Paris, Dordogne 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 28: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday March 29: 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. (D)

Day 3, Saturday March 30: Paris

Your day begins with 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. This afternoon, 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. Later on, ascend to the top of the iconic Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of Paris. Then gain a completely different perspective of the city as you enjoy a serene evening boat cruise on the Seine (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday March 31: Sarlat

Travel on the high-speed TGV to the southern city of Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world and a center for arts and culture. Here your tour manager will take you on a walking tour of this historic port city. You'll have time to grab lunch before the drive to the Dordogne, a picturesque region of France named after the river that runs through it. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday April 1: Sarlat

This morning experience Lascaux IV, a beautiful, interactive and immersive museum that will unlock your understanding and appreciation of this region's world-famous prehistoric cave art. Then visit a truffle farm where you will take part in a truffle hunt with dogs trained to sniff out these highly prized delicacies. After this unique experience, you'll enjoy a tasting of truffles and truffle-infused products. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday April 2: Provence

Drive through southern France en route to Provence, stopping to visit the walled city of Carcassonne, a fortified medieval town whose ramparts and towers are so well-preserved that they have been featured in movies. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday April 3: Cote d'Azur

Marvel at Roman engineering today as you visit the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct preserved in almost perfect condition. This impressive 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 through the Provençal countryside to picturesque Aix-en-Provence, hometown of Paul Cézanne. During a Be Cézanne painting lesson a local artist and Cézanne expert will teach you the great artist's techniques and explain how he helped build the artistic bridge between 19th century Impressionism and 20th century Cubism. Then put your new skills to the test and re-create one of Cézanne's masterpieces. Then admire the rugged limestone of majestic Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a favorite and frequent subject of Cézanne, as you continue to the chic Côte d'Azur for dinner. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday April 4: Cote d'Azur

Stroll the city's splendid squares, the winding alleyways of Vieux Nice and the Promenade des Anglais on your morning sightseeing tour. Later you'll drive along seaside cliffs to the village of Eze where you'll visit to the Fragonard Perfume Factory and enjoy sweeping vistas from the fragrant Jardin Exotique. Then continue on to Monaco, the glamorous home of the rich and famous. The scenic drive back to Nice will cap off a full day and an exceptional week. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday April 5: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)