8 days The Treasures of France including Normandy ( Summer 2018 )
Explore centuries of French heritage as you cross the valleys and vineyards of the north in search of beauty and to mourn the tragedy of war. Visit Joan of Arc's Rouen, the D-Day landing beach at Omaha and marvel at the architecture and masterpieces of France's most famous fairy-tale châteaux before visiting vibrant Paris and soaking up its joie de vivre.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Paris | Bienvenue! The City of Light welcomes you as you prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey experiencing the treasures of France. Join your fellow travellers and Travel Director this evening for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive to admire the glittering cityscape of Paris - past grand boulevards, charming lanes and iconic sites like the Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Hotel Evergreen Laurel Meals Welcome Reception |
| 2 | Paris – Rouen – Honfleur – Bayeux ( 2 nights ) | This morning, we depart Paris and venture to the city of Rouen, the tragic site where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. We travel to the enchanting harbour town of Honfleur - its cobblestone lanes and colourful shopfronts have long attracted artists who have immortalised its charm on canvas. Arriving in Bayeux, we visit the fascinating Tapestry Museum and see the Bayeux Tapestry depicting events before and during the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This evening we dine at our hotel. Hotel Novotel Meals Buffet Breakfast Dinner with wine |
| 3 | Full day Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches including Omaha Beach and Juno Beach | Pay tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives on the D-Day Landing Beaches of Omaha and Juno and imagine the sense of terror and triumph that was felt the fateful day the Allied forces set foot on mainland Europe to win back its freedom. We stop for lunch in the seaside setting of Arromanches, once at the heart of the Normandy landings, before visiting the poignant D-Day Museum and the bunkers and Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 4 | Bayeux – Mont St. Michel | This morning travel to the fortified island town of Mont St. Michel. Join a Local Specialist for a fascinating tour of Mont St. Michel's medieval Benedictine Abbey which legend has it was built after the Archangel Michael appeared to the Bishop of Avranches inspiring him to build a church atop the island that juts into the English Channel. Consider an Optional Experience to the historic walled port city of Saint Malo, once the home of famous French explorer, Jacques Cartier. Hotel La Relais Du Roy Meals Buffet Breakfast Dinner with wine |
| 5 | Mont St. Michel – Loire Valley (2 nights) | Meander through the scenic countryside, stopping for a memorable Be My Guest experience including wine tasting and a light meal, at a picturesque 17th century château set within beautiful gardens. We journey to the Loire Valley where we will spend the next two nights. Hotel Novotel Amboise/Holiday Inn Blois Meals Buffet Breakfast Be My Guest Dining |
| 6 | Châteaux Excursion | We spend our day admiring the beautiful chateaux of the Loire Valley and join a Local Specialist for a visit to the exquisite Amboise Royal Château, where King François I hosted Leonard da Vinci, whose tomb now lies in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert adjoining the château. We continue with a fascinating visit to Chenonceau, a fairy-tale château built on the River Cher. Its beautiful Gothic and Renaissance 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 influenced its construction and development. Today it contains priceless collections including Renaissance furniture, tapestries and masterpieces by Rubens and Tintoretto. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 7 | Loire Valley - Chambord - Paris | Our first stop today is the royal Château de Chambord of King François I, regarded as one of the world's most remarkable châteaux with its exquisite Italian Renaissance architecture and decorative moat. We journey back to Paris this afternoon and spend the rest of our day in the City of Light with free time to take in some of the sights. Celebrate with your Travel Director and newfound friends this evening at a Farewell Dinner with local wines at a Parisian bistro. Hotel Renaissance La Defense Meals Buffet Breakfast Farewell Dinner |
| 8 | Depart Paris | For now it's time to say a sad au revoir to France and your fellow travellers at the end of a memorable trip. Transfers are available. Conditions apply. Meals Buffet Breakfast |