Itinerary Details
Day 1 Overnight Flight
France is calling, and tonight you answer. Over the next several days, the history, art, and flavor of France's celebrated cities and towns are yours to discover. À bientôt, Paris.
Day 2 Paris, France - Versailles
Bienvenue en France, and welcome to Versailles. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today, so spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. As evening falls, gather with your fellow travelers for a savory French dinner to kick off the journey right.(D)
Day 3 Versailles - Royal Palace and Gardens
This morning, explore the Palace of Versailles (UNESCO) with a guide, unlocking the Private Apartments where Louis XIV, the Sun King, held court and shaped a kingdom. Then, the grandeur is yours to take in at your own pace. Wander the lavish State Apartments, linger in the Hall of Mirrors, and stand in the very bedchamber where queens once woke to the business of an empire. By afternoon, step into the formal gardens as Baroque fountains surge to classical music.* Enjoy free time to explore the quieter Petit Versailles or lose yourself in the stalls of the open-air Marché Notre-Dame.(B)
Day 4 Versailles - Giverny** - Caen
This morning, step into the world that shaped one of history's greatest artists, visiting Monet's home at Giverny,** the village where he lived and painted for over forty years. Walk Monet's Garden, where water lilies still drift across the famous pond that inspired his Nymphéas series, exactly as he captured them on canvas. By afternoon, the pastures of Normandy roll past as you make your way to Caen, your base for the next two nights.(B, D)
Day 5 Caen - Normandy American Cemetery - Arromanches - Caen
This morning, pay your respects at the Normandy American Cemetery, where the Stars and Stripes fly above rows of white crosses and Stars of David honoring the thousands of Allied soldiers who gave their lives. From there, stand on the sands of Omaha Beach – where Allied forces faced fierce resistance on June 6, 1944 – and feel the weight of what happened here. Walk through the Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial and see the clifftops where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs under fire to seize a fortified enemy position. The morning ends in Arromanches-les-Bains, where you'll see the concrete remains of Mulberry Harbour, the artificial port the Allies built to sustain the liberation of France. Continue your journey, heading back to Caen.(B)
Day 6 Caen - Bayeux - Saint-Malo
This morning, explore the Caen Peace Memorial Museum, which puts the full story of the D-Day landings and Europe’s post-war recovery into vivid context. By midday, the medieval streets of Bayeux, the first French town liberated after D-Day, are yours to wander, past half-timbered houses and into one of Normandy's best-preserved town centers. This afternoon, the walled city of Saint-Malo and the coast of Brittany open up before you – granite ramparts, wide beaches, and the blue sweep of the sea.(B, D)
Day 7 Saint-Malo - Le Mont Saint-Michel - Saint-Malo
Today takes you to Le Mont Saint-Michel (UNESCO).*** Rising from the sea on the border of Normandy and Brittany, this ancient pilgrimage site becomes an island at high tide, earning its name as the "Wonder of the West." Come ready to climb; you'll wind upward through the old village, mount uneven cobblestones and steep medieval steps, and ascend into one of France's most extraordinary monastic complexes, dating to the 11th century. At the top, Gothic spires reach skyward and the bay stretches out in every direction – a view that makes every step worth it.(B)
Day 8 Saint-Malo - Winery Visit - Tours - Loire Valley
Head south into the Loire Valley (UNESCO), where châteaux dot the landscape and centuries of winemaking run as deep as the roots in the soil. Arrive at a family-owned estate set among the rolling vineyards – its architecture and cellars dating back several centuries, with a winemaking tradition passed down through generations – for an exclusive visit. Your host unlocks the story of the land, the terroir, and the techniques that make this region's wines so distinctive. The visit ends at the tasting table where the Loire Valley speaks for itself, glass by glass. As evening falls, settle into your Loire Valley château hotel and gather for a French dinner in its dining room.(B, D)
Day 9 Loire Valley - Chenonceau - Amboise - Loire Valley
This morning, explore Château de Chenonceau at your own pace – its grand galleries stretching across the Cher River, its Renaissance architecture and rooms lined with centuries of art and furniture that bring its rich history to life. From there, the historic center of Amboise awaits. Enjoy free time to take in the town before your local expert leads you to Clos Lucé, the residence where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years in France, and where his imagination filled the rooms that still stand today.(B)
Day 10 Loire Valley - Paris
Today, the French countryside gives way to the "City of Light", and Paris reveals itself the best way it can - from the water. Settle in for lunch aboard a cruise along the Seine as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, and Île Saint-Louis drift past (UNESCO) – a front-row introduction to one of the world's great cities. As evening falls, enjoy free time to lose yourself in Paris at your own pace. Wander a neighborhood, find a café, let the city pull you in. For an unforgettable night out, consider the optional Paradis Latin**** – champagne, can-can, and live music at one of Paris's most celebrated cabarets.(B, L)
Day 11 Paris
This morning, it's your choice! Enjoy a guided overview of the city’s iconic sights, including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées, and a walk near Notre-Dame -OR- explore Montmartre with a local expert by Métro, wandering the hilltop streets around Sacré Cœur***** that inspired generations of artists. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace – one last chance to let Paris surprise you. As evening falls, head up inside the Eiffel Tower****** itself for an exclusive dinner – French food, panoramic views of the "City of Light" glittering below, and a send-off that is, in every sense, magnifique.(B, D)
Day 12 Paris - Tour Ends
Head home carrying a little bit of France with you – the food, the wine, and the art of living that this country does better than anyone. Au revoir.(B)
Day 1 Overnight Flight
France is calling, and tonight you answer. Over the next several days, the history, art, and flavor of France's celebrated cities and towns are yours to discover. À bientôt, Paris.
Day 2 Paris, France - Versailles
Bienvenue en France, and welcome to Versailles. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today, so spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. As evening falls, gather with your fellow travelers for a savory French dinner to kick off the journey right.(D)
Day 3 Versailles - Royal Palace and Gardens
This morning, explore the Palace of Versailles (UNESCO) with a guide, unlocking the Private Apartments where Louis XIV, the Sun King, held court and shaped a kingdom. Then, the grandeur is yours to take in at your own pace. Wander the lavish State Apartments, linger in the Hall of Mirrors, and stand in the very bedchamber where queens once woke to the business of an empire. By afternoon, step into the formal gardens as Baroque fountains surge to classical music.* Enjoy free time to explore the quieter Petit Versailles or lose yourself in the stalls of the open-air Marché Notre-Dame.(B)
Day 4 Versailles - Giverny** - Caen
This morning, step into the world that shaped one of history's greatest artists, visiting Monet's home at Giverny,** the village where he lived and painted for over forty years. Walk Monet's Garden, where water lilies still drift across the famous pond that inspired his Nymphéas series, exactly as he captured them on canvas. By afternoon, the pastures of Normandy roll past as you make your way to Caen, your base for the next two nights.(B, D)
Day 5 Caen - Normandy American Cemetery - Arromanches - Caen
This morning, pay your respects at the Normandy American Cemetery, where the Stars and Stripes fly above rows of white crosses and Stars of David honoring the thousands of Allied soldiers who gave their lives. From there, stand on the sands of Omaha Beach – where Allied forces faced fierce resistance on June 6, 1944 – and feel the weight of what happened here. Walk through the Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial and see the clifftops where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs under fire to seize a fortified enemy position. The morning ends in Arromanches-les-Bains, where you'll see the concrete remains of Mulberry Harbour, the artificial port the Allies built to sustain the liberation of France. Continue your journey, heading back to Caen.(B)
Day 6 Caen - Bayeux - Saint-Malo
This morning, explore the Caen Peace Memorial Museum, which puts the full story of the D-Day landings and Europe’s post-war recovery into vivid context. By midday, the medieval streets of Bayeux, the first French town liberated after D-Day, are yours to wander, past half-timbered houses and into one of Normandy's best-preserved town centers. This afternoon, the walled city of Saint-Malo and the coast of Brittany open up before you – granite ramparts, wide beaches, and the blue sweep of the sea.(B, D)
Day 7 Saint-Malo - Le Mont Saint-Michel - Saint-Malo
Today takes you to Le Mont Saint-Michel (UNESCO).*** Rising from the sea on the border of Normandy and Brittany, this ancient pilgrimage site becomes an island at high tide, earning its name as the "Wonder of the West." Come ready to climb; you'll wind upward through the old village, mount uneven cobblestones and steep medieval steps, and ascend into one of France's most extraordinary monastic complexes, dating to the 11th century. At the top, Gothic spires reach skyward and the bay stretches out in every direction – a view that makes every step worth it.(B)
Day 8 Saint-Malo - Winery Visit - Tours - Loire Valley
Head south into the Loire Valley (UNESCO), where châteaux dot the landscape and centuries of winemaking run as deep as the roots in the soil. Arrive at a family-owned estate set among the rolling vineyards – its architecture and cellars dating back several centuries, with a winemaking tradition passed down through generations – for an exclusive visit. Your host unlocks the story of the land, the terroir, and the techniques that make this region's wines so distinctive. The visit ends at the tasting table where the Loire Valley speaks for itself, glass by glass. As evening falls, settle into your Loire Valley château hotel and gather for a French dinner in its dining room.(B, D)
Day 9 Loire Valley - Chenonceau - Amboise - Loire Valley
This morning, explore Château de Chenonceau at your own pace – its grand galleries stretching across the Cher River, its Renaissance architecture and rooms lined with centuries of art and furniture that bring its rich history to life. From there, the historic center of Amboise awaits. Enjoy free time to take in the town before your local expert leads you to Clos Lucé, the residence where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years in France, and where his imagination filled the rooms that still stand today.(B)
Day 10 Loire Valley - Paris
Today, the French countryside gives way to the "City of Light", and Paris reveals itself the best way it can - from the water. Settle in for lunch aboard a cruise along the Seine as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, and Île Saint-Louis drift past (UNESCO) – a front-row introduction to one of the world's great cities. As evening falls, enjoy free time to lose yourself in Paris at your own pace. Wander a neighborhood, find a café, let the city pull you in. For an unforgettable night out, consider the optional Paradis Latin**** – champagne, can-can, and live music at one of Paris's most celebrated cabarets.(B, L)
Day 11 Paris
This morning, it's your choice! Enjoy a guided overview of the city’s iconic sights, including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées, and a walk near Notre-Dame -OR- explore Montmartre with a local expert by Métro, wandering the hilltop streets around Sacré Cœur***** that inspired generations of artists. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace – one last chance to let Paris surprise you. As evening falls, head up inside the Eiffel Tower****** itself for an exclusive dinner – French food, panoramic views of the "City of Light" glittering below, and a send-off that is, in every sense, magnifique.(B, D)
Day 12 Paris - Tour Ends
Head home carrying a little bit of France with you – the food, the wine, and the art of living that this country does better than anyone. Au revoir.(B)
