Featuring: Paris, Trouville, Pontorson, Loire Valley, Paris

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART NORTH AMERICA. Overnight flight to Paris.

DAY 2 – SAT – PARIS AT LEISURE. Welcome to Paris! There are complimentary transfers from Charles de Gaulle Airport to your tour hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is entirely at leisure to enjoy this fabulous city. Then later, meet your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink, followed by a sparkling illuminations tour of the capital - a perfect introduction to Paris! Hotel: Sofitel Forum Rive Gauche.

DAY 3 – SUN – PARIS – TROUVILLE. This morning we leave the capital city to explore the north western region of France. We begin by driving into the ancient Duchy of Normandy, where we stop in the historic capital of Rouen. Here we visit the cathedral, so wonderfully painted by Monet. We also see the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Then on to our hotel in Trouville, this charming seaside resort called the 21st arrondissement or suburb of Paris. There is time on arrival to relax and stroll through the town. Hotel: Le Beach. (Buffet Breakfast)

DAY 4 – MON – TROUVILLE – PONTORSON. Today there are poignant reminders of the Second World War as we drive along some of the beaches of the D-day Landings, including Sword, Juno and Gold. Then to Arromanches where we visit the Invasion Landings' Museum and see the remnants of the artificial port, (Mulberry B), which still remain in the bay. We continue on to Omaha Beach where we visit the American Military Cemetery of St. Laurent. Afterwards we follow the route of the Rangers depicted in 'Saving Private Ryan' and visit the bunkers and the Rangers' Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Finally we continue southwards to our hotel near Mont St. Michel. Hotel: Montgomery. (Buffet Breakfast, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices)

DAY 5 – TUE – MONT ST MICHEL & ST MALO EXCURSION. Our locally guided tour of Mont St Michel, takes us into the hill-top Abbey surrounded by sea. The first structure, a simple oratory, was built here in the 8th century by the Bishop of Avranches, and was subsequently expanded and enhanced over the centuries with the addition of Romanesque and Gothic buildings. The Abbey's increasing fame attracted pilgrims and visitors and, by medieval times, a 'ville basse' had developed, with shops, eating places and guest houses. Later, we enjoy an insight into the distinctive Breton lifestyle as we head for the Emerald Coast and the magnificent fortified port of St Malo, where Jacques Cartier is buried. Time to walk along the ramparts and explore before returning to our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices)

DAY 6 – WED – PONTORSON – LOIRE VALLEY. Today we drive south into Brittany, then we follow the valley of the Loire, passing the mighty moated castle at Angers and across the Loire at Saumur, where we sample some of the local wine. We then drive quietly past the sleeping beauty château at Ussé. From here we continue to the beautiful Château de Rochecotte, once the home of Talleyrand, and now ours for the next two nights. This evening we enjoy our highlight dinner with wine at the hotel. Hotel: Château de Rochecotte. (Full Breakfast, Highlight Dinner)

DAY 7 – THU – CHâTEAU COUNTRY EXCURSION. Our first stop is the castle of Azay le Rideau. Oncethe home of a King's minister, it is still surrounded byits moat. Here we visit the apartments and have timeto wander in the town. Then on to the privatelyowned château of Villandry, sometimes called the'jewel of the Loire', where we visit the apartmentsand the beautifully restored Renaissance gardens, including a water garden, ornamental garden and kitchen garden - a stunning display of plants, fruits and vegetables designed in the 16th century. From here we return to our own chateau! (Buffet Breakfast)

DAY 8 – FRI – LOIRE VALLEY – PARIS. Driving through the vast wheat fields of La Beauce,we can see the impressive cathedral at Chartres looming on the horizon. We stop here to marvel at the beautiful stained glass rose window inside this famous cathedral, begun on a sacred site. We return to 'the city of light', Paris, for our two night stay. This afternoon there is time to explore on your own. Perhaps relax in a Parisian café, window shop in the elegant boutiques or visit Montmartre, with its street artists and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica nearby. This evening, perhaps indulge in some excitement and glamour at a French cabaret, complete with can-can? Hotel: Sofitel Forum Rive Gauche. (Buffet Breakfast)

DAY 9 – SAT – PARIS SIGHTSEEING. Today our Parisian guide shows us all the fabulous sights! We see the 13th century Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, with its memories of the tale of Quasimodo, hunchback of Notre Dame. Then we drive through the courtyard of the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde and along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Then time to see the Parisian landmarks from a different perspective as we embark on a relaxing cruise of the River Seine. Our tour concludes with a visit inside the gilded Église du Dôme to see Napoleon's tomb. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps admire the Mona Lisa in the Louvre? Or purchase last minute presents in the famous department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps? Tonight, why not join your new found friends for a farewell dinner? (Buffet Breakfast)

DAY 10 – SUN – RETURN HOME. Our memorable French experience ends after breakfast this morning with a transfer to the airport. (Buffet Breakfast)

Hotels

Hotels range from the modern Paris Rive Gauche on a tree lined Parisian boulevard, to the magnificent Château de Rochecotte near Langeais in the Loire Valley with its beautiful parkland setting.
Fellow Passengers
This regional tour attracts both first-time, as well as experienced travellers, whose interests include military history, the French chateaux of the Loire Valley and the irresistible excitement of Paris.
Highlights
Highlights include the visit to the D-Day beaches in the shadows of rolling Norman countryside; the beauty of Mont St Michel and the chateaux in the Loire; and the glittering boulevards of the Paris illuminations tour.
Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features
Excursions & Sights
Visit the Cathedral and Place du Vieux-Marché at Rouen
Drive along the D-Day beaches
See the remains of the Mulberry Harbour used in D-Day landings
Guided visit of Mont St Michel
Visit the fortified port of St Malo
Wine tasting in Saumur
Guided visit to the beautiful Azay le Rideau
Visit to the sumptuous apartments of Villandry Château
See Saumur, Angers and Ussé.
Visit Chartres Cathedral
In Paris -see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre, Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe
Guided City Tours
Indepth sightseeing tours in Mont St Michel & Paris
Orientation tours in Rouen & St Malo
First Class Services
Escorted by a professional Tour Director
Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
Travel bag, document wallet, map book journal and information pack
Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 1 and departure transfer on Day 9
Quality Dining
Tour Pace
Evenly paced tour with three, two night stays (Mont St. Michel, Loire Valley & Paris), plus one overnight stay in seaside Trouville. Travelling days have several interesting stops en route with great photo opportunities.

Departures Spring, Summer, Fall

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