Paris, D-Day Beaches, Normandy & the Loire Valley

Unmatched romance and ambiance greet you as you arrive in the City of Love. Transfer to your centrally located hotel on your own. Meet your tour manager and fellow travelers after check-in, then join a guided tour for a grand introduction to Paris. Look upon all the major attractions, including Champs Elysees, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and an up-close look at the most famous of all Parisian landmarks, the Eiffel Tower. Return to your hotel with the evening at leisure to peruse the city's shops or dine in one of the incredible restaurants. Overnight Paris.

Make your way to the Paris-Saint-Lazare train station this morning to board your direct train to Rouen, the capital city of Normandy. Set on the shores of the Seine, this city has a history that spans to the ancient Romans. The rail journey takes just over an hour to complete, and on arrival, a guided walking tour unveils all this city has to offer. Look upon the magnificent cathedral, medieval half-timbered houses and the Gros Horloge (old clock tower) as you walk along cobbled streets. Hear stories of the Trial of Joan of Arc and tales of Richard the Lionheart, the crowned King of Normandy. As the tour reaches the historic town center, admire the boutique shops and lovely cafés housed in the historic buildings.

Later this afternoon, we explore the beauty that surrounds Normandy. First, we venture to Honfleur, a charming fishing village, and then we continue to Deauville, a premier beach resort town. Its boardwalk, dating to the 1920s, is one of the most notable attractions, though its chic hotels and gorgeous beaches are quite impressive, as well. Our outing concludes with a visit to a local Calvados or cider producer to taste some of the regional offerings. Overnight Rouen.

• Breakfast

Today is steeped in WWII history as we continue our explorations of Normandy. Begin with a train trip from Rouen to Bayeux, where we meet our guide: a successful author who penned a harrowing book about the United States' involvement in the Second World War. We begin our visit at the Bayeux Museum, home to the one and only Bayeux Tapestry, a woven cloth that recounts the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Its scenes span over 70 meters of fabric. Before heading out of Bayeux, we also visit the medieval town center to learn more about its offerings. Our next destination is Omaha Beach, where our immersion into WWII commences. Alongside our guide, walk across the sand to the Les Braves Sculpture and then pay tribute to the fallen troops at the U.S. St. Laurent Cemetery. The final stops on our journey take us to Utah Beach and Saint Mere Eglise commune. We transfer by coach to Caen Station and venture back to Rouen by train. A delicious dinner is served tonight at the hotel. Overnight Rouen. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

Begin your day by boarding a deluxe motorcoach for transfer toward the coast. We approach Mont St Michel and are shuttled over to the island, where idyllic views abound. Mont St Michel and its bay are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Normandy and Brittany share the waters, and powerful tides break upon its rocky shores. The centerpiece of the island is its Benediction Abbey. Constructed in a Gothic style in the 11th century, the Abbey is an amazing sight. Spend time strolling through the island's medieval village and old fortifications before heading back to the mainland.

Our excursion proceeds along the Emerald Coast to Saint-Malo. Crystalline blue waters and age-old ramparts are the first things you see as we approach this destination in Brittany. Venturing through the ancient walls is like stepping back in time. The Intra Muros is rife with winding streets, and there are stunning buildings at each turn. Your time here is at leisure to explore the history and culture. Perhaps try a traditional Breton pastry from the Biscuiterie des Corsaires, visit the Château de Saint-Malo or walk along the sandy shores of Plage du Sillon. Enjoy dinner with the group at your hotel this evening. Overnight Saint-Malo.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today's journey takes us by train to Tours by way of Le Mans, a city famed for its 24 Hours of Le Mans Motor Race and has a speedway that became immortalized in the 1971 movie "Le Mans" starring Steve McQueen. Our time here is highlighted by a 90-minute walking tour that showcases the world-famous race circuit. Learn the ins and outs of the race while walking through places like the speaker room, the control center and the podium alongside a knowledgeable guide.

From Le Mans, the journey presses forth toward Tours, a stunning city in the Loire Valley. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is chock-full of culture and immense beauty. Half-timbered houses sit aside the River Loire, while the Cathédrale Saint-Gatien de Tours towers above the city as its crowning jewel. The Château de Tours and the stunning basilica pair with delightful little bistros and a wonderful assortment of architectural styles to create unmatched ambiance. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. Overnight Tours.

• Breakfast, Dinner

The magnificence of the Loire Valley is yours to discover today as we set out to a selection of the most impressive châteaux, particularly Château Villandry and Château Chenonceau, which date to the 16th and 11th centuries, respectively. Marvel at the intricate architecture of each - both inside and out - and meander through the impeccably maintained gardens as we tour. Each château has hidden treasures that make it a wonder to uncover; Château Villandry, in particular, has a whimsical hedge maze woven through its grounds. The excursion continues through the Loire Valley to Château du Petit Thouars, a family-owned "hunting lodge" from the 1500s. On arrival, we are treated to a tour of the property's wine cellars and a guided tasting of the region's flavorful varietals. Our adventure caps off with a picnic in the estate's garden. We return to Tours with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to sightsee as you please. Overnight Tours. 

• Breakfast, Lunch

Depart Tours this morning by train and settle in for a journey back to Paris. The north-bound route takes just under two hours to complete, leaving us ample time to enjoy the city as we station at Paris Montparnasse. The city blooms before you as we set out on a guided tour of the atmospheric Montmartre neighborhood. Colorful buildings and cobbled streets meet a thriving art scene and fantastic architecture that tells the stories of the past and the present. As you tour, soak in these sights and more while your guide recounts the city's stories and points out secret areas of Paris.

This evening, gain a fresh perspective on this idyllic city from the Seine as you cruise the river aboard a Bateaux Mouche. Watch as the sun dips below the horizon and the city glitters with lights. What a magical backdrop for a dinner cruise! Overnight Paris.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Your memorable journey through Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley concludes this morning after breakfast.

• Breakfast