Activities

Day 1 | Bonjour Paris

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.

Meals: Dinner

Hotel: Mercure 17 Batignolles

Day 2 | Journey through Burgundy to Lyon

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. Why not wander up the city's narrow lanes lined with pastel pink and yellow façades in search of a cosy bouchon for a tasty dinner with newfound friends?

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Mercure Centre Saxe Lafayette

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Local Beaujolais Dinner and Old Town Discovery - Strolling through the maze of hidden courtyards, cobbled streets and hidden traboules with our Local Specialist, we'll step back in time to discover Lyon's secrets. The World Heritage city was formerly home to ancient Gauls, powerful Romans, Gothic Cathedral builders and wealthy Renaissance Silk Merchants. We'll finish the evening with a mouthwatering three-course French feast, paired with local wine.

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Day 3 | Onwards to Avignon, Monaco and the French Riviera

 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, then in the evening we'll enjoy a Regional Dinner in Monaco before continuing along the Riviera to our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Holiday Inn Nice

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Corniche Drive, Perfumery and Meal - Today, with our Local Specialist, discover the artists' and shoppers' paradise that is medieval Saint-Paul-de-Vence, consistently named the most beautiful hilltop town in the region. Next, we’ll travel the famed Corniche roads to witness the most spectacular views of the Riviera coastline and its lavish villas. Along the way we’ll pay a visit to a traditional French perfumery and then finish our excursion at a local restaurant for a delicious meal with wine.

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Day 5 | Admire Arles and Continue to Carcassonne

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Mercure La Cité

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

On the Trail of Vincent Van Gogh - You simply can’t visit Arles without seeing all of the treasures the Romans left behind. Marvel at the amphitheatre built 2000 years ago, then switch gears with your Local Specialist to learn about Arles’ other great claim to fame – the locations where Vincent Van Gogh produced some of his most famous works in Provence, including The Starry Night.

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Day 6 | Pilgrimage to Lourdes and on to Biarritz

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Radisson Blu

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Biarritz Train Ride & Basque Country Dinner - All aboard! We’ll take a private train through the streets of the elegant seaside resort of Biarritz, taking in spectacular coastal viewpoints. We’ll arrive at a typical Basque chalet in the nearby countryside to enjoy tasty local specialities for dinner. You might even catch the locals playing their favourite sport: Jaï alaï !

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Day 7 | Venture to Bordeaux

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Mercure Centre Ville

Secrets Of The Bordelaise - After today’s drive, you’ll understand why Bordeaux is often described as the most beautiful wine region in the world. We’ll take you inside the World Heritage Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion, before heading to our favourite French Chateau Estate. The hostess will take you on a tour of the vineyards and the cellar, before we sit down to enjoy a Bordelaise-style feast with local wine.

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Day 9 | Explore a Château in the Loire Valley

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: Château de Beauvois

Day 10 | Off to Mont-Saint-Michel and the Normandy Beaches

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Mercure Omaha Beach

Day 11 | Journey to Paris

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Mercure 17 Batignolles

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Day 12 | Discover the Delights of Paris

Join your Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighbourhoods of Paris to see where the locals live and shop. Visit 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Mercure 17 Batignolles

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Versailles Palace and Gardens - Built for the Sun King, Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles was the envy of every European ruler, but loathed by the French commoners, which lead to the French Revolution. Step inside the opulent world of Versailles and our Local Specialist will take you through the palace’s Hall of Mirrors and State apartments.

Then, enjoy free time to wander the symmetrical, tree-lined gardens.** Code:10078

** This optional is subject to availability.

Seine Cruise and Paris Illuminations - To truly see Paris in all its glory, you need to see it from the Seine. Enjoy a cruise along this famous river and take in unmatched views of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. Afterwards, we’ll drive through the City of Lights to see some of the fascinating sights this beautiful city has to offer. Code:10047

• In summer, this optional experience may take place before sunset.

Day 13 | Farewell Paris

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.

Meals: Breakfast