Overview
Connect music, history, and culture across two iconic capitals as your choir, band, or orchestra performs in Edinburgh and London. Explore Edinburgh Castle and Scotland’s national treasures before traveling to discover Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and London’s South Bank. Cap off the journey with the energy of a live West End theatre performance.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Scotland (Edinburgh)
Day 2
Arrive in Edinburgh
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.
Edinburgh city walk
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a city of steep streets, stone buildings, and dramatic views, all watched over by the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Follow your Tour Director along the Royal Mile, which runs from Holyrood Palace to the castle, passing St. Giles’ Cathedral, long a center of learning and civic life in the city’s Old Town.
Day 3
Calton Hill
Edinburgh Castle visit
Perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle commands the skyline with its imposing presence. Explore this medieval fortress, uncover its role in Scottish history, and take in sweeping views of the city below.
Ghosts and Ghouls night walking tour
Beneath Edinburgh’s stunning exterior lies a chilling past. Witch trials. Plague. Ghosts. And murder. On this guided tour, hear eerie tales of the spirits and ghouls said to still haunt the city’s most infamous spots.
Day 4
National Museum of Scotland visit
Explore the National Museum of Scotland’s 16 galleries, covering a wide range of subjects. One of the most notable exhibits is Dolly, the cloned sheep.
Edinburgh choir performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 5
Travel to London by train
London South Bank walking tour
Take a stroll along London’s lively South Bank, where art, history, and riverside views come together. Admire the Tate Modern’s striking architecture, cross the sleek Millennium Bridge, and soak in panoramic views of the Thames. Wander through Borough Market to sample local and international flavors, and spot landmarks like the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe along the way.
Day 6
Royal Albert Hall guided visit
Visit Royal Albert Hall, a historic music and performance venue. On a guided tour, learn how it was funded and built, the challenges that nearly stopped construction, and stories from performances by artists such as The Beatles, Adele, Beyoncé, and Ed Sheeran.
Kensington Gardens visit
Stroll through Kensington Gardens, one of London's most beautiful Royal Parks. Wander along tree-lined avenues, admire the Italian Gardens, and enjoy views of Kensington Palace while experiencing a peaceful green space in the heart of the city.
London choir performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 7
London guided sightseeing tour
Join a licensed local guide for an in-depth tour of London. See Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard, and stroll through Hyde Park, home to the famous Speakers’ Corner. View Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, then step inside Westminster Abbey, the coronation site of English monarchs. Continue to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, and admire the iconic Tower Bridge spanning the Thames.
Westminster Abbey visit
Step inside Westminster Abbey, the coronation church of English monarchs since 1066. Explore the Royal Chapels and tombs of kings and queens, and visit Poets’ Corner, where Britain’s literary figures are honored, all within the Abbey’s Gothic setting.
West End theatre performance
Experience the excitement of London's West End, the UK's answer to Broadway. Enjoy one of nearly 40 world-class productions while surrounded by the district's lively restaurants, shops, and cafés. Please note: Performance dates may vary based on availability.
Day 8
Depart for 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
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
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
Scenes from Edinburgh and London
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.