Premium Paris, Loire Valley & Normandy

Bonjour! Welcome to Paris. Your adventure will begin with a complimentary arrival transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your group members and trip leader. If you arrive early in the City of Lights, there’s plenty to see and do – maybe take the opportunity to walk up to the top of the Eiffel Tower or admire it from its base with a picnic lunch of local breads, cheeses, meats and fruit. After your meeting, you’ll head out with your group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Then, maybe head out for a wine or a ‘real’ glass of champagne to toast your coming adventure through France.    (D)

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take the metro to Montmartre (approx: 40-45mins) – the hilltop part of town once popular with artists and romantics. Take a walking tour of hidden Paris with a knowledgeable guide and explore the cobbled streets, bistros and gorgeous basilica, learning about this place’s history and maybe finding your new favourite spot for an espresso. After, head back to your hotel to freshen up and then take a first-class train to Tours – a university town between the Cher and Loire Rivers. Head to your hotel near the Museum of Fine Arts, and then you’re free to find a good dinner spot near the river or explore the city’s nightlife. (B)

This morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out on a walking tour of Tours and the town’s historic market – Halles de Tours. You will have free time to wander and have some lunch of your choice before regrouping later in the afternoon, when you will be chauffeured to Chateau Gaudrelle – a winery on the banks of the Loire River. Enjoy a visit of this historic winery and then hit the water and enjoy a tasting of the local wines on a riverboat, as you take in the gorgeous views. Heading back to Tours, your evening is free. Ask your leader for their best dinner recommendations. (B)

After breakfast, take a quick trip to Amboise and head out on a leader-led orientation walk around the medieval town . When you have your bearings, you can explore at your own pace, maybe hunting down the best boulangerie for some pastries or some lunch. After, make your way to Chateau de Chenonceau, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. This guided tour promises to transport you back in time to the 16th century, where you will explore the fascinating history, captivating stories, and exquisite beauty of this iconic château.

You’ll then head to the nearby Caves Monmousseau – the famed cellars of Monmousseau in the Loire Valley are home to a maze of underground walls awash in colourful paintings. You’ll meet with a local guide for a tour of the outdoors, where you can take in the gorgeous views of the Cher River, then you’ll head into the cellars and learn the secrets of this fine sparkling wine that’s been in production since 1886, followed by an essential wine tasting. Tonight, you’ll head to your Feature Stay accommodation in the mid-17th century Chateau La Borde en Sologne – a castle set in the middle of the woods, offering high-end hotel and spa services. Enjoy some free time to unwind (and maybe hit the onsite spa for some indulgence) before sitting down for a group dinner. (B/D)

Wake up in luxury in the salons of the chateau. This morning, you’ll enjoy some breakfast and then head off to Chambord – the birthplace of the liqueur of the same name. Enjoy a self-guided visit of the Chateau de Chambord, the very place where King Louis XIV is said to have been introduced to the black raspberry liqueur, then enjoy a picnic lunch in grounds. After, you have some free time to explore the town at your pace. Tonight, return to your Feature Stay for a night of relaxation and luxury – massage anyone? (B/L)

After breakfast in the chateau, your private transfer will take you to Mont Saint Michel, stopping at Le Mans along the way. Here, you’ll have a quick stop to explore the medieval streets and find some lunch in the quaint town. Continue to the fairytale island of Mont-Saint-Michel – home to just 27 residents, this island has been a religious pilgrimage of Europe for centuries. The gravity-defying Abbey at the top has been watching over the waters of Normandy since 1523 (however the first stone was laid in the 10th century, making it over 1000 years old!). Soak in the wonder of this fanciful township before jumping back in your transport and making your way to tonight’s accommodation in Bayeux. On the Aure River, this town near the Channel coast boasts a medieval centre, cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and the Norman-Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame. (B)

Waking up in Bayeux, you’ll enjoy breakfast in your hotel this morning before heading out with your leader. Take in the beauty of this city on a guided tour through the streets, and into the Tapestry Museum, where you can cast your eyes over the Bayeux Tapestry, which was stitched in the 11th century and tells the story of how William, Duke of Normandy, conquered England at the battle of Hastings to become King in 1066. After, you’ll have time to explore Bayeux at your own pace, maybe looking for the perfect spot for a local lunch. This afternoon, you’ll visit the D-Day beaches on the Normandy coast where you’ll learn about France’s modern military history. Return to your hotel for the evening and maybe gather your group for dinner in town. (B)

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast this morning before heading off to a traditional Calvados distillery where you will discover the rich history, craftsmanship, and diverse flavors of this exquisite apple brandy. This afternoon, you’ll take a private transfer back to Paris. Enjoy some free time this afternoon when you arrive and maybe ask your leader where the best viewpoints are to watch the Eiffel Tower light up in its nightly display. Later, you’ll catch back up with your group for a final farewell dinner in the City of Love. (B/D)

After breakfast in your hotel this morning, it’s time to bid adieu to your group as your trip comes to an end. With no further activities planned, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay and visit the Louvre or walk the Champs-Elysees one more time, just speak to your booking agent. (B)