TREASURES OF FRANCE 9 DAYS FROM $2,025 US Details
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Unearth the treasures of northern France. See the landmarks of Paris and the historic landing beaches at Normandy. Discover Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Explore breathtaking castles at Chenonceau and Chambord, and the beautiful stained glass at Chartres Cathedral.
Highlights: Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, Normandy, Bayeux, Mont St. Michel, Chenonceau, Amboise, Chambord, Chartres
Day 1 DEPART USA Overnight flight to Paris.
Day 2 ARRIVE PARIS Welcome to France! Relax and unwind after your journey or take some time to explore the City of Light. Tonight, meet for a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers and Travel Director. Later enjoy an orientation drive which will introduce some of the sights of this magical city to you. Meal(s): (Welcome Reception) Hotel: Mövenpick Hotel Paris Neuilly (F)
Day 3 PARIS - ROUEN - HONFLEUR - BAYEUX Your morning sightseeing tour with a Local Guide includes views of the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde and Notre Dame Cathedral. Visit the Eiffel Tower and take an elevator to the second level for panoramic views across the city. A short drive brings you to Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Visit Honfleur, a picturesque port immortalised by many artists. Arrive later in Bayeux, where you dine tonight at your hotel. Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner) Hotel: Novotel Bayeux (MF)
Day 4 BAYEUX - D-DAY LANDING BEACHES - MONT ST. MICHEL Your Travel Director provides excellent historical commentary during your visit to the D-Day landing beaches and the Omaha military cemetery. Visit the Tapestry Museum and see the Bayeux Tapestry, depicting events before and during the Battle of Hastings in 1066. You might like to finish your day with an excursion to the historic walled port town of Saint Malo, former home of French explorer, Jacques Cartier. Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner) Hotel: Le Relais Du Roy (F)
Day 5 MONT ST. MICHEL - LOIRE VALLEY - AMBOISE (2 NIGHTS) Visit the Benedictine Abbey at Mont St. Michel. Legend has it that the Archangel Michael appeared to the Bishop of Avranches, inspiring him to build an oratory on this rocky island jutting from the English Channel. Then travel south, passing by the beautiful town of Château Gontier beside the River Mayenne, en-route to the Loire Valley, renowned for its châteaux and delicious wines. Stop in the town of Azay-le-Rideau where you will enjoy a Be My Guest experience at a wine château. Meet the family who have lived here for generations and taste their wine accompanied by delicious local snacks. Arrive later at your hotel in Amboise where you dine tonight. Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast/Be My Guest/Dinner) Hotel: Novotel Amboise (F)
Day 6 CHÂTEAUX EXCURSION Your Local Guide takes you on a fascinating visit to Chenonceau, a fairy-tale château built on the River Cher. The beautiful architecture - reflected in the waters of the river - is complemented by magnificent landscaped gardens. The château is often referred to as the Ladies Castle, as a number of women have greatly influenced its construction and development. Katherine Briçonnet oversaw construction in 1513, creating one of the most remarkable castles in history. Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici contributed to the splendour by commissioning a bridge to span the river from the castle and the addition of luxurious landscaping. The Château contains priceless collections including Renaissance furniture, tapestries and numerous masterpieces by Rubens and Tintoretto, among others. Return to Amboise to visit the château where King François I spent much of his childhood with his mother, Louise of Savoy. During the first few years of his reign the château reached the pinnacle of its glory. As a guest of the King, Leonardo da Vinci came to château Amboise in December 1515 and lived and worked in the nearby Clos Lucé, connected to the château by an underground passage. Leonardo is buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert adjoining the château. Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 7 AMBOISE - CHAMBORD - CHARTRES - PARIS (2 NIGHTS) Visit Chambord, one of the most remarkable and recognisable châteaux in the world. Influenced by Italian Renaissance architecture, the château resembles a medieval stronghold incorporating classical Italian ornamental flourishes. The château was constructed by King François I as a royal hunting lodge, however, he didn't live to see it completed. Visit Chartres Cathedral, an important place of pilgrimage. Marvel at the architectural splendour featuring original stained glass windows. Continue to the glittering capital, Paris. Tonight, consider going to see a spectacular cabaret show, for which the city is internationally renowned! Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast) Hotel: Renaissance La Defense (SF)
Day 8 PARIS FREE TIME Your day is free to enjoy this magical city. You might like to shop for souvenirs and see more sights. Paris is home to a number of famous museums and galleries including the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay. Consider browsing the Left Bank or take a cruise along the Seine and appreciate this beautiful city from a different perspective. This evening, the finale of this great trip starts with an excursion to Montmartre, a district long associated with artists. Take a funicular railway to the Place du Tertre for a walking orientation of the area around the Sacre Coeur Basilica. Then celebrate with your Travel Director and newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast/Farewell Dinner)
Day 9 PARIS - USA Say 'au revoir' to France and your fellow travelers at the end of a vacation holiday. Transfers are available. Conditions apply. Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
What's Included:
Sightseeing Highlights: Paris View Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées and the Louvre with your Local Guide. Enjoy spectacular city views with an included ascent to the second level of the Eiffel Tower. Visit the artists area of Montmartre. Rouen Visit the city associated with Joan of Arc. Honfleur Visit this picturesque harbour town. Normandy Visit the D-Day landing beaches. Bayeux Visit the historic Bayeux Tapestry Museum. Mont St. Michel Visit the Benedictine Abbey. Chenonceau Visit Catherine de Medici's château with your Local Guide. Amboise Visit the château of the town where Leonardo da Vinci lived with your Local Guide. Chambord Visit the largest château in the Loire Valley. Chartres Visit the cathedral.
Insider Experiences: Be My Guest - You will be hosted by a French family in the scenic Loire Valley. Enjoy light snacks and a special tasting of delicious French wine. Local Guide in Paris and the Loire Valley. Hidden Treasure - Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
Dining: 7 hot buffet breakfasts.
Be My Guest Wine tasting and snacks in the Loire Valley.
5 evening meals including:
Welcome Reception including light snacks and Welcome Drinks with your Travel Director in Paris.
3 three-course dinners with local wine.
Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant in Paris.
Travel Highlights: First Class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities.
All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and an on-board restroom.
The services of a professional Travel Director throughout your journey.
Audio Headsets Provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
A travel wallet with your documentation.
Complimentary keepsake photo.
DEPARTURE
DATES April- October
PRICES From approx $2,025 US per person
double
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