London, Loire Valley and Paris

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 April 17: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday April 18: 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, Saturday April 19: 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. Tonight an English food tasting dinner tells you the history of some of London's most traditional dishes, including toad in the hole and fish and chips, as you dine on them. It will also give you the fuel you need to perhaps go out for an evening stroll among the bright lights of Theatreland in the West End. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday April 20: Caen

Visit mysterious, prehistoric Stonehenge before continuing to the seaside town of Portsmouth, where you board the ferry to France, porterage included. After dinner aboard the ferry, drive to Caen for a night's rest. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday April 21: Loire Valley

Today walk in the footsteps of history as you visit many of Normandy's important World War II sites. Picture the chaos of June 6, 1944 at the bomb-scarred landscape of Pointe du Hoc, then walk along Omaha Beach, where American troops suffered some of the heaviest D-Day losses. Next pay tribute to the heroic fallen at the American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer before arriving in Arromanches where you can see what remains of the temporary Mulberry harbor constructed to help offload cargo during the invasion. Entrance to the Arromanches 360 Cinema is included. Continue to the Loire Valley for dinner. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday April 22: Paris

Today visit some of the most impressive châteaux in the Loire Valley. Your first stop is Chenonceau, a jewel of Renaissance architecture. It features a moat, drawbridge, towers and turrets—and great stories about resistance to the Nazi army. Next, drive to impressive Chambord, the giant hunting lodge of François I. Continue to Chartres to view the Gothic cathedral with its stained-glass windows and veil of the Virgin Mary before arriving in Paris for dinner. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday April 23: Paris

Paris is known as the “City of Light” for its role as a center of education and culture during the Enlightenment and today's guided sightseeing tour shows you the majesty of the Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides and Notre Dame.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. Tonight, ascend to the top of the iconic Eiffel Tower for stunning views over the city. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday April 24: 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. Then return to Paris to enjoy your final evening abroad. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday April 25: 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, at the beginning of your tour. (B)