Barcelona and Berlin

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday March 18: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday March 19: Barcelona

¡Bienvenidos a España! Meet your ACIS Tour Manager in Barcelona, capital of Catalonia and Spain's second largest city. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it's known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture from Gothic to Modernist. Take time to wander the old town and acquaint yourself with this vibrant culture, including an evening stroll down the famous La Rambla. (D)

Day 3, Saturday March 20: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Your local guide will point out the major highlights of Barcelona, from the Gothic Quarter to the unique Gaudí designs along the Passeig de Gràcia, and will make a stop outside his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia's most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. Later, stroll through his whimsical Parc Güell for a sweeping view over the city, and also enjoy a visit inside one of the city's unique Gaudí-designed houses, either Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. In the afternoon perhaps visit the unique Palau de la Música or relax on one of the city's beautiful beaches. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday March 21: Barcelona

Take in the street scene of this culturally rich city via a bike tour that takes you through Ciutadella Park and to the Olympic Port, a lively marina that hosted sailing events during the 1992 Summer Olympics. Then walk through the narrow cobbled streets, peaceful squares and towering old buildings that characterize Barri Gòtic (the city's Gothic Quarter) which was at times home to both Picasso and Joan Miró. The afternoon is yours to further connect with Barcelona's strong cultural identity, perhaps by visiting the Picasso Museum or tasting traditional foods at the bustling and colorful La Boqueria market. Tonight, you may choose to take in an optional flamenco show. (D)

Day 5, Monday March 22: Berlin

This morning, we switch gears and fly to Berlin, one of Europe's most dynamic cities. While Berlin was divided, Eastern and Western sections maintained separate opera houses and other institutions. Now the united city offers two of everything, and is known as a hub of European innovation. We'll begin our introduction to Berlin with a visit to the dome and rooftop terrace of the Reichstag Building, home to the German Parliament. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday March 23: Berlin

Get right to the heart of Berlin's World War II and Cold War heritage with guided visits to a remaining portion of the Berlin Wall, the Holocaust Memorial, Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie. In the afternoon, visit the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial, a vivid reminder of the war's darkest chapter. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday March 24: Berlin

Since the fall of the Berlin wall, the city has been on the cutting edge of “street art” and you'll explore modern German culture this morning as you try something colorfully unique: a street art workshop, where you'll learn about the history and styles of the edgy urban graffiti movement with a local expert. Then collaborate as a group to design and create your own street-savvy masterpiece, leaving your mark on Berlin. After, find more of your favorite spots on your final day in Europe. Perhaps take in Museum Island, the food stalls of Markthalle Neun or the paths of the Tiergarten. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday March 25: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)