Explore America’s History Through Immersive Student Tours
You’ve read the textbook stories, now it’s time to step into the very places where they were written, to walk in the footsteps of monumental figures and experience firsthand how their legacies continue to shape our lives today.
Stand where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, journey along Boston’s Freedom Trail, or take a seat in a full-size replica of the Oval Office for a taste of presidential power. Wherever your path leads, you’ll return home with a deeper understanding of the stories that built our nation and a renewed appreciation for how far we’ve come.
As students reflect on the leaders and changemakers of the past, they’ll also be inspired to see the role they can play in shaping history today.
Washington DC
Arlington National Cemetery - The resting place of over 400,000 members of the U.S. military. Witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier!
- The U.S. Capitol - A National landmark for American democracy, the meeting place of the US Congress.
- The Holocaust Memorial - A must-see experience honoring the lives lost during the worlds largest genocide.
- The Smithsonian Museums - A collection of world-class museums highlighting American history, culture, and heritage.
- The People’s House - A white house experience with full-size replicas and tech innovations.
- Monuments at the National Mall - See the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and more iconic landmarks (it’s even more amazing at night!)
- Army Museum - Located just outside of Washington D.C, it tells the complete story of the U.S. Army from its origins in 1775 to the present.
Boston
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The Freedom Trail - A 2.5-mile path connecting 16 revolutionary landmarks.
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Boston Common – America’s oldest public park, starting point of Freedom Trail with beautiful walking paths and swan boats.
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Massachusetts State House – Iconic gold dome and seat of the state government.
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Faneuil Hall – Once a site of revolutionary debate, now a bustling marketplace with shops, food stalls, and street performers.
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Paul Revere House – The oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston.
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Old North Church – Site of the famous “One if by land, two if by sea” signal.
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Old South Meeting House Where colonists planned the Boston Tea Party.
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Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum - Board historic ships and experience the night that ignited the American Revolution through interactive exhibits and live reenactments.
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Granary Burying Ground – Resting place of Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and other Revolutionary figures.
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Fenway Park - America’s oldest Major League Baseball stadium, home of the Red Sox.
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Bunker Hill Monument - Where one of the first major battles of the American Revolution took place in 1775.
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USS Constitution – The world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat.
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Plimoth Patuxat Museum - Experience early America with costumed interpreters and a full-scale replica of the original Mayflower ship.
Chicago
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The Field Museum - World-renowned Museum of Natural History and home to SUE, the most complete T-Rex skeleton ever discovered!
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Pullman National Historic Park - Exhibits on labor and civil rights history
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Navy Pier - Now a hub for activities, food, and entertainment, it previously served as a shipping facility, a military base, and a university campus.
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Chicago Union Station - One of the last grand train stations still operating in the United States, and its gorgeous architecture makes it the perfect photo spot.
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Chicago History Museum - Features artifacts, documents, and images covering the city's history- including Abraham Lincoln's death bed.
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DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center - Celebrates the achievements, culture, and history of African Americans through powerful exhibits.
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Chicago Water Tower & Pumping Station – One of the few structures to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
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Independence Hall - The historic meeting hall where the Declaration of Independence was debated, and the Constitution was signed by our nation's founders.
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The Liberty Bell - An iconic historical symbol of America's independence, silent since it cracked in 1846.
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Betsy Ross House - The site believed to be where Betsy Ross stitched the very first American flag.
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Elfreth's Alley - Dating all the way back to 1703, it's one of America's oldest residential streets with historic homes still inhabited.
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Christ Church - The resting place of Benjamin Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration of Independence.
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Valley Forge - The site of the Continental Army’s winter encampment during the American Revolution.
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Eastern State Penitentiary - Established in 1829, it's the world's first true penitentiary, famous for implementing solitary confinement.
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Museum of the American Revolution -Explores the nation’s founding through artifacts, immersive exhibits, and stories of the Revolution.
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Franklin Court - Historic site honoring Benjamin Franklin, featuring a museum, print shop, and archaeological remains of his home.
Signature Event
USA250
Join Us in Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence!
In 2026, Philadelphia will be the ultimate destination for students exploring American history, civic engagement, and cultural heritage. To celebrate this monumental achievement, the city will host a number of special events, exhibits, and interactive experiences that bring history to life.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Experiential Learning
About Our Tours
Educational Value
At CTS, we believe the best learning happens when students experience history where it unfolded.
Our historical student tours turn lessons from the page into moments that last a lifetime — whether standing where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared his dream, exploring the halls of Congress, or walking the Freedom Trail in Boston.
Each tour is designed to deepen students’ understanding of our nation’s story, connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences, and inspire them to see their own role in shaping the future.
Who We Serve
We proudly partner with educators, schools, and youth organizations nationwide to make history come alive for students of all ages.
From middle school social studies trips to high school government and civics programs, our tours are thoughtfully curated to match curriculum goals and student interests.
CTS takes care of every detail, so teachers can focus on what matters most: helping their students learn, explore, and grow.
What's Included
Every CTS Historical Student Tour includes comprehensive planning and support from start to finish. Our packages feature:
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Round-trip transportation (motorcoach or air)
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Quality hotel accommodations with nightly security
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All meals and gratuities
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Entrance fees and guided experiences
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Flexible, educator-approved itineraries
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24/7 on-tour staff support for peace of mind
With CTS, you can trust that every tour is educational, enriching, and worry-free.