9 day Normandy, Brittany and Loire Valley - Tour of France with Insight Vacations

Inclusions

• 8 nights in First Class Hotels
• 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners including a Highlight Dinner in the Loire Valley & a Dine-Around evening in Honfleur
• Travel by luxury 40-seat coach with more legroom
• Escorted by professional Tour Director
• Included Sightseeing and Premium Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1    Paris
Welcome to Paris! The capital's grand boulevards & world famous landmarks are yours to explore. Enjoy an illuminations tour of the capital followed by a relaxing Seine River cruise to see all the landmarks from a different perspective. Hotel: Pullman Paris Bercy.

Day 2    Paris - Rouen - Trouville
Travel to Rouen to see the cathedral so wonderfully painted by Monet, & the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. You also get an insight into Rouen's famous markets - bustling with local merchants. Continue to the charming seaside resort of Trouville. Hotel: Le Beach.

Day 3    Trouville - Bayeux - Norm&y Coast - Pontorson
Stop in Bayeux to see Queen Matilda's Tapestry depicting the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066. There are poignant reminders of WWII as you drive along some of the beaches of the D-DAY landings, including Sword, Juno & Gold. Visit the Invasion landings' Museum at Arromanches & see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay. Continue to Omaha Beach to visit the American Military Cemetery of St Laurent. Afterwards, follow the route of the Rangers depicted in Saving Private Ryan & visit the bunkers & the Rangers' Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Hotel: Best Western Montgomery.

Day 4    Mont St.Michel Sightseeing
A guided tour of Mont St Michel takes you to the hill-top abbey surrounded by sea. A simple oratory was built here in the 8th century, but was subsequently expanded & enhanced over the years. 

Day 5    Pontorson - Loire Valley
Drive south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated castle at Angers. Cross the Loire at Saumur, where you can sample some of the local wine. Drive quietly past the sleeping beauty château at Ussé en route to the beautiful Château de Rochecotte, once the home of Talleyrand, & yours for the next two nights. Hotel: Château de Rochecotte.

Day 6    Chateaux Country Excursion
Visit the apartments of the castle of Azay-le-Rideau & appreciate the beautiful setting amid the waters of the Indre, before continuing to the château of Villandry, the 'Jewel of the Loire'. Visit the apartments & the restored Renaissance gardens.

Day 7    Loire Valley - Chartres - Paris Sightseeing
Driving through the vast wheat fields of La Beauce, Chartres Cathedral looms large on the horizon. On arrival in Paris a Parisian guide introduces you to all the fabulous sights: see Notre Dame Cathedral, drive through the courtyard of the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde and along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Hotel: Pullman Paris Bercy.

Day 8    Paris at leisure
Enjoy a whole day at leisure! Relax in a Parisian cafe, window-shop in the elegant boutiques or mingle with the street artists of Montmarte. Perhaps admire Mona Lisa in the Louvre.

Day 9    Paris
Your French experience ends after breakfast.

Departure Dates and Price*

Single supplement is an additional $620 per person.

Please contact an RACQ Travel consultant to advise about further discounts that may apply on 1300 096 166.

*Terms and Conditions

• Prices current as at 19 April 2012
• ^Members receive an additional 5% off departure dates in October when you book this 9 day tour. Discount has not been deducted from the price.  The discount is available for all bookings where at least one person in the party is an RACQ member at the time of booking
• Prices are per person in AUD$ based on twin share, land only.
• Single supplement apply
• Prices are subject to change (eg due to currency fluctuation)
• Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time)
• Further conditions apply please refer to Insight Vacations 2012 Europe & Britain brochure or speak to your RACQ Consultant.