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Destinations Europe France
Explore Paris, the City of Light, rich with history and culture. Wander the streets, sample culinary delights, and take in the sights. Head west to the Loire Valley, once home to kings and queens whose castles still stand and are now open to the public. The Loire Valley is also known for its gardens and vineyards, producing some of the best wines France has to offer. Set off to the north and visit Normandy to learn about WWII history, tour the famous beaches, and hear stories of the Middle Ages and the Norman Invasion.
Talk to a Vaya Europe Specialist
We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.
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Arrive in Paris, France’s capital city. Known as both the City of Light and the City of Love, Paris is a global center for culture, art, gastronomy, and fashion. Experience all of this and more over the next few days as you explore this magnificent city. Your private guide will be waiting to transfer you to your charming boutique hotel located near the Grands Boulevards. Once you’ve had a chance to check in and get settled, head out on a private bike tour of the city. Cycle along the Seine, past the Notre Dame, through the Jardin Du Luxembourg, and around quaint Parisian neighborhoods to get the lay of the land for the coming days.
The Grand Hôtel Du Palais Royal in Paris is a luxurious 5-star hotel nestled in the heart of the city, just steps away from the iconic Louvre Museum and the Palais Royal gardens. This boutique hotel offers a blend of classic Parisian charm and contemporary sophistication, featuring well appointed rooms and suites with tasteful decor, marble bathrooms, and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine at the Le Lulli restaurant, relax in the tranquil garden courtyard, or enjoy panoramic views of Paris from the rooftop terrace.
*Includes: Breakfast
Upgrades and alternatives: Royal St. Honore , Hôtel Brighton , Hôtel Adèle & Jules , AND OTHERS.
See the iconic sites of Paris on a privately guided walking tour. Start at the Trocadero for classic views of the Eiffel Tower, then head toward the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees. Stroll through the Tuileries Garden and past the Louvre before making your way to the hip Marais district and the small, winding alleys of the old town. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure wandering the streets, or simply do as the Parisians do and sit at a café to sip a coffee or a glass of wine as you watch the world go by.
Wander the sprawling Louvre Museum with an art historian as your private guide. See such iconic works as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and The Raft of the Medusa, as well as some of the thousands of other works showcased here. Enjoy some time at leisure to peruse the museum, then make your way to Montmartre. This neighborhood of Paris is known for the artists who lived here a century ago: Monet, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, Picasso, and others. All lived, worked, or had studios in or around Montmartre. The oldest vineyard in Paris is also in Montmartre, and together with your guide, you’ll explore the cobblestone streets of this bohemian village as you stop to taste wines and learn about the artists who called this place home.
Sample world-class Parisian cuisine on a private walking tour of the local markets. Taste a variety of local delicacies such as meats, cheeses, breads, and pastries while learning about the importance of these foods in local culture. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon to digest! This evening you have tickets to the Eiffel Tower. Take the elevator to the top to enjoy 360-degree views of Paris and see why it’s called the City of Light.
Take the train to Amboise in the heart of the Loire Valley. Home to feudal castles and pleasure palaces of royalty from centuries past, the Loire Valley is a must-see. The fertile river valley, rolling hills, and abundant vineyards contribute to the beauty of the landscape. Set on the Loire River and once home to Leonardo da Vinci, Amboise is a perfect base for exploring the valley. Your guide will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your hotel. Once you’ve had a chance to check in and get settled, you’ll head out on a private vineyard tour to taste some of the best wines produced in France.
This 5 star hotel is located in Amboise in the heart of the Loire Valley. Set on the banks of the Loire River, this residence turned 15 room hotel offers exceptional views of the surrounding area. With a mix of elegantly decorated spaces in traditional French country decor with Old World furniture, Le Manoir Les Minimes will transport you to another time. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and the common areas are charming. While there is no restaurant onsite, you are within walking distance to several dining options.
Upgrades and alternatives: Loire Valley Lodges , Les Sources de Cheverny , AND OTHERS.
Spend the day exploring the Loire Valley on two wheels. Your guide will collect you at your hotel and you’ll set off! The La Loire à Vélo is a unique 800km cycle route through the valley, passing by castles, charming towns, and vineyards. You’ll stop along the way to tour a few castles and learn about their history and residents. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a vineyard before continuing through the afternoon.
Continue exploring the Loire Valley. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and together you’ll wander the magnificent gardens of Villandry and Chenonceau. Next, tour the halls of Chambord or Château d’Azay-le-Rideau where you can see various Renaissance art collections, wall carvings, tapestries, furniture, etc. Your day will be tailored to your interests so you can choose to spend it however you’d like.
Normandy is full of history, culture, stunning landscapes, and charming towns. You’ll depart this morning with your guide and transfer from Amboise to the medieval town of Bayeux, stopping at Mont-Saint-Michele en route. On orders of Archangel Michael himself, a bishop built a Benedictine abbey upon a rocky island off the coast of Normandy. In the medieval era, a small village grew around the abbey to support the influx of pilgrims visiting the site. Today you can wander the cobbled streets of Mont-Saint-Michele and explore the abbey while taking in the amazing views. You’ll then continue to Bayeux which will be your base for further explorations of Normandy.
Located in the heart of Bayeux's city center, this 28 room luxury boutique hotel is the perfect base for exploring the historic and medieval region of Normandy. The rooms are spacious and colorful and most have views over the neighboring 11th century cathedral. The overall vibe is subdued luxury with a cozy atmosphere and a twist of French elegance.
Upgrades and alternatives: Le Domaine d’Ablon , Château La Chenevière , AND OTHERS.
Spend the day exploring the beaches of Normandy. Together with your guide, you’ll visit some of WWII’s most important sites. Walk the battlefields and beaches where thousands of Allied troops took part in history’s largest seaborne invasion, and learn all about the events as you hear tales of that fateful day. You’ll visit key sites such as Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, and Pointe Du Hoc and cap the day with a stop at the Normandy American Cemetery.
It’s no secret that France is famous for its food. Each region is known for specialties produced locally, and Normandy is no exception. Spend the day with your local guide tasting regional delights like Camembert, Livarot, and Pont l’Evêque cheeses. Apples grow in abundance in Normandy, so you will taste several apple-based products like juices and hard ciders, apple brandy, crepes, and tarts. You’ll visit distilleries, orchards, and dairy farms, and you’ll meet the local artisans to learn how these products are made and their importance in Normand culture.
Today you will say goodbye to your local guide and head to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
Add time in Paris to explore Versailles.
Customize your city touring to suit your interests; whether it’s food and wine, cooking and creating, or history and art, there is something for everyone in each city.
Explore Normandy by e-bike or bike.
Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
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