Overview
Bring the excitement of the California Gold Rush to life as you explore the historic heart of the search: Sacramento. Explore Sutter’s Fort to better understand the effect of the Gold Rush on the world and step into the shoes of a pioneer to learn about settler life in the 19th century. End your journey in San Francisco, stopping at iconic spots like Alcatraz Island and Pier 39 to reflect on the economic and social development of California through the 21st century.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Sacramento, CA
California State Capitol Building visit
Step into California’s grand Capitol building and explore its opulent rotunda, adorned with portraits of past governors, as you discover the legislative process and delve into California’s rich history.
California Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Pay your respects to our nation’s veterans at this site, thoughtfully designed by a Vietnam veteran.
Lunch
Sutter's Fort visit
Relive the Gold Rush at this 150-year-old fort and get a better understanding of the effects this notable event had on the U.S. and the world.
Old Sacramento
Wander the streets of Old Sacramento, which has been preserved to appear much like it would have looked in the mid-19th century. Snap a photo next to the Pony Express statue, snag a souvenir at one of the many shops, or snack on some candy at an old-fashioned candy shop.
California State Railroad Museum visit
Discover an impressive collection of historic locomotives and restored railcars, plus engaging exhibits and interactive displays that bring the Gold Rush era to life before your eyes.
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Nimbus Fish Hatchery visit
Learn about the importance of conservation through the story of the salmon and steelhead fish migrations, as well as how humans are helping in these efforts to stabilize the declining population of this species of fish.
Olde Coloma Theatre visit
Experience the charm of this Old West-style theatre as you participate in a Gold Rush-era melodrama, delve into the history of time, and learn life lessons through hands-on activities.
Lunch
Marshall Gold Discovery Park visit
Step into the place where gold was originally found! Interact with interpreters to fully understand the significance of this discovery and how it affected development in California and worldwide.
Gold Rush Activity
Students will make a trade bead necklace to take home as a souvenir.
Pan for gold in the American River
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Alcatraz Island visit
Alcatraz Island has a rich and storied history, which you'll discover on this tour of one of America's most famous and infamous islands. Before it became the prison etched into popular lore, Alcatraz served as a lighthouse and a military base. Of course, its most captivating chapter is the prison itself. Step into the former cells of notorious inmates like Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the "Birdman of Alcatraz"), and James "Whitey" Bulger. Then decide for yourself whether Clarence Anglin, John Anglin, and Frank Morris truly drowned during their daring escape attempt, made famous in the film Escape From Alcatraz.
Lunch
Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf
Explore the sights and sounds of Pier 39, located along the San Francisco Bay. Laugh with the sea lions, enjoy performance art, live entertainment, and the charm of beautifully hand-painted carousels.
Cable Car Ride
Soak in the sights of the city as you ride one of San Francisco’s historic cable cars. Explore the mechanics, engineering, and history behind this unique transportation and how cable cars managed the steep slopes of the city in an age of horse drawn wagons.
Exploratorium visit
Engage with more than 650 hands-on exhibits at this world-famous interactive science museum. The exhibits and experiences cover topics from the human body to outer space!
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldStrides Course Leader - a dynamic destination expert who brings learning to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.