Welcome to Our Nation's Capital City & The City That Never Sleeps!
Washington, D.C. is unlike any other American city. This trip will immerse you in the rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks that define the heart of our democracy. From visiting the majestic monuments to exploring world-class museums, every moment in D.C. promises to be memorable. Get ready to experience the blend of politics, art, and history in a city that tells the story of America. And don’t forget New York City, where the skyline dazzles, Broadway lights up the night, and diverse neighborhoods showcase the vibrant pulse of America.
This excellent hotel in downtown Washington, D.C., is just a few blocks from the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, and many historical monuments.
Chaperone groups will explore required sites and museums, diving into incredible collections and historical spaces together.
Recommended Sites:
National Museum of African American History and Culture | Google Maps
9/11 Pentagon Memorial | Google Maps
Smithsonian Museums
National Museum of American History | Google Maps
National Air and Space Museum | Google Maps
Washington National Cathedral | Google Maps
National Archives | Google Maps
National Portrait Gallery | Google Maps
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site | Google Maps
National Mall | Google Maps
Dinner recommendations will be provided.
Explore Washington, D.C.’s iconic landmarks by riding all along the National Mall and Tidal Basin on this three-hour guided bike tour. See the White House, Washington Monument, Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean War Veteran’s Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial, FDR Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and more!
The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., is a symbol of the American people and our government and the meeting place of the nation's legislature, the U.S. Congress.
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, housing millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts.
Dinner recommendations will be provided.
Visit Arlington National Cemetery, a sacred site of profound significance. Maintained by the United States Army, this hallowed ground is the final resting place for nearly 400,000 individuals across its sprawling 639 acres in Arlington County, Virginia. Witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony.
A wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier symbolizes the nation's eternal gratitude and reverence for unidentified soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
The collections contain more than 12,750 artifacts, 49 million pages of archival documents, 85,000 historical photographs, a list of over 200,000 registered survivors and their families, 1,000 hours of archival footage, 93,000 library items, and 9,000 oral history testimonies.
Dinner recommendations will be provided.
Gather as a full group to catch a live game, performance, or comedy show right here in Washington, D.C. — we'll let you know what's happening this season and seize the moment!
Recommended Options:
Washington Nationals Baseball Game
Washington Wizards Basketball Game
Washington Capitals Hockey Game
Musical Performance at The National Theatre
Embark on a memorable day trip from DC to Gettysburg to learn about one of the most significant battles in American history. Enjoy a private tour of the battlefield with a certified guide, where you can witness firsthand the sites and stories of this pivotal moment in the nation's past.
Additional excursion options include:
Old Town Alexandria
The Naval Academy
Philadelphia
Chaperone groups will explore required sites and museums, diving into incredible collections and historical spaces together.
Recommended Sites:
National Museum of African American History and Culture | Google Maps
9/11 Pentagon Memorial | Google Maps
Smithsonian Museums
National Museum of American History | Google Maps
National Air and Space Museum | Google Maps
Washington National Cathedral | Google Maps
National Archives | Google Maps
National Portrait Gallery | Google Maps
National Mall | Google Maps
Dinner recommendations will be provided.
After dinner, gather together as a group and enjoy ice cream at the base of the Washington Monument!
Experience a scenic train ride from Washington, D.C. to New York City! The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, offering stunning views of the East Coast. Arriving in NYC, you'll be ready to explore the bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture that awaits you.
Experience the vibrant energy of New York City at a centrally located hotel in the heart of Manhattan. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and convenient amenities, all in a prime location just steps from iconic attractions.
Explore lower Manhattan and Chinatown before biking over the Manhattan Bridge into Brooklyn. Stop for photos in DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park with scenic views of the Manhattan skyline, then venture into Brooklyn Heights for another perspective of the Brooklyn Bridge. Wrap up by riding back over the bridge to Manhattan, learning the history of these iconic spots along the way.
Chaperone groups will explore required sites and museums, diving into incredible collections and historical spaces together.
Recommended Sites:
9/11 Memorial Museum | Google Maps
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem | Google Maps
American Museum of Natural History | Google Maps
National Museum of the American Indian | Google Maps
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum | Google Maps
American Folk Art Museum | Google Maps
Times Square | Google Maps
Rockefeller Center | Google Maps
St. Patrick's Cathedral | Google Maps
Dinner recommendations will be provided.
Board the Statue City Cruises from Battery Park for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. With informative audio guides and flexible cruise options, it's the perfect starting point for your adventure on the water.
Explore the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island, dedicated entirely to the iconic statue. Enjoy interactive exhibits, a stunning 3D model, and breathtaking views in this must-visit destination.
The Museum of the City of New York explores the city's rich history and culture through engaging exhibits and interactive displays. Its unique collections offer insight into New York's diverse neighborhoods and evolution.
Chaperone groups will explore required sites and museums, diving into incredible collections and historical spaces together.
Recommended Sites:
9/11 Memorial Museum | Google Maps
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem | Google Maps
American Museum of Natural History | Google Maps
National Museum of the American Indian | Google Maps
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum | Google Maps
American Folk Art Museum | Google Maps
Times Square | Google Maps
Rockefeller Center | Google Maps
St. Patrick's Cathedral | Google Maps
Dinner recommendations will be provided.
Times Square is a lively landmark known for its dazzling lights and bustling atmosphere. It's a hub for entertainment, dining, and shopping, home to historic Broadway theaters and famous events like New Year's Eve. Vibrant street performances add to its rich cultural diversity.
Discover the streets where Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and other cutting-edge Harlem Renaissance players put American music on the world map. We'll visit Striver's Row, see Harlem staples such as Bill's Place, Sylvia's Restaurant and Apollo Theatre. On Sundays, take a highlight tour with Gospel Experience at a local church.
Join together for a lunch on the lawn of Central Park!
The United Nations Headquarters stands as a powerful symbol of diplomacy and peace. Visitors can explore the remarkable General Assembly Hall and view diverse artworks that reflect global cultures. The headquarters also features beautiful gardens showcasing gifts from member nations, making it a unique destination in New York City.
We recommend grabbing a bite to eat at the airport prior to departure.
Please email us at cate@kairostours.com or call us at 512.596.1642 for more information.
Unlike other student travel companies, Kairos Tours provides complete financial transparency.
Clients receive a detailed line item breakdown of expenses, including all available receipts. We account for every dollar spent. Kairos Tours never marks up an expense or charges a ‘percentage of spend’ fee – keeping all interests aligned.
We don't ask for your budget, we create your budget with you.
All of our trips are fully customizable - this sample itinerary is simply a starting point to give you a sense of what is possible! We are happy to tailor every detail to fit your group’s unique needs, interests, and preferences.
Group travel can be a difficult and frustrating experience. The group is only as fast as the slowest participant, and that is why our clients spend most of their time in Chaperone Groups. These small groups consist of roughly 4-5 students and 2-3 adults, and move much more efficiently (and happily!) through the cities, allowing students to focus on their unique interests. Keeping entire groups together while following a yellow umbrella around cities (‘amoeba style’), creates missed opportunities and makes unfortunate use of valuable time.
The beauty of any school trip is the opportunity for the student to build self-confidence, problem solve, and learn how to navigate in a new environment. The adults are present to help keep students safe, but otherwise should ‘lead from behind’. At Kairos Tours we focus heavily on student leadership and responsibility for their trip experience.
Is there a minimum number of guests required for this trip?
There’s no minimum number of participants required, but please note that the fewer people in the group, the higher the price per person. Larger groups help keep individual costs lower by sharing fixed expenses like transportation and guides.
What information will be provided before the trip?
Each traveler will receive a complete, dynamic itinerary that includes travel logistics, hotel details, tours, entrance information, meeting points, and more—everything you need to feel fully prepared.
Will there be a group meeting before departure?
Yes! We’ll schedule a pre-trip meeting (either in person or via Google Meet) to go over final details, answer questions, and ensure everyone is ready and excited.
Does Kairos Tours provide a Tour Director?
A Tour Director can be arranged to accompany your group upon request. Please note this may affect the overall cost of the trip.
Will the itinerary change from what’s currently listed?
Kairos Tours will make every reasonable effort to provide this trip in accordance with the descriptions provided. Although it is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your reservation or cancel confirmed reservations, we reserve the right to do so should it become necessary or advisable, in our sole discretion. We’ll always prioritize the best possible experience for your group!
Are trip prices guaranteed?
All pricing is based on current estimates and subject to change due to factors like group size, travel dates, currency exchange rates, and seasonal variations.
Are meals included in the trip price?
Lunches and dinners are typically not included in the trip price, allowing for flexibility and the opportunity to explore local dining options. Personal incidentals, such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities, are also the responsibility of each traveler.
What if there are unexpected delays or issues?
Kairos Tours is not responsible for costs or disruptions resulting from circumstances beyond our control, such as flight delays, changes or cancellations, injuries, weather, war, natural disasters, strikes, social discourse, pandemics, etc., and/or other unforeseeable matters.
My name is David Mebane and I am a lifelong traveler that experienced my first international trip as a 2nd grader, and I haven’t stopped since. I founded Fat Tire Tours in Paris, France in 1999 and love showing people around the City of Light. That passion has grown to include other incredible destinations around the globe, and is the genesis for Kairos Tours. I don't know every destination on the globe, but I do know several well, and I love to take people with me to create experiences and memories that last a lifetime.
I live in Austin, Texas with my wife Kelly and our son Weston and daughter Caroline. However, we spend as much time as we can elsewhere since there is nothing better than an adventure with family and friends.
Founded on July 16, 1790, Washington, DC is unique among American cities because it was established by the U.S. Constitution to serve as the national capital. From the start, it was entangled in power, compromise, and conflict. Its location - along the Potomac River - was a political bargain between Northern and Southern leaders: Alexander Hamilton sought federal assumption of state debts, while Thomas Jefferson and his allies pushed for a capital sympathetic to Southern slaveholding interests. President George Washington selected the site, and Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed a grand, ceremonial city inspired by the boulevards of Paris, with the U.S. Capitol at its heart.
New York City, by contrast, was born of commerce. Founded in 1624 by the Dutch as New Amsterdam and seized by the British in 1664, it grew quickly into a major port and cultural crossroads. By the late 18th century, it was the largest city in the young republic and even served briefly as the first U.S. capital. It was here that George Washington took the presidential oath at Federal Hall in 1789. Over the 19th century, New York exploded in population and influence, driven by the Erie Canal, booming industry, and waves of immigration. Ellis Island became the gateway to America, while the Statue of Liberty came to symbolize hope and freedom.
DC’s early history was defined by vulnerability: it was invaded and burned by British forces during the War of 1812. Despite these setbacks, it gradually grew, especially after the Civil War. Slavery was abolished there in 1862, making it a refuge for freed people and a center of Black life, including the home of Frederick Douglass. The expansion of the federal government transformed DC into a city of bureaucracy and diplomacy. The 1901 McMillan Plan extended L’Enfant’s vision, giving us today’s National Mall. Yet full self-governance for its residents remained elusive - Washingtonians only gained the right to vote for president in 1964 and elect a mayor in 1973.
Meanwhile, New York became the nation’s cultural and economic engine. The rise of finance, publishing, and the arts in the early 20th century solidified its global status. Though the city endured hardship - from the Great Depression to racial unrest to the 9/11 attacks - it has always reinvented itself. The Harlem Renaissance, labor movements, civil rights struggles, and LGBTQ+ activism all found a powerful voice in New York. Skyscrapers climbed ever higher, and its boroughs became some of the most diverse urban landscapes in the world.
Today, Washington, DC and New York City stand as twin symbols of American power and promise. DC is the political heart, rich with monuments, civic memory, and a unique local culture shaped by struggle and governance. New York is the cultural soul, pulsing with ambition, diversity, and creativity. Each city offers a chance to encounter the nation’s past, confront its present, and imagine its future - one through the solemn avenues of statecraft, the other through the kinetic energy of everyday life.
