London to Amsterdam

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 June 7: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 8: 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. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 9: 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 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. Then awaken your inner thespian at a Shakespeare Workshop at the Globe Theatre. You'll get to work on a scene under the tutelage of theater professionals. This will be followed by dinner and an evening theater performance to see how it is really done. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 10: Paris

We use the Eurostar high-speed train to zip underneath the English Channel and on to Paris, known as the “City of Light” for its role as a center of education and culture during the Enlightenment. During the afternoon, a local expert shows you the monumental Arc de Triomphe, points out the massive Les Invalides (where Napoleon is buried) and helps decode the Gothic wonder of Notre Dame. Tonight, you may wish to stroll along the Champs-Élysées to sample the sights, energy, and shopping of Paris's most famous street. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 11: Paris

Breeze by the crowds this morning 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 afternoon a 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. Then you'll get to see Paris the way most European cities are meant to be seen—from its waterways. Our guided boat ride will introduce you to life along the banks of the Seine. You'll be able to contrast that view with what you see from the top floor of the Eiffel Tower as we wrap up the day on a high note. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 12: Paris

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Louis XIV's palace at Versailles. Your visit includes the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and Marie Antoinette's Hameau and Petit Trianon. These “small” cottages are delightful for their scale and grounds. After wandering about the exquisite and intensely manicured gardens on two feet, hop on two wheels and experience Versailles by bike, exploring the palace's surroundings beyond the gardens. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 13: Amsterdam

Today journey from Paris to Amsterdam on the high-speed Thalys train. Amsterdam is a honeycomb of lovely canals guarded by tall mansions of the once-powerful burghers that ran this 17th century European superpower, and a 48-hour transportation pass is included so that you can explore the honeycomb with ease. Like Paris and so many European cities, the best way to see it is from the water—this afternoon's canal cruise may have you never wanting to leave. This evening's highlight is a traditional Indonesian Rijsttafel feast, a dining experience created and beloved by Dutch colonialists looking to experience as much of Indonesia's delicious culinary culture as possible at each meal. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 14: Amsterdam

Today's expertly-guided sightseeing walking tour winds its way through the cultural heart of Amsterdam and includes entrance to the great Rijksmuseum. In the afternoon explore more of the city at your own pace. Perhaps admire tulips in every color at the city's famous floating Bloemenmarkt, wander the charmingly arty and atmospheric Jordaan neighborhood or visit a lesser-known museum such as the Willet Holthuysen, where you can explore the perfectly preserved grand canal house of a lavishly wealthy Golden Age family. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 15: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)