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United States

Washington, DC: Beyond Capitol Hill — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Explore all Washington D.C. has to offer through visiting historic landmarks, eating at iconic restaurants and learning about the people who live in this unique and historic community. Deepen your understanding about our nation’s history and socio-political climate. Learn about current and historical political and cultural movements and the ways DC embodies the American experience.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 5-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Arrive in Washington DC

Arrive in Washington D.C. and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the area. In the afternoon, visit the National Mall and visit the monuments for Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and Dr. King, and discuss the life and legacies of these famous figures. Pass by the memorials to the Vietnam and Korean Wars, and head to dinner with your group, a reflective discussion with your Program Leaders, and good night’s sleep after your Travel Day. Flight Details: TBD Overnight: Hotel or Hostel, Washington DC
2

Museums and the Sights

Experience important contemporary museums like the African American History Museum, to learn about the historical and current context of American culture and politics. See the White House, Capitol Building, and Supreme Court as you move through the city, learning about the history and culture of the city. In the evening, catch a Nationals game (if it’s a game day!) or head to dinner and catch a local show. The city lights up at night, and it’s a beautiful time to see this bustling place so quiet at night. Overnight: Hotel or Hostel, Washington DC
3 and 4

Arlington, Smithsonian and the Holocaust Museum

Visit the Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for solemn reflection time on what it means to build a nation. Try local food for lunch at a favorite restaurant. Visit the Smithsonian Museums of Natural and American History and the Holocaust Museum. Spend your last night having dinner with your group and reflecting on what you’ve learned. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home. Overnight: Hotel or Hostel, Washington DC
5

Return home

Pack your bags before heading back home. Depending on the time of your departing flight, we could visit the Iwo Jima monument and the Air and Space Museum for a final glimpse of what DC has to offer. Your Program Leaders will say goodbye as you reflect on your adventure with your group.

Total: 5 calendar days / 4 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

United States

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
United States offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

United States Americas Critical Issues
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