Discover Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. Tours
Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States of America and home to our President, our Congress and our Supreme Court. From the White House to Capitol Hill, you can visit the three branches of our government that maintain the balance of power set forth in our Constitution.
Washington D.C. Overview
Washington D.C. is a city rich in history, culture, and politics. Capitol Hill is the active epicenter of the legislative and judicial branches of government and offers students a chance to step foot into the buildings where major decisions affecting the daily life of the American people are being made on a daily basis. A short distance away the White House is home to the President of the United States, head of the executive branch. D.C. is home to some of the country’s most iconic monuments and landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson Memorial. War memorials such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial honor the brave soldiers who fought for their country, while Arlington National Cemetery is both a memorial and an active cemetery where veterans and those who have died in combat in service to their country are still laid to rest today.
Washington D.C. has a vibrant arts scene that includes world-class theaters, music venues, and art galleries. It’s home to many of the country’s most important cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian museums, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the National Gallery of Art. The magnificent National Cathedral (the 6th largest cathedral in the world!) is one of few examples of Gothic architecture in the U.S. The powerful Holocaust Memorial Museum is a moving tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. Thanks to the Smithsonian Institution, which includes over a dozen museums, galleries and even a zoo, D.C. can provide students with hands-on, interactive exhibits on a wide range of subjects, from natural history and science to art and culture. With so much to see and do in Washington D.C., a student tour with Educational Travel Adventures provides students with an unforgettable educational experience that will enrich their understanding of history, culture, and government.
Capitol Hill
It can be difficult for even the most motivated student to remember what each of those government branches do – which is why we recommend a trip to D.C.! Up on Capitol Hill we help teachers give students the opportunity to see firsthand how their government operates and to understand the impact it has on their daily lives. Sights include the U.S. Capitol Building, The Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress.
The White House
There are few building in the U.S. more internationally recognized than the White House. Gather your students in front of this national symbol to snap a great pic, then head over to the White House Visitor Center, which features many aspects of the White House including architecture, furnishings, first families and social events. Tours of the actual White House are available, but must be planned in advance and scheduled through your Congressperson.
Memorials
Memorials recognize the tireless work of our great leaders and honor the sacrifices made on behalf of the American people. At ETA we know it’s one thing to see a photo of a memorial in a textbook, and quite another to stand in front of a memorial, to sense the cultural weight of an event like a war, or to examine the facial features of a historical figure at the proximity we might examine the face of a friend. We’ll bring your students to experience the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the National Word War ll Memorial and let them stand in front of some of America’s most influential figures at the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and more.
