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 rich history, art, and culture of Paris, Normandy, and Geneva. Your students will admire the timeless architecture of the Notre-Dame, cruise the Seine, and reflect on the legacy of WWII at the D-Day beaches in Normandy. Your class will also explore the monastery at Mont-Saint-Michel, explore the Jardin Anglais, and learn from skilled chocolatiers during an authentic Swiss chocolate workshop.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to France (Paris)
Day 2
Arrive in Paris
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.
Paris city walk
Take in Paris on foot, strolling wide boulevards, manicured parks, and lively streets filled with cafés and flower stalls. Cross to the Île de la Cité to view the storied Notre-Dame Cathedral, centerpiece of French history, then wander the charming Île St. Louis and the vibrant Latin Quarter, rich with student life and culture.
Day 3
Paris guided sightseeing tour
Explore Paris with a licensed local guide on a sightseeing tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, stroll the grand boulevard lined with shops and cafés, and see the ornate 19th-century Opera House. Look up at the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair, and visit Les Invalides, Napoleon’s military refuge, along with other historic sites.
Optional
Versailles guided excursion (optional; pre-book only)
The ultimate palace, Versailles was begun by Louis XIII and transformed by Louis XIV into the seat of royal power until the French Revolution. Inside, admire the 250-foot Hall of Mirrors, flanked by the salons of War and Peace, and the State Apartments where lavish ceremonies unfolded. Step into the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece of fountains, sculptures, and sweeping vistas. Be sure to visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she escaped court life by tending sheep and playing at village life. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.
Seine River cruise
See the city from the water on an hour-long cruise along the River Seine. The Seine cuts right through Paris, dividing the city in half. Spot the Eiffel tower rising up on the Left Bank, the walls of the Louvre on the Right Bank. A guide will point out other monuments and architectural marvels as you pass, many of which are illuminated by clear white light at night.
Day 4
Travel to St. Malo via Normandy
Tall granite walls encircle the old town of St. Malo, once a stronghold for privateers sanctioned by the king. At its center stands the Saint-Malo Cathedral, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles with stained-glass windows that illustrate the city’s storied past.
Arromanches D-Day Museum visit
Ingenious engineering allowed the Allies to land at Arromanches on D-Day, when 600,000 tons of concrete were sunk to form an artificial harbor. Barges, jetties, and 10 miles of floating roadways brought troops ashore. At the Arromanches Museum, dioramas, models, and interactive displays bring this remarkable feat to life.
World War II landing beaches and military cemeteries
Visit key World War II sites along the Normandy coast, where Allied troops landed on June 6, 1944, to liberate France. Walk the D-Day beaches, still marked by German bunkers turned into memorials, and reflect at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, where white crosses and stars honor the fallen. Continue to the Canadian War Cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the final resting place of more than 2,000 soldiers and airmen who fought to secure the beachhead.
LEAP
LEAP Soldiers' Stories
Step into the shoes of U.S. servicemen landing in Normandy on D-Day. Learn about their lives and experiences to gain both personal and historical perspective.
Day 5
Mont-St-Michel monastery visit
Perched on a tidal island at the mouth of the Couesnon River, Mont St-Michel Monastery rises dramatically above fortified walls. Wander the narrow medieval streets and stone buildings before climbing to the island’s center to explore the abbey church that has inspired pilgrims for centuries.
Travel to Loire Valley
Day 6
Château de Chenonceau visit
Explore the lavish rooms of Château de Chenonceau, a 16th-century castle once home to Catherine de’ Medici. Stretching across the River Cher, its grounds feature a maze and stunning gardens with beautiful views.
Chateau d'Amboise visit
Get an up-close view of this opulent castle that was once a residence for French kings during the Renaissance. Also the home for Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb, this palace has a fascinating, rich history to share with all visitors.
Travel to Paris
Day 7
Travel to Geneva on the TGV
Ride the TGV, Europe’s famed high-speed train, as you travel to Geneva.
Geneva city walk
Discover Geneva on a city walk set against Lake Geneva and views of Mont Blanc. See the soaring Jet d’Eau fountain, stroll through the Jardin Anglais to admire the world-famous Flower Clock, and visit the Cathedral de Saint-Pierre with its Reformation history and climb to the North Tower. Explore the Old Arsenal, the Reformation Wall, and soak in the city’s cosmopolitan charm.
Travel to Lausanne
Day 8
Château de Chillon visit
Rising from the shores of Lake Geneva, the Château de Chillon is one of Switzerland’s most famous castles. This medieval fortress of turrets and stone walls once served as the summer home of the Dukes of Savoy before becoming a state prison in the 1800s, immortalized by Lord Byron, who etched his name into a column in the dungeon.
Maison Cailler chocolate workshop
Put on an apron and discover the art of Swiss chocolate-making. With guidance from expert chocolatiers, melt, mold, and decorate your own creations, leaving with delicious treats and a new appreciation for the craft behind every bite.
Olympic Museum visit
The Olympic Museum celebrates the Games from their origins in ancient Greece to their modern role as a symbol of global unity. Inspired by Pierre de Coubertin’s early 20th-century vision, the museum overlooks Lake Geneva and features original torches, historic medals, and stories from every era, highlighting the enduring values of peace, unity, and human achievement.
Day 9
Return 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 & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
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
Scenes from France and Switzerland
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.