Day 1 Depart for Paris,
France.
Day 2 Arrive in Paris and transfer
by motor coach to Cabourg and the Grand Hôtel de Cabourg.
The afternoon is free to walk along Cabourg's seaside
historic streets and gardens. This evening, enjoy a welcome
reception and dinner with fellow travelers. (D)
Day 3 Marvel at the famous Bayeux
Tapestry, an 11th-century work illustrating the Norman
conquest of England in 1066. After a visit to Notre Dame
Cathedral, enjoy some free time in this charming town.
After lunch, spend the afternoon in Caen exploring two
11th-century monasteries. Then, visit the Caen Memorial
and Museum for Peace, which is dedicated to the D-Day
invasion of Normandy. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Learn about the details
of D-Day. Explore Omaha Beach, the British landing zone
at Arromanches and the German gun emplacements at Longues-sur-Mer.
Next, visit the World War II Normandy American Cemetery
and Memorial. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Taste the region's famous
smooth apple brandy at one of the area's highly regarded
Calvados distilleries. Afterwards, discover the charming
harbor town of Honfleur at your leisure. Gather tonight
at the hotel for a farewell to Normandy reception. (B,L,R)
Day 6 This morning, depart for
Rennes. Along the way, stop at one of the most impressive
sights in France, Mont-St-Michel, a magnificent monastery,
which has also served as a fortress and a prison during
its remarkable history. Construction began in the eighth
century and continued for 1,000 years. Upon arrival in
Rennes, check into the Mercure Rennes Centre Colombier.
(B,L,D)
Day 7 Explore the capital of
Brittany, which has a striking combination of earthen
houses, medieval timber-framed buildings, elegant civil
architecture and magnificent churches. Then, wander through
the renowned Musee des Beaux-Arts. (B,L)
Day 8 This full-day tour takes
you to an impressive Renaissance castle in Josselin, the
historic and well-preserved town of Vannes and then Carnac,
where prehistoric stone monuments that predate the Pyramids
and Stonehenge still stand. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Discover delightful Dinan,
a medieval town that sits high above the scenic Rance
Valley. Next, embark on a cruise down the Rance River
to St-Malo. Meet the people of this region during a graduation
ceremony and dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 10 This morning, travel to
Paris. Along the way, stop in Chartres, home to the stunning
French Gothic Chartres Cathedral. After a walking tour
of the city and lunch, continue to Paris. Upon arrival
in Paris, check into the Mercure Opera Lafayette. (B,L)
Day 11 In the morning, tour Paris.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore Paris. (B,D)
Day 12 Transfer to the Paris airport for the return flight to the U.S. (B)
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