Overview
Itinerary
Your tour begins in the royal borough of Versailles. Celebrate the beginning of your voyage with a savory French dinner in the culturally rich town of Versailles. (D) Stay: Le Louis Versailles Chateau - MGallery (2 Nights)
Start your day with an exploration of the iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO). A guide leads you through the Private Apartments of King Louis XIV, the Sun King, who transformed his father's hunting lodge into the resplendent seat of the Royal Court.
Continue your visit independently through the lavish State Apartments. From the prominent Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the queen, take in Versailles' most famous sights at your own pace.
This afternoon your explorations continue in the palace's grandiose formal gardens, where the Baroque fountains regularly spout water to the tune of classical music. (B)
Travel to the French countryside of Loire Valley, a UNESCO site brimming with châteaux and parks. Visit Tours, a lively foodie neighborhood known as the gateway to the Loire Valley. Explore Tours on foot, taking in the beating heart of the city: from its Old Town to the medieval Place Plumereau. Take time to appreciate the charming half-timbered houses, stately mansions, and pedestrian square that's brimming with restaurants and cafés.
This afternoon, settle into the royal treatment when you arrive at your 15th-century castle accommodations at the Château de Beauvois. Delve into the history of this site frequented by King Louis XIII as you enjoy some leisure time to explore the grounds or relax on the château's terrace.
Tonight, delight in gourmet French cuisine in the opulent dining room of your château. (B/D) Stay: Château de Beauvois (2 Nights)
It's going to be a noble morning. Start your day by exploring the Château de Chenonceau at your own pace. Perched along the banks of the Cher River, this romantic castle is a jewel of Renaissance architecture. After, take a short drive to the picturesque center of Amboise, a market town with ties to the French royal family and renowned Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci. Enjoy free time exploring the medieval town and getting to know the local culture.
This evening, return to Tours and get a taste of the local cuisine on your own, maybe popping into a bistro for dinner. (B)
Kick off your day with a tour at a family-run winery. Savor the family's story, along with some of the Loire Valley's best wines. Journey north and arrive in the historic village of Chinon, where Joan of Arc first met young Charles VII and shared her vision that he would defeat the English during the Hundred Years' War. Visit the market, abundant with fresh produce, flowers, and local goods, and take time to enjoy lunch on your own along the banks of the Vienne River.
Then it's off to Saint-Malo, Brittany's famous coastal village. Immerse yourself in the beautiful beaches, striking blue water, and views of the fortified Old Town. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Oceania (2 Nights)
Travel to Le Mont St. Michel (UNESCO), the “Wonder of the West.” Resting on the border between Normandy and Brittany, this world-famous pilgrimage site sits on the edge of the sea and becomes an island at high tide. Take in the breathtaking views as you stroll through the old village at the base of the abbey. Then, explore one of the most beautiful monastic complexes in France, dating back to the 11th century. Return to Saint-Malo and enjoy time to relax or to wander the port city. The choice is yours. (B)
Immerse yourself in World War II history and step back in time during a visit to the Caen Memorial Peace Museum, built to commemorate those who died in the epic Battle of Normandy in 1944. This museum provides a comprehensive history of the D-Day landings and Europe's post-war transition.
In the afternoon, explore the D-Day Landing sites with a visit to Juno Beach and to Arromanche-les-Bain. See the remains of the artificial Mulberry port, built by the Allies to resupply their lines during the liberation of France. (B) Stay: Best Western PLUS Le Moderne (2 Nights)
Continue your journey through the past today. Visit Omaha Beach and stop by the Normandy American Cemetery & Visitor Center. See the stars and stripes raised over the graves of the soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy. Then, walk through Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial and see where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position. Next, make your way to Sainte Mère Eglise, the heart of the American Airborne operations on D-Day, and visit its parachute-shaped Airborne Museum. (B/D)
The art scene will leave an impression(ism) on you when you start your day with a visit to Monet's countryside home at Giverny. Stroll through the colorful living work of art that is Monet's Garden, where you'll see the source for the artist's inspiration, including the setting for his iconic Waterlilies painting. Then, shift from the picturesque to the lavish; you're headed to Paris.
Once you arrive in the afternoon, glide under romantic bridges during a scenic cruise along the Seine River. Take in the city's most iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, and Île Saint-Louis peaking at you from the Banks of the Seine (UNESCO). As your day comes to a close, make the most of an evening at leisure in this incredibly walkable, world-famous city. Perhaps you will enjoy an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret. (B) Stay: Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile (2 Nights)
This morning, it's your choice! Take in the most iconic sights of Paris on a panoramic city tour. With your local guide, see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Place de la Concorde -OR- step into the shoes of a local and navigate Le Métro on your way to the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre and its iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Take advantage of a free afternoon to write your own story in romantic Paris.
This evening, celebrate the conclusion of your French voyage during an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring French cuisine and panoramic views of the City of Light. (B/D)
Set out for home with many magnificent memories. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Visit the private apartments of King Louis the Great in the Royal Palace of Versailles.
- Enjoy 2 nights at your 15th-century castle accommodations at the Château de Beauvois.
- Admire famous landmarks while cruising along the River Seine in Paris.
- Be mesmerized by the ever-changing colors of Monet's Garden in Giverny.
- Ponder history at Normandy's Memorial Peace Museum and Omaha Beach Cemetery.
- Explore Chenonceau Castle, the Renaissance country residence of the French Royals.
- Savor local flavors during dinner at a traditional French restaurant.
- Delight in a tour and tasting at a local winery.
- Enjoy an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring delicious cuisine and breathtaking views.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $195.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount.
- Location: Paris. Cost: $266.
- Join us for a spectacular evening in one of Paris’s most beloved institutions, the famous Paradis Latin. Situated in a building associated with Napoleon and rebuilt by Gustav Eiffel himself, the Paradis has been running here since 1889. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner with wine, then bring on the champagne and let the show commence! Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Please note that as a typical Parisian cabaret, the show does contain some tasteful nudity and may be considered unsuitable for children — consult with your Tour Manager.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
