Your adventure begins in Paris. Spend nights surrounded by castles and renaissance culture in the incredible Loire Valley. Visit Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the most important Unesco World Heritage sites located on a small island and enjoy amazing views of the wonderful landscapes of the Normandy coast. Finally, discover the historical World War II landing beaches, a culturally enriching experience.
Overview
Begin your adventure in Paris. Spend nights surrounded by castles and renaissance culture in the incredible Loire Valley. Visit Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the most important Unesco World Heritage sites located on a small island and enjoy amazing views of the wonderful landscapes of the Normandy coast. Finally, discover the historical World War II landing beaches, a culturally enriching experience.
Itinerary
Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of France? Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Paris.* Night on board.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Arrive at Paris airport and self-transfer to your hotel*. Paris is the capital of France and a great place to discover the city’s most famous tourist sights, the local culture and cuisine. Overnight stay in Paris.
* Airport transfers in Paris are not included. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city’s most famous tourist sights and monuments on a Half Day Sightseeing Tour by bus with a professional English-speaking guide. Marvel at Paris's best-known sights: Place Vendôme Square, place de l’opera, the Pantheon, Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Invalides and the Eiffel Tower. End your tour in the city center. Why not grab a bite to eat in one of the many cafés or do a spot of shopping in this shoppers haven. The rest of the day is free to explore Paris at your leisure. Overnight stay in Paris.
After breakfast, meet your english-speaking tour leader and depart Paris by coach towards the Loire Valley and its wonders of the Renaissance period. First stop is the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region, Orleans. The history of this lovely city on the banks of the Loire River is inseparably bound with the history of Joan of Arc. While exploring the city independently, try not to miss the 13th century Sainte-Croix Cathedral and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, displaying around 700 artworks. After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to The Chambord Estate * one of the most emblematic castle examples of Renaissance architecture in France. Free time to stroll at your own pace in the heart of the castle and its gardens. Following this visit, transfer to the historic city of Tours. Overnight stay in Tours.
After Breakfast at the hotel, explore the magnificent Castle of Chenonceau*. The two-story gallery stands upon a graceful arched bridge that crosses the Cher River which gives the impression that the castle is floating on water. Also known as "The Ladies’ Castle", it was initially constructed in 1513. Equalling the beauty of the interior, the Château's Renaissance French Gardens are perfectly landscaped with decorative pools and flower beds and are an important destination for garden lovers from all over the world. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Château of Amboise, an emblematic monument of the Loire Valley. The palace was built above the river, with landscaped gardens stretching from the earth to the sky, offering one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Loire. Overnight stay in Tours.
* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio-guide on the spot.
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of WW-II’s major sights. Visit, learn about and pay homage to Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach and Colleville-Sur-Mer Cemetery, of the Allied Forces. Also a visit to the Memorial de Caen*, a museum and war memorial commemorating World War II and the Battle for Caen, is included. Overall the museum is dedicated to the history of the twentieth century, mainly focusing on the fragility of peace. Overnight stay in Caen.
* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio-guide on the spot.
After breakfast, learn more about the best food and drink that this rich region of France has to offer, starting with a visit to the Village du Fromager. See all stages of cheese production and enjoy tasting the different types of cheese on offer. After the visit, head to Honfleur in time for a lunch break. This small city and harbour dates back to the Vikings invasion in the 11th century. After a couple of hours exploring the city, continue eastwards until reaching Paris. Overnight stay in Paris.
Breakfast* at the hotel. Self-transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the US.** Arrive in the US and end of your trip.***
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
** You can book the optional transfer in the next step of the booking process.
*** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day.
Includes/Excludes
Price Includes
- -Departures from main US airports.
- -International flights: US - Paris - US.*
- more information
- -7 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels. **
- more informationSee hotels included
- -7 Breakfasts.
- -Optional airport-hotel-airport transfers.
- -Entrance to the most famous Loire valley castles: Chambord, Chenonceau & Amboise and to Mont-St-Michel Abbey.
- See itinerary
- -Air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- -Sightseeing tour of Paris and guided tour of Normandy World War II landing beaches.
- -English speaking tour leader from day 4 to day 8.
- -Cheese factory experience with tasting.
Price Does Not Include
- Tax, meals, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
- Airport transfers are not included in the program. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.
