Amazing Sights. Lasting Memories. Lifelong Friendships.

For more than 50 years, the Grand Western Tour has been leading 9th and 10th grade students on a memorable five-week adventure across the country. The 10,000-mile bus trip takes students on a historical, picturesque tour of the United States, where they create memories and friendships that last a lifetime.​

Apply Now!

X Slider Background Settings

• 
  ​51 Perfect Strangers Became My Best Friends

  “Since the first moment I sat on the bus, I realized just how much more there is to see in this world. For five weeks, I had the United States in the palm of my hand. That summer, my view of the country and world grew so massively that I now study International Politics and cannot wait to see every plot of land or ocean view that I am offered. In five short weeks, 51 perfect strangers became my best friends and impacted my life in every way possible. I am so grateful for the Grand Western Tour.”
  Ruthie Brady (2013)– Beaufort, NC
• 
  In A Heartbeat

  “The Grand Western Tour allowed me to experience the states in a way that no other program possibly could. The friends I made that summer are lifelong and if I could relive the journey again, I would hop on the bus in a heartbeat."
  Charlotte Ririe, Winston-Salem, NC
• 
  ​One of the Best Experiences I’ve Ever Had

  “The Grand Western Tour was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I built relationships that will last a lifetime — truly a life-changing experience that I’m so grateful to have.”
  William High, Edenton, NC
• 
  Independence and Curiosity

  “The Grand Western Tour experience threw me out of my comfort zone, putting me in places I’d never been with people I’d just met, teaching me valuable lessons in independence and curiosity — with the added bonus of 50 new friends on the same adventure.”
  Mary Leighton Mannen, Wilmington, NC
• 
  ​The Summer of a Lifetime

  “A few things I loved about the Grand Western Tour — creating lifelong friendships, experiencing breathtaking views, and having the summer of a lifetime.”
  Suiter Ragland, Raleigh, NC
• 
  ​One of the Greatest Experiences of My Life

  “The Grand Western Tour was definitely one of the greatest experiences of my life. Even at the young age of 15, this trip made such an impact on me. The friends I met became lifelong friends. We continue those friendships to this day.”
  Reston Mattox, (1992)–Wilmington, NC
• 
  ​A Once in a Lifetime Experience

  “The Grand Western Tour was a once in a lifetime experience filled with friendships and sights I’ll never forget.”
  Walker Austin, Raleigh, NC
• 
  Friendships will last a lifetime

  Being one of the only people from South Carolina on the trip was very intimidating and nerve racking the first day of GWT. I now live in Raleigh, North Carolina with my husband, a Raleigh native; he often comments when we are out and about "you know more people here than I do." The reason for this is almost always because of the friendships and people I met while on the Western Tour. The experiences I had and friendships I made will last a lifetime. It still stands out as one of the best summers of my life!
  Beth Darling Barnett (2004)- Charleston, SC
• 
  A Special Bond

  When I reflect on my Western Tour experience nearly 40 years ago, I now realize what invaluable life skills I was developing. I formed a special bond with my fellow travelers that only those who have traveled the United States via bus can truly understand.
  Susan Matule Saint (1981)- Atlanta, GA

By the Numbers