Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
This journey of remembrance and discovery takes your group from London's surviving wartime ship, the HMS Belfast, to the poignant battlefields of Vimy and the Somme. Immerse your students in the middle of the 1917 Battle of Passchendaele at the Memorial Museum, explore the tunnels that helped the Canadian Corps in their military strategy, and attend the Last Post Ceremony in Ypres to commemorate fallen Commonwealth soldiers. Round out your trip by exploring the iconic sights of Paris.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to England (London)
Day 2
Arrive in London
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.
London city walk
Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, China town
Classic fish & chips dinner
Nothing says local flavor quite like fish and chips. Join your Tour Director at a traditional pub to enjoy this classic dish, usually served with a side of malt vinegar. From bustling cities to seaside towns, “chippies” remain a favourite stop for locals and visitors alike.
Day 3
London World War I guided sightseeing tour
HMS Belfast visit
Imperial War Museum visit
Explore this unique museum, dedicated to covering conflicts from World War I through the present. Tanks and aircraft, paintings, letters, films, and other exhibits trace the influence of modern war and its effects on our lives.
Day 4
Eurostar chunnel crossing to Lille
Travel to Vimy area
Passchendaele Canadian Memorial Park visit
Memorial Museum of Passchendaele 1917 visit
St. Julien Memorial visit
Tyne Cot National Cemetery visit
Day 6
Ypres Tour Director-led sightseeing
In Flanders Fields Museum visit
Attend Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate
Day 7
Travel to Paris via Beaumont Hamel
Somme Trench Museum visit
Experience World War I history by exploring authentic trench reconstructions, battlefield artifacts, and informative exhibits on the daily life and challenges of the Great War soldiers.
Day 8
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, centrepiece 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.
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 9
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.
Les Invalides and Napoleon's Tomb visit
Explore this grand complex of military history museums and monuments that’s famously known for being the burial site of some of France’s greatest war heroes, including Napoleon Bonaparte.
Eiffel Tower ascent
Line up to climb to the top floor of this iconic landmark for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the glittering City of Light.
Day 10
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 Canadian 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
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 London, Vimy & Paris
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.