9 Day France with Loire Valley & Normandy
Starting at $1,699
Destinations & Sightseeing
Itinerary and Meals
Accomodations
800.528.9300
Destination & Sightseeing
- Round trip flights New York-Paris, Paris-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 7 nights accommodations*
- 3 nights Paris
- 2 nights Tours
- 2 nights Bayeux
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 10 meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners with wine
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides in Paris and Amboise
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- View the Cathedral in Chartres, the finest architectural example of High Gothic style
- Visit the fairy-tale Chateau de Chenonceau, stretching across the river Cher
- Stop in Amboise and tour the Royal Chateau of Amboise
- Cross the causeway to the magnificent Mont St. Michel, built on an isolated island
- View the immense Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of England
- Commemorate the D-Day invasion with a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery
- Tour Claude Monet’s home in Giverny
- Drive along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe and continuing to the iconic Eiffel Tower
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
*Some departures operate in reverse order, going to Normandy after Paris instead of Tours
ITINERARY
DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for France
Depart for France
DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Paris
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 6:00 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 4:00 PM on Day 2 of the itinerary, or earlier if possible
Overnight: Paris
DAY 3, Monday - Chartres, Chambord, Wine tasting, Loire Valley
After breakfast, begin your tour with a visit to Chartres, home to the greatest Gothic cathedral in France. Originally built in 1020, the cathedral contains the sacred Veil of the Virgin relic and a world-renowned collection of stained glass windows. Depart Chartres and travel to 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, continue for a wine tasting before heading to the hotel in Tours. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Tours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Tuesday - Loire Valley
Spend the full day in the Loire Valley exploring the nearby sights. 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 the mistress of Henry II, Diane de Poitiers. Also, visit the Royal Chateau d'Amboise for a guided tour. The castle is most closely associated with King Francois I who introduced the Renaissance to France and brought Leonardo da Vinci to his court. The artist is buried in the chapel. Return to Tours in the early evening
Overnight: Tours
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Wednesday - Mont St. Michel, Bayeux Tapestry, Normandy
Depart northwards today to the iconic Mont St. Michel, rising from the sea on a mighty rock. Cross the causeway by shuttle and browse the narrow streets and admire the views of the surrounding bay, with time for lunch on your own in this charming town. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, the fortified town is crowned by the mighty 10th century Abbey. Continue to Bayeux and step back in time to a historic battle and see the intricate Bayeux Tapestry, woven to commemorate the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. Afterwards, travel to the nearby town of Bayeux for dinner at the hotel and overnight
Overnight: Bayeux
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Thursday - Normandy Landing Beaches
Spend the full day in Normandy exploring the famous sites. Then turn your attention to World War II and the D-Day invasion, a day that is remembered for true bravery and sacrifice and the beginning of the liberation of France. Visit St. Mere Eglise on the Cotentin Peninsula, where the allied invasion began on June 6, 1944 – D-Day. Visit Utah Beach, then make a stop at the Ranger Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Continue east to visit Omaha Beach* and the site of the Normandy American Cemetery and memorial. The cemetery covers 172.5 acres and contains the graves of 9,387 American soldiers. Return to your hotel in the early evening
*The visit to Omaha Beach is subject to local conditions.
Overnight: Bayeux
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Friday - Giverny, Paris
This morning, depart for Paris. On the way, stop in Giverny and visit the former house of Claude Monet. Explore the famous gardens which inspired many of Monet's paintings. On arrival in Paris, join your fellow travelers for dinner in a French Bistro
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Saturday - Paris City Tour
This morning, enjoy a guided city tour of Paris, including a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. View the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, the Latin Quarter, and the lively Opera district.* Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or join the optional tour to magnificent Versailles to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture on the visit to the Palace and extravagant State Apartments
Optional: Palace of Versailles (PM)
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Sunday - Depart France
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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