Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Immerse your young artists and art-lovers in the masterpieces and inspirational landscapes of France and Spain on this journey from Paris to Madrid. Your students will explore the impressive collections of the Louvre, the Musée D'Orsay, the Guggenheim, and the Prado, discover the Royal Palace in Madrid, and experience authentic Spanish culture during a traditional flamenco evening. Your class will also explore beautiful Biarritz and San Sebastián and admire the iconic architecture of Notre-Dame.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to France (Paris)
Day 2
Arrive in Paris
Day 3
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.
Montmartre Tour Director-led sightseeing
Discover Montmartre on a Tour Director-led walk through the hilltop neighborhood that inspired artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. Stroll the lively Place du Tertre, where painters still work today, see the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret, and climb to the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur for sweeping views over Paris.
Day 4
Optional
Giverny guided excursion (optional)
Claude Monet discovered this quiet farming village when his train stopped nearby. Captivated by its beauty, he moved there in 1883 and spent 40 years transforming his pink stucco home into a masterpiece of gardens and light. Wander the flower-filled Clos Normand, cross the Japanese bridge, and see the water lilies that inspired his art. His studio remains just as he left it. Please note: Available for tours travelling April-November only.
Musée d’Orsay visit
Visit the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station on the Seine. The museum showcases French art from 1848 to 1915 and is renowned for its Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Cézanne.
Day 5
Travel to Biarritz on the TGV
Take France’s fastest train to the coastal city of Biarritz, once a whaling town and later a favourite bathing spot for international royalty, earning it the nickname “The Queen of Beaches and the Beach for Kings.” Today, Biarritz offers world-class surfing, sweeping views along the Basque coast, and a relaxed resort atmosphere.
Biarritz Tour Director-led sightseeing
Once a humble whaling port, Biarritz transformed into a glamorous seaside retreat after Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, began spending her summers there.
Day 6
Guggenheim Museum visit
Embark on a cultural journey with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Explore a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art that offers insight into major artistic movements and creative expression.
LEAP
LEAP Spirit of Spain
Immerse yourself in the art that captures the passion of Spain. Compare the techniques and meanings in the works of artists from El Greco to Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. Deepen your understanding of art history as you debate how these and other masters defined and shaped Spanish culture.
Day 8
Flamenco evening
Discover this world-famous gypsy dance, its music, and rich history as you watch professional dancers perform, and give the intricate footwork and elaborate arm gestures a try yourself.
Optional Extension
Add 3 Days in Barcelona
Travel aboard the high-speed AVE train to Barcelona and experience the lively spirit of Las Ramblas during a fun scavenger hunt. Discover the city’s artistic and architectural treasures on a guided sightseeing tour, including Plaza de España, Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc Hill, and Park Güell. Visit the Picasso Museum, learn to prepare local favorites in a traditional cooking class, and enjoy a delicious tapas dinner to cap off your stay.
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 and 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 France and Spain
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.