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ITINERARY Insight Vacations - Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley
Tour Pace
Evenly paced tour with three, two night stays (Mont St. Michel, Loire Valley & Paris), plus one overnight stay in seaside Trouville. Travelling days have several interesting stops en route with great photo opportunities.
Day 1 - PARIS AT LEISURE
Welcome to Paris! On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 08:30, 11:00 & 13:30. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy this fabulous city, with its grand boulevards and world famous landmarks. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink, followed by a sparkling illuminations tour of the capital - the perfect introduction to Paris.
Hotel: Pullman Bercy
Day 2 - PARIS - ROUEN - TROUVILLE
Travel to elegant Versailles to visit the immense palace built for the Sun King, Louis XIV. Your guide leads you through the sumptuous royal apartments and there is time to take a stroll in the fine formal gardens. Continue to Rouen, capital of the ancient Duchy of Normandy. See the cathedral so wonderfully painted by Monet, and the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. You also get an insight into Rouen's famous markets - a paradise for gastronomes, bustling with local merchants and craftsmen. Your hotel tonight is in the charming seaside resort of Trouville. Consider a scenic drive through the Normandy orchards to learn the secrets of calvados making and visit the port of Honfleur?
Hotel: Le Beach. (BB)
Day 3 - TROUVILLE - ARROMANCHES - PONTORSON
There are poignant reminders of the Second World War as you drive along some of the beaches of the D-Day landings, including Sword, Juno and Gold. At Arromanches visit the Invasion Landings' Museum and see the remnants of the artificial port, Mulberry B, which remain in the bay. Continue on to Omaha Beach to visit the American Military Cemetery of St Laurent. Afterwards, follow the route of the Rangers depicted in Saving Private Ryan and visit the bunkers and the Rangers' Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Continue southwards to your hotel near Mont St Michel.
Hotel: Best Western Montgomery (BB,D)
Day 4 - MONT ST MICHEL & ST MALO EXCURSION
A locally guided tour of Mont St Michel takes you to the hill-top abbey surrounded by sea. The first structure, a simple oratory, was built here in the 8th century, and was subsequently expanded and enhanced over the centuries. The abbey's increasing fame attracted pilgrims and, by medieval times, a 'ville basse' had developed, with shops and guest houses. Enjoy an insight into the distinctive Breton lifestyle as you head for the Emerald Coast and the magnificent fortified port of St Malo, where Jacques Cartier is buried. Take time to walk along the ramparts and explore before returning to your hotel. (BB,D)
Day 5 - PONTORSON - LOIRE VALLEY
Drive south to Brittany and follow the valley of the Loire, passing the mighty moated castle at Angers. Cross the Loire at Saumur, where you can sample some of the local wine. Drive quietly past the sleeping beauty château at Usse en route to the beautiful Château de Rochecotte, once the home of Talleyrand, and yours for the next two nights. Enjoy a Highlight dinner and a short group tutorial on the wines that complement your evening meal at the hotel.
Hotel: Château de Rochecotte. (BB,HD)
Day 6 - CHÂTEAU COUNTRY EXCURSION
Stop at the castle of Azay le Rideau, once the home of a King's minister, and still surrounded by its moat. Visit the apartments and take time to wander in the town. Then it's on to the privately owned château of Villandry, sometimes called the 'Jewel of the Loire', to visit the apartments and the beautifully restored Renaissance gardens. Don't miss the water garden, ornamental garden and kitchen garden - a stunning display of plants, fruits and vegetables designed in the 16th century. From here return to your own château. (BB)
Day 7 - LOIRE VALLEY - PARIS
On a drive through the vast wheat fields of La Beauce, see the impressive cathedral at Chartres looming on the horizon. Stop to marvel at the beautiful stained glass rose window inside this famous cathedral, built on a sacred site. Return to 'the city of light', Paris, for a two-night stay. In the afternoon, there is time to explore at your own pace: relax in a Parisian cafe, window-shop in the elegant boutiques or visit Montmartre, with its street artists and the Sacre Coeur Basilica nearby. As night falls, consider indulging in the excitement and glamour of a French cabaret, complete with can-can.
Hotel: Pullman Bercy (BB)
Day 8 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING
A Parisian guide introduces you to all the fabulous sights: see the 13th century Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, with its tale of Quasimodo, hunchback of Notre Dame; drive through the courtyard of the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde and along the Champs Élysees to the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Now a relaxing Seine River cruise through the centre of the city provides an unusual "insight" into Paris. The afternoon is at leisure: perhaps admire the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, buy last-minute presents in famous department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps,
or celebrate with a farewell dinner. (BB)
Day 9 - PARIS
Your French experience ends after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 & 11:00. (BB)
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