14D13N Grand Tour of France (4780)

Check into your hotel and spend free time strolling around Paris. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.  

Drive first to the historical capital city of Normandy, Rouen-one of the most prosperous cities of medieval Europe. Walk through its centre, rich in Gothic architecture. Next, visit lovely Honfleur, known for its picturesque port and houses with slate- covered facades. Continue to Caen.

Time to see Caen before visiting the legendary beaches where Allied troops landed more than 75 years ago. Experience the most moving sites at Arromanches, St. Laurent, and the American Cemetery at Omaha. Next, journey to Bayeux, home to the famous tapestry, listed by UNESCO, depicting William the Conqueror's epic battle in 1066 (entrance fee extra). Then, on to the unique beauty of Mont St. Michel, which stands on an island accessed via a causeway

Time to enjoy a visit of Mont St. Michel before departing for Angers to visit its cathedral. Then, travel along the banks of the Loire River to reach the enchanting Chateaux Country. This evening, join an optional dinner at a local restaurant

Spend the day at leisure or take an optional excursion to see some of the most spectacular castles of the Loire Valley, steeped in the history of noblemen and kings since the 11th century. Gothic spires, medieval turrets, great fortresses, and beautiful chateaux make for splendid panoramas.

This morning spend some time in the picturesque town of La Rochelle, situated on the Atlantic coast, then enjoy a scenic drive through the Bordeaux wine region. Stop for a wine tasting session at one of the celebrated cellars. Next, enjoy an orientation walk of the city centre of Bordeaux.

Discover one of France's most scenic regions, the Dordogne. Stop in the medieval town of Rocamadour, dramatically perched high upon a cliff. Continue southwards to Toulouse.

Travel to Carcassonne for a walk in this well-preserved medieval town. Then, stop for a picture at famous Pont du Gard before reaching Avignon.

Visit Arles, known all over the world for Van Gogh's paintings. Admire the famous Roman amphitheatre, then continue to Aix-en-Provence. Walk down its main street, the Cours Mirabeau, lined with plane trees in the French tradition, and the 17th-century palace, houses, and fountains. Finally, head to the French Riviera on the shores of the Mediterranean.

Take time to enjoy all the amenities of the French Riviera at your own leisure. Tonight, maybe join the optional "Monte Carlo by Night" excursion to see the Principality of Monaco.

First to Grasse to visit a traditional perfume workshop. See more of Provence and follow one of France's great panoramic routes, the Route Napoleon, which Napoleon took on his return from his exile in Elba in 1815. From Grenoble, join the expressway to the Lyon area.

Travel through the picturesque vineyards and fields of Burgundy to medieval Beaune, the region's wine capital since Roman times. Stop to visit the famous Hotel-Dieu. Return to the French capital of Paris.

Discover the glorious ville lumieres (City of Lights) and its many boulevards and monumental buildings. On your included sightseeing tour, a local expert will guide you through Parisian history, tradition, and modern living. Optional excursions are also available to complete your experience.

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.