DAY 1, Monday - Depart for France
Depart for France

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Paris
Bonjour! Welcome to Paris, the magnificent "City Of Light;" transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and enjoy the endless delights of this city on the Seine. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with the Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM followed by a light dinner at a local restaurant. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Wednesday - Paris City Tour, Louvre Museum, Vintage Car Ride & Montmartre
Get acquainted with Paris today as you drive along the impressive Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. Continue to "Rive Gauche," the celebrated Left Bank where artists, philosophers, and writers in a bygone era flourished in the artistic community at Montparnasse, including Picasso, Matisse, Hemingway and more. Visit the incomparable Louvre, one of the world's most famous museums. Of the many exhibitions found therein, view the medieval fortress and the museum's most reputed masterpiece, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Afterward, ride in style in a vintage French Citroën that will chauffeur you through picturesque Parisian streets to stylish Montmartre. In Montmartre, prepare for spectacular views of the city from the steps of the Sacre Coeur Basilica. Afternoon is at leisure to further explore this fascinating city on your own
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Thursday - Champagne Region
Today, travel to the heart of the famed Champagne region with its magnificent stretches of vineyards as far as the eye can see. This historic province, formerly ruled by the counts of Champagne, is best known for the sparkling white wine that bears its name. Drive along the elegant Avenue de Champagne, in Epernay, home to many of the world's most celebrated Champagne houses. Visit one of the wine cellars and have lunch at a traditional restaurant. Learn more about the champagne process and savor tastings of this expensive delight. Then, on to Reims with its magnificent Gothic cathedral adorned with striking stained glass windows, where many of France's kings were crowned. Return to Paris and spend the rest of the evening at leisure
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5, Friday - Giverny, Lecture with World War II Historian
Today, a scenic drive takes you to Giverny, home of Claude Monet, one of the world's greatest impressionist painters. Walk through the tranquil gardens that inspired many of his masterpieces, including his famous "Water Lilies" series of paintings. Have lunch nearby on the site of a charming 18th century water mill. This afternoon, enter the Normandy region and head to the popular seaside resort of Cabourg for overnight. After dinner tonight, meet a World War II historian who will help you gain a greater understanding about D-Day and the beaches where the Allied forces landed 75 years ago
Overnight: Normandy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Saturday - Beaches in Normandy, American Cemetery, Honfleur Harbor
This morning visit the historic beaches in Normandy. The first stop is at the Ranger Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Continue today's exploration of Normandy's historic sites with the cherished American Cemetery on Omaha Beach, a vision that will forever be embedded in your memory. Then for a change of pace, continue to the enchanting harbor at Honfleur with its colorful boats, immortalized by several of the world's greatest impressionist painters. Time to browse the charming galleries, tiny shops and stop for coffee at a typical café. Return to your hotel for overnight
Overnight: Normandy
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Sunday - World War II Memorial Museum, Mont St. Michel, St. Malo
Morning visit to the WWII Memorial Museum, a stirring monument to peace, with its detailed chronology of the events that took place in this region during WWII. View the many exhibits and walk through the American, British and Canadian Gardens dedicated to the three main allied nations involved in liberating France. Depart Normandy and head toward the rugged coast of northwestern France. It's a dramatic moment when you have your first glimpse in the distance of Mont St. Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built on an isolated island in the gulf of Saint-Malo. Reached by a causeway, the lower towers and medieval sea wall protect a small village, capped magnificently by the commanding abbey dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Then, drive along the coast to the beautiful city of St. Malo in Brittany. Walk along the cobbled streets of the Old Town and have dinner tonight at a charming restaurant
Overnight: St. Malo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - Angers, Saumur
Depart St. Malo on your journey to the gorgeous Loire Valley, brimming with treasures waiting to be discovered. For centuries, royalty and nobility built their magnificent chateaux in this valley, inspired by the lush forests and rich farmlands. Pause at the surprising Angers castle, home of the stirring 14th century Apocalypse Tapestry. Next, a chance to sample the local wine with a stop in riverside Saumur. Travel to a lovely chateau hotel in the Loire Valley, your home for the next two nights. Tonight, dinner is at the chateau's dining room
Overnight: Loire Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday - Chateau de Chenonceau, Chateau d'Amboise
Spend another day exploring the stunning Loire Valley with its splendid chateaux. The first stop is at Chateau de Chenonceau, a jewel of Renaissance architecture, stretching over the River Cher. Walk through its extravagantly furnished rooms and traditional formal gardens, added during the time of Henry II, by his mistress Diane de Poitiers. Then, an unusual visit to a cave restaurant, nestled in the valley for wine tasting and lunch. Afterward, on to the Royal Chateau d' Amboise, with its commanding views of the river, most closely associated with King François I who brought Leonardo da Vinci to his court. The tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his final years in Amboise, lies in the chapel of the chateau. Later, time to relax before dinner this evening
Overnight: Loire Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Wednesday - Blois, Chambord, Chartres Cathedral
The day begins with Blois, a royal town packed with lively streets, beautiful paved squares and charming cafes where you visit the extraordinary chateau, once home to Louis XII and François I. Then, on to view the fairytale Chateau de Chambord, Loire's largest residence, built in the 16th century for King François I. Next, arrive in Chartres, home to the greatest Gothic cathedral in France. Originally built in 1020, the cathedral contains the sacred Veil of the Virgin relic and astonishing stained glass windows. Conclude the day in Versailles. Best known as the site of the vast royal palace and gardens built by King Louis XIV. The rest of the day is at leisure to immerse yourself in these beautiful surroundings
Overnight: Versailles
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Thursday - Palace of Versailles and Gardens
Enter the Palace of Versailles this morning to view the lavish apartments of King Louis XIV and the extravagant Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed at the end of World War I. The splendid interiors of Versailles were envied and copied by royalty throughout Europe. Walk through the beautiful gardens with its spectacular fountains, a gorgeous fusion of nature, sculpture, music and water, designed by Andre Le Notre, the blueprint of French gardens throughout the world. Tonight, at dinner, share memories of your journey in France and bid au revoir to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Versailles
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Friday - Depart France
Transfer to the airport in Paris for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast