Day 1 DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Paris.

Day 2 ARRIVE PARIS
Welcome to Paris, the City of Light! France is a diverse and fascinating country with so much to offer. From architecture to cuisine, your trip reveals a host of regional delights and specialities. Relax after your journey or take a wander through the streets of this beautiful city. Tonight, meet for a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers and Travel Director and then enjoy an orientation drive through the city to take in some of the breath-taking sights.

Day 3 PARIS - BEAUNE - LYON
Drive south into Burgundy wine country, past the Côte d’Or vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits St. Georges. Arrive in the medieval town of Beaune and sample delicious regional wines at a local wine cellar. Tonight in Lyon, why not try out some gourmet specialities for which the city is justifiably famous! (B)

Day 4 LYON - AVIGNON - MONACO - NICE
Stop in Avignon to see the Papal Palace and the bridge made famous in the song, ‘sur le pont d’Avignon’. Traverse Provence, a picturesque area favoured by artists such as Van Gogh and Cézanne, to the Principality of Monaco. This small city state is both a constitutional monarchy and home to many rich and famous people! Explore the cathedral, where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace are buried. Join your companions this evening for a Highlight Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.(B,D)

Day 5 NICE - FREE TIME
Spend today as you wish. The Côte d’Azur is a sparkling and pristine stretch of famous coastline. You might like to lounge on the beach, shop in elegant boutiques or perhaps visit the hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence. This evening, why not dine in one of the many pleasant local restaurants.(B)

Day 6 NICE - ARLES - CARCASSONNE
Visit the town of Arles, with free time to explore the city. Pass Alaric’s Mountain to Carcassonne, a walled city and UNESCO World Heritage site which was extensively restored in the 19th century. See the double ring of ramparts featuring 53 towers during your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. ‘Robin Hood Prince of Thieves’ was filmed on location in and around Carcassonne.(B,D)

Day 7 CARCASSONNE - LOURDES - BIARRITZ
Wind your way through the Corbières Hills and ‘Cathar’ landscapes toward the Pyrenées. See the Basilica on top of St. Bernadette’s grotto at Lourdes, a holy site of pilgrimage. In Biarritz, walk along the renowned surfing beach where the Atlantic waves come crashing in. Dine tonight at your hotel.(B,D)

Day 8 BIARRITZ - BORDEAUX
Follow the west coast north through Les Landes to the classical town of Bordeaux. Built on the River Garonne, this is the world’s major wine industry capital. Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the 8th century and the annual wine fair held in the city attracts buyers from all over the world. See the sights including the magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces during your orientation.(B,D)

Day 9 DORDOGNE EXCURSION
Drive to the renowned wine village of St. Emilion. Take a scenic half-day included excursion through beautiful countryside and picturesque scenery in the Dordogne region, best known for the enchanting medieval ‘Bastide’ villages. Built on narrow grid streets in the 13th and 14th centuries, these villages featured central covered market squares and strong rampart walls to protect the inhabitants during the period of the 100 years war. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or shopping for souvenirs.(B)

Day 10 BORDEAUX - LOIRE VALLEY - TOURS
Continue north through the Poitou Charentes region to the Loire Valley, and stop to visit the beautiful fairytale Château Chenonceau, which straddles the River Cher. One of the most remarkable castles ever built, Chenonceau features stunning landscaped gardens and priceless collections of Renaissance furniture, tapestries and art. Join your fellow travellers this evening for a special Be My Guest dining experience in a 17th century traditional farmhouse.(B,D)

Day 11 TOURS - MONT ST. MICHEL - OMAHA BEACH
In Brittany, visit the island-town of Mont St. Michel, featuring the Abbey and picturesque streets. Follow the Liberty Highway to St. Lô and the D-Day landing beaches, where your Travel Director provides an excellent account of the momentous events that took place here. Pause and reflect on the courage of those who gave their lives. Visit the D-Day museum and learn in detail about how the operation was planned and executed. Arrive later at your hotel where you dine tonight.(B,D)

Day 12 OMAHA BEACH - GIVERNY - PARIS
Head south-east towards the valley of the River Seine. Stop at Giverny and visit the house and gardens where Claude Monet lived for most of his life. One of the founders of French Impressionism, some of his most famous paintings were inspired by this spectacular garden. This evening in the glittering capital, Paris, consider a trip to one of the city’s renowned cabaret venues.(B)

Day 13 PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, the Champs Élysées – see all these landmarks and more during your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide! See the unique skyline from the second level of the Eiffel Tower, where you enjoy panoramic views across the city. Spend the rest of the day seeing more sights and shopping for souvenirs. Or simply relax and watch the world go by! This evening, celebrate with your Travel Director and new-found friends at a Farewell Dinner.(B,D)

Day 14 PARIS – USA
Say ‘au revoir’ to your fellow travelers at the end of a magical and memorable vacation. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.(B)

 Insider Highlights

• Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
• Be My Guest Speciality restaurant dinner with wine in Tours.
• Wine Tasting Enjoy a wine tasting at a local wine cellar in Beaune.

Paris: Novotel Tour Eiffel (F)
Lyon: Novotel Lyon Gerland (F)
Nice: Boscolo Plaza (SF)
Carcassonne: Mercure Porte De La Cite (F)/Best Western Le Donjon (F)
Biarritz: Novotel Anglet Aeroport (F)
Bordeaux: Pullman Aquitania (F)
Tours: Mercure Tours Nord (MF)
Omaha Beach: Mercure Omaha Beach (F)
Paris: Novotel Tour Eiffel (F)

• 2013 departures are subject to itinerary and price modification. Details will be available in fall 2012.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

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* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.