9 Day Affordable France

Depart for France

Arrive in Paris, the "City of Lights," and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and enjoy the endless delights of Paris. Your tour begins at 5:00 PM when you join your Tour Manager for a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting on the wonderful journey that awaits you in France. We recommend that you select flights which arrive at Paris no later than 3:00 PM on Day 2 of the itinerary, or earlier if possible Overnight: Paris

Drive along the famous Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and the iconic Eiffel Tower, symbol of Paris. On to the celebrated "Rive Gauche", the vivacious Left Bank where artists, philosophers and writers in a long-gone era flourished in the artistic community at Montparnasse. View the Latin Quarter, home to many of France's higher education establishments, among them the Sorbonne. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or join the optional tour to the magnificent Palace of Versailles*. Tonight, enjoy exhilarating views from the top of the village-like art colony at Montmartre, on the optional tour that is highlighted by a drive around the illuminated monuments of Paris* *The Palace of Versailles tour ends before the Montmartre & Illuminations begins. Both tours can be done on the same day. Optional: Palace of Versailles (PM) Optional: Montmartre & Illuminations (PM) Overnight: Paris Meals: Breakfast

Depart Paris this morning to Normandy. This is a stirring and emotional day as you explore the D-Day beaches. Stop at the Ranger Memorial at Pointe du Hoc and the historic St. Mere Eglise on the Contentin Peninsula, where the Allied invasion began on June 6, 1944. Here you visit the Airborne Museum, telling the story of 82nd and 101st airborne divisions and their heroic deeds on D-Day. Afterwards, travel to your hotel for dinner and overnight Overnight: Normandy Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, continue on to the unforgettable American Cemetery on Omaha Beach*, final resting place of thousands of U.S. Troops. Offer your respects and salute their bravery. Then, in delightful Bayeux, continue the day at the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry. This 230 foot long embroidered cloth depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Its survival (almost intact over nine centuries) is miraculous, along with its exquisite colors and workmanship. Travelling through Normandy, you have your first sight in the distance of magnificent Mont St. Michel, rising from the sea on a mighty rock in the Gulf of Saint-Malo. This structure is one of France's most recognizable sights and designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Reached by a shuttle across the causeway, the lower towers and medieval sea wall protect a small village, capped by the commanding 10th century Abbey. Prior to the causeway, Mont St. Michel was on an isolated island that pilgrims approached on foot, mindful of tides that could seep in at any time. Tour this amazing structure with its many levels, culminated by a walk, if you wish, to the hilltop to visit the Abbey. Tonight, dinner together at the hotel *The visit to Omaha Beach's landing site is subject to local conditions. Overnight: Mont St. Michel Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive south today to the lively river side city of Angers, gateway to the Loire Valley and home of the Plantagenet royalty. This medieval centre is dominated by the massive 13th century open-air Chateau of the Plantagenets. The distinctive striped stonework is eye catching. This French city is also known for the production of Cointreau, the orange flavored liquor created by Édouard Cointreau, born in Angers. Continue this afternoon past historic Saumur, surrounded by gorgeous rolling hills and miles of vineyards. Stop for a wine tasting at a winery before reaching your hotel in Tours. Tonight, have an evening at leisure Overnight: Tours Meals: Breakfast

Spend the full day in the Loire Valley exploring the nearby sights. First, travel to the magnificent 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 Diane de Poitiers, mistress of Henry II. Next stop is at the village of Amboise, crowned by the Royal Chateau d'Amboise. The castle is most closely associated with King Francois I who introduced the Renaissance to France and brought Leonardo da Vinci to his court. Take a guided tour of the castle, including the castle's chapel of Saint-Hubert, where the great Italian Renaissance master was laid to rest. Continue to view the Chateau de Chambord, the largest residence 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 to admire the setting, return via Blois to Tours for an evening at leisure or, join the optional candlelit dinner in an authentic Troglodyte Cave* enjoying regional specialties and wine *November dates may not be available due to local events. Optional: Troglodyte Cave Dinner (PM) Overnight: Tours Meals: Breakfast

Drive north to Chartres, a medieval city in the center of France, home to the greatest cathedral in the country. The well preserved Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Chartres is one of the finest architectural examples of High Gothic style in France, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built in 1020, the cathedral contains the sacred Veil of the Virgin relic and a world-renowned collection of stained glass windows. After the drive through Chartres, on to Paris for the rest of the day on your own. This evening, bid au revoir to France and to your Tour Manager, during the Farewell Dinner Overnight: Paris Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast