The Experience
Visit the beaches of Normandy, site of the D-Day landings; explore beautiful Mont Saint-Michel and tour chateaux in the enchanting Loire Valley on an inspiring journey that culminates in the City of Light.
Day 1: Arrive Paris, France/Versailles Upon arrival in Paris, you are met and transferred to your hotel in Versailles. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant. Trianon Palace Versailles | Meals: D
Day 2: Versailles/Giverny | Abodes of Kings and Artists Enjoy a private visit to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, glory of the reign of the Sun King. Later, stop in Giverny at the home of Impressionist master Claude Monet and admire his beloved gardens. Proceed to your hotel in Port-en-Bessin, and attend an evening lecture on the planning for D-Day. The Chateau la Chenevire | Meals: B L D
Day 3: Normandy | D-Day Landing Beaches Drive to the Omaha sector of the D-Day landing beaches, accompanied by a World War II expert, and visit the American Military Cemetery at Saint Laurent Sur Mer. After lunch, proceed to Pointe du Hoc, scene of ferocious fighting on June 6, 1944. Visit a new exhibition that recounts the battle through the eyes of American soldiers. The Chateau la Chenevire | Meals: B L
Day 4: Normandy | Private Calvados Tasting Explore the charming port of Honfleur, inspiration to painters and poets. Drive to a 17th-century manor house that produces superb cider and Calvados (brandy), for which Normandy is famous. Enjoy a private tour of its cellars led by the owner, and savor a tasting complimented by local cheeses. The Chateau la Chenevire | Meals: B D
Day 5: Bayeux/Dinard | The Bayeux Tapestry Travel to Brittany, stopping first in Bayeux to view the spectacular Bayeux Tapestry, which colorfully depicts the Norman invasion of England in 1066. Continue to Avranches and learn the secrets of the Mont Saint-Michel manuscripts. Later, enjoy the Belle-epoque charm of Dinard, an elegant seaside resort. Grand Hotel Barrire | Meals: B L D
Day 6: Mont Saint-Michel | Time and Tide Visit the Abbey of Saint-Michel, which rises nearly 500 feet above sea level. Walk cobblestone lanes and climb 365 steps to tour the abbey complex, including the beautiful cloister. Return to Dinard, stopping in Cancale to sample the superb oysters harvested there. Grand Hotel Barrire | Meals: B L
Day 7: Angers/Onzain | Loire Valley Idyll Travel to the Loire Valley, pausing in Angers, a flourishing university town with beautiful public gardens, for lunch at leisure. Visit Chateau d,™Usse, which is said to have inspired the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. Arrive at your hotel and relax. Domaine des Hauts de Loire | Meals: B D
Day 8: Loire Valley | Chenonceau and Leonardo Visit the gorgeous Chateau de Chenonceau, which bridges the Loire and is surrounded by impressive formal gardens and wooded grounds. Continuing to Amboise to tour the Chateau du Clos Luca, a Renaissance manor where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years, to see working models of many of his inventions. Visit Chateau d’ Amboise, and then enjoy a tour and tasting at the Vouvray wine estate. Domaine des Hauts de Loire | Meals: B L D
Day 9: Chartres | Stained Glass Marvels En route to Paris, stop in the delightful city of Chartres and visit its magnificent Gothic cathedral, world renowned for its stunning stained glass windows. Later, shop the city’s ornate covered market halls. InterContinental Paris Le Grand | Meals: B
Day 10: Paris | Farewell to the City of Light Discover Paris in a colorful, restored Citron 2CV, lovingly nicknamed the Deux Chevaux. With your knowledgeable driver, view the most famous sights of Paris as well as the Place des Vosges and the Aranes de Lutace, a first-century Gallo-Roman amphitheater. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. InterContinental Paris Le Grand | Meals: B D
Day 11: Depart Paris After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart. Meals: B