Paris, Provence and the Côte d'Azur

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, Thursday March 25: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday March 26: Paris

Bienvenue à Paris! Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and get acquainted with this graceful city's cobblestoned streets, charming cafés and vibrant neighborhoods. Paris is called the “City of Light” for its role as a center of education during the Age of Enlightenment (it was also one the first cities to adopt streetlights). After settling in, immerse yourself in local culture by practicing your French with painters and vintage book sellers along the storied Seine. You may choose to visit Notre Dame. (D)

Day 3, Saturday March 27: Paris

Today includes a guided sightseeing tour that takes you past some of the most famous attractions in Paris. Your expert local guide will show you the magnificent Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, Napoleon's final resting place at Les Invalides and the Gothic wonder of Notre Dame. Also, at some point during your stay in Paris, you’ll visit the Louvre at a time scheduled to best maximize your experience. 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 it is home to a collection of 35,000 works of art from around the world. A timed entrance will let you breeze by the crowds, and insightful commentary from your local guide will highlight the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo and more as you wander through the galleries. Tonight, you may wish to walk around Montmartre. This cultural and artistic district is worth the visit for the bustling energy of the artists and hipsters as well as the stunning views of the City of Light. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday March 28: Paris

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Versailles to visit the intricate gardens and stunning palaces of the Sun King, Louis the XIV. Your visit includes the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and Marie Antoinette's Hameau and Petit Trianon. Don't worry if you don't have time to cover every room of this vast palace, the best stuff is in the gardens and grounds: all 1,976-acre gardens, 200,000 trees, 50 fountains and 620 jets of water worth. After wandering about the exquisite and intensely manicured gardens on two feet, hop on two wheels and experience Versailles by bike, exploring the palace's surroundings beyond the gardens. Then return to Paris and ascend to the third floor of the Eiffel Tower for views over this magnificent city. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday March 29: Paris

Your day begins with a visit to Musée de l'Homme. Spend your free afternoon at Galeries Lafayette or strolling one of Paris' lovely parks or gardens. This evening your taste buds will be treated to a French classic, a crêpe dinner. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday March 30: Provence

This morning journey to Avignon on the high-speed TGV train. View the imposing Papal Palace and Pont Saint-Bénézet (famous from the children's song). You'll also visit the nearby 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. Continue to Nîmes, a city full of Roman history and known for textiles. In fact, denim, the fabric of blue jeans, derives its name from Nîmes. Get to know the city and its Roman Arena with an audio-guided tour. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday March 31: Nice

Today visit Aigues-Mortes, known for its authentic medieval ramparts and salt marsh (we visit both). Keep an eye out for flamingos and Provençal cowboys in this unique Camargue region. Continue on to Nice, the Côte d'Azur's cosmopolitan capital. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday April 1: Nice

Begin your day with 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. Then it's time to practice your sporting French vocabulary with local experts who teach you how to play the traditional French game pétanque. Similar to lawn bowling, the sport dates back to the early 1900s. Then enjoy an excursion to the hilltop village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, home of the painter Marc Chagall. Return to Nice for the evening. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday April 2: Nice

This morning drive along the corniche to the perched village of Eze with its castle ruins and steep streets. Enjoy sweeping vistas from the fragrant Jardin Exotique and tour the Fragonard Perfume Factory. Spend you free afternoon on the Riviera, relaxing and enjoying the sun. (B,D)

Day 10, Saturday April 3: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of the French Riviera with an extra night in Nice, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager. (B)