Ivy League University Tour 2026

The Ivy College Tour officially began as students from across the country arrived in Boston and met their fellow travelers. Throughout the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to connect with one another through games, conversation, and shared excitement for the week ahead.

After settling into the hotel, students gathered for a welcome meeting with NSHSS and tour leaders, where they received tour materials, reviewed expectations, and got a preview of the incredible universities and experiences awaiting them over the next seven days.

That evening, the group headed into downtown Boston for free time at the iconic Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market and dinner in the historic North End neighborhood. Students explored one of the city's most famous landmarks, sampled local food, and got to know their new friends while experiencing Boston's vibrant energy.

The night concluded with a walk through the historic waterfront before returning to the hotel to reflect on the day and prepare for an exciting week of Ivy League campus visits, sightseeing, and unforgettable memories.

Students kicked off their first full day of touring with visits to two of the world's most prestigious universities. The morning began at Harvard University, where participants explored the historic campus, learned about academic life at the nation's oldest institution of higher education, and gained insight into the admissions process from a top-tier university perspective.

After the tour, students enjoyed free time for lunch in Harvard Square, sampling local eateries and browsing the many Harvard bookstores while soaking in the vibrant college-town atmosphere.

In the afternoon, the group traveled to Yale University for an in-depth look at another world-class Ivy League campus. Students walked through Yale's iconic courtyards and historic buildings while learning about its residential college system, academic programs, and rich traditions.

Following the tour, students had time to explore the Binecke Rare Book Library and bookstore before gathering for one of the day's favorite experiences: a group dinner at the iconic Yorkside Pizza. Over slices of New Haven-style pizza and Yale's famous milkshakes, travelers compared their impressions of the universities visited so far and continued building friendships that would last well beyond the week.

The day began with an optional early-morning adventure, as several students joined a tour leader for a walk to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. With scenic views of the Manhattan skyline and East River, the experience offered a memorable start to the day and a unique perspective on New York City before the group's scheduled activities began.

Later that morning, students traveled to Columbia University, one of the nation's most prestigious Ivy League institutions and a world-renowned center for research, innovation, and academic excellence. After enjoying a picnic lunch from the iconic Milano Market on campus, participants embarked on a guided tour of Columbia, learning about its distinguished academic programs, vibrant student life, and unique location in the heart of Manhattan. Students explored the historic campus, visited the bookstore, and gained valuable insight into the opportunities available at a university that has educated generations of influential leaders, scholars, and innovators.

The afternoon was dedicated to experiencing some of New York City's most iconic landmarks. Students visited the 9/11 Memorial, strolled through Central Park, and enjoyed free time exploring Manhattan, taking in the sights, sounds, and energy of one of the world's most famous cities.

That evening, travelers enjoyed dinner in the heart of Times Square before attending a performance of The Outsiders on Broadway. Experiencing a live Broadway show was a highlight of the tour and gave students an unforgettable taste of New York City's world-famous theater district before heading to Princeton, NJ, for the next stage of their Ivy League adventure.

Students began the day at Princeton University, exploring the #1-ranked university in the nation. During the guided tour, participants learned about Princeton's renowned academic programs, close-knit residential college experience, and rich traditions. Time on campus and in the bookstore gave students the opportunity to further immerse themselves in the Princeton experience and to envision life as students there.

In the afternoon, the group traveled to the University of Pennsylvania, where they attended an information session and a campus tour. Students gained insight into Penn's unique blend of academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and pre-professional opportunities as they explored one of the country's most influential universities. Visiting both Princeton and Penn on the same day allowed travelers to compare two very different, yet equally impressive, university environments.

Following the campus visits, students enjoyed sightseeing in historic Philadelphia, visiting landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the surrounding historic district, while learning about the city's important role in American history.

The day concluded with a true Philadelphia tradition: dinner at the legendary Jim's Cheesesteaks. Sharing authentic Philly cheesesteaks together was a favorite experience for many travelers and provided the perfect ending to a memorable day of college exploration, history, and friendship-building before continuing on to Washington, D.C., for the next chapter of the tour.

Students spent their final full day exploring two exceptional universities and the U.S. Capital. The morning began at Johns Hopkins University, where participants toured the renowned campus and learned about its world-class programs, groundbreaking research opportunities, and reputation as one of the country's leading institutions for innovation and discovery.

In the afternoon, the group returned to Washington, D.C., to explore downtown Georgetown's colorful, townhouse-lined streets, where students could shop and choose an eatery for lunch before visiting Georgetown University. While exploring Georgetown's historic campus and bookstore, students gained insight into the university's strong academic programs, global focus, and vibrant student life. The tour provided another opportunity to compare different college environments and reflect on which campuses best aligned with their goals and interests.

Following the university visits, travelers enjoyed a special farewell dinner together, sharing memories from the week and celebrating the friendships, experiences, and college insights they had gained throughout the tour.

The evening concluded with a guided monument tour of Washington, D.C., featuring stops at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and World War II Memorial. Exploring these iconic landmarks illuminated at night during America's 250th Anniversary provided a memorable and fitting finale to an unforgettable week of college exploration, sightseeing, and new friendships.