DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA

Over night flight to Paris.

DAY 2 – SAT – ARRIVE PARIS

Welcome to Paris! If you have purchased our Air & Land package you are transferred to the tour hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is entirely at leisure to enjoy this fabulous city, with its grand boulevards, superb museums and world famous landmarks. Then later, meet your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink, followed by a sparkling illuminations tour of the capital - a perfect introduction to Paris! Hotel: Sofitel Forum Rive Gauche.

DAY 3 – SUN – PARIS – TROUVILLE

On our tour we explore the history of two military invasions, carried out nearly 900 years apart! We begin by driving into the ancient Duchy of Normandy, where we stop in the historic capital of Rouen. Here we visit the cathedral, so wonderfully painted by Monet. We also see the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Then on to Bayeux, where we visit the museum housing the famous tapestry depicting the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Now we continue to our hotel in the seaside resort of Trouville. Hotel: Le Beach. (BB)

DAY 4 – MON – TROUVILLE – PONTORSON

We move forward almost a thousand years today as we drive along some of the beaches of the D-day Landings, including Sword, Juno and Gold. Then to Arromanches where we visit the Invasion Landings' Museum and see the remnants of the artificial port, (Mulberry B), which still remain in the bay. We continue on to Omaha Beach where we visit the American Military Cemetery of St. Laurent. Afterwards we follow the route of the Rangers depicted in 'Saving Private Ryan' and visit the bunkers and the Rangers' Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Finally we continue southwards to our hotel near Mont St. Michel. Hotel: Montgomery/Relais du Roy. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – TUE – MONT ST MICHEL & ST MALO EXCURSION

Our locally guided tour of Mont St Michel, takes us into the hill-top Abbey surrounded by sea. The first structure, a simple oratory, was built here in the 8th century by the Bishop of Avranches, and was subsequently expanded and enhanced over the centuries with the addition of Romanesque and Gothic buildings. The Abbey's increasing fame attracted pilgrims and visitors and, by medieval times, a 'ville basse' had developed, with shops, eating places and guest houses. Later, we enjoy an insight into the distinctive Breton lifestyle as we head for the Emerald Coast and the magnificent fortified port of St Malo, where Jacques Cartier is buried. Time to walk along the ramparts and explore before returning to our hotel. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – WED – PONTORSON – LOIRE VALLEY

Today we drive south into Brittany, then we follow the valley of the Loire, passing the mighty moated castle at Angers and across the Loire at Saumur, where we sample some of the local wine. We then drive quietly past the sleeping beauty château at Ussé. From here we continue to Tours where we see the Basilica of St Martin and the Old Town. We stay in Tours for two nights. This evening we enjoy our highlight dinner with wine in a local restaurant. Hotel: Tourone. (BB,HD)

DAY 7 – THU – CHâTEAU COUNTRY EXCURSION

First, we pass Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried, the Château of Chaumont and the town of Blois, on our way to see Chambord, with its beautiful park and colossal chimneys. Next, we drive to Cheverny to visit the sumptuous apartments of the château, which has been owned by the same family since 1634. Finally, we visit the fairy-tale Castle of Chenonceau. Built in 1513 by Thomas Bohier, this splendid jewel of the French Renaissance, is spectacularly set overlooking the River Cher. During our guided visit, we have time to admire its fine tapestries, richly decorated ceilings and magnificent chimney pieces, as well as its manicured gardens before returning to our hotel in Tours. (BB)

DAY 8 – FRI – LOIRE VALLEY – PARIS

Driving through the vast wheat fields of La Beauce, we can see the impressive cathedral at Chartres looming on the horizon. We stop here to marvel at the beautiful stained glass rose window inside this famous cathedral, begun on a sacred site. We return to 'the city of light', Paris, for our two night stay. This afternoon there is time to explore on your own. Perhaps relax in a Parisian café, window shop in the elegant boutiques or visit Montmartre, with its street artists and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica nearby. This evening, perhaps indulge in some excitement and glamour at a French cabaret, complete with can-can? Hotel: Sofitel Forum Rive Gauche. (BB)

DAY 9 – SAT – PARIS SIGHTSEEING

Today our Parisian guide shows us all the fabulous sights! We see the 13th century Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, with its memories of the tale of Quasimodo, hunchback of Notre Dame. Then we drive through the courtyard of the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde and along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Then time to see the Parisian landmarks from a different perspective as we embark on a relaxing cruise of the River Seine. Our tour concludes with a visit inside the gilded Église du Dôme to see Napoleon's tomb. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps admire the Mona Lisa in the Louvre? Or purchase last minute gifts in the famous department stores? Tonight, why not join your new found friends for a farewell dinner? (BB)

DAY 10 – SUN – RETURN TO USA

Our memorable French experience ends after breakfast. Transfers to the airport are included in the Air and Land package. (BB)