Sightseeing Tours

Friday, August 26

REGISTRATION FEE: $35 per tour

Tour 1: Black History in Washington, DC – 8:00AM – 12:00PM

Black history has deep roots in Washington, DC and the team at Historic America is excited to guide you through this interactive lesson. Start off with a walk down U Street NW, which was once known as “Black Broadway” thanks to the musical legends who performed in the neighborhood. As you stroll down U Street NW you’ll visit African American Civil War Memorial, which honors the sacrifices of Black troops who fought in the Civil War. Next, head over to the Anacostia Community Museum to learn about the collective power and diversity of Black communities. Round out your experience with a stop at the residence of one of the most prominent Black leaders of the 19th century, Frederick Douglass. The National Historic Site is known as Cedar Hill. At the conclusion of this tour, we will provide two drop off point options. For those looking to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, we will secure admission for you and drop you to explore this stunning Smithsonian Museum. For all others we will be offering final drop off at the Washington Hilton.

Please Note: Be sure to have a mask with you to respect the requirements of our various stops, water will be provided and dress code is smart casual. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Tour 2: Taking the National Stage – 8:00AM – 12:00PM

Explore DC’s performing arts scene. Sit down with folks from the U.S. Army Band to talk through the unique experiences they can create for your groups. Then get a guided tour of Arena Stage, the birthplace of pre-Broadway hits such as Dear Evan Hansen. And finally, it’s time to head over to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for a tour of the wondrous campus, which includes the REACH.

Please Note: Be sure to have a mask with you to respect the requirements of our various stops, water will be provided and dress code is smart casual. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Tour 3: Arlington, Virginia Tour – 12:00PM – 4:00PM

Arlington County is home to hundreds of historic sites, cultural attractions, and overall enriching experiences, making it the perfect place to keep students busy and learning. At Arlington National Cemetery students can visit and honor the gravesites of U.S. presidents and other famous Americans, discover Arlington’s rich history, take in scenic grounds, and make a stop at the newly reopened Arlington House. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum offers an interactive learning environment filled with interactive exhibits and diverse, personal stories that underscore the DEA’s commitment to keeping Americans safe. Lastly, at the Military Women’s Memorial, students can learn through their various exhibits, world-class collections and innovative programs honoring the commitment, contributions and experiences of every woman who serves in the Armed Forces. Overall, Arlington County has no shortage of exciting attractions and activities for students of all ages to create long lasting memories.

Please Note: Be sure to have a mask with you to respect the requirements of our various stops, water will be provided and dress code is smart casual. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Be sure to bring photo ID for this tour in order to enter Arlington National Cemetery. This tour will include a fair amount of walking so please dress accordingly.

Tour 4: Hidden Historical Oasis – 12:00PM – 4:00PM

Join this tour to get an insider look at homes of influential figures, including former presidents of the United States. Explore the expansive home of Marjorie Merriweather Post at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, including acres of gorgeously kept gardens and the mansion that became a museum. Visit Tudor Place, home to six generations of Martha Washington’s descendants and the largest Washington collection outside of Mount Vernon! President Lincoln’s Cottage will also welcome you to Honest Abe’s DC home, where he developed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Please Note: Be sure to have a mask with you to respect the requirements of our various stops, water will be provided and dress code is smart casual. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Tour 5: Super Spy Wordsmith – 12:00PM – 4:00PM

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to visit two of DC’s coolest museums! On this tour, step into the shoes of an undercover agent at the International Spy Museum, where you will also hear stories from former spies and see stunning artifacts. Then, test your language skills at the fully interactive Planet Word. Discover hidden gems like a secret door to a hidden reading room.

Please Note: Be sure to have a mask with you to respect the requirements of our various stops, water will be provided and dress code is smart casual. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Tour 6: STEM into DC – 12:00PM – 4:00PM

Hear from the National Park Service and their partners about the many unique offerings the organization has in DC for the STEM-minded. Next head into the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to explore their student focused programming that immerses students in the natural world. End the day at the crossroads of art, science and technology at ARTECHOUSE, an interactive art experience.

Please Note: Be sure to have a mask with you to respect the requirements of our various stops, water will be provided and dress code is smart casual. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

FAM Tours

All-Star Student Tour of Northern Virginia (Tour Operators Only)
Hosted by: Northern Virginia Tourism Partnership
Tuesday, August 23 – Thursday, August 25

Click here for the itinerary.

Adventure across the Potomac and explore Northern Virginia with stops in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William. Discover student-friendly experiences including fresh new evening activities, interactive historic programs, and high-quality dining options. You will get to stroll the cobblestone streets in historic Alexandria, get hands-on in the experiential learning center at the new Museum of the United States Army, and enjoy a tour through the years at the newly re-opened DEA Museum. Having a little fun, we’ll blow of some steam while knocking the pins down at Uptown Alley and blast through the arcade with laser (tag) precision at The Zone. Play, learn, and dine your way through Northern Virginia!

Visit Williamsburg (Tour Operators Only)
Hosted by: Visit Williamsburg
Tuesday, August 23 – Friday, August 26

In Williamsburg, life moves at one pace: yours. Dip your kayak paddle into the waters of a peaceful river. Shop at a local boutique. Get your thrills at a theme park. Or enjoy a fascinating glimpse into American history. Indulge in farm-to-table freshness, craft beverages, colonial taverns, and more. Find out why the readers of Travel + Leisure named Williamsburg the “Best Small Town in the South.”

Gettysburg Rediscovered (Tour Operators Only)
Hosted by: Destination Gettysburg
Tuesday, August 30 – Thursday, September 1

Click here for the itinerary.

See history come to life in one of America’s top student destinations. Learn how a trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, can be not only educational and engaging, but fun and memorable for students of all ages. Experience interactive history and hands-on activities with new and unique museums, tours and entertainment that will show you why student groups return year after year. You’ll get a peek inside some of the historic town’s newest attractions, and special previews of two locations set to open in later 2022 and 2023.

Add Tours to Your Registration

You may add tours to your existing registration at any time by:

1. Click Here
2. Log in with the following credentials:
   • Email Address (used on your registration)
   • Registrant ID (located on your registration confirmation email). You do not need to enter in your confirmation ID.
3. Click the ADD OPTION button

If you have any questions, please contact us at 703-610-1263 or registration@syta.org.