DAY 1: Depart for France
|
DAY 2: Arrive in Paris
- Arrive in Paris, the "City of Lights" and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
- Overnight: Paris
|
DAY 3: Chartres, Chambord, Wine Tasting, Loire Valley
- After breakfast, begin your tour with a visit to Chartres, home to the great Gothic Chartres Cathedral. Originally built in 1020, the cathedral contains the sacred Veil of the Virgin relic and a world-renowned collection of stained glass windows. Depart Chartres and travel to the Chateau de Chambord, in the Loire Valley. Chambord was built for Francois I in the 16th century by 1,800 men and master masons. After a photo stop, continue for a wine tasting before heading to the hotel in Tours. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
- Overnight: Tours
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
|
DAY 4: Loire Valley
- Spend the full day in the Loire Valley exploring the nearby sights. Travel to Chateau de Chenonceau. Stretching across the river Cher, the chateau boasts a 197-foot gallery, built over a series of arches. Take some time to explore the extravagantly furnished rooms and formal gardens, added by the mistress of Henry II, Diane de Poitiers. Also, visit the Royal Chateau dAmboise for a guided tour. The castle is most closely associated with King Francois I who introduced the Renaissance to France and brought Leonardo da Vinci to his court. The artist is buried in the chapel. Return to Tours in the early evening
- Overnight: Tours
- Meal: Breakfast
|
DAY 5: Mont St. Michel, Bayeux Tapestry, Normandy
- Depart northwards today to the iconic Mont St. Michel, rising from the sea on a mighty rock. Cross the causeway by shuttle and browse the narrow streets and admire the views of the surrounding bay, with time for lunch on your own in this charming town. One of Frances most recognizable landmarks, the fortified town is crowned by the 10th century abbey. Continue to Bayeux and step back in time to a historic battle and see the intricate Bayeux Tapestry, woven to commemorate the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. Afterwards, return to Bayeux for dinner and overnight
- Overnight: Bayeux
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
|
DAY 6: Normandy Landing Beaches
- Spend the full day in Normandy exploring the famous sites. Turn your attention to World War II and the D-Day invasion, a day that is remembered for true bravery and sacrifice and the beginning of the liberation of France. Visit St. Mere Eglise on the Cotentin Peninsula, where the allied invasion began on June 6, 1944 - D-Day. Visit Utah Beach, then make a stop at the Ranger Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Continue east to visit Omaha Beach and the site of the Normandy American Cemetery and memorial. The cemetery covers 172.5 acres and contains the graves of 9,387 American soldiers. Return to your hotel in the early evening
- The visit to Omaha Beach is subject to local conditions.
- Overnight: Bayeux
- Meal: Breakfast
|
DAY 7: Giverny, Paris
- This morning, depart for Paris. On the way, stop in Giverny and visit the former house of Claude Monet. Explore the famous gardens which inspired many of Monets paintings. On arrival in Paris, enjoy dinner in a French Bistro
- Overnight: Paris
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
|
DAY 8: Paris City Tour, Palace of Versailles
- This morning, take a guided city tour of Paris, including a drive along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. View the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, the Latin Quarter, and the lively Opera district. Spend the rest of the afternoon at Palace of Versailles, Relive the glorious period of Louis XIV, XV and XVI as you pace one of the largest and most influential formal gardens in the world. Todays tour takes you to Versailles Palace to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture. Visit the Palace and extravagant State Apartments, including a guided visit to the Reception Halls, the Royal Bedroom, and the Hall of Mirrors. You will also have time to walk the palace grounds and formal gardens, designed by Andre le Notre, at your leisure. Enjoy VIP access and skip the lines on this unforgettable tour.
- Overnight: Paris
- Meal: Breakfast
|
DAY 9: TGV Train to Avignon, Pont du Gard
- After breakfast, transfer to the train station for your journey to Provence by the high-speed TGV train. Enjoy vistas of Burgundy and the Rhone Valley during the comfortable ride. Upon arrival in Avignon, proceed to view the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the most ancient Roman aqueduct in France. Next, drive to the Rhone vineyards and the lovely town of Chateauneuf du Pape, where you will enjoy a sampling of some of the wines for which Rhone is famous. Transfer to the hotel in Avignon. Later, take an orientation tour with your Tour Manager. View some of the citys landmarks, including the famous broken bridge, and the lively Place dHorloge, before dinner at a local restaurant
- Overnight: Avignon
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
|
DAY 10: Medieval Popes Palace, Van Goghs Arles & St. Remy de Provence
- Today, visit the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most significant medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Afternoon is countinued with Van Goghs Arles & St. Remy de Provence, Depart Avignon to Arles, heart of the Camargue and beloved subject of numerous works by Vincent Van Gogh. The tour begins with a photo stop at Langlois Bridge at Arles, made famous in four of Van Gogh&rsquos oil paintings, as well as four drawings and one watercolor. Take a tour of Arles where you will see the Roman Amphitheater and the 12th century Cathedral of St. Trophime. Your guide will show you the exact places where Van Gogh sat to create some of his most famous paintings. Then enjoy some free time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own. Continue to St. Remy-de-Provence to see the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the asylum where Van Gogh spent some of his troubled last days. The artist spent a year at the hospital and created some of his most celebrated paintings here, including &ldquoThe Starry Night&rdquo and &ldquoIrises&rdquo. After your visit, return to Avignon.
- Overnight: Avignon
- Meal: Breakfast
|
DAY 11: Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo by Night
- This morning, depart for the French Riviera. Admire the scenery which inspired so many of the impressionist artists. You will pass by the Mont St. Victoire and the Abbey of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume en route to Cannes. Drive along the Boulevard de la Croisette to see the Film Festival Center and the harbor. Visit a French perfumery in Grasse before arriving in Nice. Tonight, is countinued with Monte Carlo by Night, Tonight, drive along the dazzling Corniche road to the Principality of Monaco. Stop at the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino, one of the Rivieras most frequented landmarks. Monte Carlo is the epitome of wealth and glamour a prime destination for royalty and some of Hollywoods most famous actors and actresses. View the route of the Grand Prix, the luxury boats in the harbour and view the Princes Palace, atop the famed "Rock". Enjoy the lights of the coastline as you return to Nice. Please note that ripped or light-colored jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, tracksuits, sports clothing, shorts and beachwear, sandals and flip-flops for gentlemen, and sneakers will not be permitted. Children under 18 years old are not permitted inside the casino. Entrance to the casino requires Photo ID. Entrance to the main foyer is free, however please be prepared to pay an entrance fee if you wish to enter the game room independently.
- Overnight: Nice
- Meal: Breakfast
|
DAY 12: Full Day in Nice
- A day at leisure to soak up the sun, swim in the Mediterranean, stroll the Promenade des Anglais or see the Old Town, and Place Massena. Countinued with St. Paul de Vence, This morning drive into the pine scented hills above Nice to visit the hilltop St. Paul de Vence - a walled town which still retains its medieval character and is a haven for artists &ndash a treasure trove of workshops and galleries. Wander the cobbled streets to the central fountain, and see the burial place of Marc Chagall. This evening, celebrate your final night in France with dinner and bid au revoir to your Tour Manager
- Overnight: Nice
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
|
DAY 13: Depart France
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
- Meal: Breakfast
|
