Overview
Discover Germany’s remarkable musical and cultural heritage as your choir, band, or orchestra performs in Berlin and Munich. Explore Berlin’s modern history and renowned Philharmonic, experience Leipzig’s connection to Bach at St. Thomas Church and the Bach Museum, and finish in Munich with a visit to the ornate Munich Residenz palace.
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.
Berlin city walk
Explore Alexanderplatz, known to locals as “Alex,” once a cattle market and now Berlin’s bustling central square. Gaze up at the iconic TV Tower, built by East Germany to symbolize socialist pride. Nearby, admire the ornate Neptune Fountain and the striking red-brick Rotes Rathaus, Berlin’s historic town hall.
Day 3
Berlin guided walking sightseeing tour
Discover Berlin's remarkable history on a guided tour of the city's most significant landmarks. Stand before the iconic Brandenburg Gate, once a symbol of a divided Germany, visit Checkpoint Charlie, the best-known crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, and see preserved sections of the Berlin Wall. Continue through Potsdamer Platz while exploring the events that shaped modern Germany.
Berlin orchestra performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 4
Berlin Philharmonic guided visit
Discover the home of the world-renowned Berlin Philharmonic on a guided visit exploring the orchestra's history, the building's architecture, and its unique concert hall design.
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.
Day 5
Travel to Leipzig
Monument to the Battle of the Nations
Leipzig city walk
Leipzig is a city that flourished from the 16th century onwards thanks to the wealth it created from the rich nearby silver mines. Leipzig enjoys a reputation for outstanding excellence in music, with the likes of Bach, Wagner, Mendelssohn, and Schumann all having lived here, and literary work with Germany’s greatest poet, Goethe, setting a fundamental scene of Faust in the Auerbachs Keller.
Day 6
Leipzig orchestra performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
St. Thomas Church visit
It was built in 1212 and originally established as a place of worship for Augustinian Canons. Highlights of the church are the Baroque-style turret and the magnificent main entrance. It is also the final resting place of Johann Sebastian Bach, who was organist and cantor here for 27 years.
Bach Museum visit
Take a look to the largest collection of Bach archives in Germany.
Day 7
Travel to Munich
Bayreuth city walk
Enjoy a visit to Bayreuth, a historic city best known for its connection to composer Richard Wagner. Explore its charming streets and landmarks while learning about the world-famous Bayreuth Festival, held here each year in celebration of Wagner's music.
Richard Wagner Museum visit
Day 8
Munich guided sightseeing tour
Join a licensed guide for a whirlwind look at Munich, from its medieval heart to modern landmarks. Stroll through Marienplatz to see the Neues Rathaus and its famous Glockenspiel, framed by the twin towers of the Frauenkirche. Visit the Residenz, then explore Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Games, and step into BMW Welt to experience innovation and sleek design.
Munich orchestra performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 9
Munich Residenz visit
Explore the former royal residence of Bavaria’s Wittelsbach rulers, where ornate state rooms, grand halls, and centuries of history reveal the cultural and artistic legacy of Munich’s royal court.
Viktualienmarkt visit
Traditional Bavarian dance class
Discover the links between traditional dance and Bavarian history. Listen and learn Bavarian music while participating in ancient folklore storytelling. You'll also learn (and demonstrate) a variety of traditional dance steps taught by local experts.
Bavarian bratwurst dinner
Enjoy Bavarian- or Berlin-style sausage with traditional sides. Bavarian sausage is made from veal and pork back bacon, while the Berlin style features fried pork.
Day 10
Depart for home
Optional Extension
Add 3 Days in Vienna
Travel via Salzburg, where you’ll visit Mozart’s birthplace, before continuing on to Austria’s capital. In Vienna, take a guided sightseeing tour that includes the Belvedere Palace, Hofburg Imperial Palace, the grand Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Tour the lavish Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, and enjoy 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
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 Germany
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.