Northern Lights

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, Tuesday July 9: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Wednesday July 10: Berlin

After arriving in Germany's storied capital, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and get settled in. 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. Begin to explore this historical and dynamic city. (D)

Day 3, Thursday July 11: Berlin

This morning, an expert local guide shows you some of Berlin's most important historical touchstones, including a portion of the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, Potsdamer Platz, and the infamous Checkpoint Charlie. In the afternoon, visit the impressive dome and rooftop terrace of the Reichstag building. Completed in 1894, it once was home to the Parliament of the old German Empire. (B,D)

Day 4, Friday July 12: Berlin

This morning engage with modern German culture as you try something completely different: a street art workshop, where you'll learn about this edgy modern art movement during a walking tour that will reveal many examples, including stencil art, paste-ups, graffiti, murals and tagging. In addition local experts will show you how to make your own street-savvy artwork, which you'll take home as a one-of-a-kind personal souvenir. The afternoon is yours to perhaps take in Museum Island, the food stalls of Markthalle Neun or the paths of the Tiergarten. (B,D)

Day 5, Saturday July 13: Copenhagen

Travel to the charming seaside resort town of Warnemünde on the Baltic Sea today where you will board the ferry to Gedser, the southernmost town in Denmark. Continue to Copenhagen, Scandinavia's largest city. (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday July 14: Copenhagen

Experience an up-close look at Denmark's capital on this morning's guided Copenhagen by Bike tour, highlighting the city's cultural, commercial, and design treasures including views of the Little Mermaid statue, the royal Amalienborg Palace, and the canals in the old sailor's quarter of Nyhavn. In the afternoon you may opt for a Danish cooking lesson that will teach you how to make traditional smørrebrød open sandwiches and includes eating the results for lunch. Otherwise the afternoon is free for you to explore more of Copenhagen at your own pace—perhaps take a canal tour, browse the National Museum, or stroll through the Tivoli Gardens. (B,D)

Day 7, Monday July 15: Hamburg

Drive this morning to Rødbyhavn to board ferry to Puttgarden on the German island of Fehmarn. Upon arrival, continue to Hamburg. Often called Germany's "Gateway to the World" due to its major port on the river Elbe, you'll discover the history, architecture and many of the major sights of this bold, water-centric city from the most appropriate vantage point: a harbor cruise. If you're out looking for musical entertainment this evening, remember that this is where the Beatles started their career. (B,D)

Day 8, Tuesday July 16: Amsterdam

Departing Hamburg, make a stop in Bremen on the River Weser to explore the city's neighborhoods and legends, including that of the fictional musicians made famous by the Brothers Grimm. Then depart Germany and continue through a Dutch countryside interspersed with water, thatched roofs and windmills before arriving in the cultural hub of Amsterdam. (B,D)

Day 9, Wednesday July 17: Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a honeycomb of lovely canals guarded by tall mansions of the once powerful burghers of this 17th century European superpower. Your expertly-guided walking tour winds its way through the heart of the city and includes entrance to the great Rijksmuseum. This afternoon you may choose an optional excursion to Volendam. Drive out to Zaanse Schans to see working windmills, then on to the traditional fishing village of Volendam. Otherwise, explore more of the city at your own pace. Perhaps take a canal cruise, interact with vendors at the famed Albert Cuyp street market, wander the the hip food hall and multi-functional cultural complex of De Hallen in Oud West Amsterdam or visit Rembrandt's final resting place at Westerkerk. (B,D)

Day 10, Thursday July 18: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your European experience with a two-night extension from Amsterdam to London via high-speed train, including a city sightseeing tour with an expert local guide, entrance to the Tower of London and an Oyster Card to help you get around. (B)