Panoramas of Italy and France

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 March 5: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday March 6: Rome

Benvenuti in Italia! After meeting your ACIS Tour Manager and settling in to your hotel in bustling, historic Rome, practice your language skills by ordering una coppa gelato and enjoy people-watching in one of the city's stunning piazzas. (D)

Day 3, Sunday March 7: Rome

Today enjoy a great introduction to the many phases of Roman history. A local expert accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica. The best part is that these are timed entrances, meaning you'll breeze right by the long lines facing other tourists. Then go inside the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide (another line-avoiding timed reservation) and 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 if your group has time. Tonight enjoy an authentic brick-oven Roman pizza dinner and learn the art of the Italian passeggiata romana around Piazza Navona. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday March 8: Florence

Depart Rome and drive to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. Today's sightseeing tour with a local guide shows you the splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors and the Piazza della Signoria—the political center of this picturesque city. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 9: Nice

Travel across the Tuscan landscape to Pisa. Visit the Cathedral and marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower (the Cathedral's bell tower) before continuing on to Nice in the heart of the French Riviera. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 10: Nice

Begin the day with a walking tour of Nice that includes strolling the lovely Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon discover the city's hidden gems from a different perspective during a bicycle tour showcasing areas such as the port, Place Garibaldi, Place Massena and the Old Town. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 11: Provence

Journey to the picturesque Provence region, where you'll marvel at the 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, architectural techniques and more in the excellent on-site museum. 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 8, Friday March 12: Paris

Board a high-speed TGV train to Paris, the City of Light. Spend your afternoon on 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. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday March 13: Paris

This morning, 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. Then enjoy an afternoon to explore more of Paris's bohemian neighborhoods or world-renowned museums at your own pace. Tonight's final highlight is a scenic evening boat ride along the Seine. You may opt to upgrade your Seine experience with an illuminated dinner cruise, reveling in traditional French cuisine and music as you serenely glide past some of the city's most notable landmarks. C'est magnifique! (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday March 14: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)