Cultures of the Mediterranean

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 20: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday March 21: Barcelona

Arrive in Barcelona, meet your ACIS Tour Manager, and begin to explore this historic city. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it’s known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture, from Gothic to modernist. Perhaps take in the Picasso Museum, home to more than 3,000 works by the famous artist, or visit the city’s intriguing Maritime Museum. (D)

Day 3, Sunday March 22: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Our local expert will provide commentary, via personal headsets, on all the major highlights of Barcelona including the unique Gaudí-designed houses. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia’s most notable sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. After, you’ll be able to study the intricate design inside and out of his still-unfinished Sagrada Familia and stroll whimsical Parc Güell. Take a walk down La Rambla this evening and experience the brightly lit, bustling atmosphere of Plaça de Catalunya. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday March 23: 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. Then journey along the route of an old Roman road, the Via Domitia, to Provence, the first Roman province established beyond the Alps. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 24: Nice

Visit Avignon, home to stunning architecture and a beautiful example of a fully walled city. Explore the town and enjoy entrance to the imposing Papal Palace (the city temporarily replaced Rome as the Papacy seat during the 1300s), including the provision of interactive Histopads that use augmented reality to enhance your discovery and knowledge of this historic monument. Then visit the famous Pont Saint-Bénezet. Continue to the French Riviera for the night. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 25: Nice

Today we'll introduce you to the romantic sights of Vieux Nice during an orientation tour 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. Enjoy time this afternoon to soak up more of the Mediterranean culture of the Côte d'Azur at your own pace. Then practice your sporting French vocabulary with local experts who teach you how to play the traditional French game pétanque. Similar to lawn bowling, the sport dates back to the early 1900s. Tonight, perhaps take an evening stroll along the waterfront. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 26: Paris

This morning take a short internal flight to Paris, City of Light. Afternoon sightseeing with a local expert shows you the city’s most impressive monuments, from the magnificent Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées to the massive Les Invalides (where Napoleon is buried) to the Gothic façade of Notre Dame. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 27: Paris

Enjoy a half-day excursion to Louis XIV's palace at Versailles. Your visit includes the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed. After wandering about the exquisite and intensely manicured gardens on two feet, hop on two wheels and explore the palace's surroundings beyond the gardens on a Versailles by bike tour. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday March 28: Paris

This morning is free to explore Paris at your leisure. Don't forget to stop at a pâtisserie and pick up some of the pastries that make France so famous! Or how about catching up on your last-minute shopping at the Galeries Lafayette or window shopping down the exclusive Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré? This afternoon visit the Louvre. (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday March 29: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)