Budapest, Vienna and Istanbul

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Budapest

Arrive in the capital of Hungary, meet your ACIS Tour Manager, and begin exploring the Pearl of the Danube. Perhaps take a stroll along the riverfront while soaking in your first impressions of everything this culturally, historically and architecturally significant city has to offer.

Day 3: Budapest

This morning, say merhaba to your local guide who will take you on a sightseeing tour that delves into the thousand-year history of Budapest. The city is split in half by the Danube River, with the Buda district on one side and the Pest district on the other, hence the city's name. You’ll see Heroes' Square, the graceful St. Stephen's Basilica and the spectacular Parliament building. Then cross one of the city's beautiful bridges to take in views from the towering Fisherman's Bastion, which features seven turrets—one for each of the Hungarian tribes that founded the country—as well as enter the breath-taking Matthias Church, where Hungarian kings were coronated for centuries. Explore more of the city at your own pace for the afternoon, perhaps checking out a café or the beautiful Great Market Hall. In the evening you’ll visit the Rudas Thermal Bath at the base of Gellert Hill, which features views over the Danube and an original, 16th century Turkish bath at its core.

Day 4: Vienna

Today journey to Slovakia, where you’ll take a guided tour of the medieval old town of Bratislava, the capital city. Nestled along the Danube, this picturesque city features historic churches and palaces, and a skyline dominated by the imposing Bratislava Castle. Then it’s onward into Austria, arriving in Vienna in time for dinner.

Day 5: Vienna

Fueled by a delicious breakfast of Viennese breads and pastries, start the day with a walking tour of the historic downtown district. An expert local guide shows you the best this former imperial capital offers, including the Ringstrasse, the stunning Hofburg Palace complex, the historic State Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a classic example of Gothic architecture and the city’s tallest building. After free time for lunch, visit the Belvedere Museum, one of the world’s foremost art museums housed in a beautiful baroque palace. An art historian will guide you through the collections, which include masterpieces by notable Austrian artists Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele along with prominent German painter Caspar David Friedrich. After exploring the formal gardens as well, return to the city’s central district for the evening.

Day 6: Istanbul

This morning, fly from Vienna and arrive in Istanbul, the former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Straddling Europe and Asia and sitting along the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul has been an essential and instrumental city for thousands of years. Your stay in this culturally rich city begins with a visit to the bustling, colorful Spice Bazaar for a food-tasting tour, a veritable cornucopia of fragrant delights. After getting your fill of Turkish cheeses, meats, teas and other regional treats, you’ll visit the exquisite Rüstem Pasha Mosque, renowned for its elaborate tile work. You’ll learn about Islamic beliefs, practices and art from your guide. In the evening, relish a feast of Turkish foods at a famous local restaurant.

Day 7: Istanbul

The day begins with a guided walking sightseeing tour of the old city, home to many of Istanbul’s historical gems. Stroll through the public square where remnants of the former Hippodrome—which once hosted gladiator battles and chariot races—still stand; marvel at the palatial Blue Mosque, built in the early 1600s and noted for its more than 20,000 exquisite blue Iznik tiles; and be amazed by the inimitable Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, which was originally a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now is a mosque again. Head next for the famous Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets that has served the city for centuries. You’ll have plenty of time to wander along its corridors and marvel at the food, scarves, lamps, tiles, artworks, jewelry and more. Engage in the art of bargaining as you browse for souvenirs! Your last stop is the Theodosius or “Şerefıye” Cistern, an elaborately constructed underground cistern believed to have been built during the reign of Theodosius II. Descend and explore 1,600 years of history as you visit its meticulously restored vaulted ceilings and marble columns.

Day 8: Istanbul

Your final full day in Istanbul starts at an Islamic madrasa that now functions as an active art studio. Here a master artist will teach you the Turkish art of ebru marbling, in which pigments floating atop water are transferred to paper or fabric, creating dazzling patterns that look like marbled stone. You’ll learn about the history of ebru and how to create your own unique souvenir using the traditional techniques. Your next stop is the ornate Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries. During a guided tour, you’ll walk in the footsteps of Suleiman the Magnificent as you learn about the rich history of the Ottomans, who ruled from 1453 to 1923. Then it's time to give your feet a break and take a relaxing boat cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, featuring amazing views of the city from the water. The boat will dock at the revitalized Galataport complex, a thriving waterfront area with shopping, restaurants and more, where you’ll savor a delicious dinner.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.