Tracing Civil War History

Day 1: Iconic Sites, Museums, and Monuments

Morning:
Depart school for Washington, D.C., early in the morning.

Arrive in Washington, D.C., ready to begin your journey through the nation's capital.

Meet your tour manager at the White House so you can snap some pictures of the most famous house in the country before heading to the Capitol.

Afternoon:
Explore the Capitol Visitor Center (by appointment), gaining insights into the workings of government.

Eat lunch at the Capitol Café.

Move on to the Smithsonian Museum of your choice, exploring fascinating exhibits that highlight art, history, science, and more. You can choose from The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery of Art, the American History Museum, the National Air and Space Museum and more!

Evening:
Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow students at a local restaurant.

As the sun sets, embark on an enlightening tour of the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. Learn about the historical significance of each landmark and look out at the glittering city.

After the evening tour, check into your hotel ready for a restful night.

Day 2: Gettysburg Exploration

Morning:
Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel.

Board the bus to travel to Gettysburg, PA.

Arrive at the Visitor Center and immerse yourself in the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a four-story, one-acre painting that recreates the fury of Pickett's Charge.

Afternoon:
Have lunch at the Visitor Center.

Stop by the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War which houses the largest collection of Civil War relics in the world.

Gettysburg is known as the turning point of the Civil War. Here you will tour the Gettysburg National Military Park and retrace the events of the bloodiest battle of the war with a battlefield tour.

If time and the season allows, visit the David Wills House. It was here that President Abraham Lincoln put the finishing touches on the Gettysburg Address. The aftermath of the battle is on display for you to gain greater perspective on the scale and importance of the site.

Evening:
Gather for dinner, sharing what you've learned about the battle.

Muster up your courage for a ghost tour where you'll learn about the spirits that are said to haunt these fields.

Return to the hotel to rest.

Day 3: Founding Fathers and Civil War Battles

Morning:
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a day of exploration.

Travel to Virginia where you will explore George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, learning about the life and legacy of the first President and the enslaved workforce that operated the enterprise.

Afternoon:
Have lunch on the grounds of Mount Vernon.

Your final stop is the Spy Museum which houses the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display.

Return home with new memories of the nation's capital and Gettysburg.

Educational Enrichment: This tour offers a comprehensive and immersive educational experience, and aligns with curriculum objectives related to American history, government, and the Civil War, enhancing classroom learning.

Inspiring Learning Opportunities: The tour provides students with a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of America's Founding Fathers, explore the nation's capital, and gain a deeper understanding of pivotal moments in U.S. history.

Cultural and Historical Immersion: Students will not only learn about history but also immerse themselves in the significance of the places they visit. They'll explore the legacy of figures like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and gain a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made during the Civil War.

Holistic Experience: Beyond academics, this tour offers a holistic experience by promoting critical thinking and personal growth. It encourages students to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and envision their roles in shaping the future.

• Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg, PA experience four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are relatively cold. Be sure to check the forecast before travelling and pack accordingly.
• All the sites visited are home to a variety of events and celebrations. Keep this in mind when selecting your travel dates as you might be able to witness reenactments, memorials, or festivals. At the same time, traveling during the off season allows for ease of movement and more time at each stop.

• Travel time to and from different parts of the country may modify these itineraries.
• Itineraries are fully customizable.
• Flexible payment plans are available.