Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Immerse your students in two capitals rich in STEM history and innovation on this journey through London and Paris. Your class will explore exhibits about energy, space, engineering, medicine, and math at London’s Science Museum, consider the mechanisms that power Big Ben, and try to solve the mystery of Jack the Ripper. Your students will also enjoy a STEM scavenger hunt through Paris and discover the connections between art and science at the Palace of Discovery.
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.
Optional
Windsor Castle excursion (optional)
See how the King unwinds on a tour of Windsor Castle, the royal weekend estate first built as a fortress by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Stroll the East Terrace Gardens, admire the Gothic beauty of St. George’s Chapel, and peek at Queen Mary’s dollhouse, complete with a gallery of perfectly crafted miniature furniture.
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 4
Science Museum visit
Ready for some mental floss? Explore Atmosphere: Exploring Climate Science to uncover the story of climate change. See the first jet engine in Flight, the 10,000-Year Clock in Making the Modern World, and the radio that kept the Titanic in touch. Then visit Who Am I? for a hands-on look at personality, intelligence, and language.
STEM scavenger hunt
Take interactive learning to another level with a Tour Director-led STEM-themed scavenger hunt through the city of London. Take part in this adventure, complete exciting activities and solve fun clues. Each clue and every activity is built to maximize on-tour experiential learning.
Hard Rock Cafe dinner
Enjoy a meal at the original Hard Rock Cafe, a legendary spot for rock 'n' roll fans around the world.
Jack the Ripper evening guided walking tour
Explore the backstreets of London’s East End, where the city’s most infamous serial killer preyed on his victims. Jack the Ripper murdered at least five women, possibly more, in foggy Victorian London. His identity remains a mystery, and perhaps you will spot a clue and try to solve it yourself.
Day 5
Eurostar Chunnel crossing to Paris
You're so close, why not continue to Paris? Take the Eurostar under the English Channel and, faster than you can say anything in French, you will zip through the tunnel and arrive in Paris.
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.
STEM scavenger hunt
Take interactive learning to another level with a tour director-led STEM-themed scavenger hunt through the city of Paris. Take part in this adventure, complete exciting activities and solve fun clues. Each clue and every activity is built to maximize on-tour experiential learning.
Dinner in Latin Quarter
Day 6
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.
LEAP (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.
Day 7
City of Science and Industry visit
Step into the world of science, technology, and discovery at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, the largest science museum in Europe. Explore the Louis Lumière Theater, navigate digital innovation in the Numeric Crossroads, and put your problem-solving skills to the test in The Mathematics Room, each showcasing the wonder of scientific discovery.
Palace of Discovery visit
Housed in the West Wing of the Grand Palais, the Palais de la Découverte is an educational and interactive science museum. Explore fascinating spaces like the Solar System Hall, Planetarium, Mathematics Room, Mathematical Surfaces Collection, and Pi Room, each devoted to subjects including astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine.
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 8
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in the Netherlands
Travel to Amsterdam on the high-speed Thalys train and explore the city with a lively scavenger hunt, a guided canal cruise, and a visit to the Anne Frank House. In the evenings, enjoy an Indonesian rijsttafel dinner and a classic Dutch pannenkoeken meal for a taste of local culture.
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
Scenes from London and Paris
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.