Overview

1. Day 1: USA - Europe

   Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included).

2. Day 2: Arrive Paris

   Bienvenue! The City of Light welcomes you as you prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey experiencing the treasures of France. On arrival to 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. Join your fellow travelers 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.

   meal(s):WR

   hotel:Evergreen Laurel

3. Day 3: 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 harbor town of Honfleur – its cobblestone lanes and colorful shopfronts have long attracted artists who have immortalized 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.

   meal(s):BB, DW

   hotel:Novotel

4. Day 4: 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.

   meal(s):BB

5. Day 5: 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.

   meal(s):BB, DW

   hotel:La Relais Du Roy

6. Day 6: 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 17^th century château set within beautiful gardens. We journey to the Loire Valley where we will spend the next two nights.

   meal(s):BB, BG

   hotel:Novotel Amboise/Holiday Inn Blois

7. Day 7: 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.

   meal(s):BB

8. Day 8: 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.

   meal(s):BB, FD

   hotel:Renaissance La Defense

9. Day 9: Depart Paris

   For now it's time to say a sad au revoir to France and your fellow travelers at the end of a memorable trip. Return transfers will arrive at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport at 8 am and 11.30 am. Conditions apply.

   meal(s):BB