Overview
Bring your ensemble on an exciting performance tour through the fairytale region of Eastern Europe. Between performances for international audiences, your talented young performers can look forward to exploring Rundale Palace, Gauja National Park, and Ainola—the home to famed Finnish composer Sibelius.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Lithuania (Vilnius)
Day 2
Arrive in Vilnius
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 3
Vilnius city walk
Former Jewish Ghetto, Great Synagogue, Gates of Dawn, St. Anne's Church
Vilnius performance
Venue options subject to final confirmation.
Day 4
Travel to Riga via Šiauliai
Šiauliai Hill of Crosses
On the way through the natural countryside of Lithuania with its wide open views, you will visit the famous Hill of Crosses, with over 50,000 crosses built from different materials.
Rundale Palace visit
Visit Rundale Palace, a baroque jewel designed by Italian architect F.B. Rastrelli.
Day 5
Riga city walk
Enjoy a walking tour of Riga today. We will explore the old town that is surrounded by a water channel, the famous Dome Cathedral, St. John and St. Peter Churches, the Freedom Monument, National Opera, Parliament, Castle and the cozy spacious squares, remarkable Art Nouveau district.
Riga performance
Students will embark on an unforgettable cultural journey to Riga, Latvia, where they will showcase their talents in a series of performances. This enriching experience combines artistic growth with international travel, offering students the opportunity to engage with new audiences, explore a vibrant European city, and build lasting memories through music, dance, or theatrical expression.
Day 6
Travel to Tallinn via Pärnu
Gauja National Park visit
Visit Gauja National Park to explore the Hill of Dainu, Gutmana Cave, the Sigulda Castle ruins, and the 13th-century Turaida Castle, built by order of the Teutonic Knights and the Bishop of Riga.
Pärnu free time
Day 7
Tallinn city walk
Enjoy a walking tour of Tallinn today. We will be sure to see upper Old Town (Toompea fortress and Parliament, Orthodox and Lutheran Cathedrals, and a panoramic viewpoint) and lower Old Town (Town Hall square and Merchant Guild Houses).
Tallinn performance
Student ensembles—instrumental, vocal, theatrical, or dance—will have the opportunity to perform in culturally rich and historic venues, such as the Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin and the Church of the Holy Spirit in Tallinn, among other medieval settings. Venues subject to confirmation.
Day 8
Ferry to Helsinki
Helsinki city walk
Helsinki University, Uspenski Cathedral, Market Square, Old Market Hall
Day 9
Ainola excursion
Ainola stands on the scenic shores of Lake Tuusula and was the home of the famous Finnish composer Sibelius. It's distance from the hustle and bustle of the nation's capital gave the composer the peace that he needed for his creative endeavors.
Villa Kokkennen visit
Visit the Villa Kokkennen, which is dedicated to another Finnish composer, Jonas Kokkonen.
Helsinki performance
Student performance ensembles will have the opportunity to share their talents in culturally significant settings. Potential venues include (but are not limited to): Helsinki Cathedral and the Rock Church. Subject to final confirmation.
Day 10
Return home
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
Scenes from the Baltics
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.