BEST OF FRANCE

• All the flavours of France come to life on this unforgettable journey, which kicks off in Paris, the ‘City of Light’.
• Spend your day strolling past its iconic landmarks in search of hidden treasures, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and an orientation drive through the city.

Arrival Transfer: Depart from Charles de Gaulle airport at 08:00, 11:00, 14:00

• We travel south to Burgundy and on to the medieval town of Beaune.
• On a visit to Hospices de Beaune admire the colourful geometric roof tiles of the 15th century.
• Next we continue to Lyon, the gourmet capital of France.
• Consider spending your evening delving into the epicurean delights for which Lyon is justifiably famous.

Included Experience: Visit Hospices de Beaune

Optional Experience: Local Beaujolais Dinner and Old Town Discovery

• Today we journey to the city of Avignon at the heart of Provence.
• See the Papal Palace and the bridge made famous by the song – Sur le Pont d’Avignon.
• Continue through the Provençal countryside to Monaco.
• Upon arrival we’ll view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married, where we will enjoy a Regional Dinner in Monaco before continuing along the Riviera to our hotel.

Included Experience: Avignon Orientation and See Monaco Cathedral

• The sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera are yours to explore today.
• Consider relaxing on the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers or an Optional Experience could see you visit the hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, consistently named the most beautiful hilltop town in this region.
•  In your free time, soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious Salade Niçoise.

Optional Experience: Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Corniche Drive, Perfumery and Meal

• Visit Arles with its honey-coloured façades, Roman ruins and Camargue culture, and enjoy some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city.
• Alternatively, choose an Optional Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Vincent van Gogh and local history with our resident expert before winding your way to the fortified city of Carcassonne.
• A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.

Included Experience: Arles Orientation

Optional Experience: On the Trail of Vincent Van Gogh

• We drive toward the Pyrenees this morning and arrive in Lourdes, the global centre of the Marian pilgrimage.
• You will have an opportunity to see the Basilica, perched atop St. Bernadette’s Grotto, where the young girl, turned saint, is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary.
• Then, travel west to the Basque Coast, where we spend the night.

Included Experience: Lourdes Orientation

Optional Experience: Biarritz Train Ride & Basque Country Dinner

• This morning, perhaps join an Optional Experience across the border into Spain to discover more about the  Basque Country.
• Later, after journeying through Les Landes, we arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux, whose stunning Garonne riverfront and Age of Enlightenment history and architecture have made it one of France’s most visited cities.
• Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the 8th century and the biannual wine fair attracts buyers from all over the world.
•  Spend some time seeing the sights during your orientation of the city.

Optional Experience: A Morning in Spain – Jewels of the Basque Country

• Lush green valleys and wine hills take centre stage today during a scenic half-day included excursion to Saint-Émilion, whose wine heritage dates back to Roman times.
•  You will also have free time to explore Bordeaux and perhaps tease your taste buds with delicious Bordelaise cuisine or stroll through the city’s historical centre admiring its beautiful architecture.

Included Experience: Saint-Émilion Orientation

Optional Experience: Secrets Of The Bordelaise

• Today we journey to the renowned Loire Valley, known as the ‘Garden of France’.
• Along the way, we will stop to Connect With Locals over a light lunch and unique Be My Guest experience.
• Next we Dive Into Culture and visit the remarkable gardens at Château de Villandry where you will see an array of beautiful gardens; such as the Water Garden which is filled with spectacular ponds and fountains.
•  Later, arrive at our special hotel for the night – one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories.

Included Experience: Lunch with the Montferrier Family on their Farm near the famous Château de Villandry, Discover the Renaissance gardens at Château Villandry and Stays With Stories

• We travel through the patchwork landscapes of Brittany, to the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel on the Normandy coast, where we visit the island town and view the impressive Norman Benedictine Abbey.
• Follow the Liberty Highway to St. Lô and on to Omaha Beach.
• Reflect on the bravery of the young men who sacrificed their lives for freedom and visit the D-Day Landing Zone to learn how the operation was planned and executed.
• Arrive later at your hotel where you dine tonight.

Included Experience: Mont Saint-Michel Visit and Visit the Normandy D-Day Beaches

• We travel east towards Paris, stopping at Giverny to visit the house and gardens that once inspired Claude Monet’s exquisite Impressionist works of art.
• This evening, consider a trip to one of the city’s renowned cabarets.

Included Experience: Giverny Visit

Optional Experience:  Montmartre Village and Artists’ Square / Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner / La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret and Dinner

• Join your Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighbourhoods of Paris to see where the locals live and shop.
• View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice.
• Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights on your terms.
• Enjoy a leisurely café au lait in quiet surrounds or consider an Optional Experience to the opulent Palace of Versailles.
• This evening, we celebrate an epic adventure with your Travel Director and newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.

Included Experience: Paris City Tour

Optional Experience: Versailles Palace and Gardens / Seine Cruise and Paris Illuminations

• For now it’s time to bid a fond au revoir to the Best of France and your fellow travellers at the end of a magical and memorable holiday.

Departure Transfer: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport at 08:00, 11:30