Munich, Florence and Nice

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, Saturday March 11: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Sunday March 12: Munich

Willkommen in München! After meeting your ACIS Tour Manager and settling in to your hotel, we learn more about Munich with an expertly guided sightseeing tour to sites like the Marienplatz with its famed Glockenspiel, the Viktualienmarkt food and flower market and the surfers on the Isar River in the Englischer Garten. (D)

Day 3, Monday March 13: Munich

In the morning, we head to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. This former prison camp was technically not one of the “death camps” but is still a vivid reminder of Nazi atrocities during World War II. This afternoon discover the city's hidden gems during a Munich by bike tour of unique neighborhoods and sights off the beaten path. Pedal down historic old streets, peek into delightful courtyards, ride along the city's river and explore the popular 910-acre Englischer Garten, one of the world’s largest urban public parks. (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday March 14: Dolomite Mountain Area

Our drive today brings us first south to the German ski town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen where you'll see the ski stadium from the 1936 Olympic Games. Continue to Innsbruck, for time to get lunch and explore the city on the River Inn, including the lively center and the stunning Goldenes Dachl. Later, we continue through Sud Tyrol over the historic Brenner Pass to our stay for the night in a northern Italian mountain village. (D)

Day 5, Wednesday March 15: Venice

Our journey today down to Venice includes a stop in “Fair Verona” (where we lay our scene). The city was a major third century Roman trading outpost and has a long history of feuds, drama, and dark chapters (both factual and fictional). On our stopover, we'll have time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site on foot with entrance to the Roman Arena (often used as a stunning venue for opera) included. (B,D)

Day 6, Thursday March 16: Florence

Consisting of an archipelago carved by nearly 150 canals into 118 different islands, the incomparable city of Venice contains a wealth of sights. Arrive in St. Mark's Square where you can see the Basilica of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs, which connected the old prisons of Venice to the interrogation rooms of the neighboring Doge's Palace. Then learn more about one of Venice's most famous exports during an authentic glassblowing demonstration before visiting the historic Fondaco dei Tedeschi for breathtaking views of the Grand Canal from its rooftop. Stop for a photo at nearby Rialto Bridge en route to an authentic cicchetteria where you will sample traditional Venetian-style tapas. Then explore more at your own pace with unlimited access to the entire canal network and smaller islands using your vaporetto pass. You'll feel like a local in no time. Head south to Florence for the night. (B,D)

Day 7, Friday March 17: Florence

Find out why Florence is considered the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” On your city sightseeing tour with a local expert you'll see Brunelleschi's famed Duomo, Ghiberti's Baptistry Doors and Piazza della Signoria—the political center of this great Renaissance city. Then breeze by the crowds with your own timed entrance to the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. In the afternoon enjoy a Tuscan cooking lesson where an Italian chef will teach you how to prepare a three-course Tuscan meal. Participants will aid the chef in the preparation and then everyone will enjoy a tasting. (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday March 18: Nice

This morning, travel through the Italian Riviera to the French Riviera. Along the way we'll visit Pisa. Your stop here includes entrance to the ornate Cathedral of Pisa, part of a complex of buildings located on the Piazza dei Miracoli accompanying the iconic Leaning Tower (the cathedral's bell tower). Continue on to Nice, where this evening you'll stroll through the splendid Place Massena and compare it to the winding alleyways of old Nice. (B,D)

Day 9, Sunday March 19: Nice

Today we'll introduce you to the romantic sights of Vieux Nice during an orientation tour 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. Afterwards enjoy a visit to Eze with the Exotic gardens and Fragonard. Return to Nice for time to soak up more of the Mediterranean culture of the Côte d'Azur at your own pace. Tonight, perhaps take an evening stroll along the waterfront. (B,D)

Day 10, Monday March 20: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)