Overview
Discover the stories, places and events that have shaped our world on this immersive exploration of Europe and Türkiye. From the ancient wonders of Istanbul and Troy to the battlefields of Gallipoli and the Western Front, students will walk in the footsteps of history. Explore the culture and grandeur of Paris, uncover the powerful stories of Auschwitz and the Berlin Wall, on a journey filled with unforgettable learning experiences.
Itinerary
Türkiye and Europe Modern History
- History
- War History
Day 1
Overnight flight to Türkiye (Istanbul)
Day 2
Arrive in Istanbul
Meet your Tour Director
Istanbul city walk
Where Europe meets Asia, Istanbul blends ancient and modern with effortless beauty. Explore bustling markets filled with silks and spices, and admire the city’s skyline of domes and minarets, including the majestic Hagia Sophia and the elegant Blue Mosque, masterpieces of faith and architecture.
Blue Mosque visit
Admire the splendor of the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, one of Istanbul’s greatest architectural treasures. Its six towering minarets and eight cascading domes create an unforgettable skyline, while the interior glows with thousands of blue Iznik tiles decorated with cypress trees, fruits, and flowers. As one of the last great mosques of the classical era, it remains a symbol of Ottoman artistry and devotion.
Day 3
Travel to Gallipoli
Gallipoli Peninsula guided sightseeing
Explore the Gallipoli Peninsula on a guided sightseeing tour of one of the most significant battlefields of World War I. See Brighton Beach, Anzac Cove, Ari Burnu and Beach Cemetery, the Respect to Mehmetçik Statue, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly, Quinn’s Post, the Nek, Walker’s Ridge, and the Chunuk Bair (New Zealand) Memorial while learning about the Anzac campaign and those who served.
Day 4
Travel to Türkiye (Istanbul) via Troy site
Archaeological Site of Troy guided visit
Explore more than 4,000 years of history at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Troy with a licensed guide. Best known as the setting of Homer’s "Iliad", the archaeological site reveals layers of ancient settlements, offering insight into the development of early civilisations through remarkable excavated ruins and artefacts.
Day 5
Istanbul guided sightseeing tour
Discover Istanbul’s rich history with a licensed guide on a panoramic tour showcasing the city’s most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures, from its ancient foundations to its vibrant modern spirit.
Hagia Sophia visit
Visit the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece that has served as an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral, Roman Catholic Cathedral, Imperial Mosque, and now a museum. Admire its soaring dome, marble details, and vivid frescoes. Recent restorations reveal ancient Christian mosaics displayed alongside Islamic art, reflecting centuries of faith and history.
Grand Bazaar visit
Wander through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. A centre of trade since 1461, its maze of historic streets is filled with colourful shops, handcrafted goods and the vibrant atmosphere that has defined this iconic marketplace for centuries.
Day 6
Fly to Belgium (Brussels)
Travel to Belgium (Flanders)
Day 7
Mission Polygon Wood experience
Work together to complete the Mission Polygon Wood experience, an interactive challenge that combines navigation, teamwork and historical discovery. Using clues, hands-on activities and the identities of British, Australian and New Zealand soldiers, your group will trace their way through Polygon Wood before visiting the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 and its immersive exhibition on one of the First World War's most significant battles. Please note: This activity requires a minimum of 20 participating students.
Day 8
Flanders sites
Follow the story of the First World War across the battlefields of Flanders. Visit Messines Ridge, Hill 60, the Caterpillar Crater, Gheluvelt, Polygon Wood and Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood) while learning about the underground tunnelling operations, fierce battles and sacrifices that shaped this historic landscape. Discover the lasting impact of the ANZAC, British and Canadian forces who fought here.
In Flanders Fields Museum visit
Gain insight into the First World War at the In Flanders Fields Museum, from the invasion of Belgium through four years of trench warfare and the region's lasting journey to peace. Visit the museum and honour the more than 600,000 people who lost their lives.
Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate
Attend the moving Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate, where buglers have honoured the soldiers of the former British Empire and its allies who died in the Ypres Salient since 1928. This nightly tradition serves as a powerful tribute to those who lost their lives during the First World War.
Day 9
Travel to France (Amiens) via Fromelles and the Somme
Fromelles sites
Reflect on the legacy of the Battle of Fromelles, where nearly 8,500 casualties were suffered in less than 24 hours. Visit Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery and VC Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial, where many of the 250 British and Australian soldiers unearthed in 2009 are now buried following one of the largest First World War archaeological discoveries.
Somme Tour Director-led sightseeing
Trace the history of the Somme on Tour Director-led sightseeing. Descend 20 metres beneath Arras to explore the Wellington Quarry and learn how thousands of soldiers prepared for the Battle of Arras. Continue to Péronne Communal Cemetery and the Mont St. Quentin Australian 2nd Division Memorial to reflect on the service and sacrifice of Australian troops.
Day 10
Attend ANZAC Dawn Service
Villers-Bretonneux sites
Stand where Australian troops helped recapture Villers-Bretonneux during one of the defining battles of 1918. Today, the Australian flag still flies over the town in recognition of their sacrifice. Visit Adelaide Cemetery, the Australian National Memorial, the Sir John Monash Centre and the Franco-Australian Museum to learn how more than 10,700 Australians with no known grave are commemorated and to hear the stories of those who fought on the Western Front in their own words.
Day 11
Travel to France (Paris)
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.
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.
Seine River cruise
See the city from the water on an hour-long cruise along the River Seine. The Seine cuts right through Paris, dividing the city in half. Spot the Eiffel tower rising up on the Left Bank, the walls of the Louvre on the Right Bank. A guide will point out other monuments and architectural marvels as you pass, many of which are illuminated by clear white light at night.
Day 12
Versailles guided excursion
Once the seat of French royal power, the Palace of Versailles was transformed by Louis XIV into a symbol of monarchy and grandeur. Accompanied by a licensed guide, admire the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, lavish State Apartments and beautifully landscaped gardens filled with fountains and sculptures. Visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she sought refuge from court life in a picturesque village setting. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.
LEAP
Seize the Château
A lively role-play puts you in the shoes of the monarchy, clergy, nobility, bourgeoisie, or peasantry to explore the issues underlying the French Revolution.
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 13
Disneyland Paris excursion
Experience five magical lands filled with classic attractions, live shows and colourful street parades at Disneyland Park. This excursion includes a one-day pass to Disneyland Park. Admission to Disney Adventure World is not included.
Day 14
Fly to Poland (Kraków)
Kraków guided sightseeing tour
Explore Kraków with a licensed guide and discover a city largely untouched during World War II. At Wawel Hill, explore Wawel Castle and its cathedral to learn about Poland’s monarchy, political power, and the role of the Catholic Church. Walk through Rynek Główny and visit the Cloth Hall to understand medieval trade, daily life, and urban design. Inside St. Mary’s Basilica, examine Gothic art and religious symbolism. In the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, study Jewish history, culture, and resilience while deepening conversations around identity, tolerance, and 20th-century European history.
Traditional Polish dinner
Enjoy a traditional Polish dinner and experience the flavours of local cuisine. Share a meal with your group while discovering Poland’s culinary traditions and getting a taste of the dishes and flavours that are part of the country’s food culture.
Day 15
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum guided visit
Explore Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau on a guided visit to one of the most important historical sites of the 20th century. At Auschwitz I, examine original buildings and permanent exhibitions that document life and persecution within the camp. Continue to Birkenau to see the prisoner barracks, unloading ramp, and the ruins of gas chambers and crematoria. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Auschwitz stands as a memorial to the more than one million people murdered here and provides essential context for understanding the Holocaust, the consequences of hatred, and the importance of remembrance.
Pierogi cooking class and dinner
Discover a favourite Polish culinary tradition during a hands-on pierogi cooking class. Learn how to prepare and shape these classic dumplings while picking up cooking techniques along the way. After class, sit down with your group and enjoy your freshly made pierogi for dinner.
Day 16
Travel to Berlin
Berlin city walk
Explore Alexanderplatz, known to locals as “Alex,” once a cattle market and now Berlin’s bustling central square. Gaze up at the iconic TV Tower, built by East Germany to symbolise socialist pride. Nearby, admire the ornate Neptune Fountain and the striking red-brick Rotes Rathaus, Berlin’s historic town hall.
Alexanderplatz scavenger hunt
Take interactive learning to the next level with a Tour Director-led scavenger hunt through Alexanderplatz, Berlin's most famous public square. Complete exciting activities, solve fun clues and enjoy an after-dinner adventure designed to bring experiential learning to life.
Day 17
Berlin guided sightseeing tour
Join a licensed guide to explore Berlin’s most iconic sites. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, once trapped in Cold War “no man’s land” and now a symbol of unity, and step into its Room of Silence to reflect on Germany’s past. Follow the route of the Berlin Wall, marked with crosses and wreaths honouring those who lost their lives. At Checkpoint Charlie, see the museum’s powerful exhibits on daring escape attempts, then continue to Potsdamer Platz, a modern hub rebuilt from the once-divided city centre.
LEAP
LEAP Ich bin ein Berliner
Step into the lives of those impacted by the Berlin Wall through a group activity that brings history to life. Recite personal accounts, reflect on their experiences, and discuss the lasting repercussions to gain a deeper, more personal understanding of Germany’s past.
Bavarian bratwurst dinner
Enjoy Bavarian- or Berlin-style sausage with traditional sides. Bavarian sausage is made from veal and pork back bacon, while the Berlin style features fried pork.
Day 18
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
Accommodations
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
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 Türkiye and Europe
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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