Overview
Learning gets three-dimensional as STEM students grapple with the realities of outer space on this experiential tour of Huntsville and San Francisco. Students start their journey in San Fran, where they’ll travel by cable car to explore Fisherman’s Wharf and catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island. Then it’s down south to Alabama for a week of intensive training at the Huntsville Space Camp, where trainees experience life as an astronaut and take part in simulated space missions that test their mathematical and scientific problem-solving skills.
Itinerary
Huntsville and San Francisco Space Camp
- Science
- Space and Aviation
Day 1
Travel to the USA (Atlanta)
Tours must depart from Australia’s East Coast on Saturday and from the West Coast on Friday (Day 0).
Travel to the U.S. Space & Rocket Centre with your Tour Director
Day 2
U.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Camp program
Ignite your passion for STEM and exploration at Space Camp! Take part in hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. All meals are included during your stay at Space Camp.
Space Camp orientation
Check-in and orientation take place on Sunday between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Day 3
U.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Camp program continued
Space Camp delivers an immersive STEM experience with astronaut-style training and real-world engineering challenges. Build teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities, including gravity and multi-axis simulators, rocket design and launch, SCUBA diving in the Underwater Astronaut Trainer (with medical clearance), and jet aircraft flight simulations. Explore the International Space Station and tackle engineering challenges like heat shield construction and rover building. The experience culminates in an extended-duration Mars mission simulation that brings together everything you’ve learned.
Day 4
U.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Camp program continued
Space Camp delivers an immersive STEM experience with astronaut-style training and real-world engineering challenges. Build teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities, including gravity and multi-axis simulators, rocket design and launch, SCUBA diving in the Underwater Astronaut Trainer (with medical clearance), and jet aircraft flight simulations. Explore the International Space Station and tackle engineering challenges like heat shield construction and rover building. The experience culminates in an extended-duration Mars mission simulation that brings together everything you’ve learned.
Day 5
U.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Camp program continued
Space Camp delivers an immersive STEM experience with astronaut-style training and real-world engineering challenges. Build teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities, including gravity and multi-axis simulators, rocket design and launch, SCUBA diving in the Underwater Astronaut Trainer (with medical clearance), and jet aircraft flight simulations. Explore the International Space Station and tackle engineering challenges like heat shield construction and rover building. The experience culminates in an extended-duration Mars mission simulation that brings together everything you’ve learned.
Day 6
U.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Camp program continued
Space Camp delivers an immersive STEM experience with astronaut-style training and real-world engineering challenges. Build teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities, including gravity and multi-axis simulators, rocket design and launch, SCUBA diving in the Underwater Astronaut Trainer (with medical clearance), and jet aircraft flight simulations. Explore the International Space Station and tackle engineering challenges like heat shield construction and rover building. The experience culminates in an extended-duration Mars mission simulation that brings together everything you’ve learned.
Day 7
Space Camp Graduation
Celebrate the end of Space Camp with a graduation ceremony recognising your achievements throughout the week.
Travel to San Francisco, CA
Fisherman's Wharf
Explore world-famous Fisherman's Wharf, where working fishing boats, seafood markets, waterfront restaurants, museums, and local shops showcase San Francisco's rich maritime heritage and vibrant waterfront culture.
Day 8
Exploratorium visit
Step inside this renowned museum with more than 650 interactive exhibits that bring science, art, and perception to life. Learn about optical illusions, experiment with physics, and explore topics ranging from the human body to outer space.
Stanford University visit
Day 9
Alcatraz Island visit
Catch a ferry across the bay to visit this infamous former prison that once held some of America’s most notorious criminals. Explore preserved cell blocks and hear firsthand prisoner accounts of escape attempts, isolation, and daily life behind bars.
Golden Gate Bridge
Explore the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a remarkable feat of engineering spanning 2.7 kilometres across the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Recognised for its distinctive International Orange colour, the bridge was designed to withstand strong winds and earthquakes. Learn about the engineering challenges faced during its construction in the 1930s while taking in spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island and the Pacific Ocean.
Cable car ride
Hop aboard a famous cable car for a journey through San Francisco’s vibrant neighbourhoods and historic landmarks. Enjoy sweeping views of the city as you learn about the history behind the world’s last manually operated transportation system.
Dinner in Chinatown
Day 10
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing in 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 meaningful learning 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
- Select transport options that suit your group's needs
- Choose from a variety of accommodation styles to support your level of comfort
Dine Your Way
- Choose pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2 course meals at local restaurants or at your accommodation, with the option to upgrade to 3 courses
Inclusions
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
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
A mix of hotel and Space Camp dorm style accommodations
Daily meals with options varying by program
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
Entrance fees to attractions as per itinerary
Guided sightseeing tours and city walks as per itinerary
Scenes from Space Camp
Health, Safety & Protection
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
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