Nice, Provence and Lyon

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: Nice

Bienvenue en France! Relax and get aquainted with the French Riviera. (D)

Day 3, Sunday March 7: Nice

Begin your day with an orientation tour of Nice 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 you'll learn from local experts how to play the traditional French game pétanque before trying your hand in a mini-tournament. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday March 8: Provence

Drive to Aix-en-Provence in the morning and discover the beauty that makes this city a favorite sojourn for painters. Artists from a local atelier will teach you the techniques of painting during a Be Cézanne workshop. They will also provide canvases and materials for you to be inspired, as he was, to paint your own masterpiece. You will admire the rugged limestone of majestic Mont Sainte-Victoire, a favorite and frequent subject of Cézanne, as you work. Later, continue to your hotel in Provence for the evening. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 9: Provence

This morning drive to Nîmes, a city full of Roman history and known for its textile history. 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, then dive even more deeply into the Gallo-Roman period of history with a visit to the Musée de la Romanité. 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. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 10: Lyon

Today journey to Lyon and begin to discover the city during this afternoon's expertly guided sightseeing tour of Vieux Lyon, the oldest district. The tour will show you its narrow paved streets, traboules (secret covered passageways) and gorgeous Gothic Cathedral. This afternoon visit the Musée des Confluences, whose collections span across science and anthropology to tell the story and history of mankind and life on Earth. Located in the revitalized former industrial docks area at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the museum is noted for its striking metal and glass structure. Tonight's highlight is a traditional Bouchon Lyonnais dinner featuring dishes classic to Lyon's cuisine. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 11: Lyon

A gorgeous view of the entire city awaits from the hilltop district of Fourvière, reached by funicular. Then observe remnants of Lyon's Roman legacy at the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls and the Odeon, built during the 2nd century. This afternoon enjoy a hands-on cooking class that teaches you to make dishes traditional to the local Lyonnaise cuisine, then enjoy your creations for Lunch. As the final immersion experience of the journey, this memorable culinary experience brings together language, culture, and gastronomy, offering a fitting conclusion to your exploration of French life and traditions.(B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 12: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)