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Highlights of France

Operated By:
Tour Pace: Active
Chateau Chambord, Loire Valley
Tour Style: Value
14 Days from $1,925 per person

Grand avenues, lush vineyards and the French Riviera are highlights on this leisurely sojourn through France. Journey through the Loire Valley to the beaches of Biarritz, see Carcasonne with its enchanting city walls and the D-Day Landing beaches in Normandy.

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  1. Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included).

  2. Welcome to Paris. After a welcome meeting with your Travel Director, there is time to relax and explore this beautiful city. Consider an evening tour to Montmartre, an area full of charm and character.
    hotel:Mercure La Villette

  3. This morning your sightseeing tour features views of the Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Spend the rest of the day as you wish.
    meal(s):BB

  4. Visit medieval Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Arrive later in Lyon, a dynamic cultural city. Enjoy an orientation tour en route to your hotel.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Campanile Center Berge Du Rhone

  5. Enjoy a scenic drive south to Avignon to view the Palace of the Popes and St. Bénezet Bridge. Then continue to the tiny Principality of Monaco on the coast. Finally drive to your hotel on the glamorous French Riviera.
    meal(s):BB, D
    hotel:Appart City Confort Cannes Le Cannet

  6. Relax and experience the Côte d'Azur's sophisticated atmosphere. Perhaps laze on the beach and sip cocktails in a shady terraced bar, shop for the latest fashions or explore the town of Cannes famous for its film festival.
    meal(s):BB

  7. View the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct spanning the Gardon River which was built in the 1st century AD to supply water to the nearby towns. Continue to your hotel in Nimes.
    meal(s):BB, D
    hotel:C Suites

  8. Drive to Carcassonne for an orientation of this walled medieval town. Visit Lourdes nestled in the foothills of the Pyrénées to view the basilica on top of St. Bernadette's Grotto. This evening there is an opportunity to join a procession by torchlight to the basilica with the pilgrims – a magical and moving experience.
    meal(s):BB, D
    hotel:Quality Christina Lourdes

  9. Drive westwards from Lourdes to the Atlantic coast. In the glamorous resort of Biarritz explore the chic boutiques and watch the surfers perform their stunts. Traverse the rolling countryside of Les Landes to classical Bordeaux.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Ibis Center Meriadeck

  10. Enjoy a scenic drive to the hilltop village of St. Émilion which is famous for its wine. Continue past the strange buildings of Futuroscope, the amusement and science theme park at Poitiers, to the Loire Valley.
    meal(s):BB, D
    hotel:Ibis Styles Sud

  11. Your Local Specialist takes you on a fascinating visit to Chenonceau, a fairytale château built across the River Cher, home to priceless collections of Renaissance art and furniture. Your journey continues through verdant countryside. View the imposing castle at Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci is said to be buried and view the splendid Château de Chambord. Tonight why not try delicious local Touraine cuisine?
    meal(s):BB

  12. Head north through the picturesque countryside of the Loire Valley and Normandy. Visit Mont St. Michel and view the abbey. Then continue to the historic D-Day Landing beach and the American cemetery at Omaha Beach. Arrive later at your Normandy hotel in Deauville, the elegant resort renowned for its racecourse, harbor and international film festival.
    meal(s):BB, D
    hotel:Ibis

  13. Explore the picturesque harbor at Honfleur on the Normandy coast, a summer haunt of the impressionist painters. Drive through cheese and cider country to Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, and view the impressive cathedral. Your day ends in the glittering capital, Paris, where you may consider an Optional Experience to a Parisian cabaret.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Adagio Malakoff-Chatillon

  14. Say ‘au revoir' to Paris, your Travel Director and newfound friends at the end of a memorable vacation in France. Transfers are available to Charles de Gaulle Airport. Conditions apply.
    meal(s):BB
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30 Day Refund Guarantee

We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

2018 Preview

Preview itineraries and content are based on selected vacations featured in our 2017 Collection, however, items such as (but not limited to), hotels, meals, sightseeing inclusions, trip destinations, transfers and transportation, are subject to change. The final composition of your trip will be published in our 2018 Collection due out in September. By paying your deposit, you are agreeing to accept the finalized version of your trip itinerary.
  • Definite Departure
Depart Date Return Date Price Discount Availability Price
5 Oct 17 18 Oct 17 checkmark $1,925pp Call 1-877-622-9109
19 Apr 18 2 May 18 $1,925pp Request Quote Book Now
26 Apr 18 9 May 18 $1,925pp Request Quote Book Now
3 May 18 16 May 18 $1,925pp Request Quote Book Now
17 May 18 30 May 18 $1,925pp Request Quote Book Now
24 May 18 6 Jun 18 $1,950pp Request Quote Book Now
7 Jun 18 20 Jun 18 $1,950pp Request Quote Book Now
21 Jun 18 4 Jul 18 $1,950pp Request Quote Book Now
5 Jul 18 18 Jul 18 $1,950pp Request Quote Book Now
19 Jul 18 1 Aug 18 $1,950pp Request Quote Book Now
2 Aug 18 15 Aug 18 $1,950pp Request Quote Book Now
16 Aug 18 29 Aug 18 $1,950pp Request Quote Book Now
30 Aug 18 12 Sep 18 $1,925pp Request Quote Book Now
6 Sep 18 19 Sep 18 $1,925pp Request Quote Book Now
13 Sep 18 26 Sep 18 $1,925pp Request Quote Book Now
20 Sep 18 3 Oct 18 $1,925pp Request Quote Book Now
27 Sep 18 10 Oct 18 $1,925pp Request Quote Book Now
4 Oct 18 17 Oct 18 $1,925pp Request Quote Book Now

Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.

Single Room Supplement: from $500 p.p.

Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $93 per person.

Airport transfers: On arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport transfers will operate at 8 am, 11 am and 2 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 8 am and 11:30 am.

AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift!  Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.

Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation.

  • Breakfast Daily Breakfast Daily
  • Expertly Selected Hotels Expertly Selected Hotels
  • Hotel Tips Hotel Tips
  • Personal Flight Options Personal Flight Options
  • Professional Travel Director Professional Travel Director
  • Sightseeing with Local Experts Sightseeing with Local Experts
  • WIFI on Coach and in Hotels WIFI on Coach and in Hotels

Meal Summary

12 buffet breakfasts, 5 three course dinners.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • Sightseeing includes views of the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées and the Eiffel Tower
  • Visit this charming town
  • Orientation tour of this gastronomic city
  • View St. Bénezet Bridge and the Papal Palace
  • Visit the Principality
  • Visit the home of the annual film festival
  • View the Roman Aqueduct
  • Visit this beautifully preserved walled city
  • View St. Bernadette's Grotto
  • Visit this glamorous resort
  • Orientation tour
  • Visit the famous wine village
  • Visit the magnificent Château de Chenonceau with your Local Specialist. View the Châteaux at Amboise and Chambord
  • Visit the island town and view the abbey
  • Visit the D-Day Landing beach of Omaha
  • Visit this picturesque port
  • View the cathedral

Reviews

Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Highlights of France
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Pros: Great customer service. Tour Director wonderful. Also, he was very informative and knowledgeable about France. Driver did an excellent job. Saw everything we were suppose to plus. Trip very well organized. France is a beautiful country, enjoyed every minute of it! Cons: Very fast pace.
Vacation : Cost saver package so hotels were probably in line for what we paid. Dinner excursions pricey.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Highlights of France
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Easy to set up vacation and work with agent. Enjoyed the highlights of France tour and the guide and driver were exceptional. Very attentive. Would recommend to others.
Vacation : Great value and allowed optional experiences.
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  • U.S. citizens traveling to France must have a current passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering France.

  • The currency in France is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some euros for when you first arrive in France, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate when you arrive in your destination.  The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in France. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling.  It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.

  • The French have an ongoing love affair with food and wine. Meals are lovingly prepared and consumed leisurely through a bevy of appetizers and main courses, usually accompanied by a number of wines. Boeuf bourgignon (beef stew with wine, herbs and vegetables), coq au vin (chicken cooked with bacon in a white wine and herb sauce) and bouillabaisse (fish stew) are featured on many menus. Cheese lovers will not be disappointed with hundreds of varieties to choose from.  And no visit would be complete without a visit to a pâtisserie, with its delicate pastries you will definitely be tempted.

    Wine is the most popular drink in France and is consumed at both lunch and dinner. Coffee is generally served black, unless a café au lait or café crème (with milk) is requested. For a simple and inexpensive lunch or snack, stop by a local bakery or food cart for a baguette au jambon (ham sandwich), crêpes, or a buckwheat galette filled with melted gruyère cheese and mushrooms. Many restaurants also offer a simple three course menu at a reasonable price.

  • We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.

  • In France, a 15% service compris is included by law in the price of food and drink. Tipping in addition to this service charge is never expected, but always appreciated. If you’d like to leave something extra, keep in mind that even in the fanciest restaurants, people rarely tip more than 5-10%. A good rule of thumb is to leave an extra €1 for every €20 spent. Rather than adding gratuity to your credit card slip, leave coins in the tray where the check was presented to ensure that your waiter receives it.

    At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director.  Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit.  A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.

  • Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.

  • You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions.  All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers.  In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group. 

    If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.

  • We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 48 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Paris

Paris Dinner And Illuminations

Adult Price: € 67

Enjoy a taste of local cuisine with a memorable dinner and drinks in typical Parisian style. Afterwards, driving through this amazing city, we'll stop at scenic vantage points to give you opportunities to capture these fascinating sights on camera. In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.

Montmartre Village And Artists' Square

Adult Price: € 37

Dominated by the soaring Sacre Coeur Basilica, you’ll join your Local Specialist to explore Montmartre’s winding streets, unusual galleries and world famous Artist’s Square - once home to the works of Toulouse Lautrec and Picasso. You’ll have time to browse, barter for original art and taste local cuisine, for a real flavour of Montmartre life.

Notre Dame, Latin Quarter And Seine Cruise

Adult Price: € 39

Come with us to explore the magnificent cathedral at the heart of Paris, Notre Dame. With your Local Specialist, you’ll also enjoy the Latin Quarter and have free time for a bite to eat. Then relax on our River Seine cruise, the perfect way to discover the city - don't forget your camera.

Moulin Rouge Cabaret And Dinner

Adult Price: € 162

Enjoy dinner and cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world-famous Moulin Rouge – the original Paris cabaret. Immortalized by the award-winning film of the same name, this Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes!

Nouvelle Eve Cabaret And Dinner

Adult Price: € 139

One of the oldest and most elegant revue theatres in Paris, Nouvelle Eve is a hidden gem, where you’ll meet the Director and two of the cast members before enjoying a four-course dinner with wine. You will then experience unparalleled Parisian entertainment – including the world-famous Can-Can.

Lyon

Beaujolais Gourmet Dinner And Old Town Discovery

Adult Price: € 69

Enjoy an evening drive along the beautiful Saône River and taste the most acclaimed French cuisine. You’ll discover Lyon's secrets, from the Gauls to the medieval old town. A UNESCO World Heritage city, Lyon is also the gastronomic capital of France and our chef will prepare a mouth-watering three course dinner, with local wines included.

Nice

St Paul, Corniche Drive, Perfumery and Meal

Adult Price: € 83

Discover the medieval hill top town of St. Paul, known as an artists’ paradise. You’ll travel along the Riviera on the spectacular corniche, stopping off at a local perfumery. Finally, join us for a delicious meal and drinks at a local restaurant.

Cannes

St Paul de Vence and Nice

Adult Price: € 43

A lovely drive into the Esteral Heights bring us to the quaint walled hilltown of St Paul de Vence. Our walk through the village’s winding streets with a Local Specialist reveals elegant fountains,vine-covered ramparts and interesting galleries. Then, because no visit to the Riviera is complete without it, we continue to glorious Nice to enjoy the city, its old town and colourful provençale markets.

Arles

On the trail of Vincent Van Gogh

Adult Price: € 23

Discover the secret stories and life of Vincent Van Gogh, as you stroll through the ancient streets and squares of this enchanting provincial town with our resident Local Specialist.

Biarritz

Highlights Of The Pyrénées

Adult Price: € 40

Join us on a beautiful drive up into the Pyrénées, where we’ll catch a funicular train to ascend through mountain pastures to the top of these magnificent mountains, finding ourselves in Spain. You’ll have time to enjoy some Basque hospitality before our descent, with a drink included. Weather permitting.

Bordeaux

Wine Tasting in an 18th-century French Chateau

Adult Price: € 37

Discover the most famous wine region in the world with a tasting at an 18-th century classical French Chateau. Explore the underground cellars, learn about the wine-making process and why Bordeaux wine is so well known. Listed as a National Heritage site, this family-owned vineyard is truly an experience not to be missed.

Tours

Tours, Old Town and Traditional Dinner

Adult Price: € 67

You’ll discover the charm of Tours, bustling city of St. Martin and Renaissance kings, and its Old Town on this evening tour. You'll also enjoy Touraine cuisine in a traditional restaurant.

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