Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Set out to discover the majesty of Paris and admire the beautiful Spanish countryside. Your students will see iconic Parisian landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe and the Sacré Coeur, and explore the impressive collection of the Louvre. Your class will also discover the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao, embark on a food tour through San Sebastián’s Old Town, explore Pamplona Cathedral, and admire Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to France (Paris)
Day 2
Arrive in Paris
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.
Day 4
Louvre Museum visit
The world’s largest art museum, the Louvre, is housed in a former medieval fortress and entered through I.M. Pei’s striking glass pyramid. Inside, discover masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory, along with vast collections of Egyptian antiquities, Greek ceramics, and works spanning seven departments. Please note: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
Montmartre Tour Director-led sightseeing
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.
Day 5
Travel to Biarritz on the TGV
Take France’s fastest train to the coastal city of Biarritz, once a whaling town and later a favorite bathing spot for international royalty, earning it the nickname “The Queen of Beaches and the Beach for Kings.” Today, Biarritz offers world-class surfing, sweeping views along the Basque coast, and a relaxed resort atmosphere.
Biarritz Tour Director-led sightseeing
Once a humble whaling port, Biarritz transformed into a glamorous seaside retreat after Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, began spending her summers there.
Day 6
Bilbao excursion
This commercial center of the Basque country has been transformed in the past few years into a showplace of modern city-planning and world-class art. Architect Frank Gehry’s stunning Guggenheim Museum leads the way, along with Norman Foster’s futuristic subway and the Santiago Calatrava glass footbridge, which allows visitors to practically walk across water.
Day 7
Travel to Barcelona via Pamplona
LEAP
LEAP Spirit of Spain
Immerse yourself in the art that captures the passion of Spain. Compare the techniques and meanings in the works of artists from El Greco to Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. Deepen your understanding of art history as you debate how these and other masters defined and shaped Spanish culture.
Day 8
Barcelona guided sightseeing tour
Discover Barcelona with a licensed guide as you explore its mix of Gothic charm and modernist brilliance. Visit Plaza de España, then marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, the soaring church that defines the city’s skyline. Wander through Park Güell with its colorful mosaics and sweeping views, and journey to Montjuïc Hill, home to historic fortresses and the 1992 Olympic grounds.
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Madrid
Travel by AVE train to Spain’s capital and begin with a city walk through Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de España. The next day, take a guided sightseeing tour to see Calle Mayor, the lively Gran Vía, the Cibeles Fountain, Puerta de Alcalá, and Columbus Square. Visit the Royal Palace, explore the world-renowned Prado Museum, and end your stay with an unforgettable flamenco evening 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
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
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Paris, the Basque Country, and Barcelona
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.