinner back at the hotel.

Day 3: Memorials & Departure

Morning: Early visit to the Lincoln Memorial and a walk along the Reflecting Pool, allowing quiet reflection before the trip concludes.

Afternoon: The group boards the bus for the return trip to the school, with a brief stop for snacks and a final debrief by the chaperones.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Chartered Bus (round‑trip, 3 days) – 12 hours total – $2,400
• Hotel (2 nights, 28 rooms) – 2 nights – $3,500
• White House Exterior Photo Session – 1 hour – $0
• Smithsonian Museums (entry) – 3 hours – $0
• U.S. Capitol Guided Tour – 2 hours – $0
• Library of Congress – 1 hour – $0
• National Museum of American History – 3 hours – $0
• Group Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – 6 meals – $1,800
• Entry to Monuments (Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument view) – 2 hours – $0
• Miscellaneous (snacks, water, supplies) – – $300
• Total Estimated Cost: $7, 0 0 0

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding an extra day to explore nearby Arlington National Cemetery and the National Gallery of Art, or schedule a boat cruise on the Potomac River. If you need to shorten the itinerary, you can combine the Capitol and Library of Congress tours into a single morning and replace one museum visit with a quick walk around the Mall, saving both time and meal costs.