Southern European Adventure

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, Friday June 23: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday June 24: Madrid

¡Bienvenidos a España! Welcome to Spain’s modern and cosmopolitan capital. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager, relax and unpack before you begin to explore the city’s wide avenues and open plazas. (D)

Day 3, Sunday June 25: Madrid

Madrid's rich heritage comes alive on your guided sightseeing tour of classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas, and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Plaza de España with its statue of Don Quixote, the majestic Alcalá Gate, and the famous bullring Las Ventas. Then breeze past the crowds with your timed reservation to visit the magnificent Prado, one of the world's premier art museums. Here, an expert provides illuminating commentary on the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Even the 18th-century Neo-Classical building that houses the collection is stunning. Tonight we'll dine like the madrileños do during an authentic tapas evening. Classic tapas dishes include items such as tortilla española, patatas bravas, bacalao, cheeses, olives or jamón. End your meal at one of Madrid's most famous chocolaterías with a sweet Spanish treat—churros y chocolate! We'll finish our exceptional day with a stroll down to Plaza Mayor to see the artists and street performers. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday June 26: Barcelona

Depart Madrid this morning, stopping en route in Zaragoza, Aragon’s picturesque capital. The city is noted for its traditions of folklore and gastronomy as well as the Basílica del Pilar and the grand Moorish Aljafería Palace, built during the 11th century. Continue on to Barcelona for dinner. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday June 27: Barcelona

Begin your day with free time. This afternoon enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour. Our local expert will point out all the major highlights of Barcelona, including the unique Gaudí-designed houses. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia’s most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. After, you’ll be able to study the intricate design inside and out of his still-unfinished Sagrada Familia and stroll whimsical Parc Güell. After dinner perhaps walk from your hotel to take in the sights and sounds of the famous La Rambla. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday June 28: Provence

Cross the Pyrénées to France. Your first stop is the medieval city of Carcassonne, whose ramparts and towers are so well-preserved that they have been featured in movies. Then journey along the route of an old Roman road, the Via Domitia, to Provence, the first Roman province established beyond the Alps. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday June 29: Provence

This morning visit the nearby 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 explore Avignon today. View the imposing Papal Palace and Pont Saint-Bénézet (famous from the children's song). (B,D)

Day 8, Friday June 30: Nice

Journey to charming Aix-en-Provence, once home to Cézanne and Zola. See the city’s fountains, architecture and quaint center before heading south past Cézanne’s oft-painted Mont Sainte-Victoire to Nice. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday July 1: Nice

Begin your day with an walking tour of Nice led by your ACIS Tour Manager. As you explore its history and culture, enjoy the city’s many fine attractions, from the winding streets of the Old Town to dazzling Mediterranean views. This afternoon enjoy an excursion to Monaco. (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday July 2: Montecatini

Bid adieu to France as you cross into Italy and arrive in Pisa. Visit the Cathedral and marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower—the Cathedral’s bell tower. Next stop: Tuscany, a region famous for spawning giants in the fields of art and literature, including Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, Dante and Leonardo da Vinci. (B,D)

Day 11, Monday July 3: Montecatini

During today's sightseeing tour of Florence, a local guide provides commentary while showing you Brunelleschi’s splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce (where many illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo and Galileo, have been buried) and the Piazza della Signoria—the political center of the Renaissance city. Then perhaps satisfy your sweet tooth at some of the area’s best gelaterias. (B,D)

Day 12, Tuesday July 4: Rome

This morning return to Florence for your timed entrance to the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. Afterwards depart for Assisi to see the stone cell where St. Francis of Assisi lived and founded the Franciscan order of Friars. In the Basilica of St. Francis, located above his tomb, you will enjoy beautiful frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue. Enjoy dinner and continue to Rome. (B,D)

Day 13, Wednesday July 5: Rome

This morning enjoy free time and a visit of St. Peter's Basilica before a local expert accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel this afternoon, rounding out your Rome experience. Tonight do as the Romans do during a passeggiata romana with your tour manager. See the city come alive as you walk by Rome's most famous landmarks illuminated. (B,D)

Day 14, Thursday July 6: Rome

Discover Ancient Rome today with a visit inside the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide. Learn the many stories of this nearly 2,000-year-old Roman landmark that’s considered one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. Your ticket also includes entrance to the nearby Roman Forum, which once served as the city’s political and social center. Cap off your exceptional European adventure by strolling past the Spanish Steps and throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain. (B,D)

Day 15, Friday July 7: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)