Day 1 - PARIS AT LEISURE

Welcome to Paris! On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 08:30, 11:00 & 13:30. Relax and settle in, or perhaps start exploring the riches of this great capital. Don't miss the chance for a shopping spree in the famous department stores or even the elegant designer boutiques of the Left Bank. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink. Afterwards, the 'city of light' awaits.
Hotel: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel.

Day 2 - PARIS - TROYES - DIJON

Head to Troyes, the ancient capital of the Champagne region - its magnificent core of medieval buildings is appropriately shaped like a champagne cork. After some free time to explore, continue into Burgundy, once a powerful duchy and famous for its fine wines. Stop in the wine village of Chablis. Despite its fame, the village retains a quiet atmosphere. Enjoy a taste of the local nectar before reaching Dijon, a beautiful city full of great cultural heritage.
Hotel: Sofitel Dijon la Cloche. (BB,D)

Day 3 - VÉZELAY EXCURSION

After breakfast, set off through the leafy Burgundian countryside with road signs that read like a wine list. Stop in the picturesque town of Vezelay. Tradition has it that Mary Magdalene was buried here and Richard the Lionheart set off for the Crusades from the famous basilica. Later, return to your hotel for some relaxing time at leisure. (BB)

Day 4 - DIJON - CHAMONIX

A scenic symphony awaits you as you head into the high Alps, and climb towards Mont Blanc and the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix.
Hotel: Le Prieure. (BB)

Day 5 - CHAMONIX - ANNECY - AIX-LES-BAINS

After breakfast this morning, take a breathtaking drive to the lake-side town of Annecy. Free time for lunch in the Little Venice area or take a boat trip. Continue to your hotel in the spa town of Aix-les-Bains, situated on the edge of France's largest and most celebrated lake, Lac du Bourget and overlooked by Mt Revard.
Hotel: Marina d'Adelphia. (BB, D)

Day 6 - AIX-LES-BAINS - NICE

Glorious mountain scenery today, as you travel in the footsteps of Napoleon today, as he made his victorious return from Elba. A scenic, rugged landscape leads from the Alps, down to the French Riviera and the elegant resort of Nice.
Hotel: Radisson SAS Nice (BB)

Day 7 - MONACO EXCURSION

On a morning sightseeing tour, journey to the principality of Monaco to see the Grimaldi Palace. You'll also visit the cathedral, burial place of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. Enjoy a drive on the Grand Prix circuit and views of the port with its luxury yachts. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera. (BB)

Day 8 - NICE - ST. PAUL DE VENCE - NÎMES

Visit the medieval village of St Paul de Vence, which sits high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and breathtaking views of mountains and sea. Get to know the village, revel in its pleasures and experience its art and lifestyle. Continue to Cezanne's home town, Aix-en-Provence to see the elegant mansions and popular Cours Mirabeau. Journey into the Luberon, made famous by Peter Mayle in his book "A Year in Provence", and pass around Cavaillon, the melon capital of France, en route to Avignon.
Hotel: Avignon Grand Hotel. (BB D)

Day 9 - RHÖNE EXCURSION

In Avignon, see the greatest legacy of the Romans' presence: the incredible three tiered Pont du Gard. Head towards the Rhone River and the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to taste the renowned wine. Back in Avignon, take a little train ride for an overview of the town past the old Palace of the Popes, and the 'Pont d'Avignon'. (BB)

Day 10 - AVIGNON - NÎMES

Drive to Arles, one-time home to Van Gogh and Roman legionnaires, and visit the Amphitheatre. Continue through the Camargue to Stes Maries-de-la-Mer, where Gypsies gather annually to honour their patron saint. You may see flamingos and wild horses on the way to Nîmes where, on arrival, an orientation tour shows you the Roman Arena and 2,000-year-old Roman Temple, Maison Carree.
Hotel: Imperator Concorde (BB)

Day 11 - NÎMES - CARCASSONNE - ALBI

Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before heading inland to the unspoilt fortified town of Carcassonne. The city has a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. After your walking tour, continue to your hotel in Albi, known for its Cathedral and the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec.
Hotel: Hotel Saint Antoine. (BB,D)

Day 12 - ALBI - ROCAMADOUR DORDOGNE

Stop in Cahors, famous for its 'Black Wine', before continuing to Rocamadour. A resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spain, this tiny medieval town is perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River. After exploring the beautiful town and its sanctuary, drive on to your hotel in the Dordogne. For dinner tonight there is a selection of restaurants to choose from. During the evening, enjoy a short informative presentation on the regional wines that complement your meal.
Hotel: La Truffe Noire. (BB,DA)

Day 13 - DORDOGNE VALLEY EXCURSION

A morning drive take you into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit the town of Sarlat-la-Caneda with its fine historic golden limestone houses. Make your way to the prehistoric site at Lascaux to view the world-famous cave paintings. (BB,D)

Day 14 - DORDOGNE - LIMOGES - PARIS

Your first stop is at Limoges to visit a porcelain showroom. Continue to historic Poitiers to board your TGV train for the fast and comfortable journey to Paris.
Hotel: Concorde St. Lazare. (BB)

Day 15 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing with a local guide reveals the highlights of the city. See Notre Dame Cathedral before driving past the facades of the Louvre and along the Champs Élysees to the Arc de Triomphe. Stop for a photo of the Eiffel Tower before embarking on a scenic cruise along the Seine. The tour concludes with a visit to Napoleon's tomb in the gilded Église du Dome. Perhaps celebrate the tour finale with a farewell bistro dinner. (BB)

Day 16 - PARIS

Departure transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 & 11:00. (BB)

OPTIONAL 7 NIGHT POST TOUR PARIS AND NORMANDY CRUISE

DAY 17 - EMBARK CRUISE IN PARIS.
Transfer from hotel to your ship. (BB,D)

DAY 18 - LES ANDELYS.
Walk to Richard the Lionheart’s stronghold and admire the remains of the impressive Château Gaillard. (BB,L,D)

DAY 19 - NORMANDY BEACHES.
Enjoy a full day tour of the Normandy Beaches and visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. (BB,D)

DAY 20 - ROUEN.
A walking tour of Rouen will take you to the stunning Gothic cathedral, the Medieval quarter, the Gros-Horloge clock and Vieux Marché, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. (BB,L,D)

DAY 21 - CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC.
Visit the charming harbor town of Honfl eur for a guided walking tour. (BB,L,D)

DAY 22 - CRUISE TO VERNON.
Visit Monet’s home in the village of Giverny, as well as the gardens that so inspired his work. (BB,L,D)

DAY 23 - CRUISE TO PARIS.
Visit the Luxembourg Gardens to view Bartholdi’s model for the Statue of Liberty on your tour of Paris today. (BB,L,D)

DAY 24 - DISEMBARK PARIS.
Disembark and transfer to Paris airport.