Nice, Provence and Lyon

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! Relax and get aquainted with the French Riviera.

Day 3: Nice

Begin your day with an orientation tour of Nice led by your ACIS Tour Manager. As you explore its history and culture, enjoy the city's many fine attractions, from Place Massena to the winding streets of the Old Town to dazzling Mediterranean views. The remainder of the day is yours to further explore Nice at your own pace, perhaps interacting with vendors at the charming Old Town market or visiting the Palais Lascaris, an interesting museum housed in a 17th century Baroque building.

Day 4: Provence

Travel to Provence and visit Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh found artistic inspiration during his stay here from 1888 to 1889. This small town was also once a major Roman city, and this legacy is evident in impressively preserved Roman ruins that are still used for entertainment today. Step into the shoes of these famed legionnaires as you visit the Roman Arena for a fun gladiator games workshop that teaches you how to compete like the gladiators did, followed by a show that reenacts a gladitorial contest.

Day 5: Provence

This morning drive to Nîmes, a city full of Roman history and known for its textile history. 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, then dive even more deeply into the Gallo-Roman period of history with a visit to the Musée de la Romanité. Then continue to the 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.

Day 6: Lyon

Today journey to Lyon and begin to discover the city during this afternoon's expertly guided sightseeing tour of Vieux Lyon, the oldest district. The tour will show you its narrow paved streets, traboules (secret covered passageways) and gorgeous Gothic Cathedral.

Day 7: Lyon

A gorgeous view of the entire city awaits from the hilltop district of Fourvière, reached by funicular. Then observe remnants of Lyon's Roman legacy at the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls and the Odeon, built during the 2nd century. This afternoon visit the Musée des Confluences, whose collections span across science and anthropology to tell the story and history of mankind and life on Earth. Located in the revitalized former industrial docks area at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the museum is noted for its striking metal and glass structure. Then explore more of this vibrant city at your own pace, perhaps enjoying the botanical gardens of Tête d'Or park or seeking out a gourmet food market. Tonight's highlight is a traditional Bouchon Lyonnais dinner featuring dishes classic to Lyon's cuisine.

Day 8: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your European experience with a two-night extension from Lyon to historic Paris via the TGV—discover the city's past and present with included sightseeing.