Overview
Take your students through historic landscapes shrouded in ancient legends on a performance tour to Scotland. Choirs, bands, orchestras alike will be inspired in Glasgow, the centre of contemporary Scottish culture. They’ll hear the traditional music of the Great Highland Bagpipe as well as other instruments used in Scottish music like smallpipes, fiddles, and accordions. Jump on the West Highland Line scenic train to take in panoramic views of the famed Scotland lochs. Then make your way along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile before performing in this capital city.
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
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 Fort William via Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Travel through the spectacular landscape of the Trossachs. This area of rugged mountains, forests and lochs including Loch Lomond is forever associated with Sir Walter Scott’s outlaw hero, Rob Roy. The Trossachs, home to Rob Roy and Loch Lomond, is a region of craggy hills, sparkling lochs and rich culture. Scotland’s first national park, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park now make up a large part of the area.
Day 5
West Highland Line scenic train ride to Mallaig (round trip)
Enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of lochs dominated by towering mountains and delve deep in the wilds of the West Highland Line by your window. Experience the thrill of travelling 100 ft above ground along the breath-taking curve of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Originally famous for being the first mass concrete viaduct ever built in the world, it is now more notable for being part of the route to Hogwarts in several of the Harry Potter films. Proof that stunning scenery is around every corner of the West Highland Line.
Mallaig Tour Director-led walking tour
The village of Mallaig was founded in the 1840s, when Lord Lovat, owner of the North Morar Estate, divided the farm of Mallaigvaig into seventeen parcels of land and encouraged his tenants to move to the western part of the peninsula and take up fishing as a way of life. The population and local economy expanded rapidly in the 20th century with the arrival of the railway. Mallaig is the main commercial fishing port on the West Coast of Scotland, and during the 1960s, it was the busiest herring port in Europe. At that time, Mallaig prided itself on its famous traditionally smoked kippers, though today only one traditional smokehouse remains: Jaffy's and Sons. Mallaig and the surrounding area are now popular holiday destinations.
Day 6
Travel to Edinburgh via Stirling
Stirling Castle visit
Tour Stirling Castle, a grand medieval fortress and former seat of Kings James IV and James V. Explore the Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, featuring regimental colours, pipe banners, and silver. From the castle walls, take in sweeping views of the Wallace Monument.
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.
Day 7
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.
Edinburgh performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 8
End tour
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
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.