Overview
Explore the land of bagpipes, fiddles, and folk music on a performance tour of Scotland and England. Home of the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Glasgow is the centre of contemporary Scottish culture — and the perfect spot to inspire your young performers. Take the stage in one of London’s exquisite venues and head to the South Bank to watch some of the area’s famous street performers.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Scotland (Glasgow)
Day 2
Arrive in Glasgow
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.
Glasgow city walk
Explore Glasgow on a city walk with your Tour Director. See the Venetian-style façade of the City Chambers, the statues and monuments of George Square, and the campus of Strathclyde University while discovering the city’s blend of historic architecture, modern culture, and vibrant urban life.
Day 3
Glasgow Cathedral visit
Visit Glasgow Cathedral, so highly regarded that in 1451 the Pope declared a pilgrimage there held the same merit as one to Rome. The current 12th-century cathedral stands on the site of a monastery founded by St. Mungo in 550 CE. Inside, admire post–World War II stained glass, including the Millennium Window, considered one of the most technically advanced stained-glass works in the world. Your visit also includes the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist and Blacader Aisle.
National Piping Centre visit
Visit the National Piping Centre and learn about the Great Highland bagpipe along with other instruments used in Scottish music, including smallpipes, uilleann pipes, fiddle, accordion, and percussion.
Glasgow performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 4
Travel to Edinburgh via Stirling
Edinburgh city walk
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a city of steep streets, stone buildings, and dramatic views, all watched over by the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Follow your Tour Director along the Royal Mile, which runs from Holyrood Palace to the castle, passing St. Giles’ Cathedral, long a centre of learning and civic life in the city’s Old Town.
St Cecilia’s Hall and Music Museum visit
Opened in 1763, St Cecilia’s Hall is Scotland’s oldest purpose-built concert hall. Hear 18th-century music performed on period instruments in this historic venue, which also houses an important collection of musical instruments, many of which are still playable.
Edinburgh performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 5
Princes Street Gardens
Walk through Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh’s New Town, where a busy thoroughfare borders a beautiful park. See the first floral clock, commissioned in 1903, enjoy iconic views of Edinburgh Castle, and browse nearby shops offering everything from high end fashion to traditional Highland tartans.
Edinburgh guided sightseeing tour
Explore Edinburgh, the historic and cultural heart of Scotland. Led by a licensed guide, walk the Royal Mile through the city’s Old Town, from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Admire the elegant Georgian New Town, known for its neoclassical design, and gaze up at the 200-foot Sir Walter Scott Monument in East Princes Street Gardens, a tribute to one of Scotland’s greatest literary figures—and his loyal dog, Maida, immortalized below.
Edinburgh Castle visit
Perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle commands the skyline with its imposing presence. Explore this medieval fortress, uncover its role in Scottish history, and take in sweeping views of the city below.
Arthur's Seat hike
Weather permitting, hike Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.
Day 6
Travel to London by train
London South Bank walking tour
Take a stroll along London’s lively South Bank, where art, history, and riverside views come together. Admire the Tate Modern’s striking architecture, cross the sleek Millennium Bridge, and soak in panoramic views of the Thames, and spot landmarks like the London Eye.
Day 7
London guided sightseeing tour
Join a licensed local guide for an in-depth tour of London. See Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard, and stroll through Hyde Park, home to the famous Speakers’ Corner. View Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, then step inside Westminster Abbey, the coronation site of English monarchs. Continue to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, and admire the iconic Tower Bridge spanning the Thames.
Abbey Road
Journey out to Abbey Road, where we can recreate the iconic Beatles' album cover for ourselves by walking the zebra crossing. See the world famous graffiti wall, view the iconic house, and visit the official Abbey Road shop.
London performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 8
Flight home from London
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
Free academic credit for eligible Ontario-based students. Ask your Program Consultant for details.
Scenes from Scotland and England
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.
