MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS
- Be mesmerized by the ever-changing colors of Monet’s Garden in Giverny.
- Ponder history at Normandy's Memorial Peace Museum and Omaha Beach Cemetery.
- Explore Chenonceau Castle, the Renaissance country residence of the French Royals.
CULINARY INCLUSIONS
- Savor local flavors during dinner at a traditional French restaurant.
- Delight in a tour and tasting at a local winery.
- Enjoy an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring delicious cuisine and breathtaking views.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
- Visit the private apartments of King Louis the Great in the Royal Palace of Versailles.
- Enjoy 2 nights at your 15th-century castle accommodations at the Château de Beauvois.
- Admire famous landmarks while cruising along the River Seine in Paris.
HOTELS
- Le Louis Versailles Chateau - MGallery, Versailles
- Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance, Caen
- Le Grand Bé Hotel, Saint-Malo
- Relais de Chambord, Loire Valley
- Hyatt Regency Étoile, Paris
INCLUDED
- 12 Days
- 11 Nights
- 10 Breakfasts
- 1 Lunch
- 5 Dinners
Overnight Flight
Embark on your journey through France. Bask in the rich history, art, culture and romance of its celebrated cities and charming towns.
Versailles, France - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the royal borough of Versailles. Celebrate the beginning of your voyage with a savory French dinner in the culturally rich town of Versailles.
Versailles - Royal Palace and Gardens
Start your day with an exploration of the iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO). A guide leads you through the Private Apartments of King Louis XIV, the Sun King, who transformed his father’s hunting lodge into the resplendent seat of the Royal Court. Continue your visit independently through the lavish State Apartments. From the prominent Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the queen, take in Versailles’ most famous sights at your own pace. This afternoon your explorations continue in the palace’s grandiose formal gardens, where the Baroque fountains regularly spout water to the tune of classical music.*
Versailles - Giverny - Caen
Journey into Normandy and let the art scene leave its impression on you with a visit to Monet’s countryside home at Giverny.** Stroll through the colorful living work of art that is Monet’s garden, where you’ll see the source for the artist’s inspiration, including the setting for his iconic Waterlilies. Then, set off through the rich pasturelands of Normandy to the city of Caen, your home for the next 2 nights.
Caen - D-Day Landing Sites - Caen
This morning visit Omaha Beach and stop at the Normandy American Cemetery & Visitor Center. See the stars and stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy. Then, walk through Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial and see where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position. Next, make your way to Sainte Mère Eglise, the heart of the American Airborne operations on D-Day, and visit its parachute-shaped Airborne Museum.
Caen - Peace Memorial - Saint-Malo
Your exploration of the D-Day Landing Sites continues today with a visit to Juno Beach and to Arromanche-les-Bain, to see the remains of the artificial Mulberry port built by the Allies to resupply their lines during the liberation of France. Conclude the morning with a visit to the Caen Memorial Peace Museum, built to commemorate those who died in the epic Battle of Normandy in 1944. Then it’s off to Saint-Malo, Brittany’s famous coastal village. Immerse yourself in the beautiful beaches, striking blue water, and views of the fortified Old Town. Tonight, enjoy a freshly prepared local dinner.
Saint-Malo - Le Mont St. Michel - Saint-Malo
Travel to Le Mont St. Michel*** (UNESCO), the “Wonder of the West.” Resting on the border between Normandy and Brittany, this world-famous pilgrimage site sits on the edge of the sea and becomes an island at high tide. Take in the breathtaking views as you stroll through the old village at the base of the Abbey before exploring one of the most beautiful monastic complexes in France, dating back to the 11th century. Return to Saint-Malo and enjoy time to relax or explore independently.
Saint-Malo - Chinon - Loire Valley
Journey south to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO site brimming with châteaux and parks. Arrive in the medieval village of Chinon. Joan of Arc first met young Charles VII here and shared her vision that he would defeat the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Visit the market, abundant with fresh produce, flowers and local products, and take time to enjoy lunch along the banks of the Vienne River. Next, tour a local winery and discover some of the Loire Valley’s best wines. This afternoon, feel like royalty when you arrive at your 15th-century castle accommodations at the Château de Beauvois. Delve into the history of this site frequented by King Louis XIII as you enjoy some leisure time to explore the grounds or relax on the château’s charming terrace. This evening, delight in gourmet French cuisine in the opulent dining room of your château.
Loire Valley - Amboise - Loire Valley
Explore the spectacular Château de Chenonceau at your own pace. Perched along the banks of the Cher River, this romantic castle is a jewel of Renaissance architecture. Head to the picturesque center of Amboise. Enjoy free time for exploring and getting to know the local culture.
Loire Valley - Paris
Travel the French countryside to France’s capital, the City of Light – Paris. Pause for lunch at a modern bistro, before gliding under romantic bridges during a scenic cruise along the Seine River. Take in the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, and Île Saint-Louis peaking at you from the Banks of the Seine (UNESCO). As your day comes to a close, make the most of an evening at leisure in this incredibly walkable, world-famous city. Perhaps you will enjoy an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin**** for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.
Paris
This morning, it’s your choice! Take in the most iconic sights of Paris on a panoramic city tour. With your local guide, see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Place de la Concorde -OR- step into the shoes of a local and navigate Le Métro on your way to the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre and its iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Take advantage of a free afternoon to write your own story in romantic Paris. This evening, celebrate the conclusion of your French voyage during an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring French cuisine and panoramic views of the City of Light.
Paris - Tour Ends
Set out for home with many magnificent memories.
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