Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Introduce your students to the history, culture, art, and languages of central Europe on this journey through Berlin, Prague, Krakow, and Budapest. Your students will visit historic monuments including Brandenburg Gate, explore the vast collections of the Zwinger Museum in Dresden, and visit the powerful Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Germany (Berlin)
Day 2
Arrive in Berlin
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 3
Berlin guided sightseeing tour
Join a licensed guide to explore Berlin’s most iconic sites. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, once trapped in Cold War “no man’s land” and now a symbol of unity, and step into its Room of Silence to reflect on Germany’s past. Follow the route of the Berlin Wall, marked with crosses and wreaths honoring those who lost their lives. At Checkpoint Charlie, see the museum’s powerful exhibits on daring escape attempts, then continue to Potsdamer Platz, a modern hub rebuilt from the once-divided city center.
Topography of Terror visit
The Topography of Terror in Berlin is a museum and historical site that documents the crimes of the Nazi regime, particularly those committed by the Gestapo, SS, and Reich Security Main Office. It features exhibitions, educational programs, and preserved remnants like a section of the Berlin Wall to provide a deeper understanding of this period.
LEAP
LEAP Ich bin ein Berliner
Step into the lives of those impacted by the Berlin Wall through a group activity that brings history to life. Recite personal accounts, reflect on their experiences, and discuss the lasting repercussions to gain a deeper, more personal understanding of Germany’s past.
Day 4
Travel to Prague via Dresden
Stop in Dresden for a visit to the Baroque-style Zwinger Museum where Bavarian Princes once lived and collected master art works. The museum’s exterior, framed by statues of gods and goddesses, boasts 6 linked pavilions surrounding a vast esplanade embellished with pools and fountains. Tucked safely inside, you’ll find masterpieces such as Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and great works by Van Eyck, Vermeer and Veronese. The grand collection of Meissen (European porcelain) is a flattering ode to fine china.
Day 5
Prague guided sightseeing tour
Explore Prague with a guided tour of Old Town Square and its famous Astronomical Clock, where carved figures appear each hour. Walk across Charles Bridge with views of the Vltava and the city’s spires, then stop at the John Lennon Peace Wall. Finish at Prague Castle, a vast complex of courtyards and palaces that once housed the Habsburgs.
Prague city walk
Feel the inspiration behind Franz Kafka’s novels as you wander the medieval streets of Mala Strana. Continue into Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, to see Europe’s oldest synagogue, which dates back to 1270.
Day 6
Travel to Krakow
Krakow is one of Europe's most beautiful and historic cities, with its elegant Old Town and medieval market square, its vibrant old Jewish Quarter, and where cafes and bars sparkle amidst reminders of a more poignant past.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum guided visit
Explore Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau on a guided visit to one of the most important historical sites of the 20th century. At Auschwitz I, examine original buildings and permanent exhibitions that document life and persecution within the camp. Continue to Birkenau to see the prisoner barracks, unloading ramp, and the ruins of gas chambers and crematoria. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Auschwitz stands as a memorial to the more than one million people murdered here and provides essential context for understanding the Holocaust, the consequences of hatred, and the importance of remembrance.
Day 7
Traditional Polish dinner
Day 9
Goulash dinner
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Vienna
Travel through the Hungarian countryside with a stop in the charming city of Győr on your way to Vienna. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Belvedere Palace, Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Vienna Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Schönbrunn Palace. In the evening, savor a traditional Wiener Schnitzel dinner before heading home.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
High school credit for students in grades 6-12, or college credit for students in grades 9-12, upon completion of the travel program and required WorldStrides online coursework
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Berlin, Prague, Krakow, and Budapest
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.