Discovering London

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, Monday May 31: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 1: London

Arrive in England's bustling capital city, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to explore this historic city. Your STEM immersion kicks off with a visit to London's renowned Science Museum, considered one of the finest science and technology museums in Europe. With more than 15,000 objects on display, the museum features iconic items such as the Apollo 10 command module and brings to life amazing stories of scientific and technological achievements. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 2: 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 landmark sites like the Gherkin, the Shard, and the Cheese Grater—all new buildings whose engineering feats are 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. You afternoon is free to perhaps explore the free Wellcome Collection, which seeks to connect science and medicine with life and art and features exhibits ranging from a Peruvian mummy to a robot used in the human genome project Or you may choose an optional backstage tour of a working London theatre. Depending on the theatre available, the focus of your tour may be on the building architecture or on sound, lighting and set technology. After dinner, you may also choose to add tickets to a West End theatre performance tonight. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 3: London

Start your day with a visit to the Tower of London. Since its construction the castle has been used as a treasury, palace and prison, and today it houses the the Crown Jewels. Enjoy a free afternoon before you awaken your inner thespian at a West End theater workshop, followed by dinner and an evening theater performance to see the show on which your workshop was based. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 4: London

Today is full of thrills during a full-day excursion to Thorpe Park with a pass included for all rides. Every hair-raising turn and exhilarating drop becomes even more meaningful as you participate in a workshop on the science of roller coasters. Discuss key principles in math and physics as you explore the engineering and design factors that go into maximizing both the safety and entertainment of these rides. Return to London this evening. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 5: London

This morning discover the Faraday Museum inside the Royal Institution, where electromagnetism pioneer Michael Faraday's actual mid-1800s laboratory is on display. This afternoon visit Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where open green spaces meet iconic architecture and riverside views. Enjoy a stroll along the waterways, taking in the landscaped gardens and public art scattered throughout the park. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 6: London

Today visit the ZSL London Zoo in Regent's Park, the world's oldest scientific zoo and home to one of the UK's largest collections of species. While there you'll participate in a zoological conservation workshop, learning first-hand about the different roles staff play at the zoo and the programs zoos engage in to promote the conservation of endangered species—such as captive breeding programs, reintroduction programs, scientific research and educational campaigns. Students will also discuss how the role of zoos is evolving in the 21st century. The rest of your afternoon is free for you to explore more of London's scientific wonders and educational opportunities at your own pace. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 7: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and delights of England's capital with an extra night in London, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager. (B)