Immaculate Conception 8th Grade Class Trip to Washington, DC

Program Dates: March 30 - April 2, 2027

Scroll down for day-by-day activities!

Day by Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Washington, D.C. – Monuments & Memorials

Your journey begins this morning with a flight from Boston Logan International Airport to Washington, D.C.! Upon arrival, meet your local Program Director and board your private motorcoach for an introductory sightseeing tour of our nation's capital. Enjoy a boxed lunch along the way as you get your first glimpse of Washington's iconic landmarks.

Spend the afternoon exploring some of the city's most significant monuments and memorials, including the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where you'll have the opportunity to participate in a name-rubbing activity.

Later, check into your hotel and freshen up and enjoy a pizza dinner at the hotel. After dinner, enjoy a photo stop outside the White House, followed by a guided evening walking tour of the surrounding neighborhood, learning about its history, architecture, and significance.

Day 2: American Government, History & Faith

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol Building, where you'll learn about the legislative branch of government and the history of this iconic building. Afterward, gather for a group photo at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, overlooking the Capitol grounds.

Continue to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for a powerful and educational two-hour visit exploring the history of the Holocaust and the importance of remembrance, tolerance, and human rights.

In the afternoon, experience Washington's Metro system as you travel to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, one of the largest Catholic churches in the world. Enjoy a guided tour of its magnificent architecture, chapels, and sacred artwork before attending the 5:15 PM Mass.

Following Mass, board your private motorcoach for a short drive to historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Enjoy dinner in this charming waterfront community before setting out on an entertaining evening ghost tour, discovering local legends and stories from Alexandria's past. Return to your hotel by motorcoach.

Day 3: Honoring Our Nation's History

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking the Metro to Arlington National Cemetery, one of the nation's most important places of remembrance. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, President John F. Kennedy's gravesite, and other memorials honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Afterward, return to Washington by Metro and enjoy lunch at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Spend the next two hours exploring its fascinating exhibits, from dinosaurs and ancient fossils to gems, minerals, and the natural world.

Later, visit The People's House: A White House Experience, an interactive museum offering a behind-the-scenes look at the White House, the presidency, and life inside America's most famous residence.

Continue to Ford's Theatre, where you'll learn about President Abraham Lincoln, his assassination, and the lasting impact of this pivotal moment in American history.

This evening, board your private motorcoach for another memorable tour of Washington's illuminated monuments and memorials. Experience the capital after dark, including a special stop at the Lincoln Memorial, where you'll take in the impressive views of the National Mall and Reflecting Pool.

Day 4: Mount Vernon, the National Zoo & Return Home

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and board your private motorcoach for a visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, the historic home of America's first president. Explore the estate and grounds while learning about Washington's life, leadership, and the people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon, including those who were enslaved there.

Following lunch, return to Washington for a visit to the Smithsonian National Zoo, home to hundreds of animal species from around the world. Enjoy time exploring the exhibits and learning about wildlife conservation and the zoo's efforts to protect endangered species.

Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Boston, bringing home new memories and a deeper understanding of American history, government, and culture.