Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Your students will embark on a journey across Europe, starting with an adventure through the Netherlands to explore the many facets of Dutch resistance during WWII. Then, in the reconstructed trenches at Vimy Ridge, your group will see where Canadian soldiers first confronted new weapons of war at the Battle of Ypres. They will also get a sense of what awaited our soldiers in 1917 and be transported to the landscapes of the Battle of Passchendaele at the Memorial Museum.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to the Netherlands (Amsterdam)
Day 2
Arrive in Amsterdam
Meet your LEAP-trained Tour Director
LEAP encompasses the best practices of student-centreed learning. Your Tour Director will get to know you and your group, will push you to think deeply, and will prepare thoughtful, hands-on opportunities to display your learning. LEAP is exclusive to WorldStrides and is what makes our Tour Directors unique and our programmes transformative.
Amsterdam scavenger hunt
Take interactive learning to the next level with a Tour Director-led scavenger hunt through Amsterdam. Solve clues and complete engageing activities that bring the city’s history and cultural heritage to life, designed to maximize on-tour experiential learning.
Amsterdam canal guided cruise
Canals and crocuses. Bicycles and bluebells. With more canals than Venice and countless flower merchants, downtown Amsterdam bursts with colour and light reflecting off the water. Take a canal boat ride for the best views of gabled houses and nearly 1,200 bridges. Note: Cruises may be guided by a local or pre-recorded audio.
Day 3
Rijksmuseum visit
Amsterdam’s most popular art museum, opened in 1885 to house William V’s collection, now displays masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters, along with Asian and decorative arts. Highlights include 17th- and 18th-century dollhouses furnished like real homes of the era.
Jewish Historical Museum visit
Discover the rich heritage of Jewish culture as you explore a 17th-century synagogue, interactive exhibits, artifacts, art, and personal stories that illuminate the Jewish experience in the Netherlands.
Traditional Dutch pannenkoeken dinner
Enjoy a traditional Dutch dinner of pannenkoeken, large thin pancakes similar to crepes, topped with savory or sweet ingredients like bacon, apples, or raisins, and finished with a drizzle of stroop, a rich dark syrup.
Day 4
Travel to Bruges
Travel to Bruges
Kamp Vught guided visit
Delve into the background of this former Nazi concentration camp as you explore its authentic remaining barrack, pay respects at its memorial, and learn about the site’s history in the museum.
Day 5
Travel to Flanders
Passchendaele Canadian Memorial Park visit
Memorial Museum of Passchendaele 1917 visit
St. Julien Memorial visit
Tyne Cot National Cemetery visit
In Flanders Fields Museum visit
Attend Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate
Day 6
Vimy Ridge excursion
Wellington Quarry and Museum visit
Hill 70 Memorial Park: Student-led group ceremony
Day 7
Travel to Paris
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.
Seine River cruise
See the city from the water on an hour-long cruise along the River Seine. The Seine cuts right through Paris, dividing the city in half. Spot the Eiffel tower rising up on the Left Bank, the walls of the Louvre on the Right Bank. A guide will point out other monuments and architectural marvels as you pass, many of which are illuminated by clear white light at night.
Dinner in Latin Quarter
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.
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 Paris
Fly to the City of Light and enjoy guided sightseeing, including visits to the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles. Take part in our LEAP Seize the Château! program, a dynamic costume workshop where you’ll step into the roles of historical figures to explore the events leading to the French Revolution.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing 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 unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre 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
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Scenes from Amsterdam, Belgium & France
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
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.