History on the East Coast

Day 1: Touchdown in Boston 

Welcome to America! Your American history on the East Coast school tour begins at the airport, where you’ll be greeted by your Adventure Leaders. They’ll help you transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll get settled in and refreshed. After, your Leaders will bring you together for a trip briefing. They’ll talk you through plans for the next 10 days, give you advice on adapting to American culture, and teach you how to stay safe while travelling.  

Day 2: Tea Parties & Trails  

After a bright and early breakfast, students are off to a firm favourite of TLA’s – the Boston Tea Party and Ships Museum. You’ll get the opportunity to recreate the historic moment of throwing the tea in the harbour, in protest of the taxes levied by the British.  

Then, stretch your sea legs with a walking tour that follows the historic Freedom Trail around the city. Learn all about the revolutionary landmarks as you go, with special stops made at Boston Common, Park Street Church, and the Granary Burying Ground.  

This evening you’ll be stopping for dinner, before you take a tour of Fenway Park – home of the Boston Red Sox!  

Day 3: Art History 

Today, we’re headed to another fan favourite – the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. This beautiful institute houses significant examples of European, Asian and American art. It was once the site of one of the largest heists in history!  

After lunch, it’s time to get into an Empire State of Mind, because we’re boarding a train bound for New York! Once we’ve arrived in our second base, students can spend some time exploring the famous Times Square. It’s known as the ‘crossroads of the world’ for a reason!  

Day 4: New York, New York 

For your first full day in New York, you’re off after breakfast to explore an iconic institution – the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You’ll have the morning to explore the vast collection. See how many of the two million works the Met houses you can tick off!  

After lunch, you’ll pay a visit to the World Trade Center. You’ll see how New York built back stronger following the 9/11 terror attacks, with a visit to the Observatory at the top of the Freedom Tower. Then, head next door to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, where you can reflect on the tragic events.  

For dinner, we’re taking you for a New York speciality – pizza! You’ll head over the Brooklyn Bridge to Gemaldi’s, one of the best joints in town. Then, explore a little of DUMBO on foot before you head back towards the city skyline.  

Day 5: Harlem Tour 

Today marks the halfway point of your American history on the East Coast school tour! This morning’s activities are our most high-octane yet! After breakfast, board a jetboat (aptly named The Beast) which will take you on an adventure out into New York Harbour. You’ll even get the best views of the Statue of Liberty from the water.  

After lunch, we’re heading into Harlem, because we’re meeting a born-and-raised local guide. Your guide will take us on a walking tour of the neighbourhood, explaining the cultural importance the area has to American history. They’ll also tell students about some of the key figures from Harlem, including Malcolm X., Dr. Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.  

Day 6: From Finance to Philly  

We’re heading into the home of the US financial market this morning, as we tour Wall Street. We’ll be guided around the Fi-Di (Financial District) in lower Manhattan – don’t forget to stop for a photo next to the famous charging bull statue!  

Once we’ve had lunch, it’s time to jump on a coach to take us to our next destination – Philadelphia!  

Day 7: Liberty & Independence 

Our full day in your third US base kicks off with a trip to the Independence National Historical Park. Here, students will explore the many local sites associated with the American Revolution, gaining key insights into the development of the USA.  

After that, you can get up close and personal with the Liberty Bell, an iconic image of Philadelphia. This bell used to chime in the nearby tower of Independence Hall, and still stands today as a symbol of American freedom and liberty.  

A quick stop for lunch, and then students will get to grips with the surprising story of the American Revolution and its enduring legacy. They’ll hear from experts at the Museum of the American Revolution.  

However, no visit is complete without an attempt to recreate the famous Rocky scene. As you head past the Philadelphia Art Museum, follow in Sly Stallone’s footsteps and run up the stairs!  

Day 8: The Capital  

We’re off to the final stop on our history school trip to America – Washington D.C.!  

Arriving just in time for lunch, we’ll head to Arlington National Cemetery to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier. You can then continue your exploration of America’s largest military cemetery, including a visit to the grave of President John F. Kennedy.  

Then, for dinner, let’s enjoy a bowl of chilli at the same place Obama does! We’ll take you to Ben’s Chili Bowl, which has been a staple in the local DC community since it opened in 1958. 

Day 9: Walking in Washington 

Make sure you’ve got your shoes laced up today, because we’re exploring the Capital! We’ll start the morning off with a visit to the stunning Library of Congress, the oldest federal cultural institution in America. Students will also learn more about American political history with a visit to the United States Capitol. You’ll see the buildings and grounds of Congress, learning all about the area’s rich history. 

We’ll then explore one of DC’s most beloved museums, the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This fascinating institute is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. 

A quick stop for lunch, and then it’s back on your feet to head to the National Mall. Students will stop by the Washington Monument, a 170m tall obelisk which was once the tallest building in the world. Head past the reflecting pools to the Lincoln Memorial, a huge building complete with a statue of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. This Memorial was the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. You can also visit the Martin Luther King Memorial not far from there, which is especially beautiful during cherry-blossom season.  

Following your final dinner this evening, there’ll be an opportunity to have a reflection session. This provides a chance for students to digest all that they’ve learned on their trip and reflect on the fun they’ve had.  

Day 10: Farewell 

Sadly, this morning marks the end of your American history on the East Coast tour. However, as you settle back in your seat ready to return home, we hope you’re heading home with a suitcase full of transformative experiences.