Overview
Journey through the historic cities and dramatic landscapes of Northern England and Scotland with your choir, band, or orchestra. Perform in Durham and Edinburgh while exploring York’s medieval streets, Durham Castle, and Scotland’s capital. Along the way, discover the Scottish Highlands, visit Edinburgh Castle, and experience centuries of history and culture across two countries.
At a Glance
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to England (Manchester)
Day 2
Arrive in Manchester
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.
Travel to York
Visiting York is like walking thorough a living museum. Its medieval structures are impressively preserved in its timbered houses and winding, cobbled streets surrounded by the remains of the city walls. Founded by the Romans in 71 CE, York was, for a long time, a strategic point used by both Saxons and Vikings.
Day 3
York Tour Director-led sightseeing
Discover York on a guided walking tour through one of England's best-preserved medieval cities. Stroll along cobblestone streets, admire historic architecture, and explore The Shambles, a narrow street lined with timber-framed buildings dating back to the 14th century while learning about the city's rich history.
York Minster visit
Visit York Minster, which traces its origins from the early 7th Century, and features stained glass from the Middle Ages.
Day 4
Travel to Durham
Durham Tour Director-led sightseeing
Explore Durham with your Tour Director and discover the city’s historic heart. Visit the bustling Market Place before walking through the Historic Peninsula to Palace Green, surrounded by some of Durham’s most notable historic architecture.
Durham Castle guided visit
Built in the 11th century, Durham Castle is one of England's finest Norman fortresses and continues to serve as part of Durham University. Discover its medieval history, remarkable architecture, and enduring role as one of the country's most historic university settings during a guided visit.
Day 5
Crook Hall Gardens visit
Discover the historic gardens of Crook Hall, where themed gardens, winding pathways, and a charming garden maze create a peaceful retreat. Enjoy beautiful views of Durham Cathedral while exploring one of the city's most picturesque green spaces.
Durham choir performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 6
Travel to Edinburgh
Set on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since 1492. You can't help but imagine yourself in "auld lang syne" (times gone by) as you wander the cobblestone streets, craggy coast, and lush green spaces of Scotland. Today's Edinburgh is a hub for banking, and also well-known for festivals and universities that bring the city both tourists and acclaim. Described as one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, the Old and New Towns in Edinburgh became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Bramburgh Castle photo stop
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
National Museum of Scotland visit
Explore the National Museum of Scotland’s 16 galleries, covering a wide range of subjects. One of the most notable exhibits is Dolly, the cloned sheep.
Edinburgh choir performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Ghosts and Ghouls night walking tour
Beneath Edinburgh’s stunning exterior lies a chilling past. Witch trials. Plague. Ghosts. And murder. On this guided tour, hear eerie tales of the spirits and ghouls said to still haunt the city’s most infamous spots.
Day 8
Calton Hill
Free time on Victoria Street
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.
Day 9
Return 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 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 York, Durham, and Edinburgh
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.