Paris and Little Paris of the East

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Wednesday March 24: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Thursday March 25: Paris

Your ACIS Tour Manager greets you with a Bienvenue! Paris, known as the “City of Light” for its role as a center of education and culture during the Enlightenment, greets you today. Discover the Métro or hit the cobblestone streets with your tour manager and try a café au lait. In Paris, there may be no better place to view the city than the Eiffel Tower, and you'll ascend to the top floor for breathtaking views. In the evening, see the City of Light from a totally different perspective on a river cruise on the Seine. (D)

Day 3, Friday March 26: Paris

Morning sightseeing with a local expert shows you the city's most impressive monuments, from the magnificent Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées to the massive Les Invalides (where Napoleon is buried) 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. (B,D)

Day 4, Saturday March 27: Paris

Today visit Notre Dame and then enjoy the rest of the day for exploration. Tonight visit eclectic Montmartre this evening where you will enjoy an authentic French dinner on the Place du Tertre. This square at the heart of Montmartre is known for its artists of all types and has been home to many famous painters including Picasso. (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday March 28: Sibiu

Transfer to the airport for an internal flight into Sibiu and transfer to your hotel. Sibiu is one of Transylvania’s most charming medieval cities.Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner in a traditonal restaurant in the city centre. (B,D)

Day 6, Monday March 29: Sibiu

A morning orientation tour with your Tour Manager reveals the Grand Square, the Small Square, the Liar’s Bridge, and the Gothic Evangelical Cathedral. Sibiu, once a fortress of Saxon merchants, is now a lively cultural hub – and was Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2007. In the an afternoon visit Corvin Castle (or Hunyadi Castle),  a gothic fortress with major legends , that was rumored to have been Vlad the Impaler’s prison during his exile. No dinner included tonight. (B)

Day 7, Tuesday March 30: Brasov

Visit the ASTRA Museum, an open-air museum in Sibiu that shows traditional farming techniques of Romanian villages, and partcipate in a scavenger hunt inside the grounds of the museum. For lunch, head to the village of Sibiel, where locals in traditional dress welcome the group on horseback. Enjoy a home-cooked meal with fresh local produce, followed by a visit to the unique Icon Museum, showcasing centuries-old glass-painted icons. Continue to Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage town and one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Europe stroll inhabited. The birthplace of Vlad the Impaler – the historical figure behind the Dracula legend,free time to perhaps: visit his house or explore the Clock Tower, the covered wooden staircase to the School on the Hill, the oldest school in Sighisoara. Drive to Brasov in time for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Wednesday March 31: Brasov

After breakfast, meet our local guide and set out to explore Brasov, one of Transylvania’s most beautiful medieval towns. Begin with a walking tour of the Council Square (Marktplatz) and visit the Black Church, the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul, which owes its name to the fire that blackened its walls in 1689. Afterwards, continue to Bran for free time for lunch, followed by a visit to the legendary Bran Castle, one of the most famous castles in the world. Perched dramatically on a rocky hilltop, the fortress is forever linked with the legend of Dracula, the vampire brought to life by Bram Stoker’s novel. As you wander through its narrow staircases, hidden chambers, and medieval towers, you’ll feel the atmosphere that inspired stories of mystery, courage, and fear. Beyond the legend, the castle also reveals centuries of Romanian history and was once a royal residence for Queen Marie of Romania. In the evening, return to Brasov for free time before we conclude the day with a dinner in the historic center. (B,D)

Day 9, Thursday April 1: Bucharest

After breakfast, depart for Sinaia, the “Pearl of the Carpathians.” Here, you’ll visit Peles Castle, one of Europe’s most stunning royal residences and a true jewel of Romania. Built in the late 19th century for King Carol I, Peles was the first castle in the world to have central heating, electricity, and even a working elevator and vacuum system – true high-tech marvels for its time. Inside, you’ll find spectacular wooden interiors, stained glass, secret passages, and themed rooms decorated with treasures from all around the globe. The gardens surrounding the castle are just as enchanting, with fountains, terraces, and breathtaking mountain views. It’s no wonder many call Peles one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. Drive to Bucharest. (B,D)

Day 10, Friday April 2: Bucharest

After breakfast, the highlight is the visit inside the Palace of Parliament – the second-largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon, so vast it could easily double as a labyrinth with as many levels underground as the building has over the ground. Free time for lunch in the Old Town of Bucharest. Continue with a panoramic bus ride through Romania’s capital. Bucharest, once called “Little Paris,” blends grand boulevards, Belle Époque buildings, an arch of Triumph and a vibrant urban energy. End this amazing journey with Therme Bucharest, Europe’s largest thermal wellness center- the perfect mix of relaxation, pools, and fun. (B,D)

Day 11, Saturday April 3: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)