Overview
Take your students through historic landscapes shrouded in ancient legends on a performance tour to Scotland. Choirs, bands, orchestras alike will be inspired in Glasgow, the center of contemporary Scottish culture. They’ll hear the traditional music of the Great Highland Bagpipe as well as other instruments used in Scottish music like smallpipes, fiddles, and accordions. Jump on the West Highland Line scenic train to take in panoramic views of the famed Scotland lochs. Then make your way along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile before performing in this capital city.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Scotland (Glasgow)
Day 2
Arrive in Glasgow
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.
Glasgow city walk
Strathclyde University, City Chambers, George Square
Day 3
National Scottish Piping Center visit
Visit the National Scottish Piping Center and learn about the Great Highland Bagpipe, as well as other instruments used in Scottish music like the Scottish Smallpipes, Uillean Pipes, Fiddle, Accordion, and Percussion instruments.
Glasgow performance
Enjoy performances at churches (some have restricted sacred repetoire and others allow secular,) temples, museums and cultural centers, significant historic sights or exchange concerts with local schools, universities or community groups. Participating in a choral or cultural festival can also be a rewarding experience. For all performances we work closely with each group to ensure the perfect venue to meet their vision. Speak with your Worldstrides representative about what options would be best for your group.
Day 4
Travel to Fort William via Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Travel through the spectacular landscape of the Trossachs. This area of rugged mountains, forests and lochs including Loch Lomond is forever associated with Sir Walter Scott’s outlaw hero, Rob Roy. The Trossachs, home to Rob Roy and Loch Lomond, is a region of craggy hills, sparkling lochs and rich culture. Scotland’s first national park, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park now make up a large part of the area.
Day 5
West Highland Line scenic train ride to Mallaig (round trip)
Enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of lochs dominated by towering mountains and delve deep in the wilds of the West Highland Line by your window. Experience the thrill of travelling 100 ft above ground along the breath-taking curve of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Originally famous for being the first mass concrete viaduct ever built in the world, it is now more notable for being part of the route to Hogwarts in several of the Harry Potter films. Proof that stunning scenery is around every corner of the West Highland Line.
Mallaig Tour Director-led walking tour
The village of Mallaig was founded in the 1840s, when Lord Lovat, owner of the North Morar Estate, divided the farm of Mallaigvaig into seventeen parcels of land and encouraged his tenants to move to the western part of the peninsula and take up fishing as a way of life. The population and local economy expanded rapidly in the 20th century with the arrival of the railway. Mallaig is the main commercial fishing port on the West Coast of Scotland, and during the 1960s, it was the busiest herring port in Europe. At that time, Mallaig prided itself on its famous traditionally smoked kippers, though today only one traditional smokehouse remains: Jaffy's and Sons. Mallaig and the surrounding area are now popular holiday destinations.
Day 6
Travel to Edinburgh via Stirling
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 7
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.
Edinburgh performance
Student ensembles will have the opportunity to perform in Edinburgh, a city renowned for its historic charm and vibrant arts scene. From medieval landmarks to modern venues, students will experience the rich cultural heritage of Scotland while sharing their talents with local audiences.
Day 8
End tour
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
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
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
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.