Since 1967 we've been creating expertly planned school tours - helping groups get more from their time away...
Art & Design school trips to Washington DC
The nation’s capital offers art and design opportunities that can arguably rival the galleries and museums of New York City. The Smithsonian Institution contains some of the world’s greatest works of art spread across a number of themed museums and sculpture gardens.

- Itinerary
- Visits
- Accommodation
- Eating Out
- Support
- Resources

You’ll find our most popular itinerary choice(s) below, but we can tailor-make yours from scratch to meet your exact requirements…
Washington DC - 6 days from £829pp*
Travelling on selected dates in Feb 2014. Price includes return flights (all taxes & charges included), airport transfers in resort, 4 nights' room-only accommodation, extensive group travel insurance and a generous free place ratio of 1 in 10
And then add our most popular itinerary package below for £34pp
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| *Prices shown based on 25 paying passengers departing from a London airport & are subject to availability. Flight supplements may apply. Entrance fees for some of the visits featured may be payable locally, but are included in the price shown. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our most popular visits in Washington DC for Art & Design school trips
Here are some of our most popular visits in Washington DC for Art & Design groups. We can tailor-make an itinerary to your exact needs. Call 0845 688 8988 to create your itinerary from scratch today.
Galleries & Museums
National Gallery of Art
A huge collection of Old Masters makes the National Gallery a must-see. Works by Rembrandt, Botticelli and Titian are on display along with the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas.
National Portrait Gallery
The portraits of Presidents and notable Americans are on permanent display. Works such as the “Lansdowne” portrait of George Washington are among its many highlights.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Covering a wide variety of themes and movements of American Art with notable works by O’Keefe, Hopper and Homer.
Hirshorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Located beside the National Mall, the striking museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and focuses on contemporary and modern art from the last 50 years.
Corcoran Gallery of Art
With a mission to be “dedicated to art and used solely for the purpose of encouraging the American genius”, the museum is the largest privately supported cultural institution in Washington DC and focuses on American Art.
Up & Coming Exhibitions
Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art
25th October 2013 – 2nd March 2014, Smithsonian American Art Museum
Considers the contributions of Latino artists to American art and culture.
Damage Control: Art & Destruction Since 1950
24th October 2013 – 9th February 2014, Hirshorn Museum
Explores the theme of destruction in contemporary visual culture.
Infinite Place: The Ceramic Art of Wayne Higby
4th October 2013 – 12th January 2014, Smithsonian American Art Museum
Work ranging from vessel forms and sculpture to architectural installations.
More Washington DC Experiences
Guided Walking Tour - Historical Sites
Half day tour with a local guide covering all the major historical sites and monuments including Jefferson Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and The White House (exterior).
National Air & Space Museum
Housing the world’s largest collection of historic air and space craft. The Air and Space Museum is one of Washington’s most visited museums.
National Museum of American History
Traces the country’s development in an entertaining and light-hearted manner.
Below, you'll find some of our most popular accommodation options for school groups.
This is just a sample of our full range, so for full details of all properties available, please call 0845 688 8988 to speak to one of our Educational Travel Advisors today.
West Side YMCAThis hostel offers basic accommodation in an unbeatable location. The leisure facilities are used by residents and locals alike.

West Side YMCA
This large youth hostel offers good value for money and excellent facilities in a nice location. Management staff have comprehensive knowledge of group requirements.

Address5 West 63rd Street | Local Rating |
Capacity548 rooms over 3 floors. |

Location Information
Situated in an excellent Upper West Side location opposite Central Park, the West Side YMCA is approximately 5 minutes’ walk north of Columbus Circle (subway lines A,C,E,1,2,3, B, D and Q on 59th Street) and Times Square is also nearby.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour reception
- 24-hour security
- Tourist information desk
- Lounge area
- 2 Indoor swimming pools
- Health club / Gymnasium
- Racquetball, handball and squash courts
- Shop
- Juice bars on the 3rd & 6th floors
- Drinks machines
- Public phones on each floor
- Safety deposit boxes
- 4 Lifts
- Disabled facilities: There is 1 specially adapted room for disabled/wheelchair guests
- Luggage storage charge (payable locally) for groups that wish to store luggage after check out
Student Rooms
- Twin bedded rooms (bunk beds)
- Communal male and female shower and toilet facilities on each floor
- Closet
- TV
- Air conditioning
Staff Rooms
- Twins/singles (bunk beds)
- Communal male and female shower and toilet facilities on each floor
- Closet
- TV
- Air conditioning
Safety Guidance
The hotel conforms to all local standards, which does not require windows to have restricted opening or plate glass windows/patio doors to have anti-collision motifs to ensure that people are aware glass is present. Group leaders are advised to consider this in their risk assessments/group management plan and ensure appropriate control measures are put in place.

Comfort Inn DowntownOne of the smaller hotels in Washington built in a European style (brickwork) with rooms spread over 8 floors.

Comfort Inn Downtown
A friendly, traditional hotel offering a simple level of comfort in a safe environment.

Address1201 13th St. N.W., 20005 | Local Rating |
Capacity100 rooms with a maximum capacity of 280 guests |

Location Information
The hotel is located in a residential area just east of Thomas Circle. The Metro-Rail is only four blocks away from the hotel -Union Station (Red Line Wheaton/Shady Grove), the hotel is less than one mile from the White House, Smithsonian Museums an MCI Arena and within walking distance of the Convention Centre, Verizon Centre sports and entertainment arena, and popular attractions including the National Mall open-area National Park, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial and the George Washington University.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour Reception
- Lift
- Cafe / breakfast room / meeting room
- Public phones
- Vending machines
- Guest laundry service
- Coach parking facilities
- Disabled facilities: This property has accessible rooms for disabled clients
Student Rooms
- 2 king size beds, option to:
- Bed share – 4 students per room
- Individual beds – 2 students per room
- En-suite facilities
- Air conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
- Tea & coffee making facilities
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- En-suite facilities
- Air conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
- Tea & coffee making facilities
Safety Guidance
The hotel conforms to all local standards, which does not require fire doors that self-close. Therefore groups are advised, for additional security, to ensure doors are shut at night.

Capitol Skyline HotelA comfortable, stylish hotel, providing excellent customer service from attentive staff, offering great value and comfort

Capitol Skyline Hotel
A comfortable, spacious hotel offering, a wide range of services within easy access of public transportation and key sights.

Address10 Street Southwest | Local Rating |
Capacity203 luxury rooms over 7 floors, some with views of Capitol building |

Location Information
The Capitol Skyline Hotel is situated in the heart of downtown Washington, within 10 minutes walking distance of the Navy Yard /Waterfront metro station and only few short stops from the US Capitol, National Park Baseball Stadium, Smithsonian museums and restaurants. A complimentary shuttle service is available to and from the metro station and sights.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour Reception
- Conference / meeting room
- Fitness centre
- Outdoor swimming pool (open May-September)
- Bar / lounge
- Gift shop
- Laundry facilities / dry cleaning service
- Luggage storage
- Cash machine
- Disabled facilities: The hotel is fully equipped and has a number of rooms to accommodate disabled guests
Student Rooms
- 2 king size beds, option to:
- Bed share – 4 students per room
- Individual beds – 2 students per room
- En-suite facilities
- Central heating
- Air conditioning
- Internet access
- TV
- Digital safety boxes
- Hairdryers
- Iron & ironing board
- Towels
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- En-suite facilities
- Central heating
- Air conditioning
- Internet access
- TV
- Digital safety boxes
- Hairdryers
- Iron & ironing board
- Towels







