Via Aurelia

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, Saturday June 14: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Sunday June 15: Barcelona

¡Bienvenidos a España! Meet your ACIS Tour Manager in Barcelona, capital of Catalonia and Spain's second largest city. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it's known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture from Gothic to Modernist. Take time to wander the old town and acquaint yourself with this vibrant culture, including an evening stroll down the famous La Rambla. (D)

Day 3, Monday June 16: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Your local guide will point out the major highlights of Barcelona, from the Gothic Quarter to the unique Gaudí designs along the Passeig de Gràcia, and will make a stop outside his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia's most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. Later, stroll through his whimsical Parc Güell for a sweeping view over the city, and also enjoy a visit inside one of the city's unique Gaudí-designed houses, either Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. Then you'll learn about one of Spain's most enduring traditions—flamenco dancing. An expert teaches you the moves to this traditional and passionate Spanish art form during your flamenco lesson Flamenco Lesson in Barcelona Strap on your dancing shoes and celebrate the festive and colorful tradition of flamenco dancing. A local expert will instruct you in the basic steps of a traditional dance as you hit the floor yourself and groove to the rhythmic strums of flamenco guitar. Olé!

Close . (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday June 17: Provence

Cross the Pyrénées to France. Your first stop is the medieval city of Carcassonne, whose ramparts and towers are so well-preserved that they have been featured in movies. Continue through vineyards to Provence. (B,D)

Day 5, Wednesday June 18: Nice

Explore the Roman Empire's influence on France today with a visit to the 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. Next up is the city of Arles, noted for its Roman Arena and Theater, which you will have a chance to explore. Then continue to Nice, the Queen of the Riviera. (B,D)

Day 6, Thursday June 19: Nice

Drive to the beautiful clifftop village of Eze this morning, where you'll learn about the local art of perfume making on your visit to the Jardin Exotique and Fragonard Perfume Factory. After a scenic drive back in Nice, discover the city's hidden gems from a different perspective this afternoon during a bicycle tour Nice by Bike Lace up your sneakers and hop aboard a bike for a panoramic tour of Nice on two wheels. Sightseeing by bicycle is a fun way to travel like the locals do as you get close to the city's most famous cultural attractions—whether you wind through the streets of the Old Town, glide past the market, people-watch along the Promenade des Anglais, marvel at the Port's luxury yachts or discover an off the beaten path church or art installation.
Bicycle helmets are available and encouraged for use by all participants.

Close showcasing areas such as the port, Place Garibaldi, Place Massena and the Old Town. (B,D)

Day 7, Friday June 20: Florence

Follow the coast to Italy, where you'll visit Pisa and see its Leaning Tower and Cathedral. Continue to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance, so called for its role as the center of the rebirth of arts and culture after the Dark Ages. Stroll the streets from where Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci drew inspiration. (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday June 21: Rome

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. Then head to Rome to end your day. (B,D)

Day 9, Sunday June 22: 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 carefully-selected 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 fly right by the long lines. 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. Celebrate a unique and exceptional week with an authentic Roman pizza dinner and the fine Italian art of the evening stroll known as a passeggiata romana to the Piazza Navona. (B,D)

Day 10, Monday June 23: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of la dolce vita with an extra night in Rome, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager. (B)