Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Discover all the iconic landmarks of London, including Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the British Museum. Students will be immersed in some of Europe’s most famous works of art as they explore the vast collections of the National Gallery. Your group will also enjoy a cruise down the Thames, participate in an authentic cricket lesson at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, take in a theater performance on the West End, and enjoy a ride on the London Eye.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to England (London)
Day 2
Arrive in London
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.
London city walk
Take a city walk through the heart of London. Cross Trafalgar Square, a lively gathering place for the city, and step inside the National Gallery, home to masterpieces by da Vinci, Monet, and Rembrandt. Continue past the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, and finish in Covent Garden, where markets, street performers, and the Royal Opera House showcase London’s lively spirit.
Classic fish & chips dinner
Nothing says local flavor quite like fish and chips. Join your Tour Director at a traditional pub to enjoy this classic dish, usually served with a side of malt vinegar. From bustling cities to seaside towns, “chippies” remain a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike.
Day 3
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.
British Museum visit
Explore the British Museum, home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of art and artifacts. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Marbles, and the Sutton Hoo Treasure.
LEAP
LEAP Return or Remain: Who Owns Art?
The Parthenon Sculptures, taken by the British Earl of Elgin in the early 19th century, are now housed in the British Museum. Their presence continues to spark debate over whether they should remain in London or be returned to Greece.
Day 4
Cricket class at Lord's Cricket Ground
Try your hand at this traditional British bat-and-ball game first played in southern England in the 16th century. You might find some similarities with baseball! With Lord's trainers leading the session, learn the basics of cricket, and play your own game, taking turns catching, fielding and bowling drills.
Optional
Windsor Castle guided excursion (optional)
See how the King relaxes on this guided tour of the royal weekend estate, originally built as a fortress in the 11th century under William the Conqueror. Visit the East Terrace Gardens, marvel at the Gothic St. George's Chapel, or peek into the rooms of Queen Mary's doll house with its gallery of pint-size perfect furniture.
Day 5
Greenwich Tour Director-led sightseeing
After your cruise down the River Thames, join your Tour Director for a walking tour through the historic district of Greenwich in South London. Explore Greenwich Market, filled with unique crafts, antiques, and local treats. Admire the grand architecture of the Old Royal Naval College and visit the National Maritime Museum to learn about Britain’s rich seafaring history. Step aboard the Cutty Sark, the world’s last surviving tea clipper, before enjoying some free time to relax in one of London’s greenest and most scenic areas.
Royal Observatory of Greenwich visit
The Royal Observatory was first founded in 1675 as a place for King Henry VIII’s Astronomer Royal to perfect the art of navigation. Explore the exhibits displaying 17th century astronomical instruments, unveil the mysteries of the universe in the interactive astronomy exhibit and see the largest telescope of its kind in England housed in the great domed building next to the observatory.
West End theatre performance
End the day with a night at the theatre in London’s West End, the UK’s answer to Broadway. Enjoy one of nearly 40 world-class productions surrounded by lively restaurants, shops, and cafés. Please note: Performance dates may vary based on availability.
Day 6
Optional
Oxford & Stratford excursion (optional)
Explore Oxford, the oldest English-speaking university in the world. Founded in 1096, it gained prominence in 1167 when English students were expelled from the University of Paris and returned home. Since then, Oxford has produced some of Britain’s greatest minds, from Sir Walter Raleigh and Roger Bacon to Dr. Seuss. With a local guide, tour one of its 39 colleges—perhaps Brasenose, Christ Church, or New College—before continuing to Stratford-upon-Avon. Visit William Shakespeare’s childhood home, the thatched cottage of his wife Anne Hathaway, and the Shakespeare Tree Garden, where every plant has roots in his timeless works.
Day 7
London street art tour
Take a guided tour of London's thriving street art scene. Follow your guide through the trendy neighborhoods of Shoreditch and Brick Lane in East London and discover art work by world famous artisits such as Banksy, Stick, Roa or Eine. You will learn about the different techniques used (stencils, mosaic tiles, stickers, etc) as well as understand some of the messages behind this form of expression. The London street art scene is ever changing making this tour a truly unique, cutting-edge and exciting tour so make sure you capture the moment with your camera.
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.
London Eye ferris wheel ride
Soar 450 feet over London in the world's highest ferris wheel. The London Eye, the fourth tallest structure in London, whisks visitors up up and away above the River Thames for spectacular views of the city and its surrounds. The unique, futuristic passenger "capsules" allow unobstructed, 180-degree views. On a clear day visitors can see as far as the King's residence at Windsor Castle -- 25 miles away.
Curry dinner
Indian food has been part of British life for nearly 400 years, and today curry dishes rival fish and chips in popularity. Sit down to an authentic Indian dinner, sampling a variety of fragrant, spice-filled dishes that show why this cuisine has become one of the nation’s favorites.
Day 8
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Paris
Travel from London to the City of Light on the Chunnel, then take a guided walk through the Latin Quarter to see landmarks like Notre-Dame. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, and Paris Opera House. Visit the world-famous Louvre and cap off your stay with a scenic cruise along the Seine.
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 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.