France Magnifique
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Package details include
Your adventure begins in Paris with a sunset dinner cruise on the River Seine. Known as the “City of Light," see Paris live up to its name as you enjoy wonderful French cuisine and sail by famous landmarks that become illuminated as evening falls. The following day, see Paris' main attractions on a guided tour that includes the Arc de Triomphe, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Place de la Concorde and more. Depart Paris for the coast of Normandy, site of the D-Day invasion by Allied forces during World War II. Pay your respects at the Memorial Peace Museum, see the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach and visit other landing beaches at Utah and Juno.
Head south through the gorgeous Loire Valley, home to palatial chateaux once the setting for the French aristocracy. Gain a close-up view of this bygone grandeur on a tour of Chateau du Clos Luce where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last three years showcasing a display of his early inventions. Here you'll also take a tour of one of the most well-known wineries in Vouvray where you’ll get to sample local vintages. Before leaving Blois, savor the best of French cuisine at the renowned Michelin-starred L'Orangerie du Chateau. Situated next to the chateau, this famed restaurant will not disappoint as you rub shoulders with fellow foodies and discerning gourmands.
Then board a high-speed TGV train from Paris to the walled city of Avignon in Provence. It became the seat of European religion for 70 years when the original Papal leaders fled from Rome in the 14th century. Your tour of the picturesque Old Town includes the Palace of the Popes built for the Pope and his court. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Gothic structure in the world. In Aix-en-Provence, visit areas immortalized by the famous artist, Paul Cezanne, considered the founder of modern painting. Conclude your journey with two nights in Nice on the French Riviera. Highlights include a visit to a famous perfumerie in Grasse, a chance to explore the markets and lively seafront of Nice, and a panoramic tour of Monaco that includes the famous casino and the 13th century Prince's Palace.
Price includes:
• 10 nights in first class and superior first class hotels: 2 nights each in Paris, Hubbain Port-en-Bessin, Blois, Avignon and Nice
• Daily breakfast and 6 dinners
• All on-tour transportation including high-speed TGV train fare from Paris to Avignon
• Services of a professional tour manager
• Dinner at the famed L'Orangerie du Chateau in Blois plus comprehensive sightseeing
• Hotel to hotel luggage handling
Day 1 - Depart the U.S.
Board your overnight flight to Paris (airfare is at additional cost).
Day 2 - Welcome to Paris with a Seine River Cruise
Celebrate the beginning of a fabulous trip with a wonderful sunset dinner cruise past famous glittering landmarks along the River Seine.
Accommodation: Centrally-located Paris hotel – 2 nights
Day 3 - Paris Sightseeing
A panoramic tour of Paris includes the breathtaking architecture of the Arc de Triomphe; the iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame; the Place de Ia Concorde and its commanding obelisk from the tomb of Ramses II in Egypt; Place Vendome; and the Champs-Eiysees, the promenade famous for its people watching.
Day 4 – Caen and Huppain Port-en-Bessin
Set off for the Normandy coast, the site of the largest invasion in history during World War II. Enjoy an insightful visit to the Memorial Peace Museum, built to commemorate those who died in the epic battle of Normandy in 1944. Later, see the remains of the artificial Mulberry port built near Arromanche-les-Bains where the allies resupplied their lines during the liberation of France. Continue on to your hotel.
Accommodation: Port-en-Bessin hotel – 2 nights
Day 5 - Huppain Port-en-Bessin and D-Day Landing Sites
This morning visit the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach with time to visit the new interpretive center and to see over 9,000 graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy. Then, walk through Ia Pointe Du Hoc Ranger Memorial and see where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position.
Next, make your way to Sainte Mere Eglise, the heart of the American Airborne operations on D-Day and visit its parachute-shaped Airborne Museum. You will also visit other landing beaches such as Utah and Juno. En route back to the hotel, stop off at a local cider farm to sample Normandy's drink of choice.
Day 6 - Huppain Port-en-Bessin / Blois
Journey south to the Loire Valley. Brimming with chateaux and parks, this area was once the setting for the French court. Visit Chateau de Chenonceau on the banks of the Cher River, a jewel of Renaissance architecture with traditional French gardens. After check-in at your hotel, enjoy dinner at a local bistro in Blois.
Accommodation: Blois hotel – 2 nights
Day 7 – Blois and Amboise
Embark on a tour of Chateau du Clos Luce, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last three years showcasing a display of his early inventions. Proceed to the picturesque center of Amboise for free time to explore the colorful market street. Enjoy a tour and tasting at a well-known winery in Vouvray where you’ll get to sample local vintages. AAA Complimentary Inclusion: This evening, venture into the heart of the charming and beautiful city of Blois for a special dinner at one of its most renowned restaurants, L'Orangerie du Chateau.
Day 8 – Blois / Paris / Avignon
After breakfast this morning, depart Blois and return to Paris to climb aboard a high-speed TGV train heading for Avignon, Provence. Upon arrival, enjoy a delightful tour of this walled city that was the center of European religion for 70 years when the Popes moved there in 1309.The afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration.
Accommodation: Avignon hotel – 2 nights
Day 9 – Aix-en-Provence Excursion
Today, embark on a walking tour that follows in the footsteps of Impressionist painter Cezanne. Stroll through Aix-en-Provence's tree-lined avenues to view sites from the famous painter's life. Experience the markets and monuments of this ancient city before returning to Avignon.
Day 10 – St. Paul de Vence / Grasse / Nice
Today, journey to St. Paul de Vence, a 16th century walled town overlooking the Mediterranean coast. Next, stop in Grasse, a retreat in the alluring Cote d'Azur region of France where you’ll learn the secrets of perfume making, from extraction to distillation, when visiting a famous perfumerie. Arrive in Nice, the playground of the rich and famous, and check-in to your hotel.
Accommodation: Nice hotel – 2 nights
Day 11 – Nice and Monaco
Following breakfast this morning, enjoy a morning stroll through the local flower market in Nice followed by stops at Place Massena and the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais. Then depart for an excursion to Monaco, the glittering gem of the Riviera. A panoramic tour highlights the famous Casino of Monte Carlo and the 13th century Prince's Palace. See the Cathedral of Monaco, where Prince Rainier Ill and Princess Grace are buried. Back in Nice, enjoy a farewell dinner at a quaint restaurant.
Day 12 – Depart for home
Your tour ends after breakfast this morning.
Limitations & Restrictions
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Single supplement may apply. Except for packages including air transportation, unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member Benefits are per person and apply to first and second traveler only. Member Benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or canceled subject to the travel providers’ policies. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of printing but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance. Except for packages including air transportation, fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement or port charges and vary by provider.
**Restrictions apply to the AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Member Care. Should you find a valid better rate for the exact same itinerary within 24 hours of booking, AAA will match the lower rate. Ask your AAA Travel Counselor for details.
CST #1003968-80. Registration as seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
