Nice, Provence and Lyon with Libby

Day 1, Friday July 30: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday July 31: Nice

Arrive in Nice, meet your ACIS Tour Manager Libby and begin to settle in. Your adventure will start with an orientation walk led by Libby along the Mediterranean Sea and into the historical Old Town. (D)

Day 3, Sunday August 1: Nice

This morning we'll walk in the footsteps of artists. Drive to the seaside resort of Cagnes-sur-Mer for a visit to Renoir's family home, Les Collettes, nestled in hillside olive groves and overlooking the Baie d'Antibes. Then continue to St. Paul de Vence, the picture-perfect medieval hill town where fellow painter Chagall found inspiration and is buried. Enjoy time there to get lunch and to explore the pedestrian cobbled streets, boutiques and cafes. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday August 2: Nice

Today starts with a fragrant visit to Nice's world-famous Marche aux Fleurs. Flowers, produce and artisanal wares line the long Cours Saleya pedestrian street—a feast for all the senses! Then the afternoon is yours to explore more of Nice at your own pace. Perhaps continue yesterday's theme at museums dedicated to Chagall, Matisse or contemporary art. Or relax on the beach, see the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, go shopping or walk up to the park on Castle Hill for panoramic views. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday August 3: Nimes

Journey to the stunning Mediterranean fishing village of Cassis and take a a scenic boat cruise along the coast to view the limestone Calanques—high gorge-like rock formations that reach deep down into the crystal waters below. Then continue through the Provençal countryside to Aix-en-Provence for a walking tour with Libby. Enjoy free time to take in more of the beauty here that inspired Cézanne before arriving at today's final destination of Nîmes. An evening walk around the city's illuminated Roman monuments introduces you to the its history. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday August 4: Nimes

Hop over to Arles this morning for a visit to the weekly market. This enormous Provençal trading spot highlights everything from lavender and truffles, to fabrics, to handmade ceramics and jewelry. Then a walking tour of this ancient city with your tour manager shows you where Van Gogh painted Starry Night and includes a visit to the fabulous Ancient Roman Museum of Arles and the Roman Arena. In the afternoon drive to breathtaking Les Baux de Provence. An 11th to 13th century fortress crowns this craggy hilltop with its labyrinth of twisting tiny streets. Then take in a wonderfully unique artistic experience at the Carrières de Lumières, where huge moving artists' images are choreographed to music on the walls of the limestone quarry caves from where Les Baux's building stones were extracted. Later return to Nîmes. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday August 5: Lyon

Drive to Avignon, City of the Popes, for a walking tour with your tour manager. Take a hike across the Rhône River to experience the much less visited medieval Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Then continue to the extraordinary prehistoric Chauvet Cave where you will see wall paintings that are over 30,000 years old! Later you'll travel north to Lyon for an early evening arrival and check-in at your hotel. After dinner, get your first taste of this historic and gourmet city during an orientation walk. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday August 6: Lyon

Discover the city during this morning's expertly guided sightseeing tour on foot of the medieval and Renaissance Vieux Lyon, the oldest district. The tour will show you its narrow paved streets, silk trade history, traboules (secret covered passageways) and gorgeous Gothic Cathedral. Cross bridges over the Rhône and the Saône Rivers, view their confluence and finish at the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon for an inside visit. You'll have time to shop, find lunch and explore more at your own pace this afternoon. Perhaps enjoy the botanical gardens of Tête d'Or park or seek out a gourmet food market. Tonight's highlight is a traditional Bouchon Lyonnais dinner featuring dishes classic to Lyon's cuisine. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday August 7: Lyon

Today drive toward the French Alps for a full-day excursion to the fairy tale Alpine lakeside gem of Annecy, known for its Old Town, cobbled streets and pastel colored houses. Overlooking the city is the medieval Château d'Annecy with an excellent museum and, beyond, the snow peaked Alps surround the glistening lake. Celebrate the last day of your Southern French adventure with a traditional Alpine fondue/raclette lunch, chalet-style! Later you'll return to Lyon to enjoy your final night abroad. Lunch is included today instead of dinner. (B,L)

Day 10, Sunday August 8: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)