Tale of Two Cities

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: London

Welcome to London! Meet your ACIS Tour Manager, relax, unpack and begin to explore the city's unique neighborhoods. Perhaps check out the street markets along Portobello Road in Notting Hill; explore the paths of Hyde Park or the mansions of nearby Belgravia; visit museums in South Kensington; or stroll along the artsy South Bank.

Day 3: London

This morning, learn about London's majestic past and fast-paced present on your guided sightseeing tour. See Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Along the way, our guide will point out more modern landmarks like the Gherkin, the Shard, and the Cheese Grater—all new buildings changing the London skyline. Another highlight of the day is a tour inside St. Paul's Cathedral. Sir Christopher Wren's architectural masterpiece is an enduring symbol of London, the seat of the Church of England and famed for its dome and Whispering Gallery. If you have time, your ticket includes access to climb to the top of the dome. Tonight enjoy a theater performance in London's famous West End.

Day 4: London

This morning experience an up-close look at London's iconic treasures on a guided London by Bike tour, including views of the Big Ben, the Horse Guard Parade, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and more. As you cycle and stop for photos, your guide's commentary will bring the history of what you are seeing to life. During your free afternoon you may wish to extend your learning at the British Museum or Tate Modern. Tonight's meal is a traditional fish and chips dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. After dinner perhaps take an evening walk among the bright lights of Theatreland in the West End.

Day 5: Paris

Enjoy scenes of the English countryside whizzing by your train window as you journey towards the English Channel on the Eurostar. You'll travel through the Chunnel and on to Paris, known as the “City of Light” for its role as a center of education and culture during the Enlightenment. This afternoon, a local expert introduces you the city's most famous monuments—from the Gothic wonder of Notre Dame to Napoleon's final resting place at Les Invalides to the magnificent Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées. Tonight, you may choose to attend our optional night at the French theater—a unique cultural experience alongside the locals made accessible with English surtitles (translations shown above the stage).

Day 6: Paris

This morning, travel to Versailles to visit the intricate gardens and stunning palaces of the Sun King, Louis the XIV. Your visit includes the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and the breathtaking surroundings. Don't worry if you don't have time to cover every room of his vast palace. The best stuff is all in the gardens and grounds. Back in Paris, there is no better place to view the city than the Eiffel Tower, and you'll ascend to the top floor for breathtaking views. In the evening, see the City of Light from a totally different perspective on a river cruise on the Seine.

Day 7: Paris

Today's Taste of France cooking workshop gives you an authentic experience with professional local chefs who will introduce you to some of the classic Parisian ingredients and dishes. Assist in the demonstration by trying a few of the techniques that French cooking is famous for, and savor the wonderful smells and flavors that result with plenty of tastings. Later, breeze by the crowds with your timed entrance to the Louvre and discover the many famous masterpieces that call it home. Insightful commentary from your local guide highlights the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo and more as you wander through the galleries. From its beginnings as a royal fortress to its current status as the world's most visited art museum, the Louvre has long been at the center of Parisian culture and home to a collection of 35,000 works of art from around the world. In the evening, you may wish to explore the charming neighborhood of Montmartre. This cultural and artistic district is worth the visit for the bustling energy of the artists and hipsters as well as the stunning views of the City of Light.

Day 8: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your European experience with a two-night extension from Paris to Amsterdam via high speed train—discover the city's past and present with included sightseeing, an evening canal cruise, entrance to the Rijksmuseum, the Netherlands largest art museum, and a traditional Indonesian-Dutch rijsttafel dinner.