France Magnifique

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)