Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Set out alongside your students to explore the rich cultural heritage of Scotland and England. Your students will visit the picturesque Scottish Highlands, including a stop at Loch Ness, before heading to bustling Edinburgh. There, your class will explore the Royal Mile and visit Edinburgh Castle. In London, students will take in famous landmarks including Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey before enjoying an authentic fish & chips dinner and enjoying a ride on the London Eye.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Scotland (Glasgow)
Day 2
Arrive in Glasgow
Travel to Highlands via Loch Lomond
Head for the hills (well, the Highlands, actually). On the way, you'll pass the largest expanse of fresh water in Britain. Loch Lomond is five miles wide at its broadest point and has more than 30 islands in the middle of it, three of which are inhabited. It's a favorite recreational spot for the Scots and is full of native wildlife.
Day 3
Glencoe and Loch Ness excursion
Explore the breathtaking Highlands of Glencoe, surrounded by misty peaks and rich history. Visit the legendary Loch Ness, where a boat cruise offers views of the deep waters said to hide the elusive Nessie, and see Culloden Moor, site of the final Jacobite battle in 1746.
Day 4
Travel to Edinburgh via the Trossachs
Travel through the heart of the Scottish countryside, where dramatic peaks, quiet lochs, and peaceful glens create landscapes that inspired poet William Wordsworth. Visit Stirling Castle, a magnificent gray stone fortress that towers over the land from its cliffside perch. For centuries it held strategic importance, passing between Scottish and English hands countless times. Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned here, and stories of ghosts still linger in its grand halls filled with medieval and Renaissance art and breathtaking views of the Highlands.
Stirling Castle visit
Tour Stirling Castle, a grand medieval fortress and former seat of Kings James IV and James V. Explore the Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, featuring regimental colors, pipe banners, and silver. From the castle walls, take in sweeping views of the Wallace Monument.
Edinburgh city walk
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a city of steep streets, stone buildings, and dramatic views, all watched over by the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Follow your Tour Director along the Royal Mile, which runs from Holyrood Palace to the castle, passing St. Giles’ Cathedral, long a center of learning and civic life in the city’s Old Town.
Day 5
Edinburgh guided sightseeing tour
Explore Edinburgh, the historic and cultural heart of Scotland. Led by a licensed guide, walk the Royal Mile through the city’s Old Town, from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Admire the elegant Georgian New Town, known for its neoclassical design, and gaze up at the 200-foot Sir Walter Scott Monument in East Princes Street Gardens, a tribute to one of Scotland’s greatest literary figures—and his loyal dog, Maida, immortalized below.
Edinburgh Castle visit
Perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle commands the skyline with its imposing presence. Explore this medieval fortress, uncover its role in Scottish history, and take in sweeping views of the city below.
Optional
Scottish Steps dance class (optional)
Learn the art of Scottish dancing at a social gathering, or Ceilidh, (pronounced “Kay-lay”). Dance to live music as an instructor shows you some traditional steps.
Day 6
Travel to London by train
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 7
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.
London Eye ferris wheel ride
Soar 450 feet over London in the world's highest ferris wheel. The London Eye, the fourth tallest structure in London, whisks visitors up up and away above the River Thames for spectacular views of the city and its surrounds. The unique, futuristic passenger "capsules" allow unobstructed, 180-degree views. On a clear day visitors can see as far as the King's residence at Windsor Castle -- 25 miles away.
Day 8
Optional
Stonehenge & Salisbury guided excursion (optional)
Uncover the mystery of Stonehenge, the ancient circle of massive stones built around 3000 B.C. and believed to be a sacred site or early astronomical calendar. Continue to the medieval city of Salisbury to visit its stunning cathedral, home to the tallest spire in Britain and one of four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, displayed in its beautiful 13th-century Chapter House.
Hard Rock Cafe dinner
Enjoy a meal at the original Hard Rock Cafe, a legendary spot for rock 'n' roll fans around the world.
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.
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
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Scotland & England
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.