Explore the rich history, culture, and musical heritage of Paris, Chartres, and Normandy with your student ensemble. Stroll the grand boulevards of Paris, visit Notre Dame and the Musée de la Musique, and take in sweeping views from the Eiffel Tower. Perform in iconic music venues, engage in an expert-led masterclass, explore the medieval streets of Chartres, and stand on the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy. This journey blends cultural discovery, historic reflection, and meaningful musical growth.
Overview
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to France (Paris)
Day 2
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.
Paris city walk
This city was made for walking. Stroll grand boulevards with sweeping views of the city, pristine parks with trees planted in perfect rows, and narrow streets crowded with vendors selling flowers, pastries and cheese. Then head to the Île de la Cité, a small island in the Seine, to see Notre Dame Cathedral.
Day 5
Chartres Cathedral visit
Built on an ancient holy site to house a relic of the Virgin Mary’s veil (still on display), this 13th-century Gothic cathedral is best known for its stained glass. With more than 20,000 square feet of windows, stepping inside feels like entering a jewel box. On the floor lies the only surviving medieval labyrinth, a 300-yard path once followed on pilgrims’ knees toward the image of paradise at the center.
Day 6
Normandy D-Day landing beaches
See the D-Day beaches where on June 6, 1944, thousands of Allied troops landed in an effort to recapture the coast from Germany. All along the beaches, deserted German bunkers have been turned into memorials and the stark white crosses and stars that mark the cemeteries are grim reminders of the war.
American Military Cemetery and Memorial visit at Colleville-sur-Mer
Visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer that honors American troops who died in Europe during World War II.
Day 7
Juno Beach Centre visit
Gain a profound understanding of the Canadian military’s extensive role in the World War II Allied invasion on D-Day through immersive exhibits, historical artifacts, and personal stories.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing in October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more meaningful learning moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
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
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
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
Scenes from Paris and Normandy
Health & Safety
WorldStrides has been tackling the unprecedented for the last 55 years. Our experienced team is leading the way, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing landscape for student travel. In addition, we have an extensive network in place to ensure the health and safety of all our participants.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
Doctors on Call
An exclusive relationship with the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates that grants our travelers 24/7 access to medical care through telehealth consultations.
AXA Mental Health Services
For added peace-of-mind, all travelers have confidential access to a behavioral health care specialist while on tour should the need arise.
24-Hour Tour Director
This 24-hour Tour Director be with your students at all times, leading them through the incredible destinations included in your program.
Accident & Medical Insurance
For added protection, all travelers are automatically covered under WorldStrides' industry best accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance.
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.