DAY 1

Bienvenue to France. Upon your morning arrival in Paris, you are met by your resident driver-guide, and taken to your luxury hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a panoramic orientation tour of Paris, reputed to be the most beautiful city in the world. Explore the Ile Saint Louis, and the Ile de la Cité, home to Notre-Dame and Ste Chapelle, and the Luxembourg Gardens, popularized in “Les Miserables.” Drive along the banks of the Seine, then see the Assemblée Nationale, the Hotel des Invalides that houses Napoleon’s Tomb, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. Travel down the Champs-Elysées to the Arch of Triumph and the Place de la Concorde, then to the Louvre. This evening is at leisure to explore this “City of Light” and romance.

Hotel Fouquet’s Barrière, Paris

DAY 2

This morning, depart Paris for the Loire Valley, with its numerous châteaux, historic cities and villages; it displays magnificent architecture in an exceptional cultural landscape of great beauty. Stop in Orleans, capital of the Loire Valley, and birthplace of Joan of Arc. Explore this small and photogenic city by the Loire River. This afternoon continue your drive to the Chateau de Chambord, the largest and most dramatic chateau of the Loire Valley, recognizable because of its distinctive French Renaissance architecture. Enjoy a tour of this elaborate home; take the twin, intertwining spiraling staircases up, and mysteriously while you are ascending you will not encounter those descending. Next, it is a short drive to Montbazon, arriving by late afternoon. Spend the next two nights in one of the most desirable châteaux in France. (B)

Hotel Château D’Artigny, Montbazon

DAY 3

Today, take a morning drive to the village of Amboise to visit the Manoir du Clos Lucé, where Leonard Da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. Now a museum, it reflects the prestigious history of the region and includes forty models of the various machines designed by da Vinci. Visit the Leonardo da Vinci apartments and see the exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture, plus the imposing horsemen’s tower. Stoll in the magnificent panoramic gardens overlooking the Loire River. Continue your drive in the mid-afternoon, and discover the most beautiful 10th century wine cellars at the Domaine Marc Brédif. Explore the passages containing more than one millions bottles of Vouvray; learn the history of this famous cellar and taste a range of its famous wines. Return to your chateau hotel by late afternoon. (B)

Hotel Château D’Artigny, Montbazon

DAY 4

This morning, drive to the city of Tours for a guided tour through the Old City, what was the ancient village of Chateauneuf. Stroll along the picturesque narrow medieval streets, with their numerous 15th and 16th century timber-framed façade houses, and discover a wealth of arts and crafts. Admire the architecture of the Place Plumereau, Saint-Pierre-le-Puellier Garden, the 15th century Pierre Dupuy Mansion and the of stair towers in the rue de la Rôtisserie. Your tour ends with a visit of the beautiful 19th century Saint-Martin Basilica, which contains Saint Martin's tomb. This afternoon, your driver-guide takes you to Chenonceau, to tour the Château de Chenonceau, the masterpiece of the Val de Loire. Built on the banks of the Cher River, the opulence of its Renaissance architecture is reflected beautifully in the water. Explore the lovely gardens, arched river bridge, collections of Renaissance furniture, exquisite tapestries and masterpieces - accumulated by Catherine de Medici and Dianne de Poitiers, and other Renaissance women of note. Return to your historic chateau by later afternoon. (B)

Hotel Château D’Artigny, Montbazon

DAY 5

This morning depart for a scenic day’s drive to Bordeaux. Stop in Cognac, where you will learn all about cognac and the techniques of this special wine-making (available only from April to October). Continue on to the city of Bordeaux, a metropolitan port city, on the Garonne River, and one of the world’s major wine industry centers. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux abounds with art and history, and prides itself on the preservation of its cultural heritage, as well as it numerous 17th and 18th century private mansions. Enjoy a tour through Old Bordeaux, and discover the main landmarks, including the Church St Michel, the four city gates, the elegant Place des Quinconces and the Grand Théâtre, the city's cultural symbol. Completed in 1780, it is one of the last grand 18th century theaters remaining in the world. Stay the next three nights at an elegant hotel reminiscent of a private mansion. (B)

Hotel Regent Grand, Bordeaux

DAY 6

This morning you are at leisure in Bordeaux; your hotel is adjacent to the colorful historic center of the city making independent exploration easy. This afternoon, travel out to the Medoc region, visiting a variety of memorable wine-centric chateaux. Stop at the Chateau Beychevelle, whose elegant classical architecture makes it a jewel in the crown of the Medoc. This is a prestigious Cru Classé chateau, whose character was forged by three centuries of history. Next, delight in a special wine experience at Chateau Lynch-Bages, a 15th century Grand Cru Classé of the Medoc Region. The Lynch-Bages estate is located just outside the city of Pauillac, on one of the most beautiful outcrops in the appellation. (B)

Hotel Regent Grand, Bordeaux

DAY 7

Today, drive 35 miles south to explore Arcachon on the Atlantic coast. This city is famous for the Arcachon villa, or "Arcachonnaises", its unique take on the Victorian architectural style. At its south, Atlantic Ocean side, is Arcachon Bay, crowned by Europe's largest sand dune, the Dune de Pyla (Dune du Pilat) - nearly 2 miles long, over a mile wide, and 350 feet high. See scenic Le Cap-Ferret, with only sand dunes and pine trees, it is a favorite stop for the Arcachon Bay fishermen. Visit the local oyster village, with its typical narrow streets, and taste oysters presented around a glass of white wine. Return to Bordeaux in the afternoon to enjoy your last night in France. (B)

Hotel Regent Grand, Bordeaux

DAY 8

Today you are taken to the airport for your departing flight home or on to your next destination. (B)

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere
Paris, France

Set along the famed Champs Elysees, near the Arc de Triomphe, the Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere has a perfect location in Paris. The first Parisian grand hotel to receive a fifth star, the hotel offers the ultimate in luxury and comfort. This Art Deco hotel features an indoor pool, a health club, full-service spa with sauna, and steam room; there is even a water park. The hotel has 3 restaurants, a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/café, as well as a business center with complimentary internet access. There are 107 guestrooms, each with a balcony that opens to a city, courtyard or garden view. Rooms feature signature bedding, LCD TVs with satellite channels, complimentary internet access and bathrooms with separate jetted bathtubs and showers, double sinks, bathrobes and a hairdryer. There is also a minibar and private, personalized 24/7 butler service.

Chateau d’Artigny
Montbazon, France

A palatial mansion set in a 65-acre private estate with manicured gardens, Château d’Artigny Hotel is a majestic castle in the heart of the Loire Valley. Lavish architectural features, a superb new spa in the vaulted cellars, inventive cuisine and an impressive wine cellar are just some of the incentives for staying here. Every room at Château d’Artigny Hotel is a tribute to 18th-century splendour. Elegance and grandeur in a regal style is evident at every turn with sweeping staircases, trompe l’oeil frescoes, pillared bedrooms, opulent salons and enormous windows with stunning views of the River Indre, the French gardens, the chateau or the park. Visit Château d’Artigny’s new spa and enjoy the pool with a built-in Jacuzzi, the steam room, sauna and spa treatments. There are a number of therapies specifically designed for men. In the evening, dine on excellent locally sourced, regional cuisine in the sumptuous Origan Restaurant complete with wood panelling, gold leaf reliefs, fluted columns and delightful river valley views.

Regent Grand Hotel, Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France

As a landmark in Bordeaux's historic city centre, the Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux is known for its colorful history and architectural charm. Located just opposite the Opéra National de Bordeaux (the Grand Théâtre), this five-star hotel boasts a level of luxury unparalleled in the city. There is the large Les Bains de la Spa, a full-service business center, and laundry service, as well as two bars and two gourmet restaurants that showcase French cuisine at its finest. All guest rooms come equipped with world-class amenities, including LCD flat-screen TVs, complimentary high-speed, wireless internet access. Your reserved spacious Deluxe air-conditioned room is luxuriously appointed, with a marble bathroom with under-floor heating, as well as bathrobes and slippers.

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