When Christian educators and administrators plan educational tours for their middle and high school students, one of the most exciting elements is the ideation phase where you can brainstorm different places to go.  With so many options for destinations and activities, narrowing down the choices to suit your goals can be challenging. 

At Forge Tours, our travel specialists enjoy helping school planners decide on the locations and experiences that best fit their vision and students. In this post, we share educational trip ideas to spark ideas for planning an enriching tour. Whether your tour is three or ten days long, memorable journeys await.

Philadelphia: A 3-Day Educational Tour

For those seeking a short yet impactful tour, Philadelphia offers a wealth of historic and faith-oriented sites, all within easy travel distance. This three-day trip balances learning with the exploration of faith in history.

Day 1: The Foundations of Freedom

  • Morning: Travel to Philadelphia.
  • Afternoon: Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Begin with an in-depth look at the birthplace of American independence. 
  • Evening: Museum of the American Revolution. Dive into the stories and artifacts of America’s fight for freedom.
  • Late night: Group reflection and discussion on the influence of faith in American history.

Day 2: Christian Heritage and Civic Responsibility

  • Morning: Christ Church. Discover the church where many Founding Fathers worshiped.
  • Afternoon: National Constitution Center. Engage with interactive exhibits on the Constitution and its impact on religious freedom.
  • Evening: Explore Old City historical landmarks, then enjoy a group dinner and mini golf at Putt Shack-Philadelphia in Center City.
  • Late night: Relax at your hotel.

Day 3: Inspiring Values and Future Leaders

  • Morning: Eastern State Penitentiary. Learn about the Quaker-led prison reform movement, focusing on rehabilitation and redemption.
  • Afternoon: Franklin Institute. Finish with hands-on learning in science and innovation, discussing faith’s role in discovery.
  • Evening: Travel home.

This Philadelphia educational trip idea blends American history, Christian influence, and personal growth all while exploring one of the nation’s most iconic cities.

United Kingdom: A 10-Day Tour of Faith and History

This extended 10-day tour offers an in-depth exploration of the Christian heritage, historical landmarks, and the diverse cultural landscape of the United Kingdom. From the spiritual heart of London to the rugged beauty of Wales and the intrigue of Scotland, students will experience a powerful blend of faith, history, and discovery.

Day 1: Arrival in London

  • Afternoon: Westminster Abbey. Begin with a tour of this iconic abbey, rich in British history and a cornerstone of the nation’s Christian faith.
  • Evening: Set the tone of the tour with a welcome dinner and group orientation. Early to bed.


Day 2: London’s Historic and Religious Landmarks

  • Morning: Tower of London. Explore the historic fortress to learn about its religious controversies and significance in British history.
  • Afternoon: St. Paul’s Cathedral. Marvel at the cathedral’s architectural beauty and spiritual impact on British society.
  • Evening: Relax at your hotel and include a group discussion reflecting on London’s role in shaping faith and freedom.


Day 3: Oxford and the Christian Intellectual Tradition

  • Morning: University of Oxford. Tour colleges that influenced Christian thought leaders like C.S. Lewis.
  • Afternoon: Bodleian Library and Ashmolean Museum. View centuries-old manuscripts and artifacts that shaped Western thought.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional English dinner and evening reflection on Christian influences in literature and philosophy.


Day 4: Stratford-Upon-Avon

  • Morning: Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Discover the early life of the famous playwright and his works.
  • Afternoon: Holy Trinity Church. Visit the church where Shakespeare worshipped and is buried, discussing faith’s influence on his writing.
  • Evening: Relax at your hotel and encourage students to journal about how they have experienced faith in action so far.


Day 5: Cardiff, Wales — Discovering Faith and Tradition

  • Morning: Travel by bus or train to Cardiff. Enjoy scenic landscapes as the group heads to Wales, known for its rich Christian heritage.
  • Afternoon: Cardiff Castle. Tour the castle to learn about Welsh history and religious reform.
  • Evening: Souvenir shopping and group dinner with a taste of Welsh culture and music along the Cardiff Bay Waterfront.


Day 6: Llandaff Cathedral and Welsh Countryside

  • Morning: Visit Llandaff Castle, one of Wales’ most historic Christian sites, with roots from the 12th century.
  • Afternoon: Hike the beautiful countryside in Brecon Beacons National Park, encouraging reflection on the role of creation in faith.
  • Evening: Reflection and discussion on the peaceful influence of God in nature and culture. Early to bed.


Day 7: Journey to Edinburgh

    • Morning/Afternoon: Enjoy a half-day of scenic train travel to Edinburgh, passing rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.
    • Late Afternoon: Edinburgh Castle. Explore this historic stronghold and learn its significance in Scotland’s tumultuous religious history.
  • Evening: Relaxation and group discussion on Scotland’s historical commitment to faith and freedom. Early to bed.


Day 8: Edinburgh’s Religious and Cultural Heart

  • Morning: St. Giles’ Cathedral. Discover the historical role of this cathedral in the Scottish Reformation.
  • Afternoon: John Knox House. Learn about the leader of the Scottish Reformation and his impact on faith and governance.
  • Evening: Free time to explore Edinburgh’s streets and local culture. 


Day 9: St. Andrews — Faith and Foundations, and Edinburgh Zoo

  • Morning: St. Andrews. Explore the birthplace of golf and visit St. Andrews Cathedral ruins, where early Christianity thrived in Scotland.
  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the Edinburgh Zoo.
  • Evening: Relax at the hotel and include group reflection on the courage of early Christian leaders in the face of change.


Day 10: Reflection and Return

  • Morning: Final group reflection on the journey, focusing on personal growth, shared experiences, and new insights.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy souvenir shopping or a final group activity before evening departure.
  • Evening: Travel home

This 10-day UK trip weaves together the richness of faith, history, and culture across England, Wales, and Scotland, allowing students to experience an unforgettable journey through Christian heritage and cultural legacy.

Tips for Brainstorming Educational Trip Ideas

When building your educational tour, consider including a balance of these elements to ensure a well-rounded experience:

  • Historical Landmarks. Explore sites that tell the story of the area’s history.
  • Christian Heritage. Visit locations where faith has impacted cultural and historical development.
  • Reflection Time. Schedule time for personal reflection or group discussion to deepen students’ understanding.
  • Interactive Learning. Incorporate hands-on experiences to make learning memorable and engaging.
  • Fun! Punctuate your travel time with enjoyable activities like amusement parks, hiking, and souvenir shopping.

By blending education, faith-based exploration, fun, and personal growth, your group will return with lasting memories and a greater appreciation for history and Christian heritage.

Contact us today to start creating an educational tour with Forge Tours. Our travel experts are ready to help you create a memorable educational experience for your group.