Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Take your troupe of thespians to explore the two world capitals of theater! Your students will attend a Broadway show, tour Radio City Music Hall, and participate in a Broadway workshop. Your group will also explore some of Manhattan’s most famous neighborhoods and visit the Empire State Building. Across the pond, your class will explore the impressive collection of the National Gallery, enjoy an immersive workshop at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and, of course, take in a West End performance.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to New York City
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.
Midtown walking tour
Take a walking tour through the vibrant heart of Midtown Manhattan. See the towering Rockefeller Center, the stunning Gothic architecture of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the bright lights of Times Square, and the beauty of Grand Central Terminal.
Empire State Building & Observatory visit
Soaring above the Manhattan skyline, the Empire State Building is a masterpiece of Art Deco design and one of the world’s tallest structures. Ride to the top for sweeping views of New York’s skyscrapers, parks, and rivers—a breathtaking panorama that captures the city’s unmistakable energy.
Day 2
Ferry boat to Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States, was commissioned to honor the centennial of the Declaration of Independence and the lasting friendship between the two nations. Standing tall in New York Harbor, it has become one of the world’s most recognized symbols of freedom and democracy. Nearby, Ellis Island served as the nation’s busiest immigration station from 1892 to 1954, welcoming more than 12 million newcomers seeking opportunity in America. Today, visitors can walk through the halls of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, reflecting on the courage and resilience of those who passed through its doors in search of a better life.
Lower Manhattan guided sightseeing tour
Discover the deep history and modern energy of Lower Manhattan, where colonial roots, immigration, and commerce intersect. Walk along Wall Street, once fortified by Dutch settlers and now the financial capital of the world. Visit Trinity Church, a landmark of faith and endurance that houses the grave of Alexander Hamilton. Conclude at the 9/11 Memorial, a powerful tribute honoring lives lost and the city’s enduring spirit of resilience.
Neighborhoods city walk
Savor a slice of authentic New York life as you explore the city’s most colorful neighborhoods. Enjoy pizza in Little Italy, explore the markets and flavors of Chinatown, and browse the boutiques and galleries of Greenwich Village and SoHo. Together, they capture the city’s iconic blend of cultures and creativity.
Optional
Broadway show (optional)
If it sings, dances, laughs, or moves you to tears, you’ll find it on Broadway. From Shakespearean drama to dazzling, high-energy musicals, this legendary stretch of theater lights up the heart of New York City. Experience the thrill of world-class performances on America’s most iconic stage. Your Account Manager will assist you in selecting the perfect show for your group.
Day 3
Broadway workshop
Radio City Music Hall guided visit
Go behind the scenes at one of the world’s most iconic venues, Radio City Music Hall. Declared a New York City landmark in the 1970s, this Art Deco treasure has hosted the Grammy and Tony Awards and is home to the world-famous Rockettes, whose precision dance routines embody the magic of live entertainment.
MoMA visit
Broadway show
If it sings and dances, laughs or cries, you'll find it here. The range of Broadway's theatrical productions, from Shakespearean tragedies to sequins-and-feathers musicals, is immense, and the glitter, hype, and talent draw audiences from around the world. See some of the biggest theater America has to offer on one of its most famous streets.
Day 4
Central Park city walk
Take a guided walking tour through New York’s iconic Central Park, a lush 843-acre retreat in the heart of Manhattan. Wander along Cherry Hill, where the fountain and lake views offer a peaceful pause from the city’s bustle. Visit Strawberry Fields, a moving tribute to John Lennon, and climb to Belvedere Castle for panoramic views of the Great Lawn. Stop by the Delacorte Theater, home to Shakespeare in the Park, and experience the blend of nature, art, and culture that makes Central Park one of the most beloved urban parks in the world.
Overnight flight to London
Day 5
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 6
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.
Day 7
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.
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.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre interactive workshop
Vendors selling sandwiches, open-air seating, and boisterous crowds—it sounds more like a ballgame than a Shakespeare play. In Elizabethan England, the Globe Theatre was a lively, noisy gathering place where audiences laughed, heckled, and cheered. This faithful 1990s reconstruction brings that experience to life. Learn how actors perform in natural daylight, interacting with the “groundlings” just as in Shakespeare’s time, and how costumers hand-stitch garments from antique fabrics. Discover how minimal scenery challenges directors to rely on language, imagination, and audience connection. Please note: Workshops are limited to students and a small number of accompanying adults; others will enjoy a guided tour of the Globe.
West End theater performance
End with a night at the theater in London’s West End, the British version of Broadway, featuring more than 40 professional theaters surrounded by lively restaurants, shops, and cafés. Please note: Performances may be moved to alternate days based on availability.
Day 8
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.
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 9
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.
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 New York City and 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.