Tour of Gettysburg, Washington D.C., Monticello & Williamsburg
An Immersive Journey Through American History, Civics & Culture
Day 1: Conflict, Courage, and the Turning Points of the Civil War
The journey starts at the airport, where your student tour group meets our local tour guide before traveling by private coach to Gettysburg. You will begin at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, watching the film "A New Birth of Freedom", viewing the Gettysburg Cyclorama, and exploring Civil War artifacts. In the afternoon, a licensed guide leads your group through the battlefield, analyzing military strategies and monuments. After dinner in Gettysburg, you'll head to a student friendly hotel near Washington D.C. for a restful night.
Day 4: Governance, Legislative Foundations, and Physics in Motion
This morning, your student tour group will check out of the D.C. hotel and meet the guide for a masterclass in American governance at the U.S. Capitol. You'll watch the orientation film "Out of Many, One," and explore the legislative process through the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall. If time allows, you may visit the Supreme Court and Library of Congress. After lunch at Union Station, your group heads to Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia, to experience over 60 rides, combining fun with lessons in physics and team building. The day concludes with dinner at the park and an check-in at the English Inn in Charlottesville.
Day 2: Hallowed Grounds, Financial Systems, and Global Human Rights
After breakfast, your student tour group meets our Washington D.C. tour guide for a day focused on honor and civic responsibility. You will visit Arlington National Cemetery to pay respects at the JFK Eternal Flame, explore the Space Shuttle Memorials, and watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later, students learn about U.S. currency at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and reflect on ethics at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The day ends with dinner at Bugsy's Pizza in Old Town Alexandria before returning to the hotel.
Day 5: The Paradox of Liberty & First Early Encounters
The day begins with a scenic drive to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's neoclassical estate. During the guided student tour, your group will explore Jefferson's contributions and the complexities of his legacy as a slave owner. After a historic lunch at Michie Tavern, the group visits the Jamestown Settlement to learn about early American culture through exhibits and outdoor activities. The day ends with a pizza party at the hotel and an engaging Colonials Tour, where students uncover local folklore and traditions before returning safely at night.
Day 3: The Charters of Freedom & The Modern National Mall
Day three begins with a visit to the White House area grounds with your guide for a photo opportunity, followed by an exploration of African American history at the Smithsonian National Museum. Students then view foundational documents at the National Archives, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. In the afternoon, you'll engage in independent learning at various National Mall museums before enjoying a guided evening walking tour from the Jefferson Memorial to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial before heading back to your hotel.
Day 6: Living History & Pre-Revolutionary Legacies
On the last morning, you'll leave the 21st century for the 1700s at Williamsburg. Your group will explore the area, tour the Mansion, engage with costumed interpreters, and watch reenactments while observing artisans at work. This immersive experience highlights pre-revolutionary America's political and landscape. In the afternoon, you'll head to Richmond International Airport to catch your flight home, enriched with insights into the foundational forces of the United States.
Why Educators Trust LS Tours: The All-Inclusive Student Tour Package
We handle every detail so teachers can focus entirely on their students. This educational package includes:
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Seamless Transportation: Round-trip airfare and private motor coach transportation throughout the entire journey.
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Expert Guiding: Professional, licensed local guides in Gettysburg and Washington D.C. providing historical context.
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Safety First: Dedicated night security personnel monitoring hotel hallways for 6 hours each evening for most hotels (except for the night in Charlottesville).
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Curriculum Admissions: Pre-arranged admission fees, advance tickets, and museum reservations for all scheduled stops.
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Worry-Free Logistics: 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners, all driver and restaurant gratuities, and comprehensive travel insurance for every participant.
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Teacher Perks: Complimentary tour packages for school chaperones and staff members.