La Côte d’Azur à La Romandie

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Nice

Bienvenue en France! Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and start to explore the cosmopolitan capital of the Côte d'Azur. Check out the winding streets of the Old Town or stroll along the Promenade des Anglais with its dazzling Mediterranean views.

Day 3: Nice

This morning discover the city's hidden gems from a different perspective during a bicycle tour showcasing areas such as the port, Place Garibaldi, Place Massena and the Old Town. In the afternoon travel along a spectacular corniche to Eze, a fortified medieval-age village perched high atop a rocky peak. There you'll enjoy sweeping vistas from the fragrant Jardin Exotique, a magnificent botanical garden, and tour the Fragonard Perfume Factory, where you'll learn about the centuries-old French art of making parfum. Return to Nice for a relaxing evening on the French Riviera.

Day 4: Provence

The day's adventures begin with a drive to Aix-en-Provence, once home to renowned painter Paul Cézanne and writer Emile Zola. Tour the mostly pedestrian city center, perhaps browsing its famous Provençal market, and see firsthand why the city is noted for its beautiful fountains and well-preserved architecture. After time for lunch, continue to Nîmes, a city full of Roman history and known for textiles. In fact, denim, the fabric of blue jeans, derives its name from Nîmes. Get to know the city and its Roman Arena with an audio-guided tour.

Day 5: French Alps

First on today's agenda is a visit to the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct preserved in almost perfect condition. A true wonder of Roman engineering, the 161-foot tall bridge is still standing nearly 2,000 years after its construction and your ticket includes access to the wealth of information available on the structure's history, architecture and more in the excellent on-site museum. Then it's on to the breathtaking French Alps.

Day 6: Geneva Area

The morning kicks off with a drive to Annecy, a quaint alpine town that's nicknamed the Pearl of the French Alps. Attractions include two canals and a cobblestoned old town, featuring medieval structures such as the Château d'Annecy, Palais de I’lsle and Cathedral of Saint-Pierre. Next, you'll continue on to the Geneva area, with a stop at Mont Saleve for a cable-car ride up the mountain. Known as the “Balcony of Geneva,” it affords a spectacular view of this beautiful Swiss city.

Day 7: Geneva Area

Start the morning with a walking tour of Geneva's Old Town, known for its gracious squares, cafés, galleries and historical sites, not to mention its fine Swiss watches and chocolate! Then get your sea legs ready for a Mouette water-taxi cruise across Lake Geneva that takes you past the world-famous Jet d'Eau, a 450-foot tall fountain that's visible from 30 miles way. After lunch, you'll visit the Red Cross Museum which details the history of this humanitarian organization. Enjoy your final evening in the Alps with an unforgettable fondue dinner.

Day 8: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your European experience with a two-night extension from Geneva to the Lake Lucerne area. You'll experience the best of Swiss culture with a chocolate factory visit, Mount Pilatus, a special Alpine Hut Dinner with traditional Swiss games, and the highlights of lovely Lucerne.