12 Day Discover Northern France

Bonjour! Welcome to Paris, the magnificent "City Of Lights;" transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and enjoy the endless delights of this city on the Seine. Your tour begins at 6:00 PM when you join your Tour Manager for an orientation meeting on the wonderful journey that awaits you in France followed by a Welcome Drink and Dinner at a local restaurant. 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 Meals: Dinner

Get acquainted with Paris today as you drive along the impressive Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. Continue to "Rive Gauche," the celebrated Left Bank where artists, philosophers, and writers in a bygone era flourished in the artistic community at Montparnasse, including Picasso, Matisse, Hemingway and more. Visit the incomparable Louvre, one of the world’s most famous museums. Of the many exhibitions found therein, view the medieval fortress and the museum's most reputed masterpiece, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Afternoon is at leisure to further explore this fascinating city on your own Overnight: Paris Meals: Breakfast

Today, travel to the heart of the famed Champagne region with its magnificent stretches of vineyards as far as the eye can see. This historic province, formerly ruled by the counts of Champagne, is best known for the sparkling white wine that bears its name. Drive along the elegant Avenue de Champagne, in Epernay, home to many of the world’s most celebrated Champagne houses' timeless neoclassical villas. Visit one of the wine cellars and enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant. Learn more about the champagne process and savor tastings of this expensive delight. Then, on to Reims with its magnificent Gothic cathedral adorned with striking stained glass windows, where many of France's kings were crowned. Return to Paris and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. You might choose to admire views of the illuminated monuments as you walk along the Seine or just linger at a trendy bistro to enjoy fine wine and a delectable dinner Overnight: Paris Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, a scenic drive takes you to Giverny, home of Claude Monet, one of the world’s greatest impressionist painters. Walk through the tranquil gardens that inspired many of his masterpieces, including his famous "water lilies" series of paintings. Have lunch nearby on the site of a charming 18th-century water mill. This afternoon, enter the Normandy region and visit a working farm to taste some of the local specialties including Camembert cheese and Calvados, the region’s well-known apple based brandy. On to the popular seaside resort of Cabourg for overnight. After dinner, tonight, meet a World War II historian who helps you gain a greater understanding about D-Day and the beaches where the Allied forces landed 75 years ago Overnight: Normandy Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning visit the historic beaches in Normandy. The first stop is at St. Mere Eglise on the Cotentin Peninsula, where the allied invasions began on June 6, 1944, a day long remembered for the bravery and sacrifice of the U.S. troops; stop at the Ranger Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Finish today’s exploration of Normandy’s historic sites with the cherished American Cemetery on Omaha Beach, a vision that will forever be embedded in your memory. Then for a change of pace, continue to the enchanting harbor at Honfleur with its colorful boats, immortalized by several of the world's greatest impressionist painters. Time to browse the charming galleries, tiny shops and stop for coffee at a typical café. Return to your hotel for overnight Overnight: Normandy Meals: Breakfast

Morning visit to the WWII Memorial Museum, a stirring monument to peace, with its detailed chronology of the events that took place in this region during WWII. View the many exhibits and walk through the American, British and Canadian Gardens dedicated to the three main allied nations involved in liberating France. You then leave Normandy and head toward the rugged coast of northwestern France. It’s a dramatic moment when you have your first glimpse in the distance of magnificent Mont St. Michel. Built on an isolated island in the gulf of Saint-Malo, this structure is considered one of the "wonders of the world," and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reached by a causeway, the lower towers and medieval sea wall protect a small village, capped magnificently by the commanding Abbey dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Prior to the completion of the causeway, Mont St. Michel was on an isolated island that pilgrims approached, knowing that the dangerous tides could sweep in at any time. Then, drive along the coast to the beautiful city of St. Malo in Brittany; its maze of medieval streets is bursting with history. The legacy of its 19th-century pirates and seafaring past is a story told by generations of sailors. Walk along the cobbled streets of the Old Town and enjoy dinner tonight at a charming restaurant Overnight: St. Malo Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart St. Malo on your journey to the gorgeous Loire Valley, brimming with treasures waiting to be discovered. For centuries, royalty and nobility built their magnificent chateaux in this valley, inspired by the lush forests and rich farmlands. Pause at the surprising Angers castle, home of the stirring 14th century Apocalypse Tapestry. Next, a chance to sample the local wine with a stop in riverside Saumur. Travel to a lovely chateau hotel in the Loire Valley, your home for the next two nights. Tonight, dinner is at the chateau’s dining room Overnight: Loire Valley Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend another day exploring the stunning Loire Valley with its splendid chateaux. The first stop is at Chateau de Chenonceau, a jewel of Renaissance architecture, stretching over the River Cher. Walk through its extravagantly furnished rooms and traditional formal gardens, added during the time of Henry II, by his mistress Diane de Poitiers. Then, an unusual visit to a Troglodyte Cave, nestled in the valley for a wine tasting and lunch. Troglodyte Caves can be found all over the region, cut into the cliffs or dug underground, often carved out of abandoned quarries. Afterward, on to the Royal Chateau d’ Amboise, with its commanding views of the river, most closely associated with King François I who brought Leonardo da Vinci to his court. The tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his final years in Amboise, lies in the chapel of the Chateau. Later, time to relax at your chateau before dinner together this evening Overnight: Loire Valley Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins with Blois, a royal town packed with lively streets, beautiful paved squares and charming cafes where you visit the extraordinary chateau, once home to Louis XII and François I. Then, on to view the fairytale Chateau de Chambord, Loire’s largest residence, built in the 16th century for King François I. Next, arrive in Chartres, home to the greatest Gothic cathedral in France. Originally built in 1020, the cathedral contains the sacred Veil of the Virgin relic and astonishing stained glass windows. Conclude the day in Versailles. Best known as the site of the vast royal palace and gardens built by King Louis XIV, today Versailles is also one of the wealthiest suburbs outside of Paris. The rest of the day is at leisure to immerse yourself in these beautiful surroundings Overnight: Versailles Meals: Breakfast

Enter the Palace of Versailles this morning to view the lavish apartments of King Louis XIV and the extravagant Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed at the end of World War I. The splendid interiors of Versailles were envied and copied by royalty throughout Europe. Walk through the beautiful gardens with its spectacular fountains, a gorgeous fusion of nature, sculpture, music and water, designed by Andre Le Notre, the blueprint of French Gardens throughout the world. Tonight, at the special Farewell Dinner, share memories of your beautiful journey together in France and bid au revoir to your Tour Manager and newfound friends Overnight: Versailles Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast