Overview
Discover two of Europe's great soccer cultures on an unforgettable journey through the Netherlands and Germany. Sharpen your skills with professional coaching, compete against local soccer clubs, and experience the electric atmosphere of a professional soccer match. Tour Ajax's iconic Johan Cruijff ArenA before exploring Amsterdam's canals, the historic streets of Düsseldorf, and the windmills and villages of the Dutch countryside.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Germany (Düsseldorf)
Day 2
Arrive in Düsseldorf
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.
Welcome meeting and orientation
Practice session led by your own coaching staff
Participate in a practice session at a local field in the area.
Day 3
Düsseldorf guided sightseeing tour
Discover the highlights of Düsseldorf on a guided city tour through its historic center. Explore the charming Old Town, visit the historic district of Kaiserswerth with the ruins of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa's castle, and see Schloss Benrath, the Hofgarten, Gerresheim Basilica, and St. Suitbertus Basilica.
Friendly soccer match
Play an international friendly match against a local club or academy team. Compete against athletes of similar ages and skill levels, and build connections that can turn into lasting friendships.
Day 4
Cologne excursion
Discover Cologne, one of Germany's oldest cities, on a guided sightseeing tour featuring its most iconic landmarks. Visit the magnificent Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), Germany's largest Gothic cathedral, then climb to the viewing platform for panoramic city views. End the day exploring the charming streets and shops of Cologne's historic Old Town.
Day 5
ESPRIT Arena Tour
Go behind the scenes on a guided tour of ESPRIT Arena, home of Fortuna Düsseldorf. Explore exclusive areas of the stadium while learning about the club's history and matchday traditions. Depending on the final schedule, the tour may instead visit Borussia-Park, home of Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Friendly soccer match
Play an international friendly match against a local club or academy team. Compete against athletes of similar ages and skill levels, and build connections that can turn into lasting friendships.
Day 6
Travel to Amsterdam
Attend professional soccer match
Experience a professional soccer match like never before as you chant and cheer alongside passionate fans and watch world-famous players compete on the pitch (subject to league schedule).
Day 7
Amsterdam canal guided cruise
Canals and crocuses. Bicycles and bluebells. With more canals than Venice and countless flower merchants, downtown Amsterdam bursts with color and light reflecting off the water. Take a canal boat ride for the best views of gabled houses and nearly 1,200 bridges. Note: Cruises may be guided by a local or pre-recorded audio.
Professional coaching clinic
Participate in this special clinic with a guest coach, player, or instructor. The clinic is designed exclusively for your team and to enhance your skills in the areas identified by your coaching staff.
Day 8
Ajax soccer stadium visit
Go behind the scenes at Johan Cruijff ArenA, home to AFC Ajax, one of the Netherlands' most celebrated soccer clubs. Explore areas such as the press room, player facilities, and stadium seating while learning about the club's history and the venue that has hosted major sporting events and concerts.
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 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)
Tickets to local games/matches (details in itinerary)
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
Dedicated team practice time (details in itinerary)
Scenes from Germany and Holland
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.