Treasures of Northern France
Free and Easy Visit to Museums, Palaces, Cathedrals, a Winery and Famous Battlefields

Day 1 We arrange our overnight Flight to Paris, France.

Day 2 Arrive in Paris and transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon step out for a walking tour to become familiar with hotel vicinity and our new surroundings. After dinner, take the metro to the Eiffel to view its massive beauty.

Day 3 We have the full day to tour Paris on our own. Musee D’Orsay was a train station at one time and now has a fascinating collection of Impressionist art. Stroll the Champs Elysees, Ile de la Cite, Latin Quarter (Sorbonne), Montmartre. In the evening a local guide will take the group to one of the following; (this is pre-arranged and subject to availability) Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Paris Sewers, Montmartre, the Catacombs, Latin Quarter. Transfer to Hotel Paris Campanile in nearby Pantin or similar.

Day 4 Our motorcoach departs directly from the hotel after breakfast. Our Normandy excursion travels first to Rouen to visit the great Cathedral, then Calvados region and on to an old handicraft museum in Pont L’Eveque. Overnight in the seaside resort of Deauville.

Day 5 This morning visit the nearby legendary beaches of Normandy. The highlights are Arromanches and the American cemetery at Omaha. It is a sobering and tranquil experience. Bayeux is famous for its lace-making and the incredible tapestry that depicts the Norman invasion of England 900 years ago. Continue Southwest to Mont. St. Michel. Overnight nearby.

Day 6 Visit the mountain Abbey before departing for Chateaubriant, famed for its castle and Angers for a brief stop to visit its Cathedral. Follow the banks of the Loire River to the city of Tours and then continue on to Blois (or similar) for the first of two nights.

Day 7 Following the right bank of the river pass by the medieval Chateau of Chaumont on the way to the village of Amboise. Almost a fortress, scene of many tragic events, the great Chateau of Amboise is richly furnished with antiques and paintings. Guided tour will visit Leonardo da Vinci’s Tomb. The romantic Chateau of Chenonceaux by the Cher has the most magnificent gardens. Catherine de Medici and Mary Stuart ruled this house and left their mark here. In the winery of Monmousseau you can taste and purchase sparkling wine to take home. Afterwards tour the labyrinth of the Chalk Cellars. Tonight enjoy a sound and light show in the Castle of Blois (in season only).

Day 8 Orleans is our destination today. Stop here to pose for a picture with the statue of Joan of Arc. In Chartres visit the magnificent cathedral. The color Chartres Blue is based on the color of the glass in this incredible structure. The museum also houses another incredible treasures. Transfer to Paris in time for supper.

Day 9 Guided tour of Paris will include Notre Dame Cathedral, La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, L’Opera, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and the Champs Elysees. Transfer to hotel for our last two nights in the incomparable "City of Lights".

Day 10 A free day in Paris is the order of the day. We can choose to walk the winding hilly streets of Montmartre, the Louvre (in depth), shop or stroll the Champs Elysees. An optional trip to the Louis the XIV’s, Palace of Versailles (the largest in the world) could also be arranged.

Day 11 Transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport for departure.

Please call for a customized program and prices.