Insider's France and Italy

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, Tuesday June 24: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Wednesday June 25: Paris

Your ACIS Tour Manager greets you with a Bienvenue! Paris, known as the “City of Light” for its role as a center of education and culture during the Enlightenment, greets you today. Venture out into the city and try a café au lait. (D)

Day 3, Thursday June 26: Paris

Today's guided sightseeing tour shows you the magnificent Arc de Triomphe, Napoleon's final resting place at Les Invalides and the Gothic wonder of Notre Dame. Later, 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. This afternoon, ascend to the top of the iconic Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of Paris. (B,D)

Day 4, Friday June 27: Provence

Learn the secret behind the French culinary mastery of baking during this morning’s École de Boulangerie class for aspiring boulangers and pastry chefs. Under the direction of an instructor, you’ll learn to make a brioche and leave with a sample to enjoy. Use this snack as a basis for assembling a picnic lunch to bring aboard the afternoon high-speed TGV train to Provence. (B,D)

Day 5, Saturday June 28: Nice

Explore beautiful Avignon on foot this morning. Entrance is included to the imposing Palais des Papes and the famous Pont Saint-Bénezet (feel free to dance sur le pont if you’d like). Then journey through the Provençal countryside to Aix-en-Provence where you’ll have a chance to Be Cézanne in the town in which he was born and lived. At a local atelier, learn about the great artist’s techniques and put your new skills to the test, re-creating one of his masterpieces. Continue to the glamorous seaside town of Nice. (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday June 29: Nice

Stroll the city's splendid squares and the winding alleyways of old Nice on your morning sightseeing tour. Later, you'll drive along seaside cliffs to the village of Eze for a visit to the fragrant Jardin Exotique and the Fragonard Perfume Factory. During a perfume making workshop, learn what it's like to be an official “nose” and come away with a bottle of your own creation. Return to Nice for dinner. (B,D)

Day 7, Monday June 30: Florence

This morning travel from the French to the Italian Riviera. Visit Pisa to see its famous Leaning Tower and tour the cathedral before continuing to Florence. Tonight, we’ll stroll out to see the iconic Ponte Vecchio, with its bustling shops all lit up at night. The gold shops that line this famous bridge have plenty of beautiful things to tempt you. (B,D)

Day 8, Tuesday July 1: Rome

Find out why Florence is considered the “Cradle of the Renaissance.”. During today's sightseeing tour a local guide provides commentary while showing you Brunelleschi's splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors, Ponte Vecchio and the Piazza della Signoria—the political center of the Renaissance city. Breeze by the crowds with your own timed entrance to the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. Later journey south to Rome. (B,D)

Day 9, Wednesday July 2: Rome

Rome is called “The Eternal City” because the ancient Romans believed that no matter what empires rose and fell, Rome would endure forever. Today's panoramic drive of the city is a great introduction to the many phases of Roman history. Our local expert accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. The best part is that these are timed reservations, meaning you'll zip right by the long lines facing other tourists. In the afternoon, you'll 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 a pizza dinner the way it is meant to be: authentic and Roman. We finish the week by partaking once more in the fine art of the Italian passeggiata with an evening stroll to Piazza Navona. (B,D)

Day 10, Thursday July 3: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)