Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Give your students a taste of authentic Swiss and French culture, including a workshop at a Swiss chocolate factory and a tour of a Gruyere factory. Your group will also explore the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, study the stunning architecture of the Kapellbrücke, and discover the impressive collection of the Louvre.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Switzerland (Zurich)
Day 2
Arrive in Zurich
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.
Zurich city walk
Explore Zurich with your Tour Director, beginning in the charming Old Town, a medieval district along the Limmat River. Stroll the Quays of Zurich for views of the lake and city skyline, then take in the stained-glass beauty of the Fraumünster and the twin towers of the Grossmünster. Conclude with a walk down Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most famous shopping streets.
Day 3
Travel to Lucerne
Swiss chocolate workshop
Embark on a sweet adventure at a Swiss chocolate factory, where the rich aroma greets you on arrival. Guided by expert chocolatiers, explore the art of chocolate making with a behind-the-scenes look at dip-coating and decorating. Then, try your hand at creating your own delicious treats to take home.
Day 4
Lucerne Tour Director-led sightseeing
Explore Lucerne with your Tour Director, set against the Alps and green pastures. Walk the Old Town’s cobblestones to Chapel Bridge, a 14th-century wooden bridge decorated with murals, and see the Lion Monument, a sandstone tribute to Swiss Guards lost in 1792. Visit the ornate Jesuit Church and take in the charm of Weinmarkt and Kornmarkt Squares.
LEAP
LEAP Swiss Life and Legends
Experience the legends of William Tell, the Lion Monument, and the story of Swiss independence as history comes to life through vivid reenactments.
Optional
Mt. Pilatus excursion (optional)
Scale snow-capped Mount Pilatus for sweeping views of Lucerne and the Alps. From May to mid-November, cruise Lake Alpnach before riding the world’s steepest cog railway; the rest of the year, ascend by cable car. At the summit, capture frame-worthy photos, and on clear days, enjoy vistas stretching up to 200 miles.
Day 5
Travel to Geneva via Interlaken
The Grindelwald ZipRider®
Begin your ZipRider adventure with a ride up the three-stage Grindelwald First Gondola, surrounded by alpine meadows, grazing cows, and sweeping views of glaciers and rugged peaks, including the Eiger. At the summit, launch from the platform and soar over ski runs at speeds up to 55 mph, taking in spectacular, unforgettable mountain scenery.
Gruyère cheese factory visit
Discover Switzerland’s most famous cheese in the Gruyère Valley, where farmers have perfected their craft since the 12th century. Tour a factory to see how each wheel is made—requiring nearly 150 gallons of milk—and sample the rich flavors of this iconic Swiss tradition.
Day 6
Geneva city walk
Discover Geneva on a city walk set against Lake Geneva and views of Mont Blanc. See the soaring Jet d’Eau fountain, stroll through the Jardin Anglais to admire the world-famous Flower Clock, and visit the Cathedral de Saint-Pierre with its Reformation history and climb to the North Tower. Explore the Old Arsenal, the Reformation Wall, and soak in the city’s cosmopolitan charm.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum visit
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum offers a unique look at the history of humanitarian action alongside today’s global challenges. Its permanent exhibition, The Humanitarian Adventure, explores three themes: Defending Human Dignity, Restoring Family Links, and Reducing Natural Risks, reflecting the key issues faced in the modern world.
United Nations European Headquarters visit
Day 7
Travel to Paris on the TGV
Ride the TGV, Europe’s famed high-speed train, as you travel to Paris.
Paris city walk
Take in Paris on foot, strolling wide boulevards, manicured parks, and lively streets filled with cafés and flower stalls. Cross to the Île de la Cité to view the storied Notre-Dame Cathedral, centerpiece of French history, then wander the charming Île St. Louis and the vibrant Latin Quarter, rich with student life and culture.
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.
Day 8
Paris guided sightseeing tour
Explore Paris with a licensed local guide on a sightseeing tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, stroll the grand boulevard lined with shops and cafés, and see the ornate 19th-century Opera House. Look up at the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair, and visit Les Invalides, Napoleon’s military refuge, along with other historic sites.
Optional
Versailles guided excursion (optional; pre-book only)
The ultimate palace, Versailles was begun by Louis XIII and transformed by Louis XIV into the seat of royal power until the French Revolution. Inside, admire the 250-foot Hall of Mirrors, flanked by the salons of War and Peace, and the State Apartments where lavish ceremonies unfolded. Step into the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece of fountains, sculptures, and sweeping vistas. Be sure to visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she escaped court life by tending sheep and playing at village life. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.
Day 9
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 3 Days in Normandy
Begin at the Caen Memorial, a museum built on a former German bunker that now tells the story of World War II, D-Day, and peace in Europe. Continue your exploration at the Arromanches D-Day Museum and take part in LEAP Soldiers’ Stories, stepping into the shoes of U.S. servicemen landing in Normandy to gain a personal and historical perspective. Visit the D-Day landing beaches, Pointe du Hoc, the American Military Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, and the Canadian Military Cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer. Return to Paris via Rouen, where your Tour Director will guide you through the medieval Old Town with visits to the Rouen Cathedral and the Old Clock 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 & 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 Paris, Switzerland & Nice
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.