Paris is one of the world’s most fascinating and historic cities, its charm and graceful ambiance has enchanted travelers throughout the ages. No one can consider themselves a “world traveler” without spending time discovering the wonders of “The City of Love”. During your half-day walking tour, you’ll be guided by a local Parisian guide to the best historical sites Paris has to offer. You’ll also have plenty of free time to explore on your own and find the hidden gems the city has to offer, or to spend extra time in some of Paris’ more iconic sites, such as the Louvre Art Museum or the Cathedral of Notre Dame. And let’s not forget that Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world, the cities amazing shopping can easily entice you to fill an extra suitcase!
After Paris we’ll travel to the coast of Normandy for an in-depth tour of the invasion beaches of WWII. Amazing, intriguing, enlightening and yet somber, this area is the site of one of the most cataclysmic events to happen in history. An expert local guide will bring to life the events of June, 1944 and along with visits to the American war cemetery and the museums dedicated to the landings, you’ll be able to appreciate the monumental achievement of the men who fought here.

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Day 1 - Bienvenue a Paris

Arrive in Paris today and make your way to your 4-star hotel, located in the heart of the city. Later this afternoon we'll meet for a welcome party and walk to a nearby restaurant for an amazing dinner. French cuisine is known worldwide, and tonight you'll be introduced to some regional classics. From rustic country fare to the most technical haute cuisine, French gastronomy is considered to be some of the best on the planet. An after dinner stroll along a bistro-lined street is the perfect end to your day.

Day 2 - Monuments of Paris

This morning after breakfast a local guide will meet you at your hotel to begin your private Paris adventure. Using the local metro and our feet, we'll explore the city visiting both the we'll-known...and some lesser-known districts and venues. We'll end in the Marais district at one of our favorite Paris restaurants, where you'll again be treated to some wonderful local fare. The afternoon is free to wander Paris, visiting the museums, shopping along the Boulevard Saint Germain, or perhaps just soaking in the wonderful street atmosphere as you stroll.

Tonight we meet again for a magical experience...the Eiffel Tower under the stars! This famous monument is one of the most photographed in the world, but at night it's even more beautiful.

Day 3 - The Beaches of Normandy

This morning we'll board an early train for a short trip to the beautiful medieval town of Bayeux, near the coast. Using the town as our base, we'll spend a full day exploring the incredible WWII sites of the area, site to one of the most historic events in human history, the invasion of Europe by the Allies. We'll visit both Utah and Omaha beaches, where 73,000 American troops landed on D-Day during operation Overlord. Time permitting we'll also visit the fascinating Airborne Museum in St. Mere Eglise, and the Museum of the Landing, located on Utah beach. Built on the very beach where the first American troops landed on June 6, 1944, the museum recounts the story of D-Day from the preparation of the landing, to the final outcome and success. This journey immerses visitors in the history of the day through a rich collection of objects, vehicles, materials, and oral histories. The museum’s star is an authentic B-26 medium bomber.

We'll have an chance to climb on the rocks and bunkers that the Marines fought over at Point du Hoc, and at the end, we'll visit the American Cemetery of Normandy. Located on the coast, between Arromanches and Grandcamp Maisy, this vast site overlooks Omaha beach. It reunites the graves of 9,387 soldiers fallen in combat. The chapel, Memorial, and the Walls of the Missing complete the site. The Visitor Center pays homage to the courage and the skill that were required to conduct Operation Overlord and to ensure Europe's liberation, together with the utlimate sacrifice made by those who are laid to rest within this site. Truly a moving experience.

This evening we'll sit down to another marvelous dinner at our hotel, which is well-known for its cuisine.

Day 4 - Bordeaux

Another early morning train will greet us today as we make our way back to Paris where you'll connect with the speedy TVG train, arriving in Bordeaux just 2 hours later. This afternoon you will begin your Easy Exploring in the South of France tour.

NOTE: In lieu of the Normandy portion of the Paris extension, you can opt for a free day in Paris on Day 3, then reconnect with your group for the train to Bordeaux. During day 3 you have the option to visit the amazing Palace at Versaille.

HOTELS

Due to availability at the time of booking, hotels listed may change to similar hotels

Paris - 4 Star Novotel Paris Les Halles: The Les Halles is a chic and trendy four star hotel in central Paris, with an amazing location. Modern and elegant, this contemporary hotel boasts a host of luxury services and amenities near the Marais district. To ensure guests enjoy a fun and pleasant stay, there is always something happening at the Novotel Paris Les Halles: admire the arty decor and eye-catching murals by artists Mel and Kio, enjoy a signature cocktail or savor the tea time on our Private Garden or their welcoming piano bar.

Bayeux - 4 Star Chateau de Bellefontaine: The Verdier Family is pleased to welcome you to a charming estate, located in the Norman countryside in the heart of the Pays du Bessin.
The castle was built in the late eighteenth century developing a manor dating back to the fifteenth century, offering its current clientele the luxury of the "Castle Life". The Château de Bellefontaine, is an integral part of this rich region, marked by the epic of William the Conqueror and by the Allied Landing during the Second World War. The scenery is total, the bicentennial park opens the field to the tranquility of the countryside , the moat of the Castle, its diversity of swans and ducks takes you to the romanticism of a forgotten era.

• 2 nights, double occupancy accommodations at a 4 Star hotel in the historic city center of Paris
• 1 night double occupancy accommodations at a 4 Star hotel in Normandy
• Daily breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners, (water and local wine included with lunch and dinners)
• Half-day private tour of Paris with local guide
• Full-day private tour in Normandy
• Entrance fees for two museums in Normandy and the cemetery
• Transfers in private coach to/from Bayeux railway station
• Arrival transfer by train from Paris to Bayeux
• Departure transfer by train from Bayeux to Paris, and on to Bordeaux via high speed train (for those on one of our France tours)
• Gratuities for meals, coach drivers, and local guides (Gratuity not included for your full-time local tour leader)
• Local tour leader for the entire tour

• Gratuity for your primary local tour leader
• Visa fees, if applicable
• Meals not specified in itinerary, any drinks other than water and local wine at group meals
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Insurance (strongly recommended), call for details
• Single supplement charge
• Items of a personal nature; phone calls, laundry, etc.