DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for France

Depart for France!

DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Paris

Bonjour! Welcome to Paris, the magnificent "City Of Light;" transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and enjoy the endless delights of this city on the Seine. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with the Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM followed by a light dinner at a local restaurant. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4PM.

Overnight: Paris
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Friday - Paris City Tour, Louvre Museum, Vintage Car Ride

Get acquainted with Paris today as you drive along the impressive Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. Continue to "Rive Gauche," the celebrated Left Bank where artists, philosophers, and writers in a bygone era flourished in the artistic community at Montparnasse, including Picasso, Matisse, Hemingway and more. Visit the Louvre Museum, one of the most famous in Paris. Housed in a former royal palace, it showcases a vast collection of iconic masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Saturday - Champagne Region

Today, travel to the heart of the famed Champagne region with its magnificent stretches of vineyards as far as the eye can see. This historic province, formerly ruled by the counts of Champagne, is best known for the sparkling white wine that bears its name. Drive along the elegant Avenue de Champagne, in Epernay, home to many of the world's most celebrated Champagne houses. Visit one of the wine cellars and enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant. Learn more about the champagne process and savor tastings of this expensive delight. Then, on to Reims with its magnificent Gothic cathedral adorned with striking stained glass windows, where many of France's kings were crowned. Return to Paris and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. You might choose to admire views of the illuminated monuments as you walk along the Seine or just linger at a trendy bistro to enjoy fine wine and a delectable dinner
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5, Sunday - Giverny, Lecture with World War II Historian

Today, a scenic drive takes you to Giverny*, home of Claude Monet, one of the world's greatest impressionist painters. Walk through the tranquil gardens that inspired many of his masterpieces, including his famous "Water Lilies" series of paintings. Have lunch nearby on the site of a charming 18th century water mill. This afternoon, enter the Normandy region and head to the popular seaside resort of Cabourg for overnight. After dinner tonight, meet a World War II historian who will help you gain a greater understanding about D-Day and the beaches where the Allied forces landed 75 years ago
*Giverny will be closed for renovations in November, therefore the itinerary is subject to change.
Overnight: Normandy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Monday - World War II Memorial Museum, Normandy Beach, American Cemetery

This morning, visit the historic beaches in Normandy. The first stop is at the WWII Memorial Museum, a stirring monument to peace, with its detailed chronology of the events that took place in this region during WWII. View the many exhibits and walk through the American, British and Canadian Gardens dedicated to the three main allied nations involved in liberating France. Continue to the Ranger Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Finish today's exploration of Normandy's historic sites with the cherished American Cemetery on Omaha Beach, a vision that will forever be embedded in your memory. Return to your hotel for overnight
Overnight: Normandy
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Tuesday - Mont St. Michel, St. Malo

This morning you then leave Normandy and head toward the rugged coast of northwestern France. It's a dramatic moment when you have your first glimpse in the distance of magnificent Mont St. Michel. Built on an isolated island in the gulf of Saint-Malo, this structure is considered one of the "wonders of the world," and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reached by a causeway, the lower towers and medieval sea wall protect a small village, capped magnificently by the commanding Abbey dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Prior to the completion of the causeway, Mont St. Michel was on an isolated island that pilgrims approached, knowing that the dangerous tides could sweep in at any time. Then, drive along the coast to the beautiful city of St. Malo in Brittany; its maze of medieval streets is bursting with history. The legacy of its 19th century pirates and seafaring past is a story told by generations of sailors. Walk along the cobbled streets of the Old Town and enjoy dinner tonight at a charming restaurant
Overnight: St. Malo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Wednesday - Angers, Saumur

Depart St. Malo on your journey to the gorgeous Loire Valley, brimming with treasures waiting to be discovered. For centuries, royalty and nobility built their magnificent chateaux in this valley, inspired by the lush forests and rich farmlands. Pause at the surprising Angers castle, home of the stirring 14th century Apocalypse Tapestry. Next, a chance to sample the local wine with a stop in riverside Saumur. Travel to a lovely chateau hotel in the Loire Valley, your home for the next two nights. Tonight, dinner is at the chateau's dining room
Overnight: Loire Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Thursday - Chateau de Chenonceau, Chateau d'Amboise

Spend another day exploring the stunning Loire Valley with its splendid chateaux. The first stop is at Chateau de Chenonceau, a jewel of Renaissance architecture, stretching over the River Cher. Walk through its extravagantly furnished rooms and traditional formal gardens, added during the time of Henry II, by his mistress Diane de Poitiers. Then, an unusual visit to a cave restaurant, nestled in the valley for wine tasting and lunch. Afterward, on to the Royal Chateau d' Amboise, with its commanding views of the river, most closely associated with King François I who brought Leonardo da Vinci to his court. The tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his final years in Amboise, lies in the chapel of the chateau. Later, time to relax before dinner this evening
Overnight: Loire Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Friday - Blois, Chambord, Chartres Cathedral

The day begins with Blois, a royal town packed with lively streets, beautiful paved squares and charming cafes where you visit the extraordinary chateau, once home to Louis XII and François I. Then, on to view the fairytale Chateau de Chambord, Loire's largest residence, built in the 16th century for King François I. Next, arrive in Chartres, home to the greatest Gothic cathedral in France. Originally built in 1020, the cathedral contains the sacred Veil of the Virgin relic and astonishing stained glass windows. Conclude the day in Versailles. Best known as the site of the vast royal palace and gardens built by King Louis XIV. The rest of the day is at leisure to immerse yourself in these beautiful surroundings
Overnight: Versailles
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Saturday - Palace of Versailles and Gardens

Enter the Palace of Versailles this morning to view the lavish apartments of King Louis XIV and the extravagant Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed at the end of World War I. The splendid interiors of Versailles were envied and copied by royalty throughout Europe. Walk through the beautiful gardens with its spectacular fountains, a gorgeous fusion of nature, sculpture, music and water, designed by Andre Le Notre, the blueprint of French gardens throughout the world. Tonight, at dinner, share memories of your journey in France and bid au revoir to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Versailles
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Sunday - Depart France

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Package Includes:

Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
Round trip flights
Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
10 nights First Class accommodations
3 nights Paris
2 nights Normandy
1 night St. Malo
2 nights Loire Valley
2 nights Versailles
Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
Hotel porterage
All airport transfers included
19 meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
Coffee and tea with all meals. Wine is incl. with lunch & dinner
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
Services of local English-speaking tour manager throughout
Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees
Active itinerary with unique cultural features

Is this trip right for you?

This is a active, escorted tour with a more intimate experience. Our small group will cover a lot of ground each day. Expect to spend two to three hours on your feet during tours. The pace is moderate. Some of our tours require walking over uneven surfaces. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. This itinerary includes a mix of city and countryside sightseeing. The longest day spent on the bus is between St. Malo and the Loire Valley with about three and a half hours in total.