HIGHLIGHTS OF FRANCE
Price
Duration
Min People
Tour Type
Tour Code
CS-EU-FR
Overview
It won’t take long for France to touch your heart, but in 13 days it will capture it outright. Surrender to the allure of the Loire Valley, the sophisticated French Riviera and historic villages, towns and cities from Beaune to Bordeaux. You’ll explore a hidden realm of scenic vineyard-clad landscapes, admire the medieval façades of Carcassonne and get your WWII history fix in Normandy, where the tales of the D-Day Landings come to life.
Included/Excluded
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- City orientation tours
- Extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- Many meals and daily breakfasts included
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
Day 1 | Arrive Paris
- Explore Paris’s grand past, dynamic present, and exciting future.
- Dive into the history, culture, and culinary delights of the city.
- Visit iconic landmarks like the Iron Lady (Eiffel Tower) and enjoy croque monsieurs.
- Relax on the banks of the Seine or visit museums and monuments.
- Consider joining an Optional Experience such as a Seine cruise and scenic drive to see major sights.
- Check in at the Courtyard by Marriott La Defense West – Colombes.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Seine Cruise and Paris Illuminations –
- Experience the world-famous ‘City of Lights’ as Paris transforms in the evening.
- Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the River Seine.
- Take in views of iconic Parisian sights such as the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower.
- Later, kick back for a relaxing drive through the picturesque city.
- Witness the best Paris has to offer during this scenic tour.
- Price: Adult: 47.00 EUR
Day 2 | Paris sightseeing and free time (Meals: Breakfast)
- Embark on a city sightseeing tour through the heart of Paris.
- Witness iconic landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Élysées.
- Optionally, explore Montmartre, following in the footsteps of Picasso and Dalí.
- Wander through the cobbled streets and Artist’s Square.
- Consider attending one of the city’s renowned cabarets in the evening.
- Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott La Defense West – Colombes
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Montmartre Village and Artists’ Square –
- Explore Montmartre with a Local Specialist.
- Visit the winding streets, unusual galleries, and Artist’s Square.
- Learn about the area’s rich artistic history, once home to Toulouse Lautrec and Picasso.
- Enjoy time to browse, barter for original art, and taste local cuisine.
- Experience the true joy of the Montmartre lifestyle.
- Adult: 47.00 EUR
Crack Luxembourg’s Code –
- Visit the historic Saint-Sulpice Church with a Local Specialist.
- Explore the church famously featured in the filming of Dan Brown’s ‘Da Vinci Code’.
- Stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens en route to the Latin Quarter.
- Admire a replica of the Statue of Liberty and the garden’s famous beehives.
- Enjoy free time to explore the Latin Quarter and view Notre Dame Cathedral.
- Adult: 37.00 EUR
La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret and Dinner –
- Venue: Nouvelle Eve, nestled in the heart of Montmartre.
- Spotlighted by ‘Emily in Paris’ and hosted events for high-fashion icons like Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin, and Vivienne Westwood.
- Icon of Parisian elegance for 125 years.
- Experience an unforgettable night with an a la carte meal and dazzling cabaret.
- Witness the French Cancan brought to life before your eyes.
- Performances run from April 20 to October 26.
- Adult: 163.00 EUR
Day 3 | Paris – Beaune – Lyon (Meals: Breakfast)
- Destination: Medieval Beaune, known for its local wine.
- Explore the beautiful marketplace and 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu.
- Later, continue the journey to Lyon.
- Orientation tour of Lyon to get your bearings.
- Optional Experience available to delve into the rich history of the city and its classical French cuisine.
- Hotel: Hotel Chromatics
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
- Experience an evening drive along the picturesque Saône River.
- Indulge in acclaimed French cuisine during a gourmet dinner.
- Discover the secrets of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lyon, from its Gaulish roots to the medieval old town.
- Lyon is renowned as the gastronomic capital of France.
- Enjoy a mouth-watering three-course dinner prepared by the chef, with local wines included.
- Price: 77.00 EUR per adult
Day 4 | Lyon – Aix-en-Provence – Monaco – French Riviera (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
- Journey south through the Rhône Valley.
- Enjoy free time in the Provençal town of Aix-en-Provence, founded by the Romans over natural hot springs.
- Continue southwards to the shimmering Mediterranean coast.
- Explore the Principality of Monaco and the Côte d’Azur.
- Drive along elegant boulevards and capture the sophistication of the area.
- Price: Not specified
Day 5 | French Riviera free day (Meals: Breakfast)
- Sprawl out on a sun-lounger with a cocktail and enjoy a leisurely day on the French Riviera.
- Consider joining fellow travelers for an optional exploration of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, an enchanting walled hill-town.
- Experience the idyllic life in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, known for its charm and beauty.
- Keep an eye out for famous residents and celebrities who frequent the area, often seen in sleek Ferraris and private yachts.
- Return to the comfort of Ibis Cannes Mandelieu after a day of relaxation or exploration.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Corniche Drive, Perfumery and Meal –
- Begin the day with a visit to the artist’s paradise of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, exploring the secrets of this medieval hilltop town.
- Travel along the Riviera, following the famous Corniche Roads, to take in the most spectacular views of the extraordinary coastline.
- Visit an authentic French perfumery to experience the scents of France.
- Later, indulge in a delicious meal with included drinks at a local restaurant.
- Adult: 91.00 EUR
Day 6 | French Riviera – Arles – Pont du Gard – Avignon (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
- Fuel up with a characteristically French breakfast of croissant and coffee to start the day.
- Travel west to the Camargue center of Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh found inspiration for many of his paintings.
- View the magnificent Pont du Gard, an aqueduct constructed in the first century to supply fresh water.
- Continue to the heart of Provence and the city of Avignon, known for one of the world’s most incredible religious architectural legacies.
- Stay at the Ibis Avignon Sud hotel for the night.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
On the Trail of Vincent Van Gogh –
- Marvel at the amphitheatre built 2000 years ago, a must-see treasure left behind by the Romans.
- Switch gears with your Local Specialist to explore the locations in Arles where Vincent Van Gogh produced some of his most famous works, including The Starry Night.
- Adult: 26.00 EUR
Day 7 | Avignon – Carcassonne – Lourdes (1 Night) (Meals: Breakfast)
- Explore the charming town of Carcassonne, with its 12th-century architecture and turreted medieval castle, reminiscent of scenes from a children’s storybook.
- Journey to the town of Lourdes, located at the foothills of the Pyrénées, where millions of pilgrims have paid homage to St. Bernadette and visited the basilica atop the Grotto where she is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary.
- Take the opportunity to join a torchlight procession with the pilgrims in the evening, experiencing a truly magical and moving moment.
- Stay at the Mercure Imperial hotel for the night.
Day 8 | Lourdes – Biarritz – Bordeaux (Meals: Breakfast)
- Head to the glamorous seaside town of Biarritz on the Atlantic coast for a day at the beach.
- Follow the example of European royals who have been visiting Biarritz since the 1800s, and find a spot on a wicker chair to soak up the sun.
- Optional Experience: Explore the Basque country, offering a unique cultural experience.
- Watch local surfers perform their stunts or simply enjoy the sun, sea, and lofty peaks of Biarritz.
- Continue the journey through the rolling countryside of Les Landes and onward to the final destination of the day, Bordeaux.
- Stay at the Ibis Centre Meriadeck hotel for the night.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
- Explore the jewel of the Basque Country, St. Jean de Luz, a wealthy port town with a fascinating history involving pirates and a royal marriage.
- Join a local specialist who will guide you through the city’s intriguing past and offer the chance to taste the world-famous creation of St. Jean de Luz – the macaron.
- After the macaron tasting, take time to explore the local craft shops and enjoy the beautiful beach.
- Adult: 44.00 EUR
Day 9 | Bordeaux – Saint-Émilion – Tours (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
- Explore Bordeaux’s eclectic mix of street life and well-preserved 18th-century architecture while sampling Bordeaux blends.
- Journey to the hilltop village of Saint-Émilion, a must-visit destination for red wine lovers.
- Optional Experience: Join a wine tasting at a historic vineyard in château country, immersing yourself in the rich wine culture of the region.
- Continue the journey to your hotel near the city of Tours, known as the gateway to the Loire Valley.
- Stay at the Ibis Styles Sud hotel for the night.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Wine Tasting in a French Chateau –
- Embark on an iconic travel experience in Bordeaux with this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
- Journey through scenic vineyards to a favorite French Château Estate.
- Enjoy a guided tour of the rolling green vineyards and cellars, gaining insights into the winemaking process.
- Sample some of the world’s most prestigious wines, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of French winemaking.
- Depart with the secrets of French winemaking added to your repertoire, feeling like a true wine connoisseur.
- Adult: 42.00 EUR
Day 10 | Loire Valley and Châteaux excursion (Meals: Breakfast)
- Embark on a whimsical tour to Chenonceau with a Local Specialist, indulging your inner king or queen.
- Explore the enchanting, fairytale château of Chenonceau, straddling the Cher River and renowned as the most photographed sight in the Loire Valley.
- Discover priceless collections of Renaissance art and furniture within the château and stroll through its exquisite landscaped gardens.
- Continue the journey to the royal town of Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci is said to be buried.
- View the splendid Château de Chambord, one of the world’s most remarkable châteaux.
- Optional Experience: Visit the Old Town of Tours and enjoy Touraine cuisine in a traditional restaurant for your last night.
- Stay at the Ibis Styles Sud hotel for the night.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Tours, Old Town and Traditional Dinner –
- Join a Local Specialist for an enchanting excursion to the dreamlike Old Town of Tours, discovering its historical treasures such as the Basilica of St. Martin and the history of Renaissance Kings.
- Enjoy an evening tour out in the city, followed by a feast of Touraine Cuisine in a traditional restaurant.
- Immerse yourself in authentic experiences and enrich your holiday with this cultural and culinary adventure.
- Adult: 67.00 EUR
Day 11 | Tours – Mont Saint-Michel – D-Day Landing Beaches (Omaha) – Deauville (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
- Visit Mont Saint-Michel, a medieval town rising out of the sea, known for its epic beauty and historical significance.
- Learn about the inspiration behind the construction of a church atop this rocky outcrop, inspired by the Archangel and built by the Bishop of Avranches.
- Journey to the iconic D-Day landing beaches, where thousands of Allied soldiers first landed on French soil during World War II.
- Pay homage at the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, a poignant stop honoring those who sacrificed their lives during the war.
- Continue to your hotel in Deauville, an elegant resort renowned for its racecourse, harbor, and high-profile international film festival held in September.
- Stay at the Ibis Centre hotel for the night.
Day 12 | Deauville – Honfleur – Rouen – Paris (Meals: Breakfast)
- Visit the colorful port town of Honfleur, immortalized on canvas by many of the world’s greatest artists, including Monet.
- Explore Honfleur, often described as the ‘most ravishing spot in the world,’ and admire its picturesque beauty.
- Journey to Rouen, where Joan of Arc was tragically burned at the stake, and discover the city’s rich history, including cobbled streets, Gothic churches, and an impressive cathedral.
- Return to the glittering French capital, Paris, for the final evening of your adventure.
- Optional Experience: Consider joining a dinner celebration with new friends to commemorate your memorable journey.
- Stay at the Courtyard by Marriott La Defense West – Colombes hotel for the night.
Day 13 | Depart Paris Meals: Breakfast
- Experience all the highlights of France, from Paris and beyond, during your trip.
- Conclude your journey this morning with a lifetime’s worth of memories.
- Bid a fond au revoir to your Travel Director and newfound friends as you depart.
- Paris View the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower
- Beaune Visit this charming town
- Lyon Orientation of this gastronomic city
- Avignon View the Palace of the Popes and the Pont d’Avignon
- Monaco Visit the Principality
- Arles Visit an artist’s paradise
- Carcassonne Explore the walled city
- Lourdes View St. Bernadette’s Grotto
- Biarritz Visit this seaside resort
- Bordeaux Orientation tour
- Saint-Émilion Visit the famous wine village
- Loire Valley Visit the Château de Chenonceau with your Local Specialist
- Mont-Saint-Michel Visit and view the abbey
- Normandy Hear about the D-Day Landings
- Honfleur Visit this picturesque port
- Rouen View the cathedral