the acis educational tours 2016-2017 catalog

2016–2017 PROGRAMSACIS – THE LEADER IN QUALITY EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL

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www.acis.com

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www.acis.com

Dear Educators, OVER THE PAST 40 YEARS ACIS HAS REFINED THE ART OF EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL. We are not the cheapest product on the shelf; we leave that to the budget companies. Our promise is to provide real value. That value lies in more inclusions and cultural connections, more customization, better meals, central hotels and tour managers who are committed to our philosophy. We wrap that all with a service guarantee. We don’t think you should travel without these things. To see a city, you have to be in a city. Not its outskirts. Not commuting back and forth. When something goes wrong, it needs to be fixed fast. Time can’t be wasted. Because this trip is an extension of your classroom and your professional practice, we take it seriously. Our promise to everyone is an exceptional experience. Simply seeing the Eiffel Tower is not enough. It’s the other stuff too. Not just one thing. It’s everything. These are what make or break an overseas experience. Getting them right is what we do.

Because this trip is an extension of your classroom and your professional practice, we take it seriously. Our promise to everyone is an exceptional experience.

Not just one thing.

It’Our PromiseIn educational travel, every moment matters. Pushing the experience from “good enough” to exceptional is what we do everyday. Our mission is to empower educators to introduce their students to the world beyond the classroom and inspire the next generation of global citizens.

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On another note, our cover is an illustration of a Métro stop in Montmartre. Below Haussmann’s beautifully carved city of boulevards and open spaces, the Métro is its own world. There are 133 miles of track with 303 stops, made more fascinating because of the stories behind them. Only seven foreigners get their own stop, including one American, FDR, and Michelangelo who gets two! No Moliere, no Balzac, no Proust—but Victor Hugo gets a stop. Underground Paris tells as many tales as its metropolis above. The journey from end to end costs just under $2, not bad considering you get to time travel across the centuries.

See you out there somewhere! Peter Jones, ACIS President

Everything!sthing.

The Things that Matter MostThe truth is the little things aren’t little at all. Our tours offer the best value in educational travel because we excel at perfecting the details teachers tell us are vital to a successful experience, ensuring we deliver the tour you deserve. All the while understanding every teacher is unique, so customization must be the norm. ACIS is able to provide a level of flexibility and quality that the big-box, budget companies simply can not. They drive down prices by jamming buses full. We want you to enjoy the ride.

MORE (AND MORE IMPRESSIVE) Inclusions

We include more so you reach for your wallet less. ACIS offers 208 Cultural Connections, 42 International Perspectives, plus hundreds of more traditional educational travel excursions such as timed museum visits, to save you valuable time and money. Choose the ones that matter the most to you.

Central HotelsWe exclusively use 3- and 4-star hotels near the sights you came to see. This means more time exploring and no wasted time commuting. We’re proud of our hotels and like to show them off—see sample lists of ours and the budget companies, at www.acis.com/teachers/hotels.

5.3 Average number

of trips led by ACIS Group Leaders

The ACIS staff is always available. Always knowledgeable. Always professional. Exceptional.

ELIZABETH HOPKINS GROUP LEADER, IL

What I learned on this trip will affect how I see the world every day. It was a fantastic life changing experience.

ABIGAIL SCHNELL 2014 PARTICIPANT

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www.acis.com/teachers/hotels

ACIS’ hotel locations are the best. On a past trip with a budget company, my students spent an extra 15 hours on buses traveling to and from hotels. Fifteen waking hours is a full day!

MARK PFEIFFER GROUP LEADER, MO

TO HEAR FELLOW TEACHERS TALK ABOUT THE ACIS DIFFERENCE, WATCH OUR VIDEOS AT WWW.ACIS.COM/TEACHERS

Flexibility Over 75% of ACIS trips are customized, modified or tweaked. We don’t wince; we welcome the opportunity to make the tour your own. It’s embedded in everything we do—from offering meal vouchers so students can order off the menu to running buses smaller so there are fewer competing agendas.

DRIVEN AND DEDICATED

Tour Managers

ACIS Tour Managers are so much more than just your overseas guides. Their overall ability was rated 3.9 out of 4 by 2014 group leaders. They are empowered members of the ACIS community with the ability and authorization to make changes on the fly—all in the quest of providing the best tour possible.

Reputation is EverythingWe understand an educational tour is an extension of your classroom, and your reputation is on the line. We take this seriously. Every aspect of the travel experience must exceed your high standards. Then, you can feel assured that students will remember you, parents will thank you and administrators will sing your praises.

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97%

of 2014 Group Leaders would recommend us

to a friend.

EDUCATION Cultural Connections,

International Perspectives, Learning Objectives

TRAVEL EXPERIENCEHotels, Meals, Inclusions

FLEXIBILITYMultiple Trip Types, Easy Customization,

Hundreds of Choices

SUPPORTProgram Consultants,

Tour Managers, Global Network

WOW!Bring your classroom to the world and the world to your classroom

ACIS SERVICE GUARANTEEWe’re so sure you’ll love your trip that if for any reason you don’t think it rates good or excellent, we’ll invite you as our guest to our next Global Conference in London. We’ll also give you a $1,000 travel scholarship for your next tour. No questions asked, no strings attached.

WWW.ACIS.COM/TEACHERS

FREEEXPLORATION

FREEEXPLORATION

A trip for every teacher, every visionWe know that every teacher’s idea of the perfect trip is different. We know that budgets differ, too. That’s why we offer four kinds of educational tours plus the option to create a completely customized tour, all with the same commitment to you. Our signature service and support, unmatched tour managers, cultural connections, centrally-located hotels, and authentic meals are included on every ACIS trip.

Flamenco dancing, fresco painting, fromagerie visit and tasting, these are just three of the 208 cultural connections we offer. Insider tours usually include at least 4, and are designed to provide students the most immersive experience possible.

“ Wow! The Insider’s Spain

tour was amazing!

The Cultural Connections

helped [the students] to

appreciate the sites we saw

and put all of their new

knowledge into perspective.”

LINDSEY TRAH GROUP LEADER, IN

A balance of sightseeing and free time. These are the tours ACIS was built on and have been refined and perfected over the years. They include cultural connections as well as enough unstructured exploration time to allow for individual interests.

“ The itineraries are balanced,

logical, and doable. They are

also flexible enough to meet

my students’ and my needs.”

JOSEPH GEHRER GROUP LEADER, KS

ACIS’ most affordable tours. Perfect for the group that still demands an ACIS-quality experience, all the must-see visits and activities, and enough unstructured time to allow for customized teaching and exploration.

“ Explorer trips allow so many

of my students to travel and

experience everything ACIS

has to offer at a price point

they can afford.”

LYNNE BROOKS GROUP LEADER, NY

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insiderMOST INCLUSIVE

classicPOPULAR FAVORITES

explorerEXCEPTIONAL VALUE

INCLUSIVE INCLUSIVE

$ $$ $FREE

EXPLORATION INCLUSIVE

$ $

FREEEXPLORATION

Enjoy a private tour with just 13 participants. Ditch the bus and travel like a local for a more authentic and flexible experience, while still enjoying the same high quality experience and level of care you expect from ACIS— all at an attractive price.

“ What a great chance to

customize a published

itinerary for our small group

of students.”

JOAN ROMANOSKY GROUP LEADER, TX

For teachers who want the freedom to build trip itineraries from scratch or make major modifications to an existing trip, the choice is yours. And with the expert guidance of your International Program Consultant, together, we’ll create an unforgettable journey.

“ My program consultant Tom

was extremely helpful

in customizing our tour when

I wanted to make changes.

[One] suggestion he made

turned out to be the highlight

of the trip for some of the kids.”

KEVIN WRIGHT GROUP LEADER, NJ

pathfinderSMALL GROUPS

custom toursONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCES

INCLUSIVE

$ $

SERVICE LEARNING On Service Learning tours you will actively and positively contribute to the societies you are visiting.

Projects range from 1–6 days and are offered in Costa, Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru and China.

Typically, groups customize a 9–12 day tour around the project, but we also have sample itineraries for inspiration.

“ The service projects are what really made this trip special. My students walked away better people because of these experiences.”

AMY BESNARD, GROUP LEADER, CA

CURRICULUM FOCUS ACIS offers a number of tours with a specific subject focus that address academic learning objectives. From history to art, science and technology to literature, we’ve got you covered.

themed tourH

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Au Pair in AmericaQualified young women from around the world providing live-in child care and a cultural exchange experience for American families.

www.aupairinamerica.com

“Having an Au Pair in our house

provides wonderful cultural

exposure. We come home to

the kids singing new songs in

Spanish and while we’re gone we

know they are in loving hands.”

JULIE FRATARCANGELI, AU PAIR HOST MOTHER AND ACIS DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Academic Year in AmericaHost a high school foreign exchange student and bring the world to your home.

www.academicyear.org

ACIS is the educational travel division of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS).

A LIFETIME OF DISCOVERYSince 1964, AIFS has been a leading organization of cultural exchange and educational opportunities for more than 1.5 million young people. Every AIFS program is based on the belief that by bringing people and experiences together, “we bring the world together.”

ACIS ALUMNI PROGRAMOur Alumni Program is a network of past ACIS student participants excited to continue traveling at the college level. All ACIS alumni are eligible for a $1,000 AIFS Study Abroad semester program scholarship or a $500 summer/January term scholarship. Over 57% of recent ACIS alumni told us they’d like to study abroad: the AIFS family would like to help.

Richmond, The American International University in LondonA 4-year, not-for-profit, liberal arts and professional studies university with U.S. and U.K. accreditation.www.richmond.ac.uk

“Richmond’s incredibly diverse

student body was such an

integral part of my education.

I learned as much from my

classmates as I did my

professors and textbooks.”

ASHLEE ANDREWS, RICHMOND CLASS OF 2009 AND ACIS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER

www.aupairinamerica.com

www.academicyear.org

www.richmond.ac.uk

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AIFS’ FAMILY OF DISTINGUISHED PROGRAMS

Brings the World Together

Camp AmericaInternational staffing and cultural exchange for U.S. camps, enriching the camping experience for staff and campers alike since 1969.www.campamerica.aifs.com

Summer Institute for the GiftedThe highest quality educational and social summer opportunities for academically gifted and talented students ages 5-17.

www.giftedstudy.org

Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)Insurance policies for international students coming to the U.S. and American students and groups studying abroad.

www.culturalinsurance.com

AIFS Customized Faculty-Led Study Abroad ProgramsCustomized, faculty-led study abroad programs for academic institutions to offer to their student body.

www.aifspartnerships.com

“Thank you to AIFS for

putting together a wonderful

program that benefits

both the visiting students

and faculty.”

NANCY WALCZK, PROFESSOR, LONDON CONSORTIUM

AIFS College Study AbroadSummer, semester, academic year and January term study abroad programs for college students held at some of the most desirable locations in the world.

www.aifsabroad.com

“AIFS opened my eyes to a

culture and society I knew very

little about. I made great

friends and had a fabulous time

during the process. I would

do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

JESSICA COBB WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

www.campamerica.aifs.com

www.giftedstudy.org

http://www.culturalinsurance.com

www.aifspartnerships.com

www.aifsabroad.com

Travel. Compete. Discover.

GoPlay Sports Tours takes sports teams of all ages and skill levels to world-class venues around the globe. Whether teams are looking for a cultural adventure with a smattering of sport, or an extreme competitive experience with some sightseeing thrown in, GoPlay can arrange the perfect tour. Each trip is custom-created to suit a team’s unique interests and ability.

GoPlay organizes tours for all sports, including:

• Soccer • Lacrosse• Ice Hockey • Football • Rugby • Basketball

When I ask my youth players,

what was the best part of their time

with our club, they all agree, it

was the international soccer trip.

The memories last a lifetime.

BRIAN AINSCOUGH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FC BOLTS AND HEAD COACH NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY MEN’S SOCCER

www.acis.com/goplay800-888-2247 • [email protected]

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REFER A COACHShare the power of travel and earn a generous reward. Learn more at

www.acis.com/go/referral

www.acis.com/goplay

mailto:[email protected]


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Inspired Performance Tours

Encore Tours makes the dream of international touring a reality for ensembles of all ages and types. Our strong ties with arts, civic and religious organizations take Encore groups to both prestigious venues and little-known gems. Our groups always have an audience— and everything they need to give them a great performance.

Encore organizes performance tours for:

• Choirs • Orchestras• Concert Bands • Marching Bands • Church Choirs • Jazz Ensembles

www.encoretours.com 877-460-3801 • [email protected]

Musicians speak the universal

language. Their voices and

instruments are keys to the

world. And Encore puts that

world in your hands.

WARD DILMORE ENCORE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR FOR ENSEMBLE LEADERS

REFER A DIRECTORShare the power of travel and earn a generous reward. Learn more at


www.encoretours.com



READY?

Let’s go!

50SPAIN13 trips in the catalog, 18 more online 64

36FRANCE

SPAIN AND FRANCE

15 trips in the catalog, 20 more online

13 trips in the catalog, 13 more online

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR 20 Brand New ToursInternational Perspectives and

Cultural Connections9 Tours with a specific subject focus

12EUROPEAN MULTI-COUNTRY23 trips in the catalog, 48 more online

Table of Contents

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themed tourH

ASIA AND BEYOND5 trips in the catalog, 18 more online

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SERVICE AND STUDY

AMERICAS10 trips in the catalog, 22 more online

10 service projects and 5 homestay/language trips in the catalog. Details on all 15 online

CLASSICAL ADVENTURES15 trips in the catalog, 28 more online

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THE BRITISH ISLES9 trips in the catalog, 21 more online

ACTIVITIES MENU: ENHANCE YOUR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

There are 108 tours in the catalog and an additional 234 online. But these tours may just be your jumping off point. ACIS’ menu of services, bound in on page 96, shows you a sampling of our 208 cultural connections, 42 International Perspectives, 12 service projects and hundreds of optional excursions and extensions. Find our online menu at www.acis.com/menu and talk to your program consultant on how best to customize your tour so it is perfect for you.

GERMANY AND CENTRAL EUROPE9 trips in the catalog, 11 more online

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www.acis.com/menu

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES: LONDON, PARIS AND ROME Promote cultural competence and enhance curriculum connections by exploring the inner workings of some of Europe's most interesting businesses.

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Featured trips

LONDON, PARIS AND MADRID Visit three cosmopolitan cities and compare and contrast their cultural similarities and differences.

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European Multi-Country

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PARIS, FLORENCE AND ROME Stroll through history with a close- up look at the cultural highlights of Paris, Florence and Rome that's available as a private tour with as few as 13 participants!

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PARIS, SWITZERLAND AND MUNICH Discover what makes Paris and the cities of central Europe unique, while also learning their shared history in the WWII era.

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London (3)Stonehenge

D-Day BeachesCaen (2)

Paris (2)Chartres

AmboiseLoire Valley (1)

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Portsmouth

LONDON’S MONUMENTS TO MONARCHY BY BIKELegends of the English monarchy unfold through the statues, buildings, parks and monuments you will explore by bicycle.

TOWER OF LONDON OPENING CEREMONYBe first through the gate as you observe Beefeaters carrying out the Tower’s traditional opening ceremony. Then explore this historic site.

FRENCH FROMAGERIE VISIT AND CHEESE TASTINGVisit an authentic fromagerie to experience life in the French countryside, learn about cheese making and sample some of the famous local fromage.

DAY 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

DAY 2: LONDON• Begin to explore London with your

ACIS Tour Manager

DAY 3: LONDON• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace

• St. Paul’s Cathedral• Monarchy by bike tour around

Hyde Park and St. James’s Park• Evening London theater

performance

DAY 4: LONDON• Tower of London visit including

the Opening Ceremony

DAY 5: CAEN• Visit mystical Stonehenge• Ferry from Portsmouth to Caen,

France

DAY 6: CAEN• Reflect on Normandy’s important

WWII history at Arromanches• Arromanches 360 Degree Theater• American Cemetery and Museum

at Colleville-sur-Mer• See the cliffs and landscape of

the Pointe du Hoc

DAY 7: LOIRE VALLEY• Journey to the Loire Valley• Visit the early French

Renaissance château of Azay-le-Rideau

• French fromagerie visit and cheese tasting

DAY 8: PARIS• Travel to Amboise to tour the

Château d’Amboise and Clos Lucé, including Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb

• Chartres Cathedral• Arrive in Paris for dinner

DAY 9: PARIS• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides and Notre Dame

• Louvre

DAY 10: DEPART FOR HOME

Compare and contrast the cultures of England and France during this 10-day tour packed with cultural connections.

10 DAYS

FOR PRICES & DISCOUNTS GO TO

www.acis.com/ief

Insider’s England and FranceINSIDER

MOST INCLUSIVE

CUSTOMIZE ANY TRIP!Check out our extensive menu of activities and experiences, bound between pages 96 & 97 and online at www.acis.com/menu.

www.acis.com/ief

www.acis.com/menu


DAY 2: PARIS• Begin exploring Paris



• Louvre• Visit the neighborhood of

Montmartre and enjoy a French dinner on the Place du Tertre

DAY 4: PROVENCE• Learn the art of French baking

with an École de Boulangerie class

• High-speed TGV train to Provence

DAY 5: CANNES• Explore picturesque Avignon • Palais des Papes and Pont Saint-

Bénézet• Visit Aix-en-Provence• Be Cézanne painting lesson• Travel to glamorous Cannes

DAY 6: CANNES• Walking tour of Vieux Nice,

including the Promenade des Anglais

• Scenic drive to Eze to visit the Jardin Exotique

• Perfume making workshop with custom scent creation

DAY 7: FLORENCE• Travel to Pisa and see the Leaning

Tower• Pisa Cathedral• Journey to Florence

DAY 8: ROME• Guided sightseeing tour of

Florence with commentary given via personal headsets

• Florence Duomo• Timed reservation to the

Accademia• Travel to Rome

DAY 9: ROME• Guided sightseeing tour• Timed reservation to the Vatican

Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, with commentary via personal headsets

• St. Peter’s Basilica• Authentic pizza dinner

DAY 10: DEPART FOR HOMEIFI14

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Florence (1)Pisa

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Rome (2)

Provence (1)Aix-en-Provence

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10 DAYSInsider’s France and ItalyThis busy tour whisks you from Paris to the coast and then through Italy, enjoying cultural connections all along the way.

BE CÉZANNE PAINTING LESSONCross the bridge between 19th century Impressionism and 20th century Cubism by re-creating a Cézanne masterpiece.

ÉCOLE DE BOULANGERIELearn the secrets of French baking while working alongside pâtisserie students at a boulangerie school to make your own brioche.

cultural connections PERFUME WORKSHOP AND FACTORY

TOUR IN EZELearn the art of fragrance from your dedicated official “nose” and come away with a custom bottle of your own scent.


www.acis.com/ifi

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INSIDER MOST INCLUSIVE

www.acis.com/ifi

IPT16

London (3)

Paris (3)

Promote global citizenship and enhance your curriculum with insightful visits to the world’s oldest broadcasting organization and a renowned fashion boutique in these two major European capitals.

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cultural connections IP: BBC BROADCASTING HOUSE

Meet with a representative to discuss how the BBC has embraced modern communication methods, social media and the need for instant dissemination of the news.

TOWER OF LONDON OPENING CEREMONY Be first through the gate as you observe Beefeaters carrying out the Tower’s traditional opening ceremony. Then explore this historic site.

FRENCH COOKING LESSON Taste the fruits of your labor after you learn how to prepare dishes traditional to French cuisine.

IP: PARISIAN FASHION RETAILERConnect with a representative of the multi-billion dollar fashion industry to learn how trends are forecasted, how purchasing decisions are made and about opportunities within this niche.

PÉTANQUE LESSON IN PARIS Join a pétanque expert in the Jardin du Luxembourg for a lesson in this classic French pastime.


www.acis.com/ipt


DAY 2: LONDON• Begin to explore London



• St. Paul’s Cathedral• Get an inside International

Perspective on the BBC Broadcasting House


the Opening Ceremony• Borough Market• Walking tour of London’s vibrant

South Bank, viewing the Globe Theatre and Tate Modern

• Flight on the London Eye

DAY 5: PARIS• High-speed Eurostar train to Paris• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides and Notre Dame

DAY 6: PARIS• French cooking lesson• Get an inside International

Perspective on a Parisian fashion retailer

DAY 7: PARIS• Pétanque lesson in the Jardin du

Luxembourg• Louvre• Eiffel Tower top floor• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine• Optional: Dinner aboard Seine

boat cruise


8 DAYS


London and ParisINSIDER

MOST INCLUSIVE

newFOR 2016new

International Perspectives:


www.acis.com/ipt

www.acis.com/menu



DAY 2: LONDON• Begin to explore London with your

ACIS Tour Manager



• St. Paul’s Cathedral• Get an inside International

Perspective on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park



DAY 5: PARIS• Learn the art of French baking


• Optional: International Perspective visit of your choice, designed to enhance global citizenship and strengthen curriculum ties

DAY 6: ROME• Louvre• Flight from Paris to Rome



• St. Peter’s Basilica• Get an inside International

Perspective on Vatican Radio

DAY 8: ROME• Colosseum• Further discover historic Rome at

your own pace• Optional: Pizza making lesson and

dinner


IPC16

Rome (3)

Paris (2)

London (2)

9 DAYSLondon, Paris and RomePromote cultural competence and enhance curriculum connections by exploring the inner workings of some of Europe’s most interesting businesses.

IP: VATICAN RADIOA special behind-the-scenes tour of Vatican Radio will facilitate a discussion on how a traditional organization adapts to contemporary communication channels.

IP: QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK Tour the venues with a member of the 2012 Olympic Legacy team and discuss the value and lasting impact of London’s Olympic investment.

ÉCOLE DE BOULANGERIE Learn the secrets of French baking while working alongside pâtisserie students at a boulangerie school to make your own brioche.

cultural connectionsOPTIONAL

IP: INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE OF YOUR CHOICEUse our unique menu of visit options to find the perfect educational experience for your group of global citizens.

OPTIONAL

PIZZA MAKING LESSON AND DINNER Scenes from an authentic Italian restaurant: Prepare pizza dough and toppings, Roman style.


www.acis.com/ipc

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newFOR 2016new


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A classic itinerary that maximizes your time in two world-class cities.


DAY 2: LONDON• Begin to discover London



• St. Paul’s Cathedral

DAY 4: LONDON• Tower of London including the

Opening Ceremony• Explore more of London, perhaps

visiting the British Museum or Borough Market



• Optional: Dinner at Le Boeuf sur Le Toit

DAY 6: PARIS• Visit Louis XIV’s palace and

gardens at Versailles• Louvre• Eiffel Tower top floor• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine

DAY 7: PARIS• French cooking lesson• Explore more of Paris and its 20

arrondissements


TAL14

London (3)

Versailles Paris (3)



8 DAYSTale of Two Cities


www.acis.com/tal


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CLASSIC POPULAR FAVORITES


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www.acis.com/menu

Perfect for history groups, this program highlights two of Europe’s most famous capitals while also visiting the historic D-Day beaches, Stonehenge and Versailles.

VERSAILLES BY BIKEPedal around Versailles’ expansive grounds by bike, from the Latona Fountain to the Petit Trianon.


DAY 2: LONDON• Begin to discover London





France

DAY 5: LOIRE VALLEY• Reflect on Normandy’s important

WWII history at Arromanches• Arromanches 360 Degree Theater• American Cemetery and Museum

at Colleville-sur-Mer• See the cliffs and landscape of

the Pointe du Hoc• Travel to the Loire Valley

DAY 6: PARIS• Loire Valley Culture Quest • Château de Chenonceau• Château de Chambord• Chartres Cathedral• Arrive in Paris



• Louvre


gardens at Versailles• Versailles by bike tour• Optional: Dinner at Le Boeuf sur

Le Toit


EXTENSION: Extra night in London, including the services of your ACIS tour manager, at the beginning of your tour

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Stonehenge

D-Day BeachesCaen (1)

Versailles Paris (3)Chartres

Loire Valley (1)

LOIRE VALLEY CULTURE QUESTUnlock the secrets of the Loire Valley and Renaissance France: Talk with locals, uncover clues and explore.



www.acis.com/llp

9 DAYSLondon, Loire Valley and Paris

“As a European History class, we were

able to touch on many time periods that

will be invaluable during the AP Test in

May.”

- Eric Vande Berg, Group Leader


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www.acis.com/llp

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Discover three of Europe’s most fascinating capital cities, plus beautiful Florence.





• St. Paul’s Cathedral• Windsor Castle




gardens at Versailles• Versailles by bike tour• Louvre• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine

DAY 6: FLORENCE• Flight from Paris to Florence• Guided sightseeing tour of



Accademia

DAY 7: ROME• Journey south towards Rome • Gelato making workshop and

tasting• Colosseum

DAY 8: ROME• Guided sightseeing tour • Timed reservation to the Vatican


• St. Peter’s Basilica • Authentic pizza dinner


EXTENSION: Extra night in London, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager, at the beginning of your tour

RTL14

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Rome (2)

Florence (1)

Paris (2)

London (2)

Versailles

Windsor

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www.acis.com/rtl


GELATO MAKING WORKSHOP AND TASTINGExercise your sweet tooth: Tour a gelato factory to learn how the flavors are made before delighting your taste buds with samples.

9 DAYSThree Capitals

“The students had so much fun at the

artisan gelato factory. This visit is a great

opportunity for the students to see the

behind the scenes of an Italian industry.

It was FUN!!” - Janet Boosz, Group Leader


www.acis.com/rtl

www.acis.com/menu

Take an in-depth look at WWI, WWII and Cold War history, with visits that show students how these conflicts shaped the 20th century.


DAY 2: CAEN• Arrive in Paris and journey to

Caen• Caen Peace Museum

DAY 3: CAEN• Reflect on Normandy’s important

WWII history at Arromanches• Arromanches 360 Degree Theater• Visit the American Cemetery and

Museum at Colleville-sur-Mer• See the cliffs and landscape of

the Pointe du Hoc• La Cambe German War Cemetery

DAY 4: PARIS• Journey to Paris, the City of Light• Guided sightseeing tour viewing


DAY 5: ARDENNES AREA• Guided tour of the American

Monument at Château-Thierry• Marine Memorial at Belleau

Wood• Arrive in Ardennes area for dinner

DAY 6: ARDENNES AREA• Mardasson Memorial in the

Belgian town of Bastogne• Explore real foxholes in the

Ardennes forest with guide• American Memorial and Cemetery

in Hamm• Visit Luxembourg City

DAY 7: NUREMBERG• Travel to Nuremberg• Nuremberg Documentation

Center with commentary via audioguide

• Walking tour viewing the Zeppelintribüne at the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Nuremberg Palace of Justice

DAY 8: BERLIN• Buchenwald Concentration Camp• Visit Weimar• Continue to Berlin

DAY 9: BERLIN• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the Soviet War Memorial and Cemetery, Reichstag, Holocaust Memorial, and former locations of the SS and Gestapo headquarters

• Berlin Olympic Stadium• View Wannsee Villa• Visit Cecilienhof in Potsdam• View the Sanssouci Palace


WHT14

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Nuremberg (1)

Weimar

Berlin (2)

Château-ThierryCaen (2)

Paris (1)

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D-DayBeaches

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••

BastogneLuxembourg

Potsdam ••••••••••••••


www.acis.com/wht

10 DAYSEuropean War History

This specially-themed war history tour contains site visits, educational content and activities that connect you with historic moments and the cultures involved in Europe’s 20th century conflicts in ways that are powerful and enlightening.


themed tourH

“Our trip was exceptional. The hotels, tour

guides, food, educational focus, information

and overall structure of each day surpassed

my expectations in every way.”

- Sharon Hartnett, Group Leader


20


www.acis.com/wht

Discover what makes Paris and the cities of central Europe unique, while also learning their shared history in the WWII era.


DAY 2: PARIS• Begin to explore Paris



• Louvre• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine


gardens at Versailles• Versailles by bike tour• Optional: Dinner at Le Boeuf sur

Le Toit

DAY 5: ENGELBERG• High-speed TGV train to

Lausanne, Switzerland• Visit the quaint town of Brienz• Travel to the Alpine town of

Engelberg

DAY 6: ENGELBERG• Ascend Mount Pilatus by cable

car and cog railway• Afternoon walking tour of Lucerne

includes Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument

• Evening Alpine hut dinner and alpenhorn lessons

DAY 7: MUNICH• Visit Vaduz, Liechtenstein• Neuschwanstein Castle• Travel to Munich

DAY 8: MUNICH• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the Marienplatz and its famed Glockenspiel

• Nymphenburg Palace• Dachau Concentration Camp

Memorial

DAY 9: HEIDELBERG• St. Jakob’s Church in Rothenburg• Heidelberg Castle


EXTENSION: Extra night in Paris, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager, at the beginning of your tour

PSM14• ••••••••••••

••••

••••

•

••••••

LausanneBrienz

Engelberg (2)Neuschwanstein

Munich (2)Lucerne

RothenburgFrankfurt

Heidelberg (1)Paris (3)

Versailles

•••


ALPINE HUT DINNER AND ALPENHORN LESSONAscend by cable car for an evening of traditional food, entertainment and lessons on mastering the alpenhorn.


www.acis.com/psm

10 DAYSParis, Switzerland and Munich

cultural connections CUSTOMIZE ANY TRIP!

Check out our extensive menu of activities and experiences, bound between pages 96 & 97 and online at www.acis.com/menu.


21


www.acis.com/psm

www.acis.com/menu

The local gastronomy stimulates your senses—delve into favorite French foods through sight, smell, touch and taste.

Tour the beautiful Mediterranean coast, and compare and contrast the cultures of cities and towns in Spain, France and Italy.


DAY 2: BARCELONA• Begin to explore Barcelona

DAY 3: BARCELONA• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

la Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc Hill and Gaudí’s famous houses

• Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia• Flamenco lesson in Barcelona’s

Pueblo Español• Parc Güell

DAY 4: PROVENCE• Travel across the Pyrenees into

France• Visit the medieval city of

Carcassonne• French food challenge

DAY 5: NICE• Pont du Gard• Arles Roman Arena and Theater• Arrive in Nice

DAY 6: NICE• Walking tour of Vieux Nice,


• Scenic drive to Eze• Jardin Exotique• Visit Monaco

DAY 7: FLORENCE• Travel to Pisa and see its Leaning

Tower• Pisa Cathedral• Arrive in Florence

DAY 8: ROME• Guided sightseeing tour with

commentary given via personal headsets


Accademia• Travel to Rome



• St. Peter’s Basilica• Colosseum• Authentic pizza dinner


EXTENSION: Extra night in Rome including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager

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•••••••

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•

Barcelona (2)

CarcassonneProvence (1)

Arles Monaco

Nice (2) PisaFlorence (1)

Rome (2)

•••••••

•••••••••


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FLAMENCO LESSON IN BARCELONA’S PUEBLO ESPAÑOL Learn to dance the colorful flamenco from an expert at the famous Tablao de Carmen.

FRENCH FOOD CHALLENGE


10 DAYSVia Aurelia



22


www.acis.com/via

www.acis.com/menu


12 days, 4 countries, 3 capitals. A fast-paced tour full of excitement, learning and fun.




the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace

• St. Paul’s Cathedral• Dinner at the Hard Rock Café





gardens at Versailles• Louvre• Eiffel Tower top floor • Evening Seine boat ride

DAY 6: LUCERNE• High-speed TGV train to Lausanne• Olympic Museum• Arrive in picturesque Lucerne

DAY 7: LUCERNE• Ascend Mount Pilatus by cable

car and cog railway• Walking tour viewing the Lion

Monument and Chapel Bridge

DAY 8: FLORENCE• Visit Pisa and its Leaning Tower • Pisa Cathedral• Travel to Florence

DAY 9: FLORENCE• Guided sightseeing tour with


• Florence Duomo• Santa Croce• Timed reservation to the

Accademia

DAY 10: ROME• Assisi and the Basilica of St.

Francis• Gelato factory visit and tasting• Travel to Rome





LPR16

•

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•

•••••••••••••••••

•••••

•••••

•

Rome (2)

Florence (2)Pisa

Lucerne (2)

Lausanne

Paris (2)

London (2)

Versailles

Assisi

GELATO FACTORY VISIT AND TASTING Exercise your sweet tooth: Tour a factory to learn about the production of gelato and discover your favorite flavor during a tasting.


www.acis.com/lpr

12 DAYSLondon, Paris and Rome

IMPROVED FOR 2016

“ I feel like I’m part

of the ACIS family.

ACIS does things

right!”

- Timothy Evans, Group Leader


23



www.acis.com/lpr

www.acis.com/menu


24

Treat your senses to the intense sights, flavors and rhythms of two of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.


DAY 2: ROME• Begin to explore Rome

DAY 3: ROME • Guided sightseeing tour• Timed reservation to the Vatican

Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, with commentary given via personal headsets


DAY 4: ROME • Discover more of the Eternal City

at your own pace• Optional: Excursion to the ancient

city of Pompeii

DAY 5: MADRID• Flight from Rome to Madrid• Walking tour of Madrid’s iconic

plazas

DAY 6: MADRID • Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the historic city’s most famous landmarks

• Prado tour with commentary given via personal headsets

• Flamenco lesson and show

DAY 7: MADRID • Explore more of Madrid’s

museums and parks at your own pace

• Optional: Full-day excursion to Toledo with lunch included


EXTENSION: Two-night extension to Paris via flight from Madrid, including sightseeing and the Louvre

ERM_15

Madrid (3)

Rome (3)


www.acis.com/erm

FLAMENCO LESSON AND SHOW IN MADRID Follow the steps of a local flamenco expert before enjoying a professional flamenco show.


8 DAYSRome and Madrid

“The flamenco show was the highlight of

many students’ trip! It was amazing and a

perfect cultural connection! I will be looking

for it in future trips!” – Tracy Weber, Group Leader


EXPLORER EXCEPTIONAL VALUE


www.acis.com/erm

www.acis.com/menu

25


25





• Guided tour of the British Museum

DAY 4: PARIS• Tower of London including the

Opening Ceremony• High-speed Eurostar train to Paris



• Optional: Excursion to Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles

DAY 6: ROME• Louvre• Flight to Rome• Begin to discover the history of

the Eternal City



• St. Peter’s Basilica• Colosseum• Evening walking tour around the

Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps



Discover the best of London, Paris and Rome at a great price.

EX214

Rome (2)

Paris (2)

London (2)

8 DAYS




www.acis.com/ex2

European Capitals

“The parents

were thrilled with

their students’

experiences and

at the airport were

already asking

when the next trip

would take place.

Wow! I’m used to

the kids wanting

to go again, but

when the parents

want another

trip then you’ve

really achieved

something.” – Jacqueline Wight-Crivello, Group Leader




www.acis.com/ex

www.acis.com/menu

Be at the cutting edge of innovation as you explore some of Europe’s most exciting scientific, technological and environmental advancements.



DAY 2: MUNICH• Begin to explore Munich

DAY 3: MUNICH• Munich by bike tour• Discover BMW World

DAY 4: BLACK FOREST • Journey to the Black Forest and

stop in picturesque Freiburg• Guided tour of Vauban, a

sustainable eco-town

DAY 5: LAUSANNE• Travel to Lausanne• Olympic Museum• Explore more of Lausanne at your

own pace

DAY 6: PARIS • Visit CERN to learn about

cutting-edge research on the fundamental structure of the universe

• High-speed TGV train to Paris

DAY 7: PARIS • Guided sightseeing tour viewing


• Louvre

DAY 8: PARIS• Guided tour of Musée des Arts

et Métiers including the Foucault Pendulum

• Scenic evening boat ride along the Seine

• Optional: Dinner aboard Seine boat cruise


9 DAYS


www.acis.com/tec

This specially-themed innovation and technology tour contains site visits, educational content and activities that connect you with some of Europe’s major scientific inventions and technological advancements, both past and present, while also demonstrating the vast potential of the future.

MUNICH BY BIKEFrom history-filled old streets to the paths of the Englischer Garten, explore Munich’s hidden gems by bicycle.

EUROPEAN TECH TOUR

Munich (2)Paris (3)

FreiburgLausanne (1)

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••••

••

••

BlackForest (1)

Technology and Innovation

themed tourH

26



IMPROVED FOR 2016


www.acis.com/tec

www.acis.com/menu


From the Colosseum to the Sagrada Familia to the Prado, discover these treasures and more in Rome, Barcelona and Madrid.






DAY 4: ROME• Discover more of the Eternal City

at your own pace• Optional: Excursion to the ancient

city of Pompeii

DAY 5: BARCELONA• Flight from Rome to Barcelona• Barcelona by bike tour including

Barceloneta and the Olympic Port

DAY 6: BARCELONA• Sagrada Familia• Discover more of Barcelona at

your own pace, from its unique urban beachfront to La Boqueria food market

• Optional: Trencadís workshop

DAY 7: MADRID• High-speed AVE train to Madrid• Walking tour of the

neighborhoods around Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol

• Madrid tapas evening

DAY 8: MADRID• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the historic center’s most famous landmarks


• Optional: Flamenco lesson and show


EXTENSION:Two-night extension to Paris via flight from Madrid, including sightseeing and the Louvre

EIS_16

Madrid (2)

Barcelona (2) Rome (3)

9 DAYS


www.acis.com/eis

BARCELONA BY BIKECycle the unique port area and historic neighborhoods for a closer look at the city and the locals who live here.

MADRID TAPAS EVENING Savor the culture of Spanish cuisine as you dine like a local on tapas specialties such as traditional cheeses, jamón or tortilla española.

OPTIONAL

TRENCADÍS WORKSHOP IN BARCELONAExplore Modernism and Art Nouveau with a trencadís master, then create your own colorful mosaic.

OPTIONAL


Rome, Barcelona and Madrid

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Visit three cosmopolitan cities and compare and contrast their cultural similarities and differences.








• Visit the neighborhood of Montmartre and enjoy a French dinner on the Place du Tertre

DAY 5: PARIS• Louvre• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine• Optional: Excursion to Louis XIV’s

palace at Versailles

DAY 6: MADRID• Discover more of Paris and its

20 arrondissements at your own pace

• Flight from Paris to Madrid


the historic center’s most important landmarks



DAY 8: MADRID• The day is yours to discover all

that Madrid has to offer• Optional: Excursion to Toledo


EXTENSION: Extra night in Madrid including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager

EX314

Madrid (3)

London (2)

Paris (2)

9 DAYS


www.acis.com/ex3


London, Paris and Madrid


28



www.acis.com/ex

www.acis.com/menu

ELP14

•••••••

•••••••••••••••••••

••••••••

••

•�

••

London (2) Dover

Calais

Bruges (2)

Paris (3)

ReimsEpernay


Bustling capital cities. Charming medieval towns. Inspiring sites from WWII. This trip has it all.





• Guided tour of the British Museum• Cabinet War Rooms with

commentary via audioguide

DAY 4: BRUGES• Dover Castle including WWII

tunnels• Ferry to Calais, France• Travel to Bruges

DAY 5: BRUGES• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the city’s canals, medieval streets and famed market squares

• Explore more of Bruges at your own pace, perhaps climbing the Belfry or taking a canal cruise

DAY 6: PARIS• Reims visit including Cathedral• Visit Épernay and tour a

champagne cave• Arrive in Paris



• Optional: Excursion to Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles


Luxembourg• Louvre• Optional: French cooking lesson



OPTIONAL

FRENCH COOKING LESSONTaste the fruits of your labor after you learn how to prepare dishes traditional to French cuisine.


www.acis.com/elp

9 DAYSVive la Manche


29



www.acis.com/elp

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EXPLORER PNR

••••

••••

•

••••

•••••••••••••••••••••

Paris (2)

Nice (2)

Rome (2)

Provence (1)Avignon •

••••••••••

NîmesPisa

•••

Florence (1)


From ancient Roman history to the buzz of modern Paris, this trip opens up Italian and French history and culture in an unforgettable way.






DAY 4: FLORENCE • Journey to the heart of

Renaissance Italy, Florence• Guided sightseeing tour with


• Florence Duomo

DAY 5: NICE• Travel to Pisa and see the Leaning

Tower• Pisa Cathedral• Arrive in Nice

DAY 6: NICE • Walking tour of Vieux Nice,


• Pétanque lesson

DAY 7: PROVENCE • Drive to picturesque Provence• Pont du Gard• Visit historic Nîmes and its Roman

Arena

DAY 8: PARIS• High-speed TGV train to Paris• Louvre






EXTENSION: Two-night extension to Barcelona via flight from Paris, including sightseeing

PÉTANQUE LESSON IN NICE Join a pétanque expert for a lesson in this classic French pastime.

10 DAYS


www.acis.com/eif

Panoramas of Italy and France


30



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31


EME14

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Avignon

Nice (2)Pisa Florence

Montecatini (1)

.........

............

. .••••••••

Barcelona (2)

Carcassonne

Rome (2)

Provence (1)

.........


From Barcelona to Rome, discover the best of the Mediterranean coast on this trip at a great value.





• Walking tour of the Gothic Quarter• Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia

DAY 4: PROVENCE• Journey across the Pyrenees

and visit the walled city of Carcassonne

• Continue on to Provence

DAY 5: NICE• Visit picturesque Avignon to view

the Papal Palace and Pont Saint-Bénézet

• Arrive on the French Riviera




DAY 7: MONTECATINI• Travel to Pisa and see the famous

Leaning Tower• Pisa Cathedral• Journey on to Tuscany

DAY 8: ROME• Guided sightseeing tour of


• Florence Duomo• Continue to Rome



• St. Peter’s Basilica• Colosseum • Evening walking tour around

famous landmarks including the Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain


EXTENSION: Two-night extension to Paris via flight from Rome, including sightseeing and the Louvre


10 DAYS


www.acis.com/eme

Cultures of the Mediterranean


www.acis.com/eme“As a Social Studies teacher, I really

appreciate the variety of trips which are

relevant to our curriculum and student

interests. I have always viewed our annual

ACIS trip as an extension of our classroom

where the lessons of art, history, language,

and culture come alive for our students.” - Todd Beach, Group Leader


www.acis.com/eme

www.acis.com/eme

www.acis.com/menu

Enjoy an in-depth look at French culture and history traveling from the north to the south and spanning Roman influence to modern times. Plus, start your trip in London, one of the world’s liveliest capitals.







France

DAY 5: LOIRE VALLEY• Reflect on Normandy’s important

WWII history at Arromanches• Arromanches 360 Degree Theater• Visit the American Cemetery at

Colleville-sur-Mer• See the cliffs and landscape of

the Pointe du Hoc• Travel to the Loire Valley• French food challenge

DAY 6: PARIS• Château de Chenonceau• Château de Chambord• Chartres Cathedral• Arrive in Paris



• Louvre

DAY 8: PARIS• Discover more of Paris and its

20 arrondissements at your own pace


• Optional: Visit Louis XIV’s palace and gardens at Versailles


DAY 9: PROVENCE• High-speed TGV train to Avignon

to see the Papal Palace• Visit the Pont du Gard

DAY 10: CÔTE D’AZUR• Travel to Marseille• Museum of European and

Mediterranean Civilizations• Continue on to Côte d’Azur

DAY 11: CÔTE D’AZUR• Guided sightseeing tour of Vieux

Nice including the Promenade des Anglais

• Scenic drive to Eze• Jardin Exotique and Fragonard

Perfume Factory• Visit Monaco



ELF15

London (2)Stonehenge

Caen (1)

••••••

D-Day Beaches•••••••

•••••••••••••

• Paris (3)

Provence (1)

Loire Valley (1)

Chartres

Marseille

Côte d’Azur (2)

•••

•••••••

.........


www.acis.com/elf

FRENCH FOOD CHALLENGEThe local gastronomy stimulates your senses—delve into favorite French foods throught sight, smell, touch and taste.


12 DAYSLondon to the South of France


32


newFOR 2016new


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MEC15

Barcelona (2)

London (3)

Paris (2)


See the hip and trendy side of three major European cities—London, Paris, Barcelona—getting to know the art, architecture, food, fashion, culture and lifestyle of each.


DAY 2: LONDON• Begin to explore London with a

London transport three-day travel card

DAY 3: LONDON• Walking tour of London’s vibrant

South Bank, viewing the Globe Theatre and Tate Modern

• St. Paul’s Cathedral• Explore more of London at your

own pace, such as Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus

DAY 4: LONDON• Monuments to Monarchy by bike

tour around Hyde Park and St. James’s Park

• Discover more of London’s museums and neighborhoods at your own pace

DAY 5: PARIS• High-speed Eurostar train from

London to Paris• Eiffel Tower top floor• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine

DAY 6: PARIS• Walking tour of Le Marais

neighborhood• Louvre

DAY 7: BARCELONA• Flight from Paris to Barcelona• Explore Barcelona using your

included public transport pass• Gothic Quarter walking tour• Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia

DAY 8: BARCELONA• Barcelona by bike tour including

Barceloneta and the Olympic Port• Discover more of Barcelona at

your own pace, from the Gaudí-designed houses to Montjuïc Hill

• Optional: FC Barcelona Nou Camp stadium tour




9 DAYS


www.acis.com/mec

Modern European Cultures

“Since we’ve

been traveling

with ACIS, our trips

have gained a

reputation of being

highly relevant

and academically

focused.”

– Todd Beach, Group Leader

33

PATHFINDER SMALL GROUPS

newFOR 2016new


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e

i

c

9 DAYSFrom Westminster to the Louvre to St. Peter ’s Square, the best of London, Paris and Rome are at your fingertips on this exciting nine-day tour.


34




Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace

• Westminster Abbey• Explore more of London’s historic

sights at your own pace

DAY 4: PARIS• High-speed Eurostar train to Paris• Begin to explore the City of Light

with your carnet of Métro tickets• Eiffel Tower top floor• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine

DAY 5: PARIS• Sketch Paris walking tour on Île

Saint-Louis• Louvre

DAY 6: ROME• Discover more of Paris’ famed

museums and neighborhoods at your own pace

• Flight from Paris to Rome• Begin to experience the Eternal

City using a Roma Pass, which gives you access to Rome’s public transport network and museums

DAY 7: ROME• Timed reservation to the Vatican

Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, with audio guides

• St. Peter’s Basilica

DAY 8: ROME• Colosseum• Explore more of Rome’s historic

sights and museums, such as the Capitoline or Ara Pacis, using your Roma Pass

• Authentic pizza dinner


Boulevards of EuropePATHFINDER

SMALL GROUPS

PC316

Rome (3)

Paris (2)

London (2)

cultural connections SKETCH PARIS NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR

Discover a corner of Paris like the artists it inspires, sketching its sights and buildings with expert instruction as you learn their history.


www.acis.com/eme



www.acis.com/pc3

newFOR 2016new


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www.acis.com/menu

9 DAYS

35

Stroll through history with a close-up look at the cultural highlights of Paris, Florence and Rome that’s available as a private tour with as few as 13 participants!


DAY 2: PARIS• Begin to explore Paris with your

carnet of Métro tickets


Luxembourg• Walking tour viewing the

Pantheon, Sorbonne and Latin Quarter

• Notre Dame• Sainte-Chapelle

DAY 4: PARIS• Take the RER train to visit Louis

XIV’s palace and gardens at Versailles

• Louvre

DAY 5: FLORENCE• Flight from Paris to Florence• Walking tour of Florence’s most

notable sights• Santa Croce

DAY 6: FLORENCE• Timed reservation to the

Accademia• Explore more of Florence’s artistic

legacy at your own pace, perhaps at the Uffizi Gallery or the Bargello

• Optional: Fresco painting lesson

DAY 7: ROME• Train from Florence to Rome• Begin to experience the Eternal

City using a Roma Pass, which gives you access to Rome’s public transport network and museums

• Colosseum



• St. Peter’s Basilica• Explore more of Rome’s historic

sights and museums, such as the Capitoline or Ara Pacis, using your Roma Pass

• Authentic pizza dinner



Paris, Florence and RomePATHFINDER

SMALL GROUPS

PC416

•

Rome (2)

Florence (2)

Paris (3)Versailles

cultural connections PÉTANQUE LESSON IN PARIS

Join a pétanque expert in the Jardin du Luxembourg for a lesson in this classic French pastime.

OPTIONAL

MASTER THE FRESCO Consider Italy’s most famous frescoes and test your skills against Michelangelo’s after learning techniques from an expert.


www.acis.com/pc4

newFOR 2016new

“Part of travel is how much you enjoy the

places and people. With ACIS the people

my students interact with everyday from

tour managers hotel staff and the people in

the general neighborhood are the genuine

article. We are in the middle of cities with

new experiences around every corner.”– Mark Pfeiffer, Group Leader


www.acis.com/pc

www.acis.com/menu

Spain and France

36

INSIDER’S PARIS AND MADRID Fall in love with the sights, sounds and culture of two of Europe’s most lively and captivating cities.

37

Featured trips

TREASURES OF FRANCE AND SPAIN An engaging look at the wonders of chic and glittering Paris, historic and scenic Provence and artistically modern Barcelona.

49

LA FRANCE Y ESPAÑA Discover Spain and France’s three most populous cities, with the time and flexibility to explore as you please.

44

PARIS, PROVENCE AND BARCELONA A great mix of big cities and small towns. This nine-day tour explores some of the most popular areas of France and Spain.

43 newFOR 2016new

Fall in love with the sights, sounds and culture of two of Europe’s most lively and captivating cities.





• Louvre• Sketch Paris walking tour in

Montmartre

DAY 4: PARIS • Pétanque lesson in the Jardin du

Luxembourg• Eiffel Tower top floor• Scenic evening boat ride along


boat cruise

DAY 5: MADRID• Visit Louis XIV’s palace and

gardens at Versailles• Versailles by bike tour• Flight from Paris to Madrid




• Flamenco lesson and show

DAY 7: MADRID • Full-day excursion to Toledo with


• Toledo’s Gothic Cathedral, Synagogue, Church of Santo Tomé

DAY 8: MADRID• Bull ranch visit with bullfighting

lesson, demonstration, and hearty lunch



IPM_15

•

VersaillesParis (3)

ToledoMadrid (4)•••

9 DAYSInsider’s Paris and Madrid


www.acis.com/ipm

SKETCH PARIS NEIGHBORHOOD TOURDiscover a corner of Paris like the artists it inspires, sketching its noted sights and buildings with expert instruction as you learn their history.

PÉTANQUE LESSON IN PARISJoin a pétanque expert in the Jardin du Luxembourg for a lesson in this classic French pastime.

cultural connections VERSAILLES BY BIKE

Pedal around Versailles’ expansive grounds by bike, from the Latona Fountain to the Petit Trianon.


BULL RANCH VISIT, BULLFIGHTING LESSON AND LUNCHVisit a working bull ranch for a tour, a lesson in bullfighting and a demonstration of this important Spanish art form.


SPAIN AND FRANCE

37


www.acis.com/ipm


ISF14

•••••••

Paris (2)

CarcassonneAvignonProvence (2)

Barcelona (2)

•

•

Madrid (2)

•••••••••• •

Camargue

FLAMENCO LESSON AND SHOW IN MADRIDFollow the steps of a local flamenco expert before enjoying a professional flamenco show.


PAELLA COOKING LESSON IN BARCELONALearn the methods for creating paella from an expert before working in teams to cook and enjoy the dish for dinner.

HORSEBACK RIDING IN THE CAMARGUELike a traditional gardian, or cowboy, explore the picturesque marshy delta region at the mouth of the River Rhône.


DAY 2: MADRID• Begin to explore Madrid




• Evening flamenco lesson and show

DAY 4: BARCELONA• High-speed AVE train to

Barcelona• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

Montjuïc Hill and Gaudí’s famous houses

• Parc Güell• Sagrada Familia

DAY 5: BARCELONA • Morning walking tour of the

Gothic Quarter• Barcelona by bike tour including

Barceloneta and the Olympic Port• Paella cooking lesson and dinner• Optional: FC Barcelona Nou Camp

stadium tour

DAY 6: PROVENCE• Journey across the Pyrénées



DAY 7: PROVENCE• Horseback riding in the Camargue• Visit Aigues-Mortes and explore

the ramparts• Pont du Gard

DAY 8: PARIS• High-speed TGV train from

Avignon to Paris• Guided sightseeing tour viewing


DAY 9: PARIS• Louvre• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine • Optional: Dinner aboard Seine

boat cruise


EXTENSION:Extra night in Paris including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager

Compare and contrast the cultures of Spain and France through many interactive cultural connection activities.

10 DAYS


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Insider’s Spain and France

SPAIN AND FRANCE

38



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Discover the unique facets of Paris and Madrid, enhancing your experience with behind-the-scenes visits to global industry leaders in film and sports marketing.



IP: CITÉ DU CINÉMA STUDIO COMPLEX A film industry insider will discuss the successes and challenges of French cinema and how these local production efforts can compete on the world stage.

BULL RANCH VISIT, BULLFIGHTING LESSON AND LUNCH Visit a working bull ranch for a tour, a lesson in bullfighting and a demonstration of this important Spanish art form.

IP: MAJOR EUROPEAN SOCCER CLUB Visit a major professional club to tour the facility, learn the business behind the game and discuss how the organization’s sports marketing efforts connect with a global network well beyond the local Madrid supporters.

IPI_16

•

VersaillesParis (3)






• Sketch Paris walking tour in Montmartre

DAY 4: PARIS• Louvre• Get an inside International

Perspective on Cité du Cinéma Studio Complex

• Eiffel Tower top floor• Scenic evening boat ride on the

Seine


gardens at Versailles • Flight from Paris to Madrid




• Bull ranch visit with bullfighting lesson, demonstration and hearty lunch

DAY 7: MADRID• Get an inside International

Perspective on the inner workings of a major European soccer club

• Discover more of Madrid’s highlights at your own pace

DAY 8: MADRID• Full-day guided excursion to

Toledo with commentary given via personal headsets



9 DAYSParis and Madrid


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SPAIN AND FRANCE

39


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All the beauty and culture of these two great cities, jam-packed into a breathtaking nine-day tour.

cultural connections PÉTANQUE LESSON IN PARIS

Join a pétanque expert in the Jardin du Luxembourg for a lesson in this classic French pastime.

BARCELONA BY BIKE Cycle the unique port area and historic neighborhoods for a closer look at the city and the locals who live here.

HPB_15

Barcelona (3)

Paris (4)

Versailles

•





• Eiffel Tower top floor• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine


Luxembourg• Louvre


gardens at Versailles• Optional: Dinner at Le Boeuf sur

Le Toit

DAY 6: BARCELONA • Flight from Paris to Barcelona• Barcelona by bike tour including


DAY 7: BARCELONA • Guided sightseeing tour viewing



DAY 8: BARCELONA• Discover more of Barcelona,

from its popular city squares to La Boqueria food market, at your own pace

• Optional: Full-day excursion to Figueres including the Dalí Museum


9 DAYSHighlights of Paris and Barcelona


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SPAIN AND FRANCE

40



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9 DAYS





• Louvre• Eiffel Tower top floor• Scenic evening boat ride along


boat cruise

DAY 4: NICE • Flight from Paris to Nice• Begin to explore Nice and stroll

the Promenade des Anglais

DAY 5: NICE• Scenic drive to Eze• Jardin Exotique and Fragonard

Perfume Factory• Visit glamorous Monaco• Pétanque lesson

DAY 6: PROVENCE • Travel to Provence• Arles Roman Arena and Theater• Pont du Gard

DAY 7: BARCELONA • Visit the walled city of

Carcassonne• Continue across the Pyrénées to

Barcelona



• Parc Güell• Barcelona by bike tour including



EXTENSIONS: Extra night in Paris, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager, at the beginning of your tour

Two-night extension via AVE from Barcelona to Madrid including sightseeing and the Prado Museum

This colorful tour of France and Spain will take you from the stunning views at the top of the Eiffel Tower to the vibrancy of life on the streets of Barcelona.


www.acis.com/pnbPNB_15

Provence (1) •••••••••

Barcelona (2)

Carcassonne ArlesEze/Monaco

Nice (2)

Paris (2)

••••••••••••

•••••••

••••••••

•

Paris, Nice and Barcelona

cultural connections PÉTANQUE LESSON IN NICE

Join a pétanque expert for a lesson in this classic French pastime.


“There were so many lessons! Obviously we had those objectives

which were included in the itinerary but there was so much more

to learn that we never even anticipated! The whole trip was highly

educational for everyone involved.” - Candice Groves, Group Leader

SPAIN AND FRANCE

41



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Split in half between two major European capitals, this nine-day tour introduces you to the very best the cities have to offer.

cultural connections ÉCOLE DE BOULANGERIE

Learn the secrets of French baking while working alongside pâtisserie students at a boulangerie school to make your own brioche.


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•Versailles Paris (3)

Toledo Madrid (4)•••







boat cruise


during an École de Boulangerie class

• Explore more of Paris and its arrondissements


gardens at Versailles• Flight from Paris to Madrid






• Toledo’s Gothic Cathedral, Synagogue and Church of Santo Tomé

DAY 8: MADRID • Explore more of Madrid at your

own pace• Flamenco lesson and show


EXTENSION: Extra night in Paris, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager, at the beginning of your tour

9 DAYSMadrid and Paris


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“This trip truly did change my life. ACIS made sure everything

was top notch from food, to hotel, to the greatest tour guides

available! I only have good things to say about ACIS!”

- Hailey Thomson, Participant

42

SPAIN AND FRANCE



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A great mix of big cities and small towns. This nine-day tour explores some of the most popular areas of France and Spain.





• Parc Güell• Gothic Quarter walking tour• Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia• Trencadís workshop

DAY 4: PROVENCE • Journey across the Pyrénées



DAY 5: PROVENCE• Visit Nîmes and its magnificent

Roman Arena• Pont du Gard

DAY 6: PARIS• Explore Avignon to view the Papal

Palace and Pont Saint-Bénézet• High-speed TGV train to Paris



• Visit Louis XIV’s palace and gardens at Versailles

DAY 8: PARIS • French cooking lesson• Louvre• Optional: Dinner at Le Boeuf sur

Le Toit


EXTENSION: Three-night extension to Madrid at the beginning of your tour including sightseeing, the Prado and an excursion to Toledo

PPB14

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••••••••

Paris (3)Versailles

CarcassonneAvignon

Provence (2)

Barcelona (2)

TRENCADÍS WORKSHOP IN BARCELONAExplore Modernism and Art Nouveau with a trencadís master, then create your own colorful mosaic.


9 DAYSParis, Provence and Barcelona


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SPAIN AND FRANCE

43



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Discover Spain and France’s three most populous cities, with the time and flexibility to explore as you please.

SKETCH PARIS NEIGHBORHOOD TOURDiscover a corner of Paris like the artists it inspires, sketching its sights and buildings with expert instruction as you learn their history.

OPTIONAL


OPTIONAL

FLAMENCO LESSON AND SHOW IN MADRID Master the steps and important body language of the flamenco during an expert-led lesson.


9 DAYSLa France y España

EFS14

Paris (3)

Barcelona (2)Madrid (2)

Monasterio dePiedra National Park

•••••••••••••••••••

••••


DAY 2: PARIS• Begin to explore Paris• Ascend to the top of the Arc de

Triomphe


the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides and Notre Dame

• Optional: French cooking lesson

DAY 4: PARIS• Louvre• Sketch Paris walking tour on Île

Saint-Louis

DAY 5: BARCELONA • Flight from Paris to Barcelona• Gothic Quarter walking tour• Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia

DAY 6: BARCELONA

• Guided sightseeing tour viewing la Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc Hill and Gaudí’s famous houses

• Discover more of Barcelona, from its popular city squares to La Boqueria food market, at your own pace

DAY 7: MADRID• Monasterio de Piedra National

Park• Arrive in Madrid, Spain’s capital

city

DAY 8: MADRID

• Guided sightseeing tour viewing the historic center’s most important landmarks





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SPAIN AND FRANCE

44


www.acis.com/efs

SPAIN AND FRANCE

45


Experience the best of Barcelona, Provence and Paris at a great price.





• Gothic Quarter walking tour• Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia

DAY 4: PROVENCE• Journey across the Pyrénées


• Continue on to Provence• French food challenge

DAY 5: PROVENCE• Explore picturesque Avignon to

view the Papal Palace and Pont Saint-Bénézet

• Pont du Gard

DAY 6: PARIS• High-speed TGV train to Paris• Louvre



• Optional: French cooking lesson

DAY 8: PARIS• Explore more of Paris and its

arrondissements• Evening walk along the Champs-

Élysées• Ascend to the top of the Arc de

Triomphe• Optional: Visit Louis XIV’s palace

and gardens at Versailles


EXTENSION: Two-night extension to Madrid at the beginning of your tour including sightseeing and the Prado Museum before taking the AVE to Barcelona

OPTIONAL FRENCH COOKING LESSON

Taste the fruits of your labor after you learn how to prepare dishes traditional to French cuisine.

EX614

••••

••••

••••••••

Paris (3)

CarcassonneAvignon

Provence (2)

Barcelona (2)

FRENCH FOOD CHALLENGEThe local gastronomy stimulates your senses—delve into favorite French foods through sight, smell, touch and taste.


9 DAYSBarcelona to Paris


www.acis.com/ex6

“Saw amazing sights, met wonderful

people, had a great bus driver and a

personable, well-informed tour manager.

Plus we felt able to be ourselves and make

some individual decisions and choices

within the planned structure of the tour.”

- Susan D’Angelico, Participant


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A breathtaking tour of Madrid, northern Spain, the French Atlantic Coast and Paris that reveals the spirit of each of these unique communities.



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MADRID TAPAS EVENINGSavor the culture of Spanish cuisine as you dine like a local on tapas specialties such as traditional cheeses, jamón or tortilla española.






DAY 4: MADRID • Explore more of Madrid’s plazas

and parks at your own pace• Madrid tapas evening• Optional: Full-day excursion to

Toledo with lunch included

DAY 5: SAN SEBASTÍAN• Travel to San Sebastían• Walking tour of its seaside streets

and neighborhoods

DAY 6: BORDEAUX • Journey to Biarritz for a walking

tour• Continue to Bordeaux

DAY 7: PARIS • Visit Bordeaux’s historic center

and the miroir d’eau • High-speed TGV train to Paris



• Louvre• Optional: Dinner at Le Boeuf sur

Le Toit

DAY 9: PARIS• Explore more of Paris and its

arrondissements• Visit the neighborhood of


• Optional: Visit Louis XIV’s palace and gardens at Versailles


10 DAYS

MPC14

••••••••••••••••••

Madrid (3)

Biarritz

Bordeaux (1)

Paris (3)

San Sebastián (1) ••

••••

Capitals and the Basque Country

46

SPAIN AND FRANCE


newFOR 2016new


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Become fully immersed in French and Spanish life with this memorable 10-day tour of history and culture.

10 DAYS

47


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DAY 2: PARIS• Begin to explore Paris• Ascend to the top of the Arc de

Triomphe




the Seine

DAY 4: PROVENCE • High-speed TGV train to Avignon• Begin to explore the beautiful

surroundings of the Provençal town

DAY 5: PROVENCE• Pont du Gard• Arles Roman Arena and Theater

DAY 6: BARCELONA • Visit the walled city of

Carcassonne• Journey across the Pyrénées to

Barcelona

DAY 7: BARCELONA • Guided sightseeing tour viewing


• Barcelona by bike tour including Barceloneta and the Olympic Port

• Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia

DAY 8: MADRID• Monasterio de Piedra National

Park• Arrive in Madrid, Spain’s capital






Explorer ESF15

•••••••

Paris (2)

Carcassonne

Barcelona (2)

•

Madrid (2)

••••••••••••• ArlesProvence (2)

Avignon••Monasterio de

Piedra National Park•••••••••••••

••••••••••

SPAIN AND FRANCE

Highlights of France and Spain


OPTIONAL

FLAMENCO LESSON AND SHOW IN MADRIDFollow the steps of a local flamenco expert before enjoying a professional flamenco show.




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IPM_15

•

VersaillesParis (4)


The glitter of Paris and the magic of Madrid—enjoy time to experience the best of these French and Spanish capitals.

9 DAYS


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48


SKETCH PARIS NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR Discover a corner of Paris like the artists it inspires, sketching its sights and buildings with expert instruction as you learn their history.


OPTIONAL







Luxembourg• Walking tour viewing the

Pantheon, Sorbonne and Latin Quarter

• Notre Dame• Sainte-Chapelle



• Louvre

DAY 5: PARIS• Sketch Paris walking tour in

Montmartre• Eiffel Tower top floor• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine

DAY 6: MADRID• Flight from Paris to Madrid• Walking tour of the

neighborhoods around Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol

• Discover Madrid with ease using your included carnet of Metro tickets

DAY 7: MADRID• Prado tour with audio guides• Madrid tapas evening• Optional: Bull ranch visit with

bullfighting demonstration and hearty lunch

DAY 8: MADRID• Explore more of Madrid at your

own pace, perhaps the Royal Palace or Plaza Mayor

• Optional: Excursion to Toledo including the Gothic Cathedral and Church of Santo Tomé


SPAIN AND FRANCE

Capitals of France and SpainPATHFINDER

SMALL GROUPS

newFOR 2016new


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SPAIN AND FRANCE

PZ2_16

•

VersaillesParis (3)

Barcelona (2)

Nîmes

Avignon (2)

An engaging look at the wonders of chic and glittering Paris, historic and scenic Provence and artistically modern Barcelona.

9 DAYS


www.acis.com/pz2



49




DAY 3: PARIS• Guided walking tour of Le Marais

neighborhood• Louvre



• Eiffel Tower top floor• Scenic evening boat ride on the

Seine• Optional: Dinner aboard Seine

boat cruise

DAY 5: AVIGNON• High-speed TGV train to Avignon• Walking tour of Avignon• Entrance to the Papal Palace and

Pont Saint-Bénézet

DAY 6: AVIGNON• Excursion by train to Nîmes for a

walking tour with your ACIS Tour Manager

• Roman arena• Return to Avignon

DAY 7: BARCELONA• Train from Avignon to Barcelona• Begin to explore Barcelona using

your included public transport pass

DAY 8: BARCELONA• Barcelona by bike tour including

Barceloneta and the Olympic Port• Gothic Quarter walking tour• Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia


Treasures of France and SpainPATHFINDER

SMALL GROUPS

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Spain

50

INSIDER’S MADRID AND ANDALUCÍA Through many interactive cultural connections, acquire an in-depth knowledge of the cultures of Castile and Andalucía.

51

Featured trips

LAS CALLES DE ESPAÑA Madrid, Córdoba and Seville—three enchanting Spanish cities and all their treasures await you!

63

EL CAMINO DEL NORTE Discover the best of northern Spain including Castile-León and the Basque Country.

61

LA FIESTA A Spanish teacher’s dream. Experience the best of Madrid and Andalucía on this classic trip.

56 newFOR 2016new

SPAIN

51


IMA14

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••••

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••••

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••••••

•••••••••

••

Toledo (1)

Granada (2)

Madrid (2)

Seville (2)

Ronda


SPANISH FAN PAINTING WORKSHOPPaint your own Spanish fan with a master artist as you learn about the history, ornamentation and many uses of this elegant accessory.

FLAMENCO LESSON, DINNER AND SHOW IN GRANADAIn the caves of Granada’s Sacromonte neighborhood, learn the steps from flamenco masters, followed by dinner and a flamenco show.







DAY 4: SEVILLE • High-speed AVE train to Seville• Begin to explore the charming

capital of Andalucía

DAY 5: SEVILLE• Guided sightseeing tour • Seville Cathedral and Giralda

Tower• Spanish fan painting workshop

DAY 6: GRANADA • Guided sightseeing tour of Ronda

viewing the Puente Nuevo• Ronda bullring• Pass picturesque pueblos blancos

en route to Granada

DAY 7: GRANADA • Guided sightseeing tour of the

Alhambra and Generalife Gardens with commentary given via personal headsets

• Flamenco lesson, dinner and show

• Explore the caves of the Sacromonte neighborhood in the evening

DAY 8: TOLEDO• Travel to Toledo• Guided sightseeing tour with



• Spanish cooking lesson in Toledo



Through many interactive cultural connections, acquire an in-depth knowledge of the cultures of Castile and Andalucía.

9 DAYS


www.acis.com/ima

Insider’s Madrid and Andalucía

SPANISH COOKING LESSON IN TOLEDOLearn from experts to create some of Spain’s most loved and traditional dishes, enjoying spectacular city views as you dine on the results.



www.acis.com/ima

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SPAIN

On this fast-paced tour, packed with cultural connections, you will discover three important areas of Spain: Catalonia, Andalucía and Castile.


DAY 2: BARCELONA• Begin to explore Barcelona• Barcelona by bike tour including




• Parc Güell• Sagrada Familia• Gothic Quarter walking tour

DAY 4: CÓRDOBA• High-speed AVE train to Córdoba• Guided sightseeing tour of

Córdoba• Córdoba Mezquita with audio

guides

DAY 5: GRANADA• Guided sightseeing tour of the




DAY 6: MADRID• Drive to beautiful Madrid via the

spectacular mountain pass of Despeñaperros








• Toledo Gothic Cathedral, Synagogue, Church of Santo Tomé

• Spanish cooking lesson




BULL RANCH VISIT & BULLFIGHTINGVisit a working bull ranch for a tour, a lesson in bullfighting and a demonstration of this important Spanish art form.

SPANISH COOKING LESSONLearn from experts to create some of Spain’s most loved and traditional dishes, enjoying spectacular city views as you dine on the results.


www.acis.com/tis


FLAMENCO LESSON, DINNER AND SHOW IN GRANADAIn the caves of Granada, learn the steps from flamenco masters, followed by dinner and a show.


9 DAYSInsider’s Spain

TIS14

Madrid (3)Toledo

Barcelona (2)

Córdoba (1)

Granada (1)

•••••

••••••••••••••••••••••

•••

52


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SPAIN

Develop a deep understanding of two of Spain’s most famous cities, with little time lost in transit thanks to the high-speed AVE train.








DAY 4: MADRID• Guided visit to the palace

monastery of El Escorial• Segovia guided sightseeing tour

viewing the Roman aqueduct• Segovia Alcázar





Barcelona• Barcelona by bike tour including




• Parc Güell• Sagrada Familia• Gothic Quarter walking tour• Optional: FC Barcelona Nou Camp

stadium tour

DAY 8: BARCELONA• Discover more of Barcelona,

from its popular city squares to La Boqueria food market, at your own pace

• Optional: Full-day excursion to Figueres and the Dalí museum




SPC14

Barcelona (3)

••El Escorial

Segovia Madrid (4)

Toledo

•••


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9 DAYSSpanish Capitals

53



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BASQUE PELOTA LESSON AND PROFESSIONAL DEMONSTRATIONWatch one of the world’s fastest games played by professional pelotaris before trying it yourself.

Compare and contrast the cultural differences of three different regions in Spain: Castile, the Basque Country and Catalonia.







DAY 4: BILBAO• Drive to scenic Bilbao• Guggenheim Museum with

audio guides

DAY 5: BILBAO• Visit delightful San Sebastián

including a walking tour of the seaside streets and neighborhoods

• Basque pelota lesson and professional demonstration

DAY 6: PAMPLONA• Travel to Pamplona• Walking tour of Pamplona

highlights the impressive city walls and history of the famous Running of the Bulls

DAY 7: BARCELONA• Visit Zaragoza and see the

immense Basílica del Pilar• Continue on to Barcelona



• Parc Güell• Sagrada Familia• Gothic Quarter walking tour



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MSB14

Madrid (2)

Bilbao (2)San Sebastián

Zaragoza

Barcelona (2)

Pamplona (1)



9 DAYSAventuras en España

SPAIN

54



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See the best of Madrid and Seville before crossing the border and discovering beautiful Lisbon, Portugal.







DAY 4: SEVILLE• High-speed AVE train to Córdoba• Guided sightseeing tour of


guides• Continue on to beautiful Seville

DAY 5: SEVILLE• Guided sightseeing tour• Seville Cathedral and Giralda

Tower• Evening flamenco lesson and

show

DAY 6: MÉRIDA• Drive to picturesque Mérida• Guided sightseeing tour of this

ancient capital of Lusitania• Mérida Roman ruins

DAY 7: LISBON• Cross into Portugal and arrive in

Lisbon• Begin to explore this exciting

capital city

DAY 8: LISBON• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the Monument of the Discoveries, Rossio Square and St. George’s Castle

• Jerónimos Monastery• Visit the town of Sintra• Sintra National Palace


IBE14

••••

••••

••••

•••••

•••••••••

Madrid (2)

Mérida (1)

CórdobaSeville (2)

Lisbon (2)Sintra

•


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FLAMENCO LESSON AND SHOW IN SEVILLEFollow the steps of a local flamenco expert before enjoying a professional flamenco show.


9 DAYSIberian Voyage

55

SPAIN



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A Spanish teacher’s dream. Experience the best of Madrid and Andalucía on this classic trip.






• Optional: Excursion to the palace monastery of El Escorial

DAY 4: MADRID • Full-day guided excursion to




DAY 5: SEVILLE • Travel through La Mancha for

a guided sightseeing tour of Córdoba

• Córdoba Mezquita with audio guides

• Continue on to beautiful Seville

DAY 6: SEVILLE• Guided sightseeing tour • Seville Cathedral and Giralda

Tower

DAY 7: GRANADA • Guided sightseeing tour of the




DAY 8: COSTA DEL SOL• Visit one of the pueblos blancos,

Mijas, to see weaving, pottery and basket making

• Continue on to the Costa del Sol

DAY 9: COSTA DEL SOL• Explore Costa del Sol’s sights and

beaches at your own pace• Optional: Tangier, Morocco with

included Moroccan lunch


EXTENSION: Extra night in Madrid, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager, at the beginning of your tour

10 DAYSLa Fiesta




www.acis.com/lafLAF14

••••

••••••

Seville (2)Granada (1)

Costa del Sol (2)

Madrid (3)Toledo

Córdoba

“The activities made us feel like we were more than tourists

just passing through observing the culture. We had a chance to

experience it ourselves.” – Anna Huffman, Group Leader

SPAIN

56



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DAY 2: TOLEDO• Arrive in Madrid and drive to

nearby Toledo• Toledo Culture Quest

DAY 3: TOLEDO• Guided sightseeing tour with



• Optional: Excursion to Aranjuéz

DAY 4: GRANADA • Travel past the windmills of

Consuegra to Granada• Flamenco lesson, dinner and

show• Explore the caves of the

Sacromonte neighborhood in the evening

DAY 5: RONDA • Guided sightseeing tour of the


• Visit one of the pueblos blancos, Mijas, to see weaving, pottery and basket making

• Continue on to Ronda

DAY 6: SEVILLE• Guided sightseeing tour of Ronda

viewing the cathedral• Ronda bullring• Travel to Seville

DAY 7: SEVILLE • Guided sightseeing tour • Seville Cathedral and Giralda

Tower

DAY 8: MADRID• Guided sightseeing tour of


guides• Continue on to beautiful Madrid






“Above all, the best thing was watching

students’ eyes light up as they drank in a

myriad of sites for the first time.”

– Linda Carpenter, Group Leader

SPAIN

Start in small-town Toledo and end in fast-paced Madrid on this 10-day adventure that mixes cities big and small, slow and fast.

57


10 DAYS

TOLEDO CULTURE QUESTScavenge Toledo to unlock El Greco’s secrets and discuss the city’s Moorish heritage with locals.



www.acis.com/anf

ANF14

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•

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Toledo (2)

Córdoba

Granada (1)

Madrid (2)

Seville (2)

Ronda (1)

Andalusian FiestaCLASSIC

POPULAR FAVORITES


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Spain 101. A fast-paced introduction to the many highlights of Spain.






DAY 4: GRANADA• Depart Madrid for a guided

sightseeing tour of Toledo with commentary via personal headsets

• Toledo Gothic Cathedral, Synagogue, Church of Santo Tomé

• Spanish cooking lesson in Toledo• Travel to Granada

DAY 5: GRANADA• Guided sightseeing tour of the




DAY 6: SEVILLE• Morning drive to Seville• Guided sightseeing tour • Seville Cathedral and Giralda

Tower

DAY 7: SEVILLE • Explore more of the wonders of

Seville at your own pace, such as the Santa Cruz neighborhood

• Optional: Excursion to Córdoba including the Mezquita


Barcelona• Gothic Quarter walking tour







SPANISH COOKING LESSON IN TOLEDO Learn from experts to create some of Spain’s most loved and traditional dishes, enjoying spectacular city views as you dine on the results.



www.acis.com/spa

10 DAYSSpanish Vistas

SPA14

••••••••••••••••Granada (2)

Seville (2)

Barcelona (2)

Madrid (2)Toledo •••••••••••••••••••••••

...

SPAIN

58



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SPAIN

59

This trip provides the perfect combination of buzzing cities and beautiful coastline. This is Spain at its best.





• Barcelona by bike tour including Barceloneta and the Olympic Port

• Gothic Quarter walking tour• Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia

DAY 4: MADRID• Visit Zaragoza and see the

immense Basílica del Pilar• Continue on to Madrid• Walking tour around Puerta del

Sol




• Explore more of Madrid’s plazas and parks at your own pace

• Churros y chocolate at a local café

DAY 6: SEVILLE• Drive to picturesque Mérida• Mérida Roman ruins• Continue on to Seville

DAY 7: SEVILLE• Guided sightseeing tour• Seville Cathedral• Explore more of the wonders of


• Evening flamenco lesson and show

DAY 8: COSTA DEL SOL• Travel to the Costa del Sol• Explore Costa del Sol’s sights and

beaches at your own pace


EXTENSION:Extra night in Costa del Sol, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager

FLAMENCO LESSON AND SHOW IN SEVILLE Follow the steps of a local flamenco expert before enjoying a professional flamenco show.

9 DAYS

EX814••••••••••••••• Seville (2)

Costa del Sol (1)

Madrid (2)

MéridaBarcelona (2)

Zaragoza




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Barcelona, Madrid and SevilleEXPLORER

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE


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Soak up the warmth of Spain’s sun, atmosphere, people and culture in Madrid and the best of Catalonia’s seaside cities.


DAY 2: TOLEDO• Arrive in Madrid and drive to

nearby Toledo• Begin to explore Toledo

DAY 3: TOLEDO• Guided sightseeing tour with



• Optional: Spanish cooking lesson

DAY 4: MADRID • Travel to Madrid• Guided sightseeing tour viewing



DAY 5: MADRID• Explore more of Madrid’s plazas

and parks at your own pace• Madrid tapas evening• Optional: Bull ranch visit with

bullfighting lesson, demonstration and hearty lunch

DAY 6: TARRAGONA • High-speed AVE train to

Tarragona• Guided sightseeing tour of

Tarragona viewing the Roman amphitheater and old town

DAY 7: BARCELONA • Journey to Barcelona• Gothic Quarter walking tour• Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia



• Discover more of Barcelona, from its popular city squares to La Boqueria food market, at your own pace


OPTIONAL

SPANISH COOKING LESSON IN TOLEDO Learn from experts to create some of Spain’s most loved and traditional dishes, enjoying spectacular city views as you dine on the results.

OPTIONAL


9 DAYS

Laura’s Spain

•••

••••

Toledo (2)Tarragona (1)

Barcelona (2)Madrid (2)




www.acis.com/ect

Castilla y Cataluña

SPAIN

60


www.acis.com/ect

SPAIN

61

ENS14

León (1)

Madrid (2)

Bilbao (1)San SebastiánPamplona (1)

Barcelona (2)

Discover the best of northern Spain including Castile-León and the Basque Country.



9 DAYS


www.acis.com/ens

El Camino del Norte







DAY 4: LEÓN • Travel to León• Guided sightseeing tour shows

you the city’s historic sights• León Cathedral

DAY 5: BILBAO• Journey to scenic Bilbao• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the riverside, Parque Etxebarria and Casco Viejo

• Guggenheim Museum with audio guides

DAY 6: PAMPLONA • Visit delightful San Sebastián

including a walking tour of the seaside streets and neighborhoods

• Basque pelota lesson and professional demonstration

• Continue on to Pamplona

DAY 7: BARCELONA • Walking tour of Pamplona

highlights the impressive city walls and history of the famous Running of the Bulls

• Journey to Barcelona



• Gothic Quarter walking tour• Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia• Optional: FC Barcelona Nou Camp

stadium tour



BASQUE PELOTA LESSON AND PROFESSIONAL DEMONSTRATIONWatch one of the world’s fastest games played by professional pelotaris before trying it yourself.

“This was my very first tour so I went

on the recommendation of several other

teachers who had traveled with ACIS

before. I had no idea what I was doing but

ACIS made the entire experience easy and

virtually stress-free.”

– Candice Groves, Group Leader



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OPTIONAL


SPANISH FOOD CHALLENGE The local gastronomy stimulates your senses—delve into favorite Spanish foods through sight, smell, touch and taste.


62

Quaint and beautiful, the white villages of southern Spain beckon.






• Spanish food challenge

DAY 4: SEVILLE• Discover Toledo with a local

guide and commentary given via personal headsets

• Visit the Gothic Cathedral, Synagogue and Church of Santo Tomé

• Continue on to Seville

DAY 5: SEVILLE • Guided sightseeing tour • Seville Cathedral • Optional: Evening flamenco lesson

and show

DAY 6: COSTA DEL SOL• Visit Mijas, one of southern

Spain’s most picturesque pueblos blancos

• Explore Ronda including the bullring

• Continue on to the Costa del Sol for dinner

DAY 7: COSTA DEL SOL• Walking tour of the seaside resort

of Nerja• Nerja Caves• Optional: Excursion to Granada

including the Alhambra

DAY 8: COSTA DEL SOL• Explore the beauty and beaches

of the Costa del Sol at your own pace

• Optional: Excursion to Tangier, Morocco with included Moroccan lunch


9 DAYS

EX914

••

Seville (2)

Costa del Sol (3)

Madrid (2)Toledo

Ronda

Mijas Nerja•


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Los Pueblos Blancos

SPAIN



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PS416

Madrid (3)

Córdoba (1)

Seville (3)

Madrid, Córdoba and Seville—three enchanting Spanish cities and all their treasures await you!

9 DAYS


MOORISH CUISINE DINNER Explore the Moorish influence on Córdoba’s culinary heritage as you dine on shared plates and learn the characteristics of the cuisine.

cultural connections SEVILLE BY BIKE

Discover Seville on a guided bicycle tour showcasing the city’s highlights, from María Luisa Park to the historic center to the riverside.

OPTIONAL


OPTIONAL


OPTIONAL

SPANISH FAN PAINTING WORKSHOP Paint your own Spanish fan with a master artist as you learn about the history, ornamentation and many uses of this elegant accessory. 63


DAY 2: MADRID• Begin to explore Madrid with your

carnet of Metro tickets• Paella dinner

DAY 3: MADRID• Prado Museum with audio guides• Madrid tapas evening• Optional: Bull ranch visit with

bullfighting lesson, demonstration and hearty lunch

DAY 4: MADRID• Explore more of Madrid’s plazas

and parks at your own pace• Optional: Excursion to Toledo

including the Gothic Cathedral and Church of Santo Tomé

DAY 5: CÓRDOBA• High-speed AVE train to Córdoba• Guided walking tour of “hidden”

Córdoba• Moorish cuisine dinner

DAY 6: SEVILLE• Córdoba Mezquita with audio

guides• Train to Seville

DAY 7: SEVILLE• Seville by bike tour• Seville Cathedral• Discover Seville with ease using

your included three-day public transport travel card

• Optional: Evening flamenco lesson and show

DAY 8: SEVILLE• Explore more of the wonders of


• Optional: Spanish fan painting workshop



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Las Calles de España

SPAIN


newFOR 2016new

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France

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INSIDER’S PARIS Feel like a Parisian on this nine-day tour full of cultural connections.

65

Featured trips

LA FRANCOPHONIE Lovers of the French language will delight in this tour of France and Switzerland, available as a private tour with as few as 13 participants.

78

LA FÊTE FRANÇAISE Enjoy a trip to Paris and the south, strolling Les Grands Boulevards and beachside boardwalks.

75

TOUJOURS EN FRANCE This classic tour introduces you to four regions of France and all of their beauty, charm and history.

68IMPROVED

FOR 2016

FRANCE


65

OPTIONAL

IMPRESSIONIST PAINTING IN AUVERS-SUR-OISEPut brush to canvas and create your own masterpiece as a local expert teaches you the nuances of Impressionist painting.

IPA14

••••••••••••••••

•

Loire Valley



VERSAILLES BY BIKE Pedal around Versailles’ expansive grounds by bike, from the Latona Fountain to the Petit Trianon.


ÉCOLE DE BOULANGERIELearn the secrets of French baking while working alongside pâtisserie students at a boulangerie school to make your own brioche.


DAY 2: PARIS • Begin exploring Paris with your




• Eiffel Tower top floor • Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine

DAY 4: PARIS• Full-day excursion to the Loire

Valley• Château de Chenonceau• Château de Chambord• Visit the town of Amboise


Luxembourg• Louvre visit during the quieter

evening hours• French crêpe dinner


gardens at Versailles• Versailles by bike tour• Sketch Paris walking tour in

Montmartre




DAY 8: PARIS• Guided tour of the Musée d’Orsay• Optional: Château d’Auvers-sur-

Oise Museum and Impressionist painting workshop


Feel like a Parisian on this nine-day tour full of cultural connections.

9 DAYS


www.acis.com/ipa

Insider’s Paris

Want to experience the magic of Paris at

a great value? Our Holiday Allô Paris tour

departs Dec. 26th

Visit www.acis.com/alx to learn more


www.acis.com/ipa

www.acis.com/alx

66

FRANCE


DAY 2: PARIS • Begin to explore Paris



• Louvre• Visit the neighborhood of


DAY 4: LOIRE VALLEY• Visit Louis XIV’s palace and

gardens at Versailles• Versailles by bike tour• French fromagerie visit and

cheese tasting• Journey on to the Loire Valley

DAY 5: LOIRE VALLEY• Château de Chenonceau• Château de Chambord• Visit the town of Amboise

DAY 6: ST. MALO• Visit the lovely island monastery

of Mont St. Michel• Continue to St. Malo

DAY 7: ROUEN• Learn about Operation Overlord at

Arromanches• Arromanches 360 Degree Theater• Visit the American Cemetery and

Omaha Beach• Arrive in Rouen

DAY 8: PARIS• Walking tour of charming Rouen• Guinguette Dine and Dance with

lunch• Travel to Paris


Luxembourg• Eiffel Tower top floor • Scenic evening boat ride along


boat cruise


TIF14

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••

••••••••

••••••••

•••••• ••••••••••

••••••••••••••••

Loire Valley (2)

Paris (2,2)Versailles

Rouen (1)

St. Malo (1)

D-Day Beaches•••••••••Mont St. Michel

10 DAYSInsider’s FranceExperience centuries of French history hands-on: modern Paris, vieux châteaux, the medieval monastery of Mont St. Michel and the battlefields of Normandy.

GUINGUETTE DINE AND DANCEDelight in music, dancing and lunch with French locals at a guinguette, a traditional riverside café and dance venue.






www.acis.com/tif

“The students,

almost a week

later, are STILL

grinning ear to ear.

It was worth every

penny.”

– Elizabeth Fager, Group Leader



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www.acis.com/menu

FRANCE





• St. Paul’s Cathedral• Guided tour of the Courtauld

Institute of Art

DAY 4: PARIS • High-speed Eurostar train to Paris• Guided sightseeing tour viewing


• Eiffel Tower top floor• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine

DAY 5: PARIS• Guided tour of the Musée d’Orsay• Explore more of Paris and its

museums, such as the Musée Marmottan Monet, at your own pace

DAY 6: PARIS • Louvre• Sketch Paris walking tour in

Montmartre• Optional: Excursion to Giverny

including Monet’s house and gardens

DAY 7: PROVENCE • High-speed TGV train to Avignon• Explore Avignon to view the Papal

Palace and Pont Saint-Bénézet• Pont du Gard

DAY 8: PROVENCE• Visit picturesque Aix-en-Provence• Be Cézanne painting lesson



BE CÉZANNE PAINTING LESSON Cross the bridge between 19th-century Impressionism and 20th-century Cubism by re-creating a Cézanne masterpiece.

Discover the huge influence these magnificent European capitals have had on the history of art and culture and explore your own creative side.

The impressionists

•

Paris (3)

London (2)

AvignonAix-en-Provence

Provence (2)

Marseille••

••

This specially-themed arts and Impressionism tour contains site visits, educational content and engaging activities that connect you with some of the finest movements, masters and masterpieces of European artistry in ways that will inspire your own personal creations and reflection.



www.acis.com/imp

9 DAYSThe Impressionists

67

themed tourH


www.acis.com/imp






• Sketch Paris walking tour on Île Saint-Louis

• Louvre

DAY 4: PARIS• French cooking lesson• Eiffel Tower top floor• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine• Optional: Excursion to Giverny

including Monet’s house and gardens

DAY 5: LOIRE VALLEY• Visit Louis XIV’s palace and

gardens at Versailles• Chartres Cathedral• Continue on to the Loire Valley

DAY 6: LOIRE VALLEY• Visit the town of Amboise• Château de Chenonceau• Château de Chambord

DAY 7: ST. MALO• Visit the lovely island monastery

of Mont St. Michel• Arrive in St. Malo

DAY 8: PARIS• Learn about Operation Overlord at


Omaha Beach• Continue on to Paris


EXTENSION: Extra night in Paris including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager

This classic tour introduces you to four regions of France and all of their beauty, charm and history.

TOJ14

••••••••

••••••

••••••••

••••••••

•••••

••••

•••••••••••••••••••••••

Mont St. MichelLoire Valley (2)

ChartresParis (3,1)Versailles

D-Day Beaches

St. Malo (1)

SKETCH PARIS NEIGHBORHOOD TOURDiscover a corner of Paris like the artists it inspires, sketching its sights and buildings with expert instruction as you learn their history.


9 DAYSToujours en France


www.acis.com/toj

FRANCE

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boat cruise

DAY 4: HONFLEUR• Travel to picturesque Rouen• French cooking lesson• Arrive in seaside Honfleur and

discover the medieval homes and old docks

DAY 5: ST. MALO• Learn about Operation Overlord at


Omaha Beach• Continue on to scenic St. Malo

DAY 6: SAUMUR• Discover the island monastery of

Mont St. Michel• Travel to Saumur

DAY 7: SAUMUR• Château d’Ussé• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau• French fromagerie visit and

cheese tasting

DAY 8: PARIS• Chartres Cathedral• Visit Louis XIV’s palace and

gardens at Versailles• Arrive in Paris


EXTENSION: Two-night extension from Paris to London via the Eurostar, including sightseeing


Discover northern France’s historical highlights.

FLY14

••••••

••••••

••••••

•••••••

••••••••

•

••••••

•••••••••••••••

• •••

Mont St. Michel

St. Malo (1)

D-Day Beaches Rouen

Honfleur (1)

Saumur (2)Chartres

VersaillesParis (2,1)

•••••••




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9 DAYSFleur de Lys

FRANCE

69



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• Louvre• French cooking lesson


gardens at Versailles• Eiffel Tower top floor• Scenic evening boat ride along


boat cruise

DAY 5: PROVENCE• High-speed TGV train to Avignon• Explore Avignon to view the

imposing Papal Palace and Pont Saint-Bénézet

• Pont du Gard• Discover historic Nîmes and tour

its Roman Arena

DAY 6: NICE• Visit the medieval town of Aigues-

Mortes• Aigues-Mortes ramparts• Travel to Nice



• Visit the hilltop village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence



Perfume Factory• Visit glamorous Monaco


EXTENSION: Extra night in Nice including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager

“ I have had several thank yous from

students and parents who said their

children will never forget this trip. The first

sentence on a card from a student says it

all: ‘Dear Madame, I have just had the best

eight days of my life…’” – Linda Hilliard, Group Leader

A long-time favorite. Explore fast-paced Paris, charming Provence and the beautiful Riviera.

PCA14

••••

•

•

•

•

•

•••••Nîmes

Avignon

Aigues-MortesSaint-Paul-de-Vence

Nice (3)Monaco

Provence (1)


•


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9 DAYSParis, Provence and the Côte d’Azur


FRANCE

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FRANCE




DAY 2: TROUVILLE• Arrive in Paris and drive to

picturesque Trouville• French fromagerie visit and

cheese tasting

DAY 3: TROUVILLE• Caen Peace Museum• American Cemetery at Colleville-

sur-Mer and Omaha Beach• See the cliffs and landscape of

the Pointe du Hoc

DAY 4: LOIRE VALLEY• Travel to the Loire Valley• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau• Château de Chenonceau

DAY 5: PARIS• Chartres Cathedral• Visit Louis XIV’s palace and

gardens at Versailles• Arrive in Paris



• Louvre• Eiffel Tower top floor

DAY 7: PROVENCE• High-speed TGV train to Avignon• Explore Avignon to view the Papal

Palace and Pont Saint-Bénézet

DAY 8: CÔTE D’AZUR• Visit stunning Aix-en-Provence• Be Cézanne painting lesson• Walking tour of Vieux Nice,


• Cimiez neighborhood and Roman ruins

DAY 9: CÔTE D’AZUR• Scenic drive to Eze• Jardin Exotique and Fragonard



An action-packed 10-day tour introducing you to the best of France.

TJP14

VersaillesChartres

Paris (2)

MonacoNice

Trouville (2)

Loire Valley (1)

AvignonProvence (1)

Côte d’Azur (2)


BE CÉZANNE PAINTING LESSON Cross the bridge between 19th century Impressionism and 20th century Cubism by re-creating a Cézanne masterpiece.


www.acis.com/tjp

10 DAYSLe Grand Voyage

“The absolute BEST trip I have ever

taken with students! Both my student and

adult travelers were overwhelmed by the

experience!” – Tina Sochacki, Group Leader


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72

FRANCE


DAY 2: PARIS• Begin exploring Paris with your




• Conciergerie Palace and prison visit


DAY 4: PARIS • Château de Vincennes• Sweet Paris culinary walking tour

and macaron tasting in the Marais• Louvre visit during the quieter

evening hours

DAY 5: PARIS• Explore the underground

Catacombs of Paris• Père Lachaise Cemetery walking

tour

DAY 6: PARIS • Take the RER train to visit Louis


• French crêpe dinner


Luxembourg• Optional: Dinner at Le Boeuf sur

Le Toit



See the City of Light in all its glory, from a river cruise along the Seine to the underground world of the Catacombs.

EXPLORER ALO

•Versailles Paris (6)


www.acis.com/epl


8 DAYSParis Lumière

“This trip was an

amazing experience

that I will remember

for the rest of my

life.” – Christine Phillips, Participant



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73

FRANCE






• Louvre


Montmartre• Top of Arc de Triomphe

DAY 5: FRENCH ALPS• High-speed TGV train to Geneva,

Switzerland• See the Martyrs Wall and the

impressive Jet d’Eau• Arrive in the French Alps

DAY 6: FRENCH ALPS• Walking tour of charming

Chamonix• Optional: Excursion up Aiguille du

Midi by cable car

DAY 7: NICE• Scenic drive from the French Alps

to Nice• Explore the Côte d’Azur’s

cosmopolitan capital as you please today




Practice your French in two countries and compare and contrast the cultural differences.

EPN15

•Geneva

Eze

Paris (3)

Nice (2)

French Alps (2) •••••••••••••••••••• ••


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9 DAYSParis, the Alps and Nice


newFOR 2016new

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FRANCE

74





• Louvre• Optional: Dinner at Le Boeuf sur

Le Toit

DAY 4: NORMANDY • Drive to Rouen to explore the

city’s history• French fromagerie visit and

cheese tasting• Continue on to your hotel

DAY 5: NORMANDY • Reflect on Normandy’s important

WWII history at Arromanches• Arromanches 360 Degree Theater• American Cemetery at Colleville-

sur-Mer and Omaha Beach• See the cliffs and landscape of

the Pointe du Hoc• La Cambe German War Cemetery

DAY 6: PARIS• Travel to lovely Giverny• Monet’s house and gardens• Arrive in Paris

DAY 7: PARIS• Discover the stained glass of

Sainte Chapelle• Explore more of Paris’

neighborhoods at your own pace• Optional: French cooking lesson

DAY 8: PARIS• Enjoy time to discover the City

of Light’s wondrous sights and sounds

• Optional: Excursion to the Loire Valley, including visits to the châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau and exploring the town of Amboise


EXTENSION: Extra night in Paris including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager

Nine days in Paris and Normandy at a price that can’t be missed.

OPTIONAL


EXN14

••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••

••• •••••••••••••

Normandy (2)

D-Day Beaches Rouen

Paris (2,3)••

Giverny




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9 DAYSClair de LuneEXPLORER

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE


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FRANCE





• Evening stroll along the Champs-Élysées

• Top of Arc de Triomphe

DAY 4: PARIS• Louvre• Visit the neighborhood of


• Optional: Impressionist painting in Auvers-sur-Oise

DAY 5: PROVENCE • High-speed TGV train to Avignon• Explore Avignon to view the

imposing Papal Palace and Pont Saint-Bénézet

• Pont du Gard

DAY 6: NICE• Visit picturesque Aix-en-Provence• Arrive in Nice



• Explore Saint-Paul-de-Vence• Pétanque lesson

DAY 8: NICE• Discover more of Nice’s sights

and sounds at your own pace• Optional: Excursion to Eze and

Monaco including the Jardin Exotique


75


Enjoy a trip to Paris and the south, strolling Les Grands Boulevards and beachside boardwalks.

EXF14

••••••

••••

Aix-en-ProvenceNice (3)

Provence (1)

Paris (3)

Avignon •

•

Saint-Paul-de-Vence

•


www.acis.com/exf

PÉTANQUE LESSON IN NICEJoin a pétanque expert for a lesson in this classic French pastime.

OPTIONAL

IMPRESSIONIST PAINTING IN AUVERS-SUR-OISEPut brush to canvas and create your own masterpiece as a local expert teaches you the nuances of Impressionist painting.

9 DAYSLa Fête Française

“Even though I

have visited the

regions we visited on

our tour before, I saw

many new things in

the “sud” that I had

not experienced on

prior trips with other

companies.”

- Karen Williams, Group Leader



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76

FRANCE







boat cruise

DAY 4: LYON• Travel to Dijon for a walking tour

of this beautiful city • Scenic drive to Lyon

DAY 5: LYON• Guided sightseeing tour includes

the traboules and Gothic Cathedral of Vieux Lyon

• Enjoy gorgeous city views from Fourvière via a round-trip funicular ride

• Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls and the Odeon

• Traditional Bouchon Lyonnaise dinner

DAY 6: PROVENCE • Travel south to Provence• Explore Avignon to view the Papal

Palace and Pont Saint-Bénézet• Pont du Gard

DAY 7: NICE• Visit picturesque Aix-en-Provence• Continue to Nice

DAY 8: NICE • Walking tour of Vieux Nice,


• Pétanque lesson• Discover more of the French

Riviera at your own pace


Taste your way through the heart of France on this nine-day tour that features a walking tour of Dijon and special bistro dinner.

EPC14

••••

••••

••••

••••

••

Aix-en-Provence

Provence (1)

Paris (2)

Avignon

Dijon

Lyon (2)

Nice (2)

••••

••••

••••

••••

••••

••••

••••

•


www.acis.com/epc


9 DAYSParis, Lyon and the Riviera

“ It was the trip of a lifetime. It gave me a chance to experience

the world and enjoy it in ways that I never have before. The trip

sparked a bigger interest in history and culture for me and most

certainly made me want to go back.” - Zachary Mccraw, Participant

PÉTANQUE LESSON IN NICEJoin a pétanque expert for a lesson in this classic French pastime.



www.acis.com/epc

www.acis.com/menu


FRANCE


DAY 2: PARIS• Arrive in Paris and enjoy ACIS’

Concierge Service during your stay

• Airport transfers included• Welcome Pack and tour manager

arrival briefing• Receive a Paris Métro carnet• Receive a voucher for a scenic

evening boat ride along the Seine • Receive a Paris dinner voucher

DAY 3-7: PARIS• Explore the City of Light’s

neighborhoods, art, museums, architecture, shops and monuments in your own way with ultimate flexibility; contact your ACIS International Program Consultant for suggestions



OPTIONAL & EXTENSION: Enhance your tour experience with the services of an ACIS Tour Manager Extra night in Paris

Explore Paris as you like with ACIS’ concierge services backing you up every step of the way.

PYW14

Paris (6)

Connect with the culture of Paris and interact with the locals in your own way: By the end of your trip the streets, cafés, neighborhoods and parks of this grand city will feel like home!


www.acis.com/pyw

8 DAYSParis Your Way

“ I am very

impressed with how

organized ACIS is.

You are a model

of efficiency and I

would not hesitate

recommending

you.”

– Margaret Dornbusch, Participant



77

www.acis.com/pyw

www.acis.com/menu

Lovers of the French language will delight in this journey through France and Switzerland, available as a private tour with as few as 13 participants.

78

9 DAYS




DAY 3: PARIS• Walking tour of Le Marais• Louvre• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine


Montmartre• Optional: Excursion to Monet’s

house and gardens at Giverny by train and bicycle

DAY 5: LAUSANNE• High-speed Lyria train to

Lausanne• Olympic Museum

DAY 6: LAUSANNE• Scenic train around Lake Geneva

to Montreux• Château de Chillon• Walking tour of Montreux

DAY 7: LYON• High-speed TGV Lyria train to

Lyon• Walking tour viewing the traboules

and Gothic Cathedral of Vieux Lyon

DAY 8: LYON• Enjoy gorgeous city views

from Fourvière via a round trip funicular ride

• Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls• Basilica of Notre Dame de

Fourvière• Optional: La Cuisine Lyonnaise

cooking lesson


FRANCE

La Francophonie

PF215

Lausanne (2)

Paris (3)

Lyon (2)


www.acis.com/pf2



OPTIONAL

LA CUISINE LYONNAISE COOKING LESSON Taste the fruits of your labor after you learn how to prepare dishes traditional to Lyonnaise cuisine.



IMPROVED FOR 2016

www.acis.com/pf

www.acis.com/menu

79

What could be nicer than Nice? How about a trip that combines Paris, Avignon and Nice, and that’s available as a private tour with as few as 13 participants!

9 DAYS




DAY 3: PARIS• Paris by bike tour• Louvre• Explore more of Paris and its

many museums at your own pace



• French dinner on the Place du Tertre

• Optional: Sketch Paris walking tour in Montmartre


Luxembourg• Scenic evening boat ride along

the Seine• Optional: French cooking lesson

DAY 6: AVIGNON• High-speed TGV train to Avignon• Walking tour of Avignon

DAY 7: NICE

• Entrance to the Papal Palace and Pont Saint-Bénézet

• Train from Avignon to Nice



• Optional: Excursion to Eze and Monaco including the Jardin Exotique


FRANCE

Ponts et Promenades

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cultural connections PARIS BY BIKE

Explore the ins and outs of Paris on a bicycle tour showcasing the city’s most famous sights and the unique history behind them.


OPTIONAL


OPTIONAL



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INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES: LONDON Learning from international business leaders will enrich students’ understanding of what it means to be a modern global citizen.

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Featured trips

SCOTS, BARDS AND BRITS History and literature lovers rejoice! From Edinburgh Castle to Shakespeare’s birthplace to the British Museum, this tour is a treat at a great value.

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SHOWTIME This classic tour is for theater-lovers and soon-to-be theater-lovers alike. Enjoy three shows, a workshop and a backstage tour, plus the rest of London’s famous sites.

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KINGDOM BY THE SEA Explore four regions in 10 days with a wonderful mix of countrysides and capitals.

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cultural connections TRADITIONAL CREAM TEA IN BATH

Steep in Bath’s Georgian architecture and fancy yourself an Austen character as you partake in a quintessentially English cream tea.

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London (7)Bath

Windsor

Stonehenge

WEST END THEATER WORKSHOP AND PERFORMANCEGo behind the scenes at one of London’s hit shows.







• St. Paul’s Cathedral• West End theater workshop• Evening theater performance

DAY 4: LONDON• Monarchy by bike tour around

Hyde Park and St. James’s Park• Excursion to Windsor Castle


the Opening Ceremony• Guided tour of the Globe Theatre• Fish and chips lunch at the Tate

Modern• Evening Jack the Ripper walking

tour

DAY 6: LONDON• Visit Stonehenge• Travel to Bath for sightseeing

that includes viewing the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge

• Roman Baths and Pump Rooms• Partake in the traditional English

pastime of cream tea

DAY 7: LONDON• Optional: Excursion to Oxford and

Stratford-upon-Avon includes Oxford’s Christchurch College, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and a Royal Shakespeare Company performance

DAY 8: LONDON• Travel to Greenwich via your

Thames Clipper round-trip ticket• National Maritime Museum• Greenwich Royal Observatory


Unpack just once and immerse yourself in English culture. From theater and cream tea to a bike tour and the Tower of London, this tour allows you to explore London’s best.

9 DAYS


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Stonehenge

cultural connections IP: QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK

Tour the venues with a member of the 2012 Olympic Legacy team and discuss the value and lasting impact of London’s Olympic investment.

LONDON’S MONUMENTS TO MONARCHY BY BIKE Legends of the English monarchy unfold through the statues, buildings, parks and monuments you will explore by bicycle.

IP: ENTREPRENEURIAL LONDONMeet a London entrepreneur and learn about what it takes to start a business from scratch and thrive in one of the world’s most competitive cities.

Learning from international business leaders within London’s exciting industrial and entrepreneurial scenes will enrich students’ understanding of what it means to be a modern global citizen.






DAY 4: LONDON• Get an inside International

Perspective on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

• Orbit viewing platform• Traditional fish and chips dinner

DAY 5: LONDON• Excursion to Windsor Castle• Monarchy by bike tour around

Hyde Park and St. James’s Park

DAY 6: LONDON• Get an inside International

Perspective on an entrepreneurial London business

• Walking tour of London’s vibrant South Bank, viewing the Globe Theatre and Tate Modern

• Flight on the London Eye

DAY 7: LONDON• Travel to Bath• Sightseeing tour of Bath viewing

the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge

• Roman Baths and Pump Rooms• Visit Stonehenge• Return to London

DAY 8: LONDON• Discover more of London at your

leisure this morning• Evening theater performance


EXTENSION:Extra night in London including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager

9 DAYSLondon


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LIT 15

HolyheadCaernarfon

London (3)Stratford-upon-Avon (2)

Dublin (2)

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cultural connectionsThis specially-themed literature tour kindles a deeper understanding of many well-known works through site visits, educational content and activities that connect you with the written words, personal stories and places of inspiration for some of England and Ireland’s most celebrated authors.


ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY WORKSHOP Learn the ways of Shakespeare during a workshop with the renowned RSC before attending the performance.

From the City of London to the Emerald Isle, follow in the footsteps of some of England and Ireland’s most celebrated writers and see the amazing places that inspired them.





• Westminster Abbey including Poets’ Corner

• Guided walking tour of Charles Dickens’ London


the Opening Ceremony• Guided tour of the British Library

DAY 5: STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

• Harry Potter studio tour• Explore Oxford including a tour of

Christchurch College• Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon

DAY 6: STRATFORD-UPON-

AVON • Shakespeare’s Birthplace• Shakespeare’s burial site at Holy

Trinity Church• Royal Shakespeare Company

workshop and performance

DAY 7: DUBLIN • Scenic drive to North Wales• Caernarfon Castle visit• Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin

DAY 8: DUBLIN• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

O’Connell Street, Ha’penny Bridge and the favorite haunts of Joyce, Yeats, Wilde and other notable Dublin writers

• Trinity College Library and the Book of Kells

• Explore more of Dublin at your own pace, perhaps visiting the Writers Museum

• Evening play performance at one of Dublin’s well-known theaters


9 DAYSLiterary Roads


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• St. Paul’s Cathedral• Evening theater performance in

London’s West End

DAY 4: LONDON• Shakespeare workshop at the

Globe Theatre• Original Hard Rock Café dinner

DAY 5: LONDON• Explore Oxford including a tour of

Christchurch College• Visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage

and Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

• Royal Shakespeare Company theater performance

DAY 6: LONDON• Excursion to Windsor Castle• Monarchy by bike tour around

Hyde Park and St. James’s Park

DAY 7: LONDON• Sightseeing tour of Bath viewing

the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge

• Roman Baths and Pump Rooms• Visit Stonehenge• Explore historic Salisbury

DAY 8: LONDON• Discover more of London at your

leisure this morning• Guided backstage tour of the

National Theatre • Evening theater performance


EXTENSION: Extra night in London including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager


This classic tour is for theater-lovers and soon-to-be theater-lovers alike. Enjoy three shows, a workshop and a backstage tour, plus the rest of London’s famous sites.

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WindsorBath

Stonehenge

Oxford London (7)

This specially-themed theater tour, perfect for students of literature and the performance arts, will help to provide a greater understanding of the social and political context of some of the greatest works ever written.

SHAKESPEARE WORKSHOP AT THE GLOBE THEATREVisit the reconstructed Globe Theatre. Attend a workshop with professionals and perform a Shakespearean scene.


NATIONAL THEATRE BACKSTAGE TOURWalk in the footsteps of actors, directors, set designers and more as you peer behind the scenes of a working theater.

9 DAYSShowtime


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Want to experience the magic of London

at a great value? Our Holiday Showtime

tour departs Dec. 26th

Visit www.acis.com/shx to learn more

BRITISH ISLES

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• St. Paul’s Cathedral• Walking tour of London’s East End• Curry dinner

DAY 4: LONDON• Excursion to Hampton Court

Palace• Explore more of London’s history

and museums at your own pace

DAY 5: DUBLIN• Flight from London to Dublin• Irish dancing lesson


O’Connell Street and Ha’penny Bridge


• St. Patrick’s Cathedral

DAY 7: KILLARNEY• Travel to the Rock of Cashel• Continue to Blarney Castle and

kiss the famous Blarney Stone• Arrive in picturesque Killarney

DAY 8: KILLARNEY• Discover beautiful Irish scenery

on a full-day tour around the Ring of Kerry including peat cutting and sheepdog demonstrations

• Jaunting tour from Muckross House to Killarney


EXTENSION:Extra night in London, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager, at the beginning of your tour

Experience lively London’s most famous sites before flying to Ireland. Wasting little time traveling, you’re rewarded with Dublin’s city treasures, medieval ruins, stunning scenery and the best of Irish culture.

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•Ring of Kerry

Dublin (2)ShannonKillarney (2)

BlarneyLondon (3)

Hampton Court

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CURRY DINNERDive into London’s multi-ethnic culinary culture with a traditional curry night—choose your curry type, main ingredient and spiciness for the perfect meal!



www.acis.com/lei

9 DAYSLondon and the Emerald Isle

IRISH DANCING LESSON Jump into traditional Irish dance: From jigs and reels to sets, half-sets and step dances.

JAUNTING TOUR IN KILLARNEYIrish banter and folklore abound as you explore between Muckross House and Killarney in a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car.

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DAY 2: DUBLIN• Arrive in Dublin and begin to

explore your surroundings



• St. Patrick’s Cathedral• Irish dancing lesson

DAY 4: LAKE DISTRICT• Ferry to Holyhead• Scenic drive through North Wales

to the Lake District

DAY 5: EDINBURGH• Visit the poetic village of

Grasmere • Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage• Travel to Hadrian’s Wall• Continue on to Edinburgh

DAY 6: EDINBURGH• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

Princes Street and Charlotte Square

• Edinburgh Castle• Evening Old Town ghost tour

DAY 7: YORK• See Alnwick Castle —used as

Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films• Arrive in York where sightseeing

includes entrance to York Minster

DAY 8: LONDON• Travel to Windsor and tour

Windsor Castle• Continue on to London





EXTENSION: Extra night in London including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager

OLD TOWN GHOST TOUR

Uncover haunting secrets of Edinburgh’s Old Town streets and underworld with a guide.

Explore four regions in 10 days with a wonderful mix of countrysides and capitals.

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York (1)Lake District (1)

Dublin (2)

Holyhead

Alnwick

London (2)Windsor


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IRISH DANCING LESSONJump into traditional Irish dance: From jigs and reels to sets, half-sets and step dances.


10 DAYSKingdom by the SeaKingdom by the Sea

“The tour went without a hitch. The UK was a great choice and

the itinerary design was great. Wouldn’t change anything. Another

great tour!” - Mark Rohwer, Group Leader

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• Guided tour of the British Museum’s treasures

DAY 4: STRATFORD AREA• Journey to Oxford• Christchurch College• Punting excursion on the River

Cherwell• Arrive in the Stratford area

DAY 5: YORK AREA• Shakespeare’s Birthplace• Shakespeare’s burial site at Holy

Trinity Church• Arrive in York for a walking tour

DAY 6: EDINBURGH• See Alnwick Castle—used as

Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films• Arrive in Edinburgh

DAY 7: EDINBURGH• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

Princes Street and Charlotte Square

• Edinburgh Castle

DAY 8: LAKE DISTRICT• Visit the poetic village of

Grasmere• Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage



History and literature lovers rejoice! From Edinburgh Castle to Shakespeare’s Birthplace to the British Museum, this tour is a treat at a great value.

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Edinburgh (2)

Lake District (1)YorkArea (1)

Stratford Area (1)

London (2)

Manchester

Oxford

Grasmere

Alnwick

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This specially-themed literature tour will guide you in the footsteps of some of Britain’s most celebrated writers—from Beatrix Potter to Wordsworth to Shakespeare—to gain an understanding of the stunningly beautiful places that inspired them.

PUNTING ON THE RIVER CHERWELLTest your balance and wield the pole as you try your hand at the classic Oxford pastime of punting.


9 DAYSScots, Bards and Brits

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• Guided tour of the British Museum’s treasures

DAY 4: LONDON• Discover more of London’s culture

and museums at your own pace• Optional: Full-day excursion to

Canterbury and Dover Castle

DAY 5: WEST COUNTRY• Journey to Stonehenge• Walking tour of Bath viewing the

Royal Crescent, the Circus, and Pulteney Bridge

• Roman Baths and Pump Rooms

DAY 6: CAERNARFON• Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon• Shakespeare’s Birthplace• Continue to Wales• Welsh language lesson• Authentic dinner and cultural

experience in the homes of local Welsh families

DAY 7: DUBLIN• Guided sightseeing tour of

Caernarfon Castle• Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin




• Optional: Gaelic Games experience


From Dublin to London with beautiful countryside in between, this tour perfectly mixes bustling cities with charming small towns.

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London (3)West Country (1)Stonehenge

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WELSH FAMILY DINNER AND HOME VISITReceive a warm Welsh croeso (welcome) as you dine in small groups in the homes of local families.

OPTIONAL

GAELIC GAMES EXPERIENCELearn about and try traditional sports including Gaelic Football, Handball and Hurling from a coach at a local club.


9 DAYSThe Bardic RealmsEXPLORER

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE


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Connect with the culture of London and interact with the locals in your own way: By the end of your trip the streets, cafés, neighborhoods and parks of this grand city will feel like home!

Connect with the culture of two great capitals and interact with the locals in your own way: By the end of your trip the streets, cafés, neighborhoods and parks of these grand cities will feel like home!

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BRIT ISH ISLES


DAY 2: LONDON• Arrive in London• Airport transfers included• Welcome Pack and tour manager

arrival briefing• Receive a London transport one-week

travel card• Receive a London dinner voucher

DAY 3-7: LONDON• Explore London’s neighborhoods, art,

museums, architecture, shops and monuments in your own way, with ultimate flexibility


OPTIONAL & EXTENSION:Enhance your tour experience with the services of an ACIS Tour ManagerExtra night in London


DAY 2: LONDON• Arrive in London• Airport transfers included• Welcome Pack and tour manager

arrival briefing• Receive a London transport three-day

travel card• Receive a London dinner voucher

DAY 3-4: LONDON• Explore London as you wish, with

ultimate flexibility

DAY 5-7: EDINBURGH• Travel via train to Edinburgh• Explore Scotland’s capital in your own

way, with ultimate flexibility• Visit Edinburgh Castle, tickets will be

provided


OPTIONAL & EXTENSION:Enhance your tour experience with the services of an ACIS Tour ManagerExtra night in Edinburgh

Explore London as you like with ACIS’ concierge services backing you up every step of the way.

Discover London and Edinburgh at your own pace with ACIS’ concierge services backing you up every step of the way.


www.acis.com/lywFOR PRICES & DISCOUNTS GO TO

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8 DAYS 8 DAYSLondon Your WayLondon and Edinburgh Your Way

e



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Classical Adventures

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INSIDER’S TUTTA I’ITALIA Get right to the heart of Italian culture as you explore the food, art, music and dance of this magnificent, dynamic country.

91

Featured trips

VENI, VIDI, VICI The three brightest jewels in Italy’s crown are yours to enjoy in this unforgettable trip.

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ROME, SORRENTO AND CAPRI A well balanced tour featuring two of Italy’s favorite cities at a relaxed pace.

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CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION Discover more than just the capitals on this fast-paced tour of Italy and Greece.

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DAY 2: VENICE• Arrive in Venice and transfer by

private motor launch to the Lido• Begin exploring the Queen of the

Adriatic• A 48-hour vaporetto pass is yours

to use while in Venice

DAY 3: VENICE• Discover the incredible St. Mark’s

Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge

DAY 4: FLORENCE • Journey to the heart of

Renaissance Italy, Florence• Guided sightseeing tour with



Accademia

DAY 5: FLORENCE• Fresco painting lesson• Explore more of Florence’s artistic

legacy at your own pace• Optional: Excursion to the

medieval town of San Gimignano including a traditional Tuscan lunch

DAY 6: SORRENTO • Train from Florence to Naples• Guided tour of Pompeii with


• Mozzarella farm demonstration and tasting

• Arrive in Sorrento

DAY 7: SORRENTO • High-speed hydrofoil across the

Bay of Naples to Capri• Funicular ride from the marina

to explore the island’s chic main town

• Evening Tarantella dance lesson

DAY 8: ROME• Journey to the Eternal City, Rome• Colosseum• Evening passeggiata romana

to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain



• St. Peter’s Basilica• Pizza making lesson and dinner



Get right to the heart of Italian culture as you explore the food, art, music and dance of this magnificent, dynamic country.

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Florence (2)

PompeiiSorrento (2)Capri

Naples••


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10 DAYSInsider’s Tutta l’Italia

MASTER THE FRESCOConsider Italy’s most famous frescoes and test your skills against Michelangelo’s after learning techniques from an expert.

MASTERING MOZZARELLAExplore a working mozzarella farm and learn first-hand about the creamy cheese, from ingredients to production to taste.

TARANTELLA DANCE LESSONMaster the steps of the Tarantella, a southern Italian folk dance, during an expert-led lesson.

PIZZA MAKING LESSON AND DINNERScenes from an authentic Italian restaurant: Play chef as you prepare pizza dough and toppings, Roman style.

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private motor launch to the Lido• Begin to explore the Queen of the





DAY 4: FLORENCE• Travel to Florence• Guided sightseeing tour with



Accademia

DAY 5: FLORENCE • Fresco painting lesson• Afternoon to explore more of the

city’s Renaissance history at your leisure

DAY 6: ROME• Gelato making workshop and

tasting• Arrive in the Eternal City of Rome• Evening walking tour viewing

Piazza Navona and the Pantheon



• St. Peter’s Basilica • Pizza making lesson and dinner

DAY 8: ROME• Rome market tour• Colosseum• Evening passeggiata romana





This tour offers a deep focus on Italy ’s three most popular cities with many hands-on activities for students to become immersed into its culture.

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••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Rome (3)

Florence (2)

Venice (2)


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9 DAYSInsider’s Italy

MASTER THE FRESCOConsider Italy’s most famous frescoes and test your skills against Michelangelo’s after learning techniques from an expert.

GELATO MAKING WORKSHOP AND TASTINGExercise your sweet tooth: Tour a gelato factory to learn how the flavors are made before delighting your taste buds with samples.


ROME MARKET TOURExperience a slice of daily Roman life with a local guide as you identify, select and taste some of the best foods at a traditional bustling market.

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“The students

LOVED the hands-on

experiences and

activities. I think

these created

lifetime memories.”

- Barbara Dipaulo, Group Leader


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cultural connections GELATO MAKING WORKSHOP AND

TASTINGExercise your sweet tooth: Tour a gelato factory to learn how the flavors are made before delighting your taste buds with samples.

VENICE CULTURE QUEST Explore Venice: Discover Byzantine art, delve into the history of the Doge and chat with locals.





• St. Peter’s Basilica • Colosseum• Authentic pizza dinner

DAY 4: ROME• Discover more of the Eternal City

at your own pace• Evening passeggiata romana


• Optional: Excursion to the ancient city of Pompeii

DAY 5: FLORENCE• Gelato making workshop and

tasting• Visit Assisi• Basilica of St. Francis• Arrive in Florence




Accademia

DAY 7: VENICE• Visit Padua, famous for its

university• Basilica of St. Anthony• Continue on to picturesque

Venice• A 48-hour vaporetto pass is yours


DAY 8: VENICE• Venice Culture Quest• Discover glorious St. Mark’s

Square, the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge

• Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs


EXTENSION: Extra night in Rome, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager, at the beginning of your tour

This classic tour includes the best of Italy ’s three main cities plus historic Assisi.


www.acis.com/belBEL14

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Rome (3)

Florence (2)

Venice (2)Padua

Assisi

9 DAYSBell’Italia

Want to experience the magic of Italy

at a great value? Our Holiday Bell’Italia

tour departs Dec. 26th

Visit www.acis.com/bex to learn more

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9 DAYS


DAY 2: SORRENTO • Arrive in Rome and drive south to

the seaside town of Sorrento

DAY 3: SORRENTO• High-speed hydrofoil across the



• Villa Jovis• Evening Tarantella dance lesson

DAY 4: SORRENTO• Scenic drive to the picturesque

town of Amalfi• Continue on to ancient Pompeii• Guided tour of Pompeii with


DAY 5: ROME• National Archaeological Museum

in Naples with audio guides• Guided tour through the passages

of Naples Underground• Continue on to Rome

DAY 6: ROME• Guided tour of the Colosseum and

Roman Forum with commentary given via personal headsets



• St. Peter’s Basilica • Pizza making lesson and dinner• Optional: Afternoon excursion to

the Roman ruins at Ostia Antica

DAY 8: ROME• Further explore the many wonders

of Rome at your own pace• Optional: Full-day excursion to

Florence, including a guided sightseeing tour with a timed reservation to the Accademia and Santa Croce




From the serene seaside to the history and culture of Italy ’s wondrous capital, this tour is always a favorite.


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private motor launch to the Lido• Begin exploring the Queen of the





DAY 4: FLORENCE• Drive through Tuscany to Siena• Siena Duomo• Italian food challenge• Arrive in Florence




Accademia

DAY 6: SORRENTO• Journey to Orvieto and see the

Duomo• Scenic drive along the coast to

the beautiful seaside town of Sorrento

DAY 7: SORRENTO• High-speed hydrofoil across the



• Evening Tarantella dance lesson

DAY 8: ROME• Guided tour of Pompeii with


• Continue on to historic Rome



• St. Peter’s Basilica • Colosseum• Authentic pizza dinner



This fast-paced tour allows you to compare and contrast Italy ’s many regions, from the north to the south.

10 DAYS

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ITALIAN FOOD CHALLENGEThe local gastronomy stimulates your senses—delve into favorite Italian foods through sight, smell, touch and taste.



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Panorama Italiano

“ I found this trip very fun but at the same time it was informative.

I recognized many things from all I have learned in school and

thought it was amazing to see them in real life!”

- Juliet Mcardle, Participant

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DAY 2: ATHENS• Begin to explore Athens

DAY 3: ATHENS• Guided sightseeing tour of the city• Acropolis and Parthenon• Acropolis Museum• Optional: Cooking lesson and

lunch at the Greek Gastronomy Museum

DAY 4: OLYMPIA• Journey to Corinth to see the

canal• Theater of Epidaurus• Visit Mycenae to see the Lion

Gate, Royal Tombs and Acropolis• Ancient Greek ceramics

workshop in Mycenae• Continue to Olympia for dinner

DAY 5: DELPHI• Guided tour of Olympia including

its famed stadium• Museum of Olympia• Journey to Delphi for dinner

DAY 6: KALAMBAKA• Guided tour of Ancient Delphi

site and Archaeological Museum including the Temple of Apollo

• Continue to the Kalambaka/Meteora area

DAY 7: ATHENS• Explore the Meteora Monasteries

of Varlaam and St. Stephen• Travel to Thermopylae to view the

Leonidas Monument• Arrive in Athens for dinner

DAY 8: ATHENS

• Explore more of Athens’ ancient relics at your own pace

• Greek dancing lesson• Greek taverna dinner and music• Optional: Cruise the Saronic Gulf

and its isles of Aegina, Poros and Hydra with lunch

DAY 9: DEPART FROM HOME

EXTENSION:Three-night Greek Island cruise highlighting Mykonos, Patmos, Ephesus and more, plus an additional night in Athens


This trip, brimming with the glories of both ancient and modern Greece, is sheer Hellenic heaven.

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Athens (2,2)

Delphi (1)

Kalambaka/Meteora (1)

Thermopylae

Olympia (1) Mycenae

Corinth

••


www.acis.com/grh

ANCIENT GREEK CERAMICS WORKSHOPWork with an instructor to learn about the origins of the ceramic arts and create your own pottery in the style of the ancient Mycenaeans.

TRADITIONAL GREEK DANCING LESSON Under expert tutelage learn the steps of traditional Greek dances, then show off your new moves on the dance floor.

OPTIONAL

COOKING LESSON AND LUNCH AT THE GREEK GASTRONOMY MUSEUM Explore the history of Greek cuisine with an instructor, using traditional ingredients and preparation techniques to make your lunch.

9 DAYSHeroes of Greece

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cultural connections TRADITIONAL GREEK DANCING LESSON

Under expert tutelage learn the steps of traditional Greek dances then show off your new moves on the dance floor.



DAY 3: CRUISE• Board your cruise ship and enjoy

outside cabins• Sail to the dazzling white island of

Mykonos• Explore Mykonos with a port-to-

town round-trip transfer

DAY 4: CRUISE• Dock at the Turkish port of

Kusadasi• Optional: Discover Ancient

Ephesus including the Library of Celsus and the great Temple of Serapis

• Continue to quaint and tiny Patmos

• Optional: Patmos Monastery of St. John and Cave of the Apocalypse

DAY 5: CRUISE • Sail to Rhodes for a full day

ashore• Optional: Tour of the old city and

Philerimos

DAY 6: CRUISE• Dock at Heraklion, the capital of

Crete• Optional: Tour the Palace of

Knossos• Continue to breathtaking Santorini

and ride the funicular to explore this white-washed village

DAY 7: ATHENS• Arrive back at the dock in Piraeus• Guided sightseeing tour of Athens

viewing the Greek Parliament and Mars and Pynx Hills

• Acropolis and Parthenon• Acropolis Museum• Greek dancing lesson• Greek taverna dinner and music

DAY 8: ATHENS• Scenic drive past vineyards and

olive groves to Delphi• Guided sightseeing tour of the

Ancient Delphi site and museum includes the Temple of Apollo


Cruise the Greek islands on this jaw-droppingly beautiful tour.


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10 DAYS


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Discover more than just the capitals on this fast-paced tour of Italy and Greece.

This specially-themed tour focusing on Ancient Greece and Rome contains site visits, educational content and activities that connect you with the stories, figures and historic events that shaped the rise of Western Civilization.

TRADITIONAL GREEK DANCING LESSONUnder expert tutelage learn the steps of traditional Greek dances, then show off your new moves on the dance floor.

ITALIAN FOOD CHALLENGEThe local gastronomy stimulates your senses—delve into favorite Italian foods through sight, smell, touch and taste.



DAY 3: ATHENS• Guided sightseeing tour of the city• Acropolis and Parthenon• Acropolis Museum• Greek taverna dinner and music• Greek dancing lesson

DAY 4: ATHENS• Explore more of Athens’ ancient

relics at your own pace• Optional: Cruise the Saronic Gulf

and its isles of Aegina, Poros and Hydra with lunch

DAY 5: OVERNIGHT FERRY• Visit the Ancient Delphi site and

Archaeological Museum• Temple of Apollo• Travel on an overnight ferry from

Patras to Bari

DAY 6: SORRENTO • Arrive in Bari and travel to

Sorrento• Begin to explore seaside Sorrento• Italian food challenge

DAY 7: ROME• Guided tour of Pompeii with


• Continue on to Rome




DAY 9: ROME• Excursion to Florence by bus• Guided sightseeing tour with



Accademia


EXTENSIONS: Three-night Greek Island cruise highlighting Mykonos, Patmos, Ephesus and more, plus an additional night in Athens

Extra night in Rome including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager

Cradle of Civilization

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cultural connections MASTERING MOZZARELLA

Explore a working mozzarella farm and learn first-hand about the creamy cheese, from ingredients to production to taste.


DAY 2: SORRENTO REGION• Arrive in Rome and drive south to

the beautiful Sorrentine Peninsula

DAY 3: SORRENTO REGION • High-speed hydrofoil across the



DAY 4: SORRENTO REGION• Guided tour of Pompeii with


• Mozzarella farm demonstration and tasting

DAY 5: ROME• Travel to Rome• Walking tour of the city shows

you Piazza Navona and the Pantheon

DAY 6: ROME • Guided tour of the Colosseum and

Roman Forum with commentary given via personal headsets



• St. Peter’s Basilica• Evening walking tour around the

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps



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A well balanced tour featuring two of Italy ’s favorite cities at a relaxed pace.

8 DAYSRome, Sorrento and Capri


www.acis.com/esr“ACIS stands alone at the top. Experience has taught me that

they are the most complete company there is. I know they will

deliver what they say, that the accommodations and meals will

be wonderful, and that our tour manager will be well-versed in all

aspects of wherever we travel. I also know from experience that if

something does go wrong, ACIS takes all of the worries away from

me and handles every detail. That peace of mind is priceless.”- Lucy Wise-Gladwell, Group Leader”

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DAY 2: VENICE• Arrive in Venice and begin

exploring the Queen of the Adriatic


Square• Ride the vaporetto along the

Grand Canal and see the Rialto Bridge

• Venice Culture Quest

DAY 4: FLORENCE• Visit the university city of Bologna• Basilica di San Petronio• Arrive in Florence

DAY 5: FLORENCE • Guided sightseeing tour with



Accademia• Optional: Fresco making

workshop

DAY 6: ROME• Journey to Assisi• Basilica of St. Francis• Continue to the Eternal City of

Rome



• St. Peter’s Basilica • Colosseum • Evening walking tour around

Piazza Navona and the Pantheon• Optional: Pizza making lesson and

dinner

DAY 8: ROME• Further discover historic Rome at

your own pace• Optional: Excursion to the ancient

city of Pompeii


cultural connectionsOPTIONAL

PIZZA MAKING LESSON AND DINNER Scenes from an authentic Italian restaurant: Play chef as you prepare pizza dough and toppings, Roman style.

Discover Italy ’s “big three,” plus Bologna and Assisi, all at a great value.


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VENICE CULTURE QUEST Explore Venice: Discover Byzantine art, delve into the history of the Doge and chat with locals.

OPTIONAL


Venice, Florence and RomeEXPLORER

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE

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9 DAYS



DAY 2: VENICE• Arrive in Milan • Visit Verona• Continue on to Venice

DAY 3: FLORENCE• Discover the incredible St. Mark’s

Square• Ride the vaporetto along the


• Travel to Florence



• Florence Duomo• Optional: Tuscan cooking lesson

DAY 5: ASSISI• Journey south to quaint Assisi• Basilica of St. Francis• Gelato factory visit and tasting• Visit Perugia for a walking tour

and dinner

DAY 6: SORRENTO REGION• Travel to Pompeii• Guided tour of Pompeii with


• Continue on to the Sorrento Region

DAY 7: ROME• Explore lovely Sorrento at your

own pace • Optional: Excursion to the island

of Capri • Journey north to Rome



• St. Peter’s Basilica • Colosseum• Evening walking tour around




See a lot. Experience a lot. From the north to the south, discover Italy ’s highlights at a great price.


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GELATO FACTORY VISIT AND TASTING Exercise your sweet tooth: tour a factory to learn about the production of gelato and discover your favorite flavor during a tasting.

OPTIONAL

TUSCAN COOKING LESSON Help Tuscany’s finest chefs prepare traditional meals; sample your efforts after learning the best techniques.

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“Everything went so well, as it always

does, and I would never travel with anyone

else, thank you very much!!!”

- April Everitt, Group Leader



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DAY 3: ATHENS• Guided sightseeing tour of the city• Acropolis and Parthenon• Acropolis Museum• Optional: Greek dancing lesson

and taverna dinner and music

DAY 4: OVERNIGHT FERRY• Visit the Ancient Delphi site and

Archaeological Museum including the Temple of Apollo

• Travel on an overnight ferry from Patras to Brindisi

DAY 5: SORRENTO REGION • Arrive in Brindisi and travel

across the olive groves of southern Italy to Pompeii

• Guided tour of Pompeii with commentary given via personal headsets

• Italian food challenge• Arrive in the Sorrento Region

DAY 6: SORRENTO REGION• Discover Sorrento at your own

pace• Optional: Excursion to the island

of Capri

DAY 7: ROME• Travel to Rome and begin

exploring this historic city• Evening walking tour around




• St. Peter’s Basilica • Colosseum



The best of Greece and Italy at a pace that allows for individual exploration and discovery.

9 DAYS


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ITALIAN FOOD CHALLENGE The local gastronomy stimulates your senses—delve into favorite Italian foods through sight, smell, touch and taste.

OPTIONAL

TRADITIONAL GREEK DANCING LESSON Under expert tutelage learn the steps of traditional Greek dances, then show off your new moves on the dance floor.

Greeks and RomansEXPLORER

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE


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DAY 2: LUCERNE• Arrive in Zurich and travel to

charming lakeside Lucerne

DAY 3: LUCERNE• Walking tour of Lucerne• Swiss food challenge• Optional: Excursion up Mount

Pilatus by cog railway and cable car

DAY 4: VENICE• Cross the Italian border and arrive

in Verona• Walking tour of Verona includes

the Roman Arena• Continue on to the Venice area

DAY 5: VENICE • Ride the vaporetto along the


• Explore the incredible St. Mark’s Square

DAY 6: FLORENCE• Journey to the heart of

Renaissance Italy, Florence• Begin to explore all that Florence

has to offer at your own pace



• Florence Duomo

DAY 8: ROME• Drive to Rome and begin to

discover the Eternal City• Evening walking tour around

Plazza Navona and the Pantheon

DAY 9: ROME

• Guided sightseeing tour• Timed reservation to the Vatican


• St. Peter’s Basilica • Colosseum




Compare and contrast the cultures of neighboring Italy and Switzerland.

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SWISS FOOD CHALLENGEThe local gastronomy stimulates your senses— delve into favorite Swiss foods through sight, smell, touch and taste.

10 DAYSLucerne to Rome

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cultural connectionsThis specially-themed tour focusing on the ancient Roman Empire’s reach into Spain contains site visits, educational content and engaging experiences that connect you with the stories and historic events that encompassed the rise and fall of the Roman and Spanish empires, past and present.






• Travel to ancient Segovia to see the Roman aqueduct and visit the Alcázar

DAY 4: MÉRIDA• Drive to picturesque Mérida• Mérida Roman ruins

DAY 5: SEVILLE• Travel to beautiful Seville• Guided sightseeing tour• Seville Cathedral and Giralda

Tower

DAY 6: SEVILLE• Travel to the historic town of

Itálica• Tour the Roman ruins and

amphitheater• Return to Seville for an evening

flamenco show and dinner

DAY 7: SEVILLE• Journey to Cádiz, the oldest city in

Europe• Casa del Obispo• Then visit the Roman ruins of

Baelo Claudio

DAY 8: COSTA DEL SOL• Travel to the Costa del Sol• Explore Costa del Sol’s sights and

beaches at your own pace

DAY 9: COSTA DEL SOL• Optional: Excursion to Córdoba

including the Mezquita


Discover the depth of ancient Roman influence on architecture and engineering across many regions of Spain.


www.acis.com/rsp

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Madrid (2)

Seville (3)CádizCosta

del Sol (2)

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cultural connections VENICE CULTURE QUEST

Explore Venice: Discover Byzantine art, delve into the history of the Doge and chat with locals.

OPTIONAL


The three brightest jewels in Italy ’s crown are yours to enjoy in this unforgettable trip.

9 DAYS


Veni, Vidi, Vici



private bus to your hotel• Begin exploring the Queen of the

Adriatic



• Venice Culture Quest

DAY 4: FLORENCE• Train from Venice to Florence• Walking tour of Florence’s most

notable sights

DAY 5: FLORENCE• Timed reservation to the

Accademia• Explore more of Florence’s artistic

legacy at your own pace• Optional: Fresco painting lesson

DAY 6: ROME• Train from Florence to Rome• Begin to experience the Eternal

City using a Roma Pass, which gives you access to Rome’s public transport network

• Colosseum



• St. Peter’s Basilica• Explore more of Rome’s historic

sights and museums

DAY 8: ROME• Excursion by train to the Roman

ruins at Ostia Antica with audio guides

• Further discover the wonders of Rome at your own pace




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Florence (2)

Venice (2)

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Germany and Central Europe

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INSIDER’S AUSTRIA AND GERMANY Austrian and German cultures come alive during this nine-day tour packed with cultural connections.

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Featured trips

PRUSSIA, BOHEMIA AND BAVARIA From Berlin to Munich, this nine-day tour stops in Dresden, Prague and Nuremberg, and introduces students to many aspects of WWII history.

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VENICE, SALZBURG AND MUNICH Compare and contrast the cultures of three different countries, all at a great value.

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BAVARIA, TYROL AND SWITZERLAND A social studies teacher’s dream. Explore the history of Germany, Austria and Switzerland from the Middle Ages to WWII.

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GERMANY AND CENTRAL EUROPE

Austrian and German cultures come alive during this nine-day tour packed with cultural connections.

9 DAYS

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Insider’s Austria and Germany


DAY 2: ROTHENBURG• Arrive in Frankfurt and drive to

Rothenburg• Walking tour including Town Hall

Square• St. Jakob’s Church

DAY 3: MUNICH• Visit Dachau Concentration Camp

Memorial• Arrive in Munich



• Discover BMW World• Munich by bike tour

DAY 5: SALZBURG• Visit the opulent Herrenchiemsee

Palace• Continue on to Salzburg• Optional: Dinner at Stiftskeller

St. Peter, Europe’s oldest restaurant

DAY 6: SALZBURG• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the Mirabell Gardens, Sound of Music Churchyard and beautiful Dom

• Mozart’s Birthplace Museum• Descend into the mysterious

Hallein Salt Mines

DAY 7: VIENNA• Journey to picturesque St. Gilgen• Mozartkugel making workshop• Continue on to Vienna and begin

exploring this historic city

DAY 8: VIENNA• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the Hofburg Palace, Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral

• Schönbrunn Palace• Viennese Waltz lesson


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cultural connections DANCE THE VIENNESE WALTZ

Master the steps of the beautiful 18th century Viennese Waltz with an expert.


HALLEIN SALT MINESSlide into the world’s oldest salt mine and boat across the lake 1,300 feet underground.

MOZARTKUGEL MAKINGCraft chocolate marzipan balls for a sweet afternoon of fun complete with diploma, kugel and hot chocolate.


www.acis.com/tig



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DAY 2: ROTHENBURG• Arrive in Frankfurt and drive to

Rothenburg

DAY 3: MUNICH• Walking tour viewing Town Hall

Square• Rothenburg Culture Quest• St. Jakob’s Church• Travel to Munich




Memorial

DAY 5: INNSBRUCK• Visit the fairytale castle of

Neuschwanstein• Continue to the Wieskirche• Arrive in Innsbruck, the capital

of Tyrol

DAY 6: LUCERNE• Morning sightseeing of Innsbruck

with your ACIS Walking Tour • Hofkirche• Drive to the charming city of

Lucerne

DAY 7: LUCERNE• Walking tour viewing the Lion

Monument and Chapel Bridge• Swiss food challenge• Optional: Mount Pilatus by cable

car and railway

DAY 8: HEIDELBERG• Travel to Schaffhausen to see the

majestic Rhine Falls• Scenic drive through the Black

Forest• Arrive in Heidelberg and tour

Heidelberg Castle


A social studies teacher’s dream. Explore the history of Germany, Austria and Switzerland from the Middle Ages to WWII.


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Munich (2)Dachau

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Lucerne (2)

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9 DAYS

ROTHENBURG CULTURE QUESTUnlock the secrets of medieval Rothenburg, from legends of the Romantic Road to stories told through ornate shop signs and architecture.

SWISS FOOD CHALLENGEThe local gastronomy stimulates your senses—delve into favorite Swiss foods through sight, smell, touch and taste.

Bavaria, Tyrol and Switzerland

“ I learned so

much! I wish I could

go back. It made me

realize that I want

to study abroad

in college. I loved

applying what I

learned in German

class in the streets

of Munich.”

- Rachel Zanfardino, Participant


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private motor launch to the Lido• A 48-hour vaporetto pass is yours


DAY 3: VENICE • Explore St. Mark’s Square, the

Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge• Discover more of Venice, perhaps

the islands of Murano or Burano, with your vaporetto pass

DAY 4: SALZBURG• Scenic drive across the Alps• Visit picturesque Villach including

St. Jakob’s Church• Continue on to Salzburg



• Mozart’s Birthplace Museum

DAY 6: VIENNA• Journey to St. Gilgen• Mozartkugel making workshop• Arrive in historic Vienna

DAY 7: VIENNA• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the Hofburg Palace, Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral

• Schönbrunn Palace

DAY 8: PRAGUE• Travel to the wondrous city of

Prague• Glass decorating workshop and

gallery visit

DAY 9: PRAGUE• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the Malá Strana and 14th century Charles Bridge

• Hradcany Castle


Discover four of eastern Europe’s most ornate cities, with an emphasis on architecture, music and art.


www.acis.com/amaAMA14

Venice (2)

Villach

Prague (2)

Salzburg (2) Vienna(2)

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MOZARTKUGEL MAKINGCraft chocolate marzipan balls for a sweet afternoon complete with diploma, kugel and hot chocolate.

GLASS DECORATING AND GALLERY VISIT IN PRAGUELearn about Prague’s proud tradition of glassworks and decorate your own piece to take home.

10 DAYSAmadeus


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DAY 2: MUNICH• Begin to explore Munich, the

capital of Bavaria



• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

• Munich by bike tour

DAY 4: PRAGUE• Journey to Nuremberg• Walking tour viewing the

Zeppelintribüne at the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Nuremberg Palace of Justice

• Nuremberg Documentation Center with audio guides

• Continue on to Prague


the Malá Strana and 14th century Charles Bridge

• Hradcany Castle

DAY 6: BUDAPEST• Visit the city of Brno• Continue into Hungary and arrive

in Budapest

DAY 7: VIENNA• Guided sightseeing tour of

Budapest viewing Castle Hill, Matthias Church and Heroes’ Square

• Strudel demonstration and tasting• Cross the Austrian border to

Vienna

DAY 8: SALZBURG• Guided sightseeing viewing the

Hofburg Palace, Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral

• Schönbrunn Palace• Travel to the musical city of

Salzburg


the Mirabell Gardens, Sound of Music Churchyard and Dom

• Mozart’s Birthplace Museum



Compare and contrast many areas of Germanic Europe on this fast-paced 10-day tour.


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Munich (2) Budapest (1)

Vienna (1)

Prague (2)

DachauBrno

Salzburg(2)

Nuremberg

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STRUDEL DEMONSTRATION AND TASTING IN BUDAPESTLearn how the sweet layers of a traditional strudel are prepared and enjoy expertly crafted samples.

10 DAYSArchdukes and Emperors


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DAY 2: VIENNA• Begin to explore the Austrian

capital of Vienna

DAY 3: VIENNA• Guided sightseeing viewing the

Hofburg Palace, Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral

• Schönbrunn Palace• Viennese Waltz lesson

DAY 4: SALZBURG• Visit the Baroque abbey-palace of

Melk• Continue on to the musical city of

Salzburg


the Mirabell Gardens, Sound of Music Churchyard and Dom

• Ascend via the Hohensalzburg funicular to tour the Hohensalzburg Fortress

• Descend into the mysterious Hallein Salt Mines

DAY 6: MUNICH• Visit the extravagant

Herrenchiemsee Palace• Continue on to historic Munich




Memorial

DAY 8: ENGELBERG• Visit the fairytale castle of

Neuschwanstein• Continue on through the Swiss

Alps to Engelberg

DAY 9: ENGELBERG• Travel to beautiful Lucerne • Walking tour of Lucerne includes

the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge

• Return to Engelberg• Optional: Mount Titlis by rotating

cable car


EXTENSION: Extra night in Vienna, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager, at the beginning of your tour


Discover three different German speaking countries on this classic tour.


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ZurichSalzburg (2)

Vienna (2)

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DANCE THE VIENNESE WALTZMaster the steps of the beautiful 18th century Viennese Waltz with an expert.

HALLEIN SALT MINESSlide into the world’s oldest salt mine and boat across the lake 1,300 feet underground.

10 DAYSEdelweiss

“ I loved experiencing the culture in the

simplest ways like walking around small

neighborhoods and being able to strengthen

my speaking skills.”

- Gretchen Iverson, Participant


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This trip showcases the incredible diversity of Germany. See mountains, museums and cities during this wonderful nine-day tour.

munich hamburg berlin

Berlin (2)

Hamburg (1)

Munich (2)

Harz Mountains (2)

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Mödlareuth


OPTIONAL

BERLIN STREET ART WORKSHOPDraw inspiration from Berlin’s creative graffiti and street art scene as you learn from expert local artists and craft your own modern art piece.

9 DAYS





• Discover BMW World• Munich by bike tour

DAY 4: HARZ MOUNTAINS • Mödlareuth East German border

open-air museum• Continue to the picturesque Harz

Mountains

DAY 5: HARZ MOUNTAINS• Sightseeing tour of the Harz

Mountains area• Brocken Mountain summit via

steam train• Quedlinburg Castle

DAY 6: HAMBURG • Journey to Hamburg• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the Rathaus, the Jungfernstieg promenade, the HafenCity and the harbor

DAY 7: BERLIN • Arrive in Berlin• Reichstag Building visit


a portion of the Berlin Wall, the Holocaust Memorial, Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie

• Optional: Berlin street art workshop


EXTENSION:Extra night in Munich, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager and an excursion to Neuschwanstein, at the beginning of your tour

Munich, Hamburg and Berlin


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HOLOCAUST TOUR

Prague (2) ••

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Krakow (3)Olomouc

Auschwitz

Munich (2)Dachau

Nuremberg

A powerful and insightful tour exploring vital questions about one of history ’s darkest chapters.

This specially-themed Holocaust remembrance tour contains site visits, educational content and opportunities for reflection that connect you with the historical figures, stories and landscapes of WWII and the horrors of the Nazi regime in ways that are powerful and thought-provoking.

9 DAYS






DAY 4: PRAGUE • Travel to Nuremberg• Walking tour viewing the



• Continue on to Prague

DAY 5: PRAGUE

• Guided sightseeing tour viewing the Malá Strana and 14th century Charles Bridge

• Prague Ghetto walking tour with entrance to the Jewish Museum

DAY 6: KRAKOW • Journey to Olomouc and view the

Holy Trinity Column• Arrive in Krakow

DAY 7: KRAKOW • Guided sightseeing tour viewing

Wawel Castle and Cathedral• Oskar Schindler’s factory visit

DAY 8: KRAKOW• Auschwitz-Birkenau

Concentration Camp


Holocaust Remembrance


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themed tourH


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IMPROVED FOR 2016

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9 DAYS

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cultural connections BERLIN STREET ART WORKSHOP

Draw inspiration from Berlin’s creative graffiti and street art scene as you learn from expert local artists and craft your own modern art piece.


DAY 2: BERLIN• Arrive in Germany’s storied

capital of Berlin• Guided walking tour viewing

Unter den Linden and the Brandenburg Gate


a portion of the Berlin Wall, the Holocaust Memorial, Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie

• Berlin street art workshop

DAY 4: PRAGUE• Visit the Baroque gem of Dresden• Continue on to Prague


the Malá Strana and 14th Century Charles Bridge

• Hradcany Castle

DAY 6: MUNICH• Travel to Nuremberg• Walking tour viewing the



• Journey on to Munich




DAY 8: MUNICH• Discover more of the wonders of

the city at your own pace• Optional: Excursion to

King Ludwig II’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle and the Bavarian town of Oberammergau


EXH14

Munich (3)

Dresden

Prague (2)

Berlin (2)

Nuremberg

Dachau••••••••••••••

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www.acis.com/exh

From Berlin to Munich, this nine-day tour stops in Dresden, Prague and Nuremberg, and introduces students to many aspects of WWII history.

Prussia, Bohemia and Bavaria

Want to experience the magic of Prague

and Munich at a great value? Our Holiday

Prague and Munich tour departs Dec. 26th

Visit www.acis.com/pmx to learn more



www.acis.com/exh

www.acis.com/pmx

www.acis.com/menu



DAY 2: VENICE• Begin exploring the breathtaking

city of Venice

DAY 3: VENICE • Discover St. Mark’s Square• Ride a vaporetto along the Grand

Canal and see the Rialto Bridge

DAY 4: SALZBURG• Scenic drive across the Alps• Visit picturesque Villach,

including St. Jakob’s Church• Continue on to the musical city of

Salzburg



DAY 6: MUNICH• Descend into the mysterious

Hallein Salt Mines• Visit the Dachau Concentration

Camp Memorial• Arrive in historic Munich



• Discover BMW World

DAY 8: MUNICH• Explore more of Munich’s

wonders at your own pace• Optional: Excursion to

King Ludwig II’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle and the Bavarian town of Oberammergau




www.acis.com/exg

Compare and contrast the cultures of three different countries, all at a great value.

EXG14

Venice (2)

VillachMunich (3) Salzburg (2)••

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Dachau

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9 DAYS

HALLEIN SALT MINES Slide into the world’s oldest salt mine and boat across the lake 1,300 feet underground.

Venice, Salzburg and Munich

“The itineraries are

balanced, logical,

and doable. They

are also flexible

enough to meet my

students and my

needs.”

- Joseph Gehrer, Group Leader

115



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Americas

116

INSIDER’S COSTA RICA Our most popular Costa Rica itinerary, and for good reason. It’s immersive, engaging and fun!

117

Featured trips

GRASSROOTS COSTA RICA Volunteer at the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center and help with a reforestation project.

124

THE INCA TRAIL Marvel at the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

123

MYSTICAL MEXICO Visit Mexico, our neighbor to the south, and discover Mayan history as well as the country’s natural beauty.

122

DAY 1: SAN JOSÉ• Begin to explore the capital of

San José

DAY 2: SAN CARLOS• Travel to the artistic hub of Sarchí• Sarchí craft workshop• Visit with local students in San

Carlos• Evening viewing of the majestic

Arenal Volcano

DAY 3: SAN CARLOS• Full-day excursion to the Río Frío• Discover the local flora and fauna

during a boat trip

DAY 4: MONTEVERDE• Scenic horseback riding

excursion from the Arenal area to the lush cloud forest of Monteverde

DAY 5: MONTEVERDE• Discover the breathtaking

Monteverde Cloud Forest including a thrilling canopy tour

DAY 6: PUNTARENAS• Drive to beach-side Puntarenas• Explore the local culture at your

own pace

DAY 7: PUNTARENAS• Visit the stunning scenery of

Manuel Antonio National Park• Costa Rican cooking lesson

DAY 8: SAN JOSÉ• Journey back to San José• Costa Rican dance lesson


EXTENSION: Extra night in San José, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager, at the beginning or end of your tour

AMERICAS

117

cultural connections COSTA RICAN COOKING LESSON

Master the ingredients and preparation for a traditional Costa Rican dish before sampling the results!

COSTA RICAN DANCE LESSONLearn the steps of traditional Costa Rican dances, then show off your new moves on the dance floor.

Our most popular Costa Rica itinerary, and for good reason. It’s immersive, engaging, and fun!


www.acis.com/icrICR14

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San José (1,1)

San Carlos (2)

Puntarenas (2)

Río Frío

Sarchí

MonteverdeCloud Forest

(2)

Manuel AntonioNational Park

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CRAFT WORKSHOP IN SARCHÍ Tap into the traditional skills and techniques employed by local artisans as you create your own piece.

VISIT WITH LOCAL STUDENTS IN SAN CARLOSCompare typical Costa Rican and American school days with students at a local school.

HORSEBACK RIDE TO MONTEVERDETravel as the native populations would, by horseback, from the Arenal region up to the cloud forest of Monteverde.

MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST CANOPY TOURGain a bird’s-eye perspective on the cloud forest as you explore via thrilling zip-lines, bridges and platforms.

9 DAYSInsider’s Costa RicaINSIDER

MOST INCLUSIVE

www.acis.com/icr

DAY 1: SANTO DOMINGO• Begin to explore Santo Domingo• All meals are included on this tour

DAY 2: SANTO DOMINGO• Guided walking tour of the

Colonial Zone includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, the Ozama Fortress and the Franciscan Monastery ruins

• National Aquarium• Parque Tres Ojos

DAY 3: SANTIAGO• Drive to lovely San Cristobal• Explore Pomier Caves

Anthropological Reserve• Continue on to scenic Santiago• Leon Jimenez Cultural Center and

Cigar Factory• Evening exploration of the

illuminated Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración

DAY 4: SOSUA• Discover the Río Grande de Abajo

Community in Altamira• Chocolate cultivation and

processing workshop• Dominican dance lesson with

local group Brigada Verde• Traditional lunch in the homes of

local Dominican families • Cascade down the 27 Waterfalls

of Damajagua• Arrive in Sosua

DAY 5: SOSUA• Snorkeling in Sosua Bay

DAY 6: SOSUA• Full-day excursion to Yasica

includes a thrilling canopy tour• Afternoon boat ride down the

Yasica River• Bonfire dinner on the beach

DAY 7: SANTO DOMINGO• Return to Santo Domingo• Dinner at the Meson de la Cava• Evening Santo Domingo Culture

Quest




www.acis.com/dom

A perfect combination of adventure, cultural exploration, history and hands-on

fun, all just a short flight away.

Santo Domingo (2,1)

Sosua (3)Santiago (1)

San Cristobal

DOM14

CHOCOLATE CULTIVATION AND PROCESSING WORKSHOPExperience chocolate from its source as you learn about the history of its production in the Dominican Republic.

DOMINICAN DANCE LESSONLearn the steps of traditional Dominican dances like the merengue, then show off your new moves on the dance floor.

HOME HOSTED LUNCH WITH DOMINICAN FAMILYShare, laugh and converse as you dine in small groups in the homes of local families.

CANOPY TOUR IN YASICAGain a bird’s-eye perspective on the many species of birds, mammals and plants that make up the local ecosystem.

SANTO DOMINGO CULTURE QUESTUncover the secrets, both past and present, of the colonial heart of America’s oldest European settlement.

Insider’s Dominican Republic 8 DAYS

AMERICAS

118


www.acis.com/dom

DAY 1: SAN JOSÉ• Begin to explore the vibrant

capital of San José

DAY 2: TORTUGUERO• Explore the cloud forest of Braulio

Carrillo National Park• Continue on a riverboat journey to

Tortuguero• All meals are included while in

Tortuguero

DAY 3: TORTUGUERO• Full day to explore the wonders of

the Tortuguero National Park• Sightseeing of the park’s

vegetation and wildlife includes boat tours and hiking

DAY 4: SAN CARLOS• Travel to La Fortuna in the San

Carlos region• Evening viewing of the majestic

Arenal Volcano

DAY 5: SAN CARLOS• Discover the beautiful La Fortuna

Waterfall• Visit and swim in the local hot

springs

DAY 6: GUANACASTE COAST• Scenic drive past Arenal Lake

to the beautiful white beaches of Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast

DAY 7: GUANACASTE COAST• The day is yours to experience

the local culture and explore the beach ecosystem

DAY 8: SAN JOSÉ• Visit the artistic hub of Sarchí• Continue on to San José• Costa Rican folklore show and

dinner


EXTENSION: Extra night in San José including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager

AMERICAS

119

cultural connections COSTA RICAN FOLKLORE SHOW

IN SAN JOSÉExperience the traditional songs, stories, dances and customs of the native Tico people.

Wander off the beaten path and discover remote Tortuguero and its fascinating wildlife.


www.acis.com/ctcCTC14

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Braulio Carrillo

Tortuguero (2)

Sarchí

San Carlos (2)

San José (1,1)Guanacaste Coast (2)

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Arenal Volcano ••••••

TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK BOAT TRIP AND HIKESpot native flora and fauna, such as caimans or spider monkeys hanging down over the river as you cruise through the National Park.

HOT SPRINGS VISITRespect the earth’s power and warmth as you dip in the therapeutic waters of the hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano.

9 DAYSCoast to CoastCLASSIC

POPULAR FAVORITES

www.acis.com/ctc

9 DAYS

DAY 1: SAN JOSÉ• Begin to explore the capital city of

San José

DAY 2: SAN CARLOS• Journey to beautiful San Carlos• Visit and swim in the local hot

springs• Evening viewing of the Arenal

Volcano

DAY 3: SAN CARLOS• Full-day excursion to the Río Frío• Discover the local flora and fauna

during a boat trip

DAY 4: MONTEVERDE• Scenic horseback riding

excursion from the Arenal area to the lush cloud forest of Monteverde

DAY 5: MONTEVERDE• Discover the breathtaking


DAY 6: MANUEL ANTONIO• Journey to picturesque Manuel

Antonio • Begin to explore your new

surroundings

DAY 7: MANUEL ANTONIO• Visit the stunning scenery of

Manuel Antonio National Park including a guided hike along the trails

DAY 8: SAN JOSÉ• Experience the Pacific coast Tico

culture and enjoy more of Manuel Antonio at your own pace

• Return to San José




An adventurer ’s dream filled with hot springs, horseback riding, ziplining and more.


www.acis.com/tctTCT14

••••••••

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San José (1,1)

San Carlos (2)

Arenal Volcano

Río Frío


(2)

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Manuel Antonio (2)

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HORSEBACK RIDE TO MONTEVERDETravel as the native populations would, by horseback, from the Arenal region to the cloud forest of Monteverde.


Tico Trek

AMERICAS

120


www.acis.com/tct

DAY 1: SAN JOSÉ• Begin to explore the capital city of

San José

DAY 2: TORTUGUERO• Explore the cloud forest of Braulio

Carrillo National Park• Continue on a riverboat journey to

Tortuguero• All meals are included while in

Tortuguero

DAY 3: TORTUGUERO• Full day to explore the wonders of

the Tortuguero National Park• Sightseeing of the park’s

vegetation and wildlife includes boat tours and hiking

DAY 4: SAN CARLOS• Travel to the quaint town of La

Fortuna• Evening viewing of the majestic

Arenal Volcano

DAY 5: SAN CARLOS• Discover the beautiful La Fortuna

Waterfall• Visit and swim in the local hot

springs

DAY 6: MONTEVERDE• Travel to stunning Monteverde

and begin to discover its diverse collection of flora and fauna

DAY 7: MONTEVERDE• Explore the breathtaking


DAY 8: MANUEL ANTONIO• Visit the Carara Biological

Reserve• Continue along the Pacific coast

to Manuel Antonio

DAY 9: MANUEL ANTONIO• Visit the stunning scenery of

Manuel Antonio National Park including a guided hike along the trails

DAY 10: MANUEL ANTONIO• Experience the Pacific coast Tico

culture and enjoy more of Manuel Antonio at your own pace

DAY 11: SAN JOSÉ• Journey back to the capital of San

José• Costa Rican folklore show and

dinner




Experience it all, from nature to culture to adventure, during our most all-encompassing Costa Rica tour.


www.acis.com/pvdPVD14

San Carlos (2) Tortuguero (2)

San José (1,1)


(2)

CararaBiologicalReserve Manuel

Antonio (3)

12 DAYS

TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK BOAT TRIP AND HIKE Spot native flora and fauna, such as caimans or spider monkeys hanging down over the river as you cruise through the National Park.



COSTA RICAN FOLKLORE SHOW IN SAN JOSÉExperience the traditional songs, stories, dances and customs of the native Tico people.

¡Pura Vida!

121

AMERICAS



www.acis.com/pvd

www.acis.com/menu

AMERICAS

122

DAY 1: CHICHÉN ITZÁ• Arrive in Cancun and transfer to

your hotel in Chichén Itzá• Chichén Itzá Sound and Light

Show

DAY 2: MÉRIDA• Explore the incredible ruins of the

Chichén Itzá Archaeological Site• Cenote swim• Travel to the colonial city of

Mérida• Guided sightseeing tour includes

the Palacio de Gobierno’s vibrant murals

DAY 3: MÉRIDA• Full-day excursion to discover the

ruins at Uxmal• Evening folklore show in Mérida

DAY 4: MAYAN RIVIERA• Visit the colonial town of Izamal

Convento de San Antonio• Continue to Valladolid• Arrive on the Mayan Riviera

DAY 5: MAYAN RIVIERA• Visit the eco-archaeological

theme park of Xcaret• Xcaret Park tubing and Mayan

ball game re-creation

DAY 6: MAYAN RIVIERA• Explore the cliff-side ruins of

Tulum• Visit Playa del Carmen and

discover the unique local culture at your own pace

DAY 7: MAYAN RIVIERA• Enjoy a final day to experience

more of Mexico’s beautiful Caribbean coast




www.acis.com/mxm

Visit Mexico, our neighbor to the south, and discover Mayan history as well as the country ’s natural beauty.

MXM14

CancunMérida (2)

Chichén Itzá (1)

MayanRiviera (4)Uxmal

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Tulum

Valladolid

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8 DAYS

MÉRIDA FOLKLORE SHOWExperience the Mayan Riviera’s traditional songs, stories, dances and customs.

TUBING AND MAYAN BALL GAME IN XCARETFloat down subterranean rivers and learn about the culture and customs of Xcaret’s former Mayan settlement.

Mystical Mexico

“The trip was an absolute blast. I got to

grow closer to the friends from my school

as well as make new friends from other

schools. I will cherish the memories and

friends made for years to come.”

- Andrew Hammond, Participant


www.acis.com/mxm

10 DAYS

cultural connections VISIT LAKE TITICACA AND MEET THE

UROS INDIANSLearn about the unique nature of the Uros Islands and the native communities that construct them and reside there.

PISAC INDIAN MARKETNavigate market stalls stocked with local handicrafts, interacting with members of the native communities who come to buy and sell goods.

INC14

Lima (2)

Cuzco (1,2)Aguas Calientes (1)

Puno (2)

Machu Picchu/

Pisac

Juliaca

...........................

... .

.


www.acis.com/inc

DAY 1: LIMA• Begin to explore Lima, Peru’s

capital city

DAY 2: LIMA • Guided sightseeing includes the

Plaza de Armas, Gold Museum and Archaeological Museum

• San Francisco Church• Santo Domingo Convent

DAY 3: CUZCO• Flight from Lima to Cuzco• Guided sightseeing tour shows

you this historic city• Sacsayhuamán fortress• Tambo Machay• Kenko shrine• Puca Pucara• Evening dinner and show in Cuzco

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES• Train from Cuzco to Machu

Picchu• Guided sightseeing tour of Machu

Picchu, followed by free time to discover more on your own

• Arrive in nearby Aguas Calientes

DAY 5: CUZCO• Visit Machu Picchu again

for further exploration of this incomparable Incan wonder

• Return to Cuzco by train in the afternoon

DAY 6: CUZCO• Full-day excursion to the Sacred

Valley• Maras salt mines• Moray terraces• Visit the small village of Pisac• Pisac Indian Market • Ollantaytambo ruins

DAY 7: PUNO• Travel to Juliaca, stopping en

route in the towns of Racchi and Andahuaylillas

• Arrive in Puno, Peru’s folklore capital

DAY 8: PUNO• Cross Lake Titicaca by boat• Taquile Island • Uros Islands visit and Uros

Indians cultural exchange

DAY 9: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT• Explore the ancient Chullpa

Tombs of Sillustani• Flight from Juliaca to Lima• Overnight flight to the USA

DAY 10: ARRIVE IN THE USA

EXTENSION: Extra night in Lima including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager

Marvel at the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail

AMERICAS

123



www.acis.com/inc

www.acis.com/menu

cultural connections CRAFT WORKSHOP IN SARCHÍ

Tap into the traditional skills and techniques employed by local artisans as you create your own piece.

CANOPY TOURGain a bird’s-eye perspective on the many species of birds, mammals and plants that make up a rainforest.


COMMUNITY AND REFORESTATION SERVICE PROJECTVolunteer at the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center, focusing on community development and ecological projects.

8 DAYS

DAY 1: SAN JOSÉ• Begin to explore the capital of

San José

DAY 2: SAN CARLOS• Travel to the artistic hub of Sarchí• Sarchí craft workshop• Continue on to the San Carlos

region in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano

• Enjoy a thrilling canopy tour • Visit and swim in the local hot

springs

DAY 3: SARAPIQUÍ• Journey to the Sarapiquí

Conservation Learning Center• Community development service

project at SCLC

DAY 4: SARAPIQUÍ• Reforestation service project• The afternoon is free to explore

the town and its culture at your own pace

DAY 5: LIMÓN• Depart for the exotic black-sand

beaches of Cahuita• Explore Cahuita National Park

with a light hike

DAY 6: LIMÓN• Enjoy a day to experience the

markets, beaches and local culture as you wish

DAY 7: SAN JOSÉ• Discover more of the local wildlife

and culture• Journey back to the capital of

San José



ECA14

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Limón (2)Sarapiquí (2)

Sarchí

CahuitaSan José (1,1)

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San Carlos (1)

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www.acis.com/eca

Volunteer at the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center and help with a reforestation project.

Grassroots Costa Rica

“All of our local guides were exceptional

people. Pride, clarity, willingness,

knowledgeable, personable...all of these

qualities were enjoyed by my students and

leaders from these exceptional people.”– Charles Maddux, Group Leader

124

AMERICAS



www.acis.com/eca

www.acis.com/menu


www.acis.com/slpFOR PRICES & DISCOUNTS GO TO

www.acis.com/ecd

• Guided sightseeing of Lima viewing the Plaza de Armas, San Francisco church and Santo Domingo convent

• Experience the best of the Sacred Valley—Sacsayhuamán, Ollantaytambo, Pisac Indian Market, Maras Salt Mines and more

• Ascend by train to explore the incomparable Incan ruins of Machu Picchu

• Guided sightseeing of Cuzco• Local school visit and joint activity

with students

• Guided sightseeing of Quito viewing Independence Square, the church of La Compañia and the equatorial Mitad del Mundo

• Otavalo Crafts Market• Experience the changing landscape

from mountains to volcanoes to rainforests

• Devil’s Nose scenic train ride• Incan ruins at Ingapirca

• Guided sightseeing of Cuenca• El Cajas National Park

Discover Peru’s many highlights on this spectacular tour.

From historic colonial centers to dazzling rainforests and volcanoes, Ecuador has it all.

9 DAYS 8 DAYSThe Sacred Valley Highlands of Ecuador

AMERICAS

SLP14

Lima (2)

Cuzco(1)

Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes (1)

Pisac

Sacred Valley (1,2)

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•

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ECD14

Quito (1)

Otavalo (1)

BañosRiobamba (1)

Alausí/Devil’s NoseGuayaquil (1)

Cotopaxi (1)

Cuenca (2)

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OVERNIGHTS: LIMA 2, SACRED VALLEY 1, AGUAS CALIENTES 1, SACRED VALLEY 2, CUZCO 1

OVERNIGHTS: QUITO 1, OTAVALO 1, COTOPAXI 1, RIOBAMBA 1, CUENCA 2, GUAYAQUIL 1



125

www.acis.com/slp

www.acis.com/ecd

Asia and Beyond

126

INSIDER’S CHINA Our most interactive, educational and culturally rich China tour will leave you enamored.

127

Featured trips

DYNASTIC CHINA This classic tour includes the best of three of China’s main cities.

128

YOKOSO JAPAN! Both ancient and modern, Japanese culture is fascinating and awaits your discovery.

129

SOUTH AFRICAN LEARNING SAFARI Enjoy ten days a world away and experience a one of a kind safari adventure!

129

Our most interactive, educational and culturally rich China tour will leave you enamored.

ASIA AND BEYOND

127



DAY 2: BEIJING• Begin to explore the exciting

capital of Beijing• All meals are included on this tour

DAY 3: BEIJING• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the Olympic site• Participate in Taiji exercises with

the locals• Temple of Heaven• Great Wall of China• Peking Duck dinner

DAY 4: BEIJING• Tiananmen Square• Forbidden City

DAY 5: XI’AN• Kung Fu lesson• Flight from Beijing to Xi’an

DAY 6: XI’AN• Guided visit to the life-size Terra

Cotta Warriors• Reforestation eco-activity in Xi’an

DAY 7: YANGSHUO• Flight from Xi’an to Guilin• Transfer to the peaceful town of

Yangshuo and begin to explore this cultural hub

DAY 8: YANGSHUO• Bamboo rafting cruise on the

Yulong River• Bicycle tour of Yangshuo• Enjoy tea with a local family• Cultural exchange visit with local

students

DAY 9: SHANGHAI• Return to Guilin to explore Reed

Flute Cave and see the famous Elephant Trunk Hill

• Flight from Guilin to Shanghai• Evening Shanghai Acrobatic

Show

DAY 10: SHANGHAI• Guided sightseeing tour includes

the Bund and Jade Buddha Temple

• Yu Yuan Garden• Observe the process for making

silk at a silk workshop


EXTENSION: Two-night extension in Hong Kong, including the opportunity to see Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and Victoria Peak

TAIJI EXERCISESJoin locals for Taiji exercises and meditation on the grounds of the Temple of Heaven.

KUNG FU LESSON Challenge yourself in the Chinese martial arts as you learn alongside local students.

YANGSHUO BY BIKEPedal along the Li River amid breathtaking limestone rock mountains, traditional villages and Moon Hill.

TEA WITH A LOCAL FAMILYSip tea and share insights on daily customs in a local Chinese home.

ICH14

Beijing (3)

Xi’an (2)

Shanghai (2)

GuilinYangshuo (2)

11 DAYS


www.acis.com/ich

Insider’s China

VISIT WITH LOCAL STUDENTS IN YANGSHUOCompare typical Chinese and American school days with students at a Yangshuo school.

SHANGHAI ACROBATIC SHOWMarvel at the Chinese acrobats’ performance: juggling, Chinese yo-yo, contortionism, plate spinning, pole climbs and more.


www.acis.com/ich

9 DAYSThis classic tour includes the best of three of China’s main cities.

ASIA AND BEYOND

128



DAY 2: BEIJING• Begin to explore the exciting

capital of Beijing• All meals are included on this tour

DAY 3: BEIJING• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

Tiananmen Square• Forbidden City• Rickshaw tour of the Hutong area• Peking Duck dinner

DAY 4: BEIJING• Participate in Taiji exercises with

the locals• Temple of Heaven• Great Wall of China• See the Olympic site• Evening Kung Fu show

DAY 5: XI’AN• Flight from Beijing to Xi’an

DAY 6: XI’AN• Guided visit to the life-size Terra

Cotta Warriors• Shadow Show at Wild Goose

Pagoda• Visit the Muslim Quarter

DAY 7: SHANGHAI• Flight from Xi’an to Shanghai• Cultural exchange visit with local

students• Evening visit to the popular

pedestrian district of Xin Tian Di

DAY 8: SHANGHAI• Guided sightseeing tour viewing

the Bund and Jade Buddha Temple

• Yu Yuan Garden• Observe the process for making

silk at a silk workshop• Explore the shops along Taikang

Road• Evening Shanghai Acrobatic

Show


EXTENSION: Two-night extension in Hong Kong, including the opportunity to see Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and Victoria Peak

TAIJI EXERCISES Join locals for Taiji exercises and meditation on the grounds of the Temple of Heaven.

VISIT WITH LOCAL STUDENTS IN SHANGHAI Compare typical Chinese and American school days with students at a Shanghai school.

SHANGHAI ACROBATIC SHOW Marvel at the Chinese acrobats’ performance: Juggling, Chinese yo-yo, contortionism, plate spinning, pole climbs and more.

DYN14

Beijing (3)

Xi'an (2)

Shanghai (2)


www.acis.com/dyn

Dynastic China

“The whole trip was my highlight. I know that sounds cheesy but

really everything we did was amazing and just added to the overall

amazing experience. This trip really exceeded my expectations and

I’m so glad I had this opportunity.” – Virginia Laurita, Participant


www.acis.com/dyn


OVERNIGHTS: DELHI 2, AGRA 2, JAIPUR 2, SAMODE 1, DELHI 1• Guided sightseeing of Old and New

Delhi includes the Red Fort• Taj Mahal with traditional rickshaw ride• Agra Fort• Amber Fort with elephant ride• Guided sightseeing of Jaipur includes

the City Palace and Royal Observatory• Samode Palace

OVERNIGHTS: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK 6, HOEDSPRUIT 2• Pre-trip video exchange with students from

Southern Cross School• Khamai Reptile Conservation Center• Local school visits and joint activities• Safari Buddy program with local student• Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre• Kruger National Park game drives include

opportunities to spot zebras, giraffes, hippos, elephants and more

• Traditional safari camp lodgings inside Kruger National Park

OVERNIGHTS: TOKYO 3, ATAMI 1, KYOTO 3• Guided sightseeing of Tokyo viewing the Tsukiji Fish

Market, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace Plaza• Local school visit and joint activity with students• Mount Fuji’s Kawaguchiko 5th Station• Lake Ashi cruise and Hakone sightseeing• Owakudani Valley• Japan Rail bullet train to Kyoto• Guided sightseeing of Kyoto viewing Kinkakuji (the

Golden Pavilion), Nijo Castle and Heian Shrine

IND14

Delhi (2,1)Samode (1)

Agra (2)Fatehpur SikriJaipur (2)

THK14

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Kyoto (3) Tokyo (3)

Atami (1)Osaka

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Hoedspruit (2)

Kruger National Park (6)

Johannesburg

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From visiting the Taj Mahal to an elephant ride in Jaipur, this tour is full of moments you will remember forever.

Enjoy ten days a world away and experience a one-of-a-kind safari adventure!

India’s Golden Triangle - 11 DAYS South African Learning Safari - 10 DAYS

Both ancient and modern, Japanese culture is fascinating and awaits your discovery.

Yokoso Japan! - 9 DAYS

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www.acis.com/indFOR PRICES & DISCOUNTS GO TO

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Featured projects and trips

Service and Study

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GIANT PANDA RESEARCH BASE SERVICE PROJECT Assist the staff at the Bifengxia Valley giant Panda Research Base in China with the conservation and protection of this endangered species.

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HOMESTAY IN GERMANY Live with a family and become immersed in their daily lives in Erfurt, Germany. Plus explore charming Rothenburg and exciting Munich.

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SÁMARA BEACH SPANISH LANGUAGE STUDY Spanish language skills will improve greatly with four hours of daily instruction.

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COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT SERVICE PROJECT IN EL ROBLE Experience daily life in rural El Roble, Costa Rica and help the local community improve its public resources.

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SERVICE LEARNING

P Choose your destination P Select a service project P Check out sample itineraries that include that project. These itineraries

were developed by travel experts, and can be used as is, modified slightly or simply for inspiration

P Review the menu of activities bound between pages 96 and 97 or online at www.acis.com/menu for additional activities that may enhance your tour

P Talk to your program consultant! He or she is an expert and will work with you to build the tour that best suits your group and exceeds even your highest expectations!

SERVICE LEARNING

Service Learning Tours

SERVICE LEARNINGAll ACIS tours connect participants with the societies they visit. ACIS Service Learning tours push this ideology one step further, and provide participants the opportunity to actively contribute to the local community in a significant way. The goal of each project is to educate and engage participants while at the same time help a community that needs it.

Depending on their school’s specific policies, students may use ACIS service work to satisfy community service requirements. All participants receive a certificate of completion for participating in an ACIS Service Learning project.

BUILD YOUR TOUR

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

-MARGARET MEAD www.acis.com/servicelearning

ACIS offers 12 service projects in China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Peru. We’ve found that teachers who are interested in leading service learning tours generally want to customize their program to best suit their group. We make that easy, simply:

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SERVICE LEARNINGSERVICE AND STUDY

Children’s School Service Project in Beijing

Volunteer at a Beijing school for disadvantaged youth. During your visit you will share laughs and stories. You’ll break up the students’ routine and provide an experience they look forward to and enjoy. You will also develop an understanding of their daily lives, studies and challenges, and have the opportunity to contrast what you learn and experience with your own lifestyle and school system back home.

Sample Trips:

Tree Planting in Xi’an

Work with community members and plant native trees to help with Xi’an’s reforestation efforts. Project staff will not only teach students how to perform the service, they will also explain the importance of reforestation to maintaining a sustainable ecosystem.

Sample Trips:

Giant Panda Research Base Service Project

Assist the staff at the Bifengxia Valley Giant Panda Research Base with the conservation and protection of this endangered species. During a volunteer orientation, learn about the pandas, how to care for them and what your work at the Research Base will entail. Activities vary based on what is needed, but may include cleaning the habitats, assisting with the garden, preparing food, feeding the pandas or assisting the Research Base scientists with data collection.

Sample Trip:

Volunteer at a school for less fortunate urban students. Meet the children and learn about the hardships they have endured. Compare and share details of your daily customs and activities. Many groups bring along school supplies or gifts to distribute to the children.

Sample Trip:

SAMPLE TRIPS: www.acis.com/pndwww.acis.com/chd

Sample Trips:

China’s Natural Wonders

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Children of China

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Children’s School Service Project in Shanghai

SERVICE LEARNING

CHINA

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SERVICE LEARNING

Community and Reforestation Service Project

Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center’s focus on both community development and ecological projects means your student volunteers will get the most out of their experience—including the chance to form friendships with other students. Begin with community-minded projects such as painting or grounds upkeep at local schools, followed by contributions to the local ecosystem and agriculture during reforestation work on area farms.

Sample Trips: Grassroots Costa Rica: www.acis.com/ecaSarapiquí Conservation Learning Center: www.acis.com/slc

Animal Sanctuary Service Project

Students have the opportunity to participate first-hand in the important conservation efforts undertaken by La Marina Wildlife Rescue Center Foundation in Aguas Zarcas. Through projects such as feeding the animals, collecting data or building new enclosures, you’ll learn about Costa Rica’s diverse and threatened animal population and help to rehabilitate the sick and injured creatures that are relying on the sanctuary for survival. Sample Trip: Costa Rican Animal Sanctuary: www.acis.com/ani

Community Improvement Service Project in El Roble

Connect with the local community during a homestay in El Roble, a rural town with a population of about 500, as you help improve its public resources during a service project. Projects will vary based on need, but may include working on a farm and cooking for a local family, painting school fences, and cleaning and painting the community center.

Sample Trip: Captivating Costa Rica: www.acis.com/cri

Sea Turtle Conservation Project

Participate in an important coastal-marine conservation effort as you work collaboratively with your group to promote the nesting and hatching of leatherback sea turtles. Whether building hatcheries, removing debris from the nesting sites or collecting valuable data, you’ll be treated to a unique and insider look at the turtles’ ecosystem and life-cycle. Please note that as work will be done during the daytime, we are regrettably unable to guarantee sea turtle sightings during the tour.

Sample Trip: Conservación Costa Rica: www.acis.com/ctp

COSTA RICA

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SERVICE LEARNING

Coral Reef Data Collection Service Project

Help save the Dominican Republic’s coral reefs and ocean ecosystem. Students will be based in Las Galeras and work with Reef Check Foundation. Founded in 1996 by marine biologist Dr. Gregor Hodgson, Reef Check Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical coral reefs. After three days of Healthy Reef Protocol coursework that involves both classroom study and field work accomplished through snorkeling, students will be ready to serve. During the subsequent three days they will collect data from the reefs that will be studied to ensure the reef’s continued health.

Sample Trip: Dominican Republic Reef Check: www.acis.com/drc

Rio Grande Abajo Community Project

Live with a local family in rural Rio Grande Abajo, a small community that relies on an agriculturally-based economy. Students will work on projects that are run in cooperation with the Peace Corps to fulfill community needs. One large project is building stoves. Other projects include work to enhance local, sustainable development such as composting and recycling. For groups that have the skills, larger construction projects are also available. Groups are encouraged to donate Spanish books and technical equipment to the community’s new library and computer lab.

Sample Trip: Rio Grande Abajo Homestay and Study: www.acis.com/drg

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

SERVICE LEARNING

ECUADOR

Amazon Animal Service Project

During this service project your group will work at one of two potential animal rescue facilities, based on their current needs. The Monkey Sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of rescued primates. Students will care for the animals, maintain the center or construct new enclosures. The Amazon Animal Rescue Centre works in partnership with the Ecuadorian Environmental Police and the Ministry of Environment in the fight against the trafficking and abuse of wild animals. Here, students will care for animals, pick and prepare their food or build enclosures.

Janaq Chuquibamba Andean Community Project

Because at such high altitudes very few crops grow, students will work with the community to build a greenhouse that cultivates fruits and vegetables. Greenhouses contribute to the ambitious initiative of combating malnutrition and advancing food sovereignty in the Andean region of Peru.

Sample Trip: Andes Adventures and Service: www.acis.com/pja

Sample Trip: Ecuador Animal Rescue: www.acis.com/aan

PERU

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Homestay and Language StudyHOMESTAY AND LANGUAGE

Living with a host family and participating in their daily activities is the best way to immerse yourself

in a different culture. Add in a language study program taught by native speakers and you’ve got an

educational experience that can’t be beat!

• 7 nights, breakfasts and dinners shared with your homestay family in Sámara Beach, Costa Rica and lunches arranged by the school

• Four hours of daily language study in small groups of six students at the Sámara Beach language school campus, located near town on the beautiful Pacific shore in the Guanacaste area

• Cultural activities and excursions such as cooking and surfing lessons, a kayaking excursion, pickup soccer with local students, a nature walk and a canopy tour with zip-line rides through the rainforest

Sámara Beach Spanish Language Study — 8 DAYS

OVERNIGHTS: SÁMARA BEACH 7

• 8 nights and all meals provided by your homestay family in the Parisian suburb of Bretigny

• Three hours of daily language study at a local school over five weekday mornings

• Cultural activities and excursions such as sightseeing in Paris, the Louvre and Eiffel Tower, a Seine boat cruise, a French cinema visit and the palace and gardens at Versailles www.acis.com/hop

Homestay in Paris — 10 DAYS

OVERNIGHTS: PARIS 8

• 5 nights and all meals shared with your homestay family in Salamanca

• Five days of morning language study at the University of Salamanca’s International School or Colegio de España, depending on the age of the students

• Cultural activities and excursions such as sightseeing in Madrid and Salamanca, the Prado, an excursion to Avila, the monastery palace of El Escorial and Segovia’s ancient Roman aqueduct and Alcázar

www.acis.com/shy

Homestay in Salamanca — 10 DAYS

OVERNIGHTS: MADRID 2, SALAMANCA 5, MADRID 1

• 3 nights and all meals shared with your homestay family in Erfurt

• A cultural exchange and joint activity with local students in Erfurt

• Cultural activities and excursions such as sightseeing and a Night Watchman’s tour in Rothenburg, the Würzburg Residenz Palace, Weimar, Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, sightseeing and a food challenge in Munich, Nymphenburg Palace, Oberammergau and the palace of Neuschwanstein

www.acis.com/ho2

Homestay in Germany — 10 DAYS

OVERNIGHTS: ROTHENBURG 2, ERFURT 3, MUNICH 3

• 7 nights and all meals shared with your homestay family in Antigua, Guatemala

• Six hours of daily one-on-one private language study at the oldest of the Spanish language schools in Antigua, and the only school which teaches Spanish and also various Mayan languages

• Cultural activities and excursions such as sightseeing and the Museo del Café in Antigua, an excursion to a macadamia nut farm, the archaeological excavations at Ciudad Vieja, and excursions to Chichicastenango’s famed marked and Panajachel, on the shores of scenic Lake Atitlán

Antigua Spanish Language Study — 8 DAYS

OVERNIGHTS: ANTIGUA 7

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our team…

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CREDITS & LEGALIllustration: Gayle Kabaker

Key Photographers: Andrew Brilliant, Holly Freeman, Michael Stultz. Additional photographers, for whose contributions we are equally grateful, are listed on www.acis.com/about/copyright.

©Copyright 2014 by the American Council for International Studies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced without prior written permission. American Council for International Studies, ACIS, the ACIS logo and Travel Changes Lives are trademarks and/or service marks of ACIS®. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: ACIS believes all information to be accurate at the time of publication. However, we reserve the right to make corrections.

WORLDWIDE HEADQUARTERS American Council for International Studies 343 Congress Street Suite 3100 Boston, MA 02210

800 888 2247 toll free 617 236 2051 local 617 450 5601 fax 617 450 5678 24 hr emergency

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CHICAGO TEAMLeft to right: Katie Weimann, Christina Spaulding, Liz Tyrrell, Devin Bockrath, Karin Fjellman

BOSTON TEAMLeft to right: Joyce Shaw, Ariana Breckner, Nichelle Jenkins, Sharon Poirier, Alex Mitrano, Anita Alden, Jessica Ricci, Tom Heigham, Susan Ecker, Tricia Holda, Jill Federschneider, Cara Solle Corson, Laura Smart, Matt Payne, Jennifer Venti, Natalie Gibson, Ashlee Andrews, Heidi PettitNot pictured: Alicia Fortier, Julie Fratarcangeli, Liz Rees, Jeff Sullivan

LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES

Area Ambassadors & Academic Travel Advisors We’re in your area! To meet the local representatives closest to you, visit www.acis.com/about/team-localreps

ENCORE TEAM Left to right: Ward Dilmore, Albertha Brown, Chris Keeling, Frieda Krantz, James Smith, Cindy Esquibel, Maggie Rodriguez, Tori Cook, Sabrina Denault, James MatthewsNot pictured: Joyce Shaw

WEST COAST TEAMLeft to right: Patty Hutsler, Lynne Freeman, Jeannie Page, Chad Stellmacher

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inside:EXTRAORDINARY WAYS TO TRAVEL AND LEARN WITH ACIS

Europe

Americas

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and beyond

Insider, Classic, Explorer and Pathfinder Tours

Homestay and Language Programs

Service Learning

Encore Performance Tours

GoPlay Sports Tours

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