Girl Scouts: London to Lucerne

Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace

Afternoon tea, a cherished English tradition since the 1840s, began as a simple respite for The Duchess of Bedford. What started as a modest snack between meals transformed into an elegant social event, fostering connections among the elite. This immersive experience offers educators a unique opportunity to explore the cultural significance and historical context of afternoon tea, while enjoying a delectable selection of savories, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, and of course, tea. Perfect for enriching discussions on social customs and culinary heritage!

Attention all Girl Guides and Girl Scouts! Make your London visit extra special with a stop at Pax Lodge, the Scouts’ third World Centre in northwest London. Adjacent to the International Headquarters of WAGGGS, Pax Lodge welcomes visitors for self-guided tours and regularly hosts international events, celebrations, and scout challenges. No two visits are ever the same.

Take part in a special pinning ceremony at Pax Lodge, the Girl Scouts’ third World Centre in northwest London. Each participant receives an official Pax Lodge pin as a symbol of global friendship. Located beside the International Headquarters of WAGGGS, Pax Lodge welcomes Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world.

Hop aboard a riverboat on the Thames for a journey through London’s rich history. Glide past the grand Houses of Parliament, where Big Ben marks the hour, and float beneath the London Bridge, Tower Bridge, and Millennium Bridge. Take in close-up views of the iconic Tower of London, then rise 443 feet above the city on the London Eye for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama.

You’re so close, why not continue to London? Hop on the Eurostar under the English Channel and, faster than you can say anything in French, you’ll zip through the tunnel and arrive in London.

What’s that huge white arch at the end of the Champs-Élysées? It’s the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz. Your licensed local guide will elaborate on this and other Parisian landmarks. See some of the city’s most famous sites, including the ornate 19th-century Opera, the presidential residence, and the Place de la Concorde—where, at the center, you’ll find the Obelisk of Luxor, a gift from Egypt in 1836. Spot chic locals (and plenty of tourists) strolling the Champs-Élysées. Look up at the iron girders of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Visit Les Invalides (a refuge for war-wounded soldiers) and the École Militaire (Napoleon’s alma mater).

The world's largest art museum, the Louvre, is housed in a medieval fortress-turned-castle so grand it's worth a tour itself. You walk through the 71-foot glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei and added in 1989, and step into another world--one with carved ceilings, deep-set windows, and so many architectural details you could spend a week just admiring the rooms. The Mona Lisa is here, as well as the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory (the headless statue, circa 200 BC, discovered at Samothrace). The Louvre has seven different departments of paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and antiquities. Don't miss the Egyptian collection, complete with creepy sarcophagi, or the collection of Greek ceramics, one of the largest in the world. Please note: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

Art Workshop, Art studio workshop class

Discover Montmartre on a Tour Director-led walk through the hilltop neighborhood that inspired artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. Stroll the lively Place du Tertre, where painters still work today, see the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret, and climb to the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur for sweeping views over Paris.

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.

A lively role-play puts you in the shoes of the monarchy, clergy, nobility, bourgeoisie, or peasantry to explore the issues underlying the French Revolution.

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.

Line up to climb to the top floor of this iconic landmark for a spectacular birds-eye view of the glittering City of Light.

Experience one of Europe's fastest trains, celebrated for its sleek design, smooth ride, and exceptional speed.

Explore Basel’s history and culture as you stroll through the lively Market Square, cross the Middle Bridge over the Rhine, and visit Basel Minster, the city’s Gothic cathedral with twin spires and sweeping views. Along the way, discover the blend of medieval architecture and modern charm that defines the city.

Experience the legends of William Tell, the Lion Monument, and the story of Swiss independence as history comes to life through vivid reenactments.

Experience the first World Centre, opened in 1932, offering year-round activities, special events, and conferences for Girl Guides, Girl Scouts, and leaders from around the world.

Explore Lucerne with your Tour Director, set against the Alps and green pastures. Walk the Old Town’s cobblestones to Chapel Bridge, a 14th-century wooden bridge decorated with murals, and see the Lion Monument, a sandstone tribute to Swiss Guards lost in 1792. Visit the ornate Jesuit Church and take in the charm of Weinmarkt and Kornmarkt Squares.

Board your flight home or choose to extend your trip with a two-day visit to Florence and Rome. Explore the rich history and culture of these iconic cities before concluding your journey on Day 15.