Paris, Nice and Barcelona

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: Paris

Arrive in Paris and meet your ACIS Tour Manager before you begin to explore the City of Light. Perhaps begin your visit by strolling the intellectually thriving Latin Quarter, home to many of the Sorbonne's historic buildings, or practice your French as you order a pastry and a refreshing citron pressé at a charming sidewalk café. Then get your camera ready, as breathtaking city vistas abound when you ascend to the top of the world-famous Eiffel Tower.

Day 3: Paris

A morning sightseeing tour shows you the city's most impressive monuments, from the magnificent Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées to Napoleon's final resting place at Les Invalides to the Gothic wonder of Notre Dame. Later, breeze by the crowds with your timed entrance to the Louvre and discover the many famous masterpieces that call it home. Insightful commentary from your local guide highlights the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo and more as you wander through the galleries. From its beginnings as a royal fortress to its current status as the world's most visited art museum, the Louvre has long been at the center of Parisian culture and home to a collection of 35,000 works of art from around the world. Later enjoy a scenic evening illuminated boat ride along the Seine. Tonight you may choose to enjoy an optional French dinner at the famous brasserie La Coupole. Classic French cuisine and gorgeous Art Deco style will whisk you back to its time as a cultural hub of Parisian high society in the Roaring 20s, a favorite haunt for Paris' most stylish authors, artists and socialites.

Day 4: Nice

Board a flight in Paris and arrive in Nice, nestled on the gorgeous French Riviera. Begin to explore this city with a stroll through the splendid Place Massena, and then wander the narrow streets of vieux Nice.

Day 5: Nice

Take a scenic drive to Monaco, glamorous residence of the rich and famous and home of the Grimaldi royal family. Then continue along the corniche to the village of Eze with its castle ruins and steep streets. Visit the Jardin Exotique, an amazing cliffside botanical garden, and tour the Fragonard Perfume Factory to learn about the town's fragrant history. After arriving back in Nice, enjoy a socca tasting. This type of chickpea crêpe is a popular local street food in Nice and makes for a delicious dinner.

Day 6: Provence

Travel from the coast into Provence and stop in Arles, a pastoral town where Vincent Van Gogh found artistic inspiration during his stay here from 1888 to 1889. After eating lunch, visit the city’s impressive Roman arena (now used for bullfights) and theater. Then continue to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct preserved in almost perfect condition. A true marvel of Roman engineering, the 161-foot tall bridge aqueduct is still standing nearly 2,000 years after its construction. Our tour offers an exclusive guided visit to the third floor for a closer look at the structure's architecture and exceptional views.

Day 7: Barcelona

Depart for the walled city of Carcassonne, a fortified medieval town founded centuries ago by the Visigoths. Then journey across the scenic Pyrénées to colorful Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it’s known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture, from Gothic to Modernist. Take time to wander the old town and acquaint yourself with this vibrant culture, including an evening stroll through the narrow cobbled streets, peaceful squares and towering old buildings that characterize the city’s Gothic Quarter, which was at times home to both Picasso and Joan Miró.

Day 8: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Your local guide will point out the major highlights of Barcelona, from the Gothic Quarter to the unique Gaudí designs along the Passeig de Gràcia, and will make a stop outside his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia's most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. Later, stroll through his whimsical Parc Güell for a sweeping view over the city, and also enjoy a visit inside one of the city's unique Gaudí-designed houses, either Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. In the afternoon, get an entirely different perspective of the city via a bike tour that takes you through the lovely landscape of Ciutadella Park, and to the Olympic Port, a beautiful marina that hosted sailing events during the 1992 Summer Olympics. It's an exceptional way to get a personal look at the city and to wrap up your memorable trip.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of La Ville Lumière with an extra night in Paris, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager.