Insider's England and France

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 9: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 10: 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 11: 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. This afternoon, experience a different and up-close look at many of London's iconic treasures with a guided London by Bike tour, including commentary and photo stops as you cycle from the London Eye to the Cabinet War Rooms, to the Horse Guard Parade, and more. In the evening enjoy one of London's hit theater performances : Six The Musical, at the Vaudeville Theatre. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 12: London

One highlight of the Tower of London is witnessing the opening ceremony, and we get there early before the crowds arrive to catch it with our famously boisterous Beefeater guide. Since its construction, the castle has been used as a treasury, palace and prison—today it houses 1,000 years of Royal history and the Crown Jewels. Later you will get a totally different view of London from atop one of its more modern jewels—the soaring 73-floor glass building known as “The Shard.” (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 13: Caen

Contemplate the mysteries surrounding England's pre-historic civilizations on a morning visit to Stonehenge. Then journey to the seaside town of Portsmouth, where you'll board the ferry for France, porterage included. Dine on board as you cross the Channel. Continue to Caen for the night. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 14: Caen

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. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 15: Paris

We stop en-route to Paris for a full-day excursion to Louis XIV's palace at Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors 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 8, Monday June 16: Paris

This morning, 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. 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 Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides and Notre Dame. Tonight, you may wish to walk around Montmartre. This cultural and artistic district is worth the visit for the bustling energy of the artists and hipsters as well as the stunning views of the City of Light. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 17: Paris

Today's Taste of France cooking workshop gives you an inside 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. Next you'll discover what goes into a different type of scent during a tour of The Fragonard Perfume Museum as you learn about the 3,000 years of history, science and art that goes into each bottle of perfume. Finally, there may be no better place to view the city than from the Eiffel Tower, and you'll cap off your adventure by ascending to the top floor for breathtaking views. (B,D)

Day 10, Wednesday June 18: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)