Wonderful experience! I arranged my own tours to France for years. I'm fluent in French and lived there during college, so I just worked with a former Air France travel agent to book flights, hotels and sightseeing tours. The base price was cheap, but we needed to budget for all our excursions and additional activities as well as meals. Several years ago I decided (for liability reasons) it was time to use a tour company. I tried several budget tour operators and had various negative experiences: poor quality hotels, low-quality food and tour "managers" who were no better than translators who checked us in to hotels. I finally found ACIS. At first I was uncomfortable with the price, but when I considered all that is included, found it to be actually a better value than the budget carriers. I've now been on 5 tours with them and will continue to use them. Customer service: From the time we book the tour, to the time we depart, the company has been nothing but professional. We've had problems at the airport - wrong names for booked tickets (not the company's fault, but our own) and it was handled promptly with no disruption of our plans. The company also has a representative that checks in while "on tour" in Paris - no other company does that! Hotels: always centrally located and we usually have one super upgraded hotel per trip. Good neighborhoods in Paris - close to everything. Never more than 2 metro stops away from sightseeing attractions. Flights: we usually get direct flights to Paris from LAX on Air France. Always pleased with the quality and service Tour Managers: energetic, engaging and knowledgeable. I have been disappointed in only one of the managers, and he was the exception. For the most part, they have great personalities and know how to engage students. Though I've gone the cities on our tours several times, I always learn something new from the guides - either a new street, shortcut or attraction. Our tour managers have also gone out of their way to accommodate special requests (include an extra stop for seeing the Bayeaux tapestries), and planned impromptu food tastings (oysters in Normandy and provincal specialities at the Pont du Gard). Food: Full buffet breakfast each day and dinners are always in local restaurants. Good variety of food (beef, chicken, fish) and always 3-courses. It was a good way for my students to experience food they would otherwise have not tried. When on their own, students tend to stick to the tried and true pizza, crepes and sandwiches. Itineraries: Good mixture of sightseeing and free time. I always have several parents travel with our group and they have a great time. In all, I would highly recommend anyone try ACIS just once. You'll wonder why you ever went with the budget companies. read more

As a teacher who organizes trips for my high school students every year, it is a huge undertaking with lots of responsibility and a task that is not to be taken lightly. Therefore, for me, my priority has been to choose the best company in the business. I have been leading student trips abroad with ACIS every year since 2007 and am booked again for 2015. To date, I have led close to 200 people on trips abroad! ACIS is a fantastic company to work with - to sum up why, quality! They offer great itineraries that are both educational and fun. The are committed to providing the group with the best in the student travel business, focusing on the needs of the group, and giving them experiences that will change their lives. In each place you go, you are staying in the center, close to attractions - which is something I love. For example, being able to walk to the Duomo in Florence is a wonderful experience for the students. I always look for authentic food when I travel and want the same for my students. ACIS books wonderful restaurants for our trips, providing the participants which a cultural connection to the locale. The hands-on experiences are terrific, the students become connected to where they are and understand why they are there. On my last trip we visited a school in Costa Rica and for so many of my students, this was a highlight of the trip! Making connections, having authentic experiences - it is what I want when I travel and it is what I want for my students. When I first thought about taking trips with my students, I was referred to ACIS by another teacher and I have never been disappointed! My trips are not sanctioned by my school district so working with a company I trust is extremely important to me. I tell the parents that I need to have confidence that should there be a hiccup on my trip, I have a great team behind me to help out so that my time and energy is focused on their children. I don't want to worry about the logistics of the hotels, meals, tours, etc - I have plenty to think about with my students! ACIS offers the best in quality trips with customer service support 24/7 -- before, during and after your trips. I have NEVER been disappointed on any of the 17 trips I have taken with them over the years! read more

If you're looking for a top-notch experience for your students, travel with ACIS. I have traveled with ACIS seven times and I am currently enrolling participants for my 8th and 9th trips. I have taken students to Costa Rica, Spain, France, Ecuador, and Mexico. Next I'm going to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Planning a trip with ACIS is easy from start to finish because of the travel experts who help me every step of the way - from deciding on an itinerary and tweaking it to my desires to departure day. While traveling, the ACIS tour managers are amazing. They are incredibly knowledgeable and professional, and they're also super fun and engaging! They know the history and culture so well that every stop becomes a real lesson. I love how they handle the details and logistics of the trip so that I can focus 100% on my students and their needs. They are true partners in education! The quality of the accommodations and meals provided by ACIS is consistently excellent, which is so important for keeping a group of travelers happy and energized. ACIS always uses hotels that are centrally located. We stay close to the action and all the major sights, which saves us travel time and allows for more time exploring. The hotels are clean, comfortable, and safe. Trying the local cuisine is one of my favorite parts of traveling. The food on all of my trips has been wonderful! The students and I love the variety at the breakfast buffets in the hotels and we enjoy authentic local cuisine at great restaurants in the evenings. The food is a fantastic way for students to experience the culture and it's a highlight of every trip. ACIS trips are always full and well-planned. The itineraries are truly educational, mixing site visits with unique local experiences. My students see so much and come back with an amazing new perspective. I love how the price of the tour includes everything so that families can budget. Students only need to bring money for lunch and souvenirs. For any educator or parent considering an international trip for high schoolers, I give ACIS my highest recommendation. It's an investment in a memorable, safe, and truly educational experience. read more

I worked with ACIS for the first time last year and have nothing but good things to say about the company. Teaching at a high school in Central Mass, I wanted to offer students the opportunity to see the world sp started a travel club; hearing only good things from others about ACIS, I reached out and got the ball rolling with the local rep. Planning was a breeze and any question I had (be it big, small, or asked for the 12th time) was answered quickly and completely. I knew I made the right choice when I went to the training weekend/global conference in Barcelona, which helped build my confidence in leading a group of teens on a trip to Japan a few months later. Our tour guide was *fantastic* (she set the bar high in terms of quality) and we also interacted with additional guides from ACIS on a similar schedule when there who were great too (it's nice knowing that not only are the people you deal with in the US great, but they work with stellar guides around the world). A cool sidenote: my wife and I were on a flight to England at the end of the summer, and I thought I recognized the lady behind me. At the end of the flight, I turned and said, "were you at the..." and she continued "global conference in Barcelona". She was one of the folks running the weekend, was returning from an annual ACIS gathering at the home office, and was on her way back home to England. Having her remember me only solidified the idea that ACIS has really wonderful people working for them that pay attention and care. I currently have this year's trip (Italy) and next year's (Germany/Prague) planned, and am anxiously awaiting 2029 being ready to book. Nothing but praise from me for ACIS. read more

While a bit more expensive than other travel companies, ACIS is exceptional in the quality of service and tours that they offer. As an AP World History and AP European History teacher, I have traveled with both Passports and EF, both of which were far from enjoyable experiences, before trying ACIS, and the difference in quality was readily apparent. Our tour manager, Luiza, works part-time for the UN, so she was an incredibly fascinating guide for myself and my students through Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. She was also always on top of things, and was able and willing to accommodate our special requests, especially when they enhanced the experience of the trip for my students. Every tour guide we had was not only knowledgeable and passionate about their cities, but typically worked in the field either as a professional or as a graduate student, which provide an extra layer of authenticity and scholarship. The tour flawlessly balanced excursions with free time so students got to spend additional time exploring the culture of the cities that we were visiting. On that note, we ate every night at authentic local restaurants, not chains as I had done with the other tour companies. It was by far the best educational trip that I have every been on, and I have already booked trips for 2026 (Italy) and am working on putting together a trip to Turkey in 2027. I would highly encourage every teacher to go with ACIS - it will be an enriching and enlightening experience for your students, allowing them to get up close and personal with a lot of the things that you likely discuss in your courses. read more

As I'm in the middle of planning my next trip with ACIS Educational Tours, I can't help but reminisce about the last one. I got to travel with former students I hadn't seen in a year and a teacher friend who had been to France but never had the chance to do everything she wanted to do. ACIS made the experience extra magical and meaningful for everyone, and I felt truly spoiled. As a teacher, I got to observe my students making connections to things they had learned in class, and as a human, I continued to build strong bonds with my students, my friend, my tour manager, and some locals. ACIS handled all of the logistics professionally and in a timely manner. Our tour manager was fantastic and had an amazing rapport with each student and chaperone. When a student got dehydrated and others suffered from motion sickness, I wasn't stressed at all because our tour manager was so calm and helped me handle the situation. My students and I were especially impressed by the food, which somehow gets better and better on each trip, and the cultural experiences we had, such as the painting lesson in Paris. Planning for my next trip was supposed to be like all the others, but sometimes life has other plans. ACIS has been there for me every step of the way to help me turn a traditional high school trip into an alumni trip. I would never dream of canceling a trip with ACIS. My next trip will look a little different, but I know it will be full of new and enriching experiences for everyone. read more

If I could give a ZERO I would. This company is trying to PROFIT over cancellations due to the Coronavirus pandemic. We had a trip to Italy scheduled for April. We were FORCED to cancel due to the travel ban. This company is penalizing my 16 year old daughter (who paid for this trip on her own!!!!) for cancelling within their 30 day cancellation policy. We didn't cancel!!!! We were forced to not be able to go. They are holding us accountable. They are offering us a chance to reschedule the trip- but that isn't possible and everyone knows it!! Unbelievable how they are trying to make a profit during these circumstances. I am a single mother and this was a trip of a lifetime that is forever tainted due to this company. My daughter worked her ASS off to be able to go and to see a company taking advantage of that is BEYOND DISGUSTING. If you belive in right from wrong and honest business- NEVER USE THIS COMPANY. It's funny, because if you read the reviews - from even before the corona virus hit- it is often mentioned of this companies greediness and unjust practices. Wish I had read YELP before agreeing to this trip. This company should be ashamed. They have ruined my daughter's thirst for travel. Please reach out to me if you would like to join a group chat with other unhappy families that were ripped off by ACIS. read more

As a French teacher, I've had the incredible privilege of traveling with my students on three summer tours with ACIS, and each one has been nothing short of life-changing--for them and for me. From start to finish, ACIS provides a seamless, thoughtfully organized experience that makes travel abroad both educational and unforgettable. Every detail is handled with care: the itineraries are rich with culture and authentic experiences, the tour managers are passionate and knowledgeable, and the accommodations and meals are consistently excellent (centrally-located hotels are the best!). But what stands out most is how ACIS makes language and culture come alive for my students. Watching them order their first croissant in French, navigate the Métro, or stand in awe beneath the stained glass at Notre Dame is something I'll never forget. Personally, leading these tours has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my teaching career. ACIS takes care of the logistics so that I can focus on what matters most: helping my students connect with the world. I can't recommend ACIS highly enough. If you're an educator considering travel with your students, this is the company you can trust to turn your classroom lessons into lifelong memories. read more

I have been a loyal client of ACIS since 1992 when I started traveling with students as a young Spanish teacher. I have taken over 10 trips with them and I can attest that EVERY trip I've ever taken with this company has been of the highest quality. They truly care about their teachers and students! Every detail has always been taken care of before our arrival and up to the moment of departure back to the United States. The quality of food is always varied and student-friendly, yet typical of the local cuisine. The location of hotels are within walking distance of many tourist attractions and centrally located. Perhaps one of the greatest aspects of this company is the quality of their Tour Managers. Every tour manager that has accompanied my groups has been informative, fun, patient, and professional. They literally are like walking encyclopedias! The entire ACIS staff both stateside and in the countries in which I travel continue to do their very best to make our tours the most memorable, trouble-free, fun, and educational. I can't ever imagine traveling with another student travel company...ever. I can't thank ACIS enough for opening the world to travel for so many of my students in Oregon and Washington. read more

I have been a group leader with ACIS for over 15 years, and I have led tours with other companies. I will never use any one other than ACIS. On every trip involving teenagers, things are going to happen that are beyond anyone's control - lost passports, sick students, delayed or missed flights, chaperones who need a doctor, global pandemics (yes, I've had all of these happen on my personal trips) - and ACIS has always been there to solve those issues in the most professional and kind manner possible. Our tour guides in the individual countries have been beyond professional each and every time, and I have had students go back to those countries during college and beyond and seek out our city guides and tour managers just to take their tours again. For most of my students, this is their first chance to see another country, and ACIS has helped inspire them to make global travel a part of their future. Yes, you can travel for cheaper and sleep in beds far outside the city or drive by the Colosseum instead of going inside, but that's what makes ACIS different. You truly get what you pay for, and when it comes to student safety and security, ACIS is worth every penny. read more

Our experience with ACIS was wonderful from beginning to end! The entire trip was thoughtfully organized, allowing us to enjoy the destination while learning so much about its history, culture, and people. The tour guides were knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about sharing their expertise, which made the experience even more meaningful. The accommodations, excursions, and overall itinerary helped make this a memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved. As a teacher and group leader, I especially appreciated the organization, communication, and attention to detail that went into making the trip run smoothly. Traveling with students is a tremendous responsibility, and having a company I could trust made all the difference. ACIS created an experience that went far beyond sightseeing--it gave students the opportunity to grow, gain independence, experience new cultures, and create memories that will last a lifetime. I would highly recommend ACIS to any school or educator considering international travel. It was a rewarding experience, and I would absolutely travel with them again! read more

I just returned from a ten day tour of Paris and Normandy with ACIS. My small group was all adults, but we traveled on a bus with both students and adults. Everything about the trip was excellent! The customer service and response to questions while organizing was prompt, accurate, and very helpful. We received our documents and all trip information in a timely manner. The trip itself was great, with a tour guide, Ben, who stayed with us around the clock during the trip, taking care of any problems or questions and adding value to the trip with his knowledgeable commentary on the places we visited. The hotels were typical for the areas we visited, comfortable, close to transportation when we wanted it and walkable to some sights. All had a nice breakfast. The meals were outstanding, better than I expected. Our bus driver was friendly and helpful. We had a cooking lesson in Paris that was so much fun for the adults as well as the students. I have traveled with ACIS for several years and will continue to do so. The tours just keep getting better! read more

This is an amazing company! I have been an educator for 25 years and have taken about 14 trips with ACIS and I have always had a great experience and excellent customer service! The cost is a bit more, because you get more! Hotels are in the center of town, the food is authentic (NOT pasta and chicken every night!) and the itinerary is always well planned, educational and fun for the kids! - The tour guides have always been excellent and there has always been an ACIS rep who comes to check in with me during the trip. If I have ever had a problem, the guides have been very helpful and efficient. - With OTHER companies, I have had travelers stranded at the airports, poor food, "green" guides (I knew so much more about the history and the language than they did) and hotels that were so far out of the city center, we would have to add in an extra 2 hours for transportation, just to get in and out of the city! This has never been the case with ACIS! - Also, all of the pre-departure help, the people on the west coast, the website, etc. have been excellent! read more

I've traveled with ACIS to Greece and Turkey, and previously to Barcelona, and both trips were among the best I've ever taken. The organization was flawless, the tour guides were exceptional, and the food was absolutely delicious--authentic and local to each area. I loved the balance of guided tours and free time, which allowed us to explore at our own pace. The hotels were wonderful, conveniently located in the heart of each city within walking distance to major attractions. Unlike other travel companies I've used, ACIS truly delivers immersive experiences. For example, if you were in Rome, instead of just taking a picture in front of the Colosseum, you actually go inside and tour it. Even when unexpected issues arose--like a canceled flight in Amsterdam--ACIS handled everything seamlessly. Within 30 minutes, we had new flights, a hotel for the night, and transportation arranged. I can honestly say there's no comparison--ACIS makes international travel smooth, enriching, and unforgettable. Highly recommend! read more

ACIS truly takes care of everything--from the moment you sign up to the moment you return home. All you have to do on the trip is look, listen, and enjoy! Every day brings opportunities to learn while soaking in the beauty of international cities and the countryside in between. The tour guides are exceptional--knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the places they share. Whether you're traveling solo, with a friend, family, or a small group, ACIS makes it easy and stress-free. The hotels are excellent and centrally located, the meals are delicious and included, and the itineraries strike a perfect balance between planned activities and free time to explore. Every detail is well-organized, and you'll come home with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for the world. With so many inclusions, the value is unbeatable. ACIS is the perfect way to experience travel that's inspiring, effortless, and extraordinary! read more

I cannot say enough good things about ACIS! The quality of our trips has been fantastic--from the centrally located hotels and great food to the incredible Tour Managers (special shout-out to Edo!!!). They are knowledgeable, organized, fun, and always willing to go out of their way to make the trip special for our students. (We love to shop!!!) One of the things I appreciate most as a teacher is how ACIS handles the unexpected. When something comes up, they pivot quickly and take care of it so seamlessly that the students usually have no idea there was ever a problem. The best review really comes from our students. They come home talking about how amazing the trip was, tell their friends, and every year more students want to go. Our next trip to Japan is already up to 34 travelers! That says more about the experience ACIS provides than anything I could write. I wouldn't travel with anyone else! read more

I've traveled with my high school students several times using ACIS Educational Tours, and every trip has been amazing! They're super organized and really pay attention to every detail, which makes a huge difference when you're traveling with a group of teenagers. The tour managers have consistently gone above and beyond for our students, making sure everyone feels safe, engaged, and excited about every part of the journey. The hotels are always comfortable and centrally located, making it easier to explore each destination. Every time we visit major tourist sites, we truly feel like VIPs thanks to ACIS's excellent planning and connections. Traveling with them gives me total peace of mind as a teacher, knowing my students are getting a high-quality, memorable, and enriching experience. If you're a teacher considering planning a trip with your students, I highly recommend ACIS! read more

I have traveled with this company as a leader and as an assistant. I have also traveled with other companies. By far ACIS is better than the rest and I will never travel with anyone else! Our group's (2023) flight was canceled on the way home not once, but twice! ACIS not only took care of us for TWO extra days (hotel, bus to beach for kiddos including towels and chairs, money for icecream, meals), but they even placed us in a better hotel in town when the airline said they would have covered us to stay the extra nights in another town over an hour away! And, we had about 40 kiddos and 6 chaperones! They truly went above and beyond my expectations. Their customer service and support folks are amazing, their guides are amazing, and their tours are amazing. They are just good people! Centrally located, hand on fun, and the kids have loved every minute! read more

ACIS is the best group travel company we have found! We have travelled with over 65 students in the past 3 years to Costa Rica and Spain. We are returning to Costa Rica with ACIS this Spring! We love our tour managers, who stay with us 24/7 on our trips. ACIS also finds amazing, specialized tour guides to teach us about La Sagrada Familia, El Prado, Toledo, or Tortuguero, Costa Rica. We fly non-stop to our destinations and stay in hotels with the best locations, to walk downtown or to our next restaurant. We receive the best reviews and appreciation from the students and families as they feel safe, comfortable, and excited to travel with us through ACIS. What an amazing way for students to learn outside of the classroom, to engage and socialize with friends, and gain a greater understanding and curiosity about the world around them. read more