Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley

Day Stops

• Paris, France
• Rouen, France
• Deauville, France

Hotel(s)

Hotel Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral - a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church memorializes the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and wander along the harbor or stroll through the colorful streets. Close by, meet a farming family who grow apples to produce local juice, cider and calvados of Normandy. Sample the local produce paired with Normandy cheese. Later, arrive at your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.

Day Stops

• Deauville, France
• Omaha Beach, France
• Arromanches-les-Bains, France
• 14960 Asnelles, France

Hotel(s)

Hotel Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Then with a local expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach. Explore Normandy. Choose to visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay. Alternatively, visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England. This evening you are treated to a delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients and delicious wines.

Day Stops

• Deauville, France
• 50170 Mont Saint-Michel, France
• Saint-Malo, France

Hotel(s)

Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Journey through bocage country and explore the hilltop abbey of Mont Saint-Michel with your local expert. Situated on an island, the abbey is reached by a bridge across the shining sands. Behind the outer ring of defences huddles the small town – its singular one street containing shops, cafes and hotels. Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places in France. A local expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs. Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city, home of Jacques Cartier and other celebrated voyagers. At your leisure, you can wander around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. By night, the town’s medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional experience to Cancale, known throughout France for its oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other Breton specialties.

Day Stops

• Saint-Malo, France
• Angers, France
• 49400 Saumur, France

Hotel(s)

Relais Des Landes

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

Head south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated Angers Castle. Cross the Loire to Saumur, where a local vintner will guide you through tastings of the region's delicious wines. Head to Château de Villandry, the jewel of the Loire, to visit the glorious sustainable gardens on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Ensure you don't miss the water, ornamental and kitchen gardens. This stunning sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages and purple basil is grown organically to re-generate the local ecosystem. This evening, your celebration dinner starts with a glass of local sparkling wine and continues with excellent service and delicious farm-to-table dishes in the most wholesome setting, ensuring the memory of your meal will linger long after you've returned home.

Day Stops

• D7, lieu dit, Les Landes, 41120 Ouchamps, France
• 41700 Cheverny, France

Hotel(s)

Relais Des Landes

Journey to the family-owned Château de Cheverny inhabited by the same family for over six centuries. Arrive through the forest and park lands with your local expert who will show you the château's decor and aristocratic costumes of the family through the centuries. Listen out for the hounds and find out about the connection with Tintin while you are there. Return to your superb château for relaxation and free time.

Day Stop

• Paris, France

Hotel(s)

Le Méridien Etoile

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Traveling through the vast wheat fields of the the Beauce region, Chartres Cathedral, nicknamed the "Acropolis of France" by August Rodin, looms large on the horizon. Enjoy a guided tour of this architectural delight. From here, return to the French capital where your travel director introduces you to the fabulous sights of Paris, including the vast Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood. Travel up the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. After dark, the City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour, don't miss the chance to experience a world-famous cabaret show.

Day Stop

• Paris, France

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Today, bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of France as you transfer to the airport. Departure Transfer 8:00, 11:00.