Trip Highlights

Washington, DC, Gettysburg, Lancaster and Philadelphia: Key Highlights

Explore the nation’s capital, walk the historic grounds of Gettysburg, experience Amish country in Lancaster, and visit Philadelphia’s iconic landmarks. This journey blends history, culture, and storytelling into an unforgettable adventure.
Fords

Ford’s Theatre

Follow Lincoln’s final hours with a tour of the theatre and the boarding house where he died.

monuments and memorials

Evening Memorial Tour (Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial)

Pay tribute at the Lincoln Memorial, then continue to the solemn walls of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the haunting figures at the Korean War Veterans Memorial—three powerful sites honoring sacrifice, service, and the fight for freedom.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall

Step inside the birthplace of American democracy, where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the US Constitution was drafted.

The Amish Experience

The Amish Experience

Discover the Amish way of life by touring an Amish home and schoolhouse, and watching the interactive presentation Jacob’s Choice.

Washington, DC, Gettysburg, Lancaster, Hersey, Philadelphia and New York City
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Washington, DC, Gettysburg, Lancaster and Philadelphia: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrive in Washington, DC

Arrive in Washington, DC

Stop 1: Arrive in Washington, DC


Stop 2: U.S. Capitol

On a guided tour of the iconic U.S. Capitol, discover American history and politics, learn how Congress operates, and how laws are made.


Stop 3: Library of Congress Photo Stop

Take a photo stop at the world’s largest library.


Stop 4: U.S. Supreme Court Photo Stop

Take a photo stop at the nation’s most recognized courthouse.


Stop 5: National Archives

See the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other founding documents up close and in person.


Stop 6: Smithsonian American History Museum

From the Star-Spangled Banner to pop culture icons, explore the objects that shaped the nation.

Stop 7: Holocaust Memorial Museum

This deeply moving museum explores the Holocaust through stories of courage, tragedy, and survival.


Stop 8: Lincoln Memorial

At Lincoln’s statue, take time to reflect on leadership, freedom, and civil rights. Stand where MLK stood the day he gave the “I have a Dream” speech, read the Gettysburg Address, and more.


Stop 9: Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Walk along the polished black granite walls of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, each etched with the names of more than 58,000 service members killed in action, or still missing in action.


Stop 10: Korean War Veterans Memorial

Walk among life-size statues of soldiers and polished walls etched with names, reflecting on the bravery and sacrifice of Korean War veterans.


Stop 11: Overnight in Washington, DC

Mount Vernon Arlington National Cemetery Depart via motorcoach for Lancaster, PA Independence Hall

Comprehensive Travel Packages, No Surprises

Transparent pricing and inclusive planning mean accommodations, meals, activities, and safety are all taken care of.

Included:

  • Transportation
  • Lodging
  • Meals
  • Guide
  • Insurance
  • Overnight Security

Add-Ons:

  • Wreath Laying
  • Souvenir Photo
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Real Reviews

By Real Teachers and Parents

Rated 9.75/10 by educators nationwide — directly from Post Tour Surveys

I’d say in the 24 years we have done this trip, this is one of the best which aggravates me it took us this long to find such great service and price which is important to me.

Independent School Teacher from Nebraska / Washington, DC and Gettysburg Tour
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Trip went very well. The itinerary gave us lots of time to see what we wanted to see. We were not rushed. Our account rep did a great job keeping me informed. I’d say in the 24 years we have done this trip, this is one of the best which aggravates me it took us this long to find such great service and price which is important to me. Thanks for the great trip.

Independent School Teacher from Nebraska / Washington, DC and Gettysburg Tour

Thank you NationsClassroom for making it a memorable and insightful trip. Great food options, and very nice hotels.

Parent from California / Historic East Coast Tour
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My son and I participated on a 7-day trip to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Hershey Park, and New York City. So much history and many things to peak the interest of my son and I. We had 109 kids in our group and felt manageable. Thank you NationsClassroom for making it a memorable and insightful trip. Great food options, and very nice hotels.

Parent from California / Historic East Coast Tour
Nations Classroom Tours

My 15th phenomenal trip with an amazing company and even better people.

Public Middle School Teacher from California / Historic East Coast Tour
Nations Classroom Tours

Our tour guide was so thorough, and we learned so much about every place we visited. I wouldn’t take on our Nation’s Capital any other way.

Parent from Kentucky / Washington, DC and Gettysburg Tour
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My daughter attended the 8th grade trip to Gettysburg and Washington, D.C., and I also attended as a teacher chaperone. Both of us had an amazing time. Our tour guide was so thorough, and we learned so much about every place we visited. The tour was very well organized, and I wouldn’t have to travel and take on our Nation’s Capital any other way.

Parent from Kentucky / Washington, DC and Gettysburg Tour

My son could not stop talking about his experience in Washington DC. I’m sure he will talk about it for years to come. He said it was one of the best trips he has been on.

Parent from Iowa / Washington, DC Tour, teacher
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My son could not stop talking about his experience in Washington DC. I’m sure he will talk about it for years to come. He said it was one of the best trips he has been on. He had nothing but praise for the guides and bus drivers. The trip was a great way to see so many things in Washington DC.

Parent from Iowa / Washington, DC Tour
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The Most Frequently Asked Questions for Teachers and Parents

We’re Here to Help You Feel Confident Every Step of the Way

Clear answers, helpful guidance, and the support you need — whether you’re leading a trip or preparing your child for travel with NationsClassroom.

We recommend starting a minimum of 9–12 months in advance for domestic travel and 12-18 months in advance for international travel to secure your preferred dates, hotels, and guides. However, our team can customize itineraries on a faster timeline when needed.

Absolutely. Every trip we design is built around your educational goals.

You book the Parent Night and Help with the Rooming List – we do the rest.

Safety is our top priority. We work only with certified motorcoach companies and name brand hotels in safe areas, our guides tour support have are all background-checked, we have private security on each floor of each hotel at night and our Tour Central is constantly proactively monitoring traffic, weather and world events.

We’re committed to transparent, reasonable pricing with no hidden fees. Parents can pay securely online with our EZPAY program and choose from flexible payment plans or fundraising support options to make travel simple and accessible for every family.

Pre-tour, we provide detailed information on a custom web page, lead parent nights and provide real-time updates via email. On tour – you can always reach a US based human 247 and we proactively communicate with parents via email and phone as needed.