Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley 10 days
About This Experience
France is the most popular tourist destination in the world, and for good reason, too. Few countries offer such an enticing combination of history, scenery and mouthwatering food and drink. Visit the most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Mont St-Michel. Sample the Sauvignon blanc and feast on coq au vin. From the bright lights of Paris to the luxurious chateaux of the Loire Valley, this is the France you’ve read about—now yours to discover.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
8 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 4 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Paris—the romance, the splendor, the ooh la la
Normandy's vibrant, artsy port cities
The Rouen Cathedral that inspired Monet
The lonely loveliness of Mont St-Michel
Exquisite art & gorgeous gardens at Chenonceau
La cuisine—wine, cheese & apple brandy
Overnight Flight1 night
Paris2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Browse both banks and fall in love with Paris
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to Paris! After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a shuttle service will provide your transfer to your hotel (details will be sent to you prior to your departure). The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the City of Light on your own. You’ll meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner this evening.
Day3
From Champs-Élysées to the Eiffel Tower, learn what the buzz is about
Breakfast
An expert local guide introduces you to the historical and cultural landmarks of the City of Light. Drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most celebrated avenues. You’ll pass the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair. See Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood, and absorb the haute couture of the Opera district. In the afternoon, join an optional excursion to Versailles, a small hunting lodge turned magnificent château. Designed by Europe’s most talented 17th-century architects and landscape designers to be the envy of royalty worldwide, Versailles is a sight to behold.
Optional Excursions
Versailles $99* pp
The reign of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards for decadence among the crowned heads of Europe. It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles, once a small hunting lodge, into the most magnificent château in all of France and the envy of royalty worldwide. On this excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Then stroll through the lavish gardens with their fine statuary, splendid fountains and colorful flowerbeds. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 45 days prior to departure.
Normandy Coast2 nights - hotel info
Day4
Trace the rugged coastline from saintly Rouen to inspiring Honfleur
Breakfast, Dinner
Rouen Cathedral, Calvados wine tasting
This morning transfer to Rouen, where a local guide introduces you to the city. Perhaps best known for its association with Joan of Arc, Rouen is also home to an enormous 16th-century clock on Rue du Gros-Horloge, the two-towered Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Church of Joan of Arc, which stands in the market square where Joan of Arc was executed. You’ll also visit the multiturreted Palais de Justice on you guided tour of the city. Later, you’ll make your way to Honfleur, stopping en route to taste calvados, the region’s distinctive apple brandy. Honfleur is a charming coastal town located across the mouth of the Seine from the larger port of Le Havre. Honfleur was once one of France’s principal ports, but as the mouth of the Seine silted up, the French government invested more and more resources into the port at Le Havre. As a result, Honfleur was left untouched, and today, you’ll visit the harbor that inspired artists including Courbet and Monet. Dinner is included this evening in Normandy.
Day5
Descend on the beaches of Normandy to relive D-Day history
Breakfast
Explore the Normandy Coast at your leisure today, or you might choose to join an optional excursion to the evocative Normandy beaches, where World War II history was made during the bloody battles of the Allied invasion. On your excursion, you’ll visit the American cemetery at Coleville-sur-Mer, the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and the broad expanse of Omaha Beach.
Optional Excursions
D-Day Beaches of Normandy $75* pp
Relive World War II history during this excursion to Normandy, where the Allied troops landed in June 1944. First, travel to the D-Day Museum in Arromanches. Next, stop at the American Cemetery in Colleville—the burial place for more than 9,000 American soldiers who lost their lives during the battle of Normandy. From there, visit Pointe du Hoc to view the evocative granite monument erected by the French in honor of the American Second Ranger Battalion, who seized the German canons here before they could be used to fire on American troops landing on Omaha Beach.
St.-Malo1 night - hotel info
Day6
Cross the tidal flats to the island-monastery at Mont St-Michel
Breakfast, Dinner
Mont St-Michel
Enjoy a scenic transfer to St.-Malo today. En route, you’ll stop to visit Mont St.-Michel, an elegant monastery that rises from the surrounding salt marshes to create one of France’s enduring icons. Perched high on a granite rock, this eighth century abbey is surrounded by water at high tide and quicksand at low tide. After your guided tour, you’ll have free time for a stroll around town. Arrive in St.-Malo this evening.
Loire Valley2 nights - hotel info
Day7
Follow in the wake of pirates and explorers who set sail from St-Malo
Breakfast, Dinner
From the rocky Atlantic outpost of St.-Malo, pirates once set sail, as did explorer Jacques Cartier on his way to eastern Canada. On today’s guided tour, take in the narrow streets, tall granite homes and medieval ramparts of St.-Malo, and learn how the town’s seamen fought Barbary pirates and plundered English, Dutch and Spanish merchants. This afternoon, head south to the Loire Valley, where dinner is included this evening.
Day8
Indulge your inner royal in the Loire Valley
Breakfast
Chenonceau Chateau
Once known as France’s “Playground of the Kings,” the Loire Valley is perhaps best-known for its wines, fruits and artisanal cheeses. You’ll visit Château de Chambord, and tour Château de Chenonceau with a local guide. Château de Chambord was designed to suit the short-term needs of King François I; the new château, the largest ever built in the Loire Valley, was intended to both intimidate François’ rivals and to allow the king to be near his mistress. Château de Chenonceau, by contrast, is known colloquially as the Château de Femmes—some of its famous female residents included Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici. This evening, opt for our Loire Valley Dinner & Wine Tasting.
Optional Excursions
Loire Valley Dinner & Wine Tasting $99* pp
Cap off your day in the Loire Valley taking in views of the Valley's châteaux and greenery on your way to a local wine cellar. With its central location in the country, this area draws culinary influence from several parts of France, which you'll experience during a wine tasting and dinner at a local restaurant.
Paris1 night - hotel info
Day9
Discover the glitter and glamor of Paris by night
Breakfast
Transfer to Paris today. Upon arrival, the balance of the afternoon is free at leisure. You might wish to join our optional Evening in Paris excursion, beginning with dinner at a favorite local restaurant and ending with a cruise along the Seine.
Optional Excursions
Evening in Paris $99* pp
Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: the dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Extend Your Stay
Add Paris $299*
Paris—the city of life, love and light. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the mysterious Mona Lisa, from the bustling Champs Elysées to the winding streets of Montmartre, you'll find romance, history and beauty. Browse boutiques, stroll manicured parks, take a seat at a sidewalk cafe and watch the sun set over the Seine.
Paris2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Point out the flying buttresses and posing gargoyles on Notre Dame
Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to explore Paris on your own: take a leisurely stroll along the Left Bank, explore the Louvre or sample Parisian cuisine. Or join our optional Notre-Dame & the Marais excursion.
Optional Excursions
Notre-Dame & the Marais $75* pp
Your guided walking tour of Paris begins on Île de la Cité, the city’s legendary birthplace and home to the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Step inside the cathedral to admire the stained-glass rose windows and seemingly weightless vaulted ceilings. Walk along the flower market beside the island’s Palais de Justice, which houses the Conciergerie, the former prison where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned. Wander past the Hôtel de Ville, the city’s administrative heart, and continue through the Jewish Quarter to the gardens of Musée Carnavalet and Place des Vosges, noted as one of the prettiest squares in Paris. Lunch is included.
Day2
Visit the gardens that inspired Monet's work
Breakfast
With another free day in Paris, you might view the exquisite sculptures at the Rodin Museum or browse the designer shops of the Rue du Faubourg St.-Honoré. Or, opt to join an excursion to Giverny to visit Monet’s studio and the gardens that inspired his work.
Optional Excursions
Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny $85* pp
The village of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. On a visit to Monet's home and gardens, discover the subtle palette of colors that inspired his Water Lilies series and gave rise to a new way of seeing. Please note: This excursion is seasonal and runs April through October.
About This Experience
France is the most popular tourist destination in the world, and for good reason, too. Few countries offer such an enticing combination of history, scenery and mouthwatering food and drink. Visit the most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Mont St-Michel. Sample the Sauvignon blanc and feast on coq au vin. From the bright lights of Paris to the luxurious chateaux of the Loire Valley, this is the France you’ve read about—now yours to discover.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
8 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 4 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Paris—the romance, the splendor, the ooh la la
Normandy's vibrant, artsy port cities
The Rouen Cathedral that inspired Monet
The lonely loveliness of Mont St-Michel
Exquisite art & gorgeous gardens at Chenonceau
La cuisine—wine, cheese & apple brandy
Overnight Flight1 night
Paris2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Browse both banks and fall in love with Paris
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to Paris! After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a shuttle service will provide your transfer to your hotel (details will be sent to you prior to your departure). The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the City of Light on your own. You’ll meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner this evening.
Day3
From Champs-Élysées to the Eiffel Tower, learn what the buzz is about
Breakfast
An expert local guide introduces you to the historical and cultural landmarks of the City of Light. Drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most celebrated avenues. You’ll pass the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair. See Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood, and absorb the haute couture of the Opera district. In the afternoon, join an optional excursion to Versailles, a small hunting lodge turned magnificent château. Designed by Europe’s most talented 17th-century architects and landscape designers to be the envy of royalty worldwide, Versailles is a sight to behold.
Optional Excursions
Versailles $99* pp
The reign of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards for decadence among the crowned heads of Europe. It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles, once a small hunting lodge, into the most magnificent château in all of France and the envy of royalty worldwide. On this excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Then stroll through the lavish gardens with their fine statuary, splendid fountains and colorful flowerbeds. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 45 days prior to departure.
Normandy Coast2 nights - hotel info
Day4
Trace the rugged coastline from saintly Rouen to inspiring Honfleur
Breakfast, Dinner
Rouen Cathedral, Calvados wine tasting
This morning transfer to Rouen, where a local guide introduces you to the city. Perhaps best known for its association with Joan of Arc, Rouen is also home to an enormous 16th-century clock on Rue du Gros-Horloge, the two-towered Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Church of Joan of Arc, which stands in the market square where Joan of Arc was executed. You’ll also visit the multiturreted Palais de Justice on you guided tour of the city. Later, you’ll make your way to Honfleur, stopping en route to taste calvados, the region’s distinctive apple brandy. Honfleur is a charming coastal town located across the mouth of the Seine from the larger port of Le Havre. Honfleur was once one of France’s principal ports, but as the mouth of the Seine silted up, the French government invested more and more resources into the port at Le Havre. As a result, Honfleur was left untouched, and today, you’ll visit the harbor that inspired artists including Courbet and Monet. Dinner is included this evening in Normandy.
Day5
Descend on the beaches of Normandy to relive D-Day history
Breakfast
Explore the Normandy Coast at your leisure today, or you might choose to join an optional excursion to the evocative Normandy beaches, where World War II history was made during the bloody battles of the Allied invasion. On your excursion, you’ll visit the American cemetery at Coleville-sur-Mer, the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and the broad expanse of Omaha Beach.
Optional Excursions
D-Day Beaches of Normandy $75* pp
Relive World War II history during this excursion to Normandy, where the Allied troops landed in June 1944. First, travel to the D-Day Museum in Arromanches. Next, stop at the American Cemetery in Colleville—the burial place for more than 9,000 American soldiers who lost their lives during the battle of Normandy. From there, visit Pointe du Hoc to view the evocative granite monument erected by the French in honor of the American Second Ranger Battalion, who seized the German canons here before they could be used to fire on American troops landing on Omaha Beach.
St.-Malo1 night - hotel info
Day6
Cross the tidal flats to the island-monastery at Mont St-Michel
Breakfast, Dinner
Mont St-Michel
Enjoy a scenic transfer to St.-Malo today. En route, you’ll stop to visit Mont St.-Michel, an elegant monastery that rises from the surrounding salt marshes to create one of France’s enduring icons. Perched high on a granite rock, this eighth century abbey is surrounded by water at high tide and quicksand at low tide. After your guided tour, you’ll have free time for a stroll around town. Arrive in St.-Malo this evening.
Loire Valley2 nights - hotel info
Day7
Follow in the wake of pirates and explorers who set sail from St-Malo
Breakfast, Dinner
From the rocky Atlantic outpost of St.-Malo, pirates once set sail, as did explorer Jacques Cartier on his way to eastern Canada. On today’s guided tour, take in the narrow streets, tall granite homes and medieval ramparts of St.-Malo, and learn how the town’s seamen fought Barbary pirates and plundered English, Dutch and Spanish merchants. This afternoon, head south to the Loire Valley, where dinner is included this evening.
Day8
Indulge your inner royal in the Loire Valley
Breakfast
Chenonceau Chateau
Once known as France’s “Playground of the Kings,” the Loire Valley is perhaps best-known for its wines, fruits and artisanal cheeses. You’ll visit Château de Chambord, and tour Château de Chenonceau with a local guide. Château de Chambord was designed to suit the short-term needs of King François I; the new château, the largest ever built in the Loire Valley, was intended to both intimidate François’ rivals and to allow the king to be near his mistress. Château de Chenonceau, by contrast, is known colloquially as the Château de Femmes—some of its famous female residents included Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici. This evening, opt for our Loire Valley Dinner & Wine Tasting.
Optional Excursions
Loire Valley Dinner & Wine Tasting $99* pp
Cap off your day in the Loire Valley taking in views of the Valley's châteaux and greenery on your way to a local wine cellar. With its central location in the country, this area draws culinary influence from several parts of France, which you'll experience during a wine tasting and dinner at a local restaurant.
Paris1 night - hotel info
Day9
Discover the glitter and glamor of Paris by night
Breakfast
Transfer to Paris today. Upon arrival, the balance of the afternoon is free at leisure. You might wish to join our optional Evening in Paris excursion, beginning with dinner at a favorite local restaurant and ending with a cruise along the Seine.
Optional Excursions
Evening in Paris $99* pp
Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: the dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Extend Your Stay
Add Paris $299*
Paris—the city of life, love and light. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the mysterious Mona Lisa, from the bustling Champs Elysées to the winding streets of Montmartre, you'll find romance, history and beauty. Browse boutiques, stroll manicured parks, take a seat at a sidewalk cafe and watch the sun set over the Seine.
Paris2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Point out the flying buttresses and posing gargoyles on Notre Dame
Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to explore Paris on your own: take a leisurely stroll along the Left Bank, explore the Louvre or sample Parisian cuisine. Or join our optional Notre-Dame & the Marais excursion.
Optional Excursions
Notre-Dame & the Marais $75* pp
Your guided walking tour of Paris begins on Île de la Cité, the city’s legendary birthplace and home to the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Step inside the cathedral to admire the stained-glass rose windows and seemingly weightless vaulted ceilings. Walk along the flower market beside the island’s Palais de Justice, which houses the Conciergerie, the former prison where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned. Wander past the Hôtel de Ville, the city’s administrative heart, and continue through the Jewish Quarter to the gardens of Musée Carnavalet and Place des Vosges, noted as one of the prettiest squares in Paris. Lunch is included.
Day2
Visit the gardens that inspired Monet's work
Breakfast
With another free day in Paris, you might view the exquisite sculptures at the Rodin Museum or browse the designer shops of the Rue du Faubourg St.-Honoré. Or, opt to join an excursion to Giverny to visit Monet’s studio and the gardens that inspired his work.
Optional Excursions
Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny $85* pp
The village of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. On a visit to Monet's home and gardens, discover the subtle palette of colors that inspired his Water Lilies series and gave rise to a new way of seeing. Please note: This excursion is seasonal and runs April through October.
Passport & Visa
In order to enter France, U.S. citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return to the United States. No visa is required for U.S. citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must contact the French consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks when traveling to France. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in and depart from Paris. Included transportation on “Paris & the Normandy Coast” is by private motor coach. Most of the destinations on tour are best explored on foot, but in Paris you may want to take advantage of the excellent transportation system. Paris’ massive Métro is world-class, easy to navigate and efficient. Make sure to take time and look for the best deal on travel passes. Ask your tour director which one might work best. Often the daily passes are not actually the best deal.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear. Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitters for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!
Currency
The euro is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in France rather than in the United States, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We advise that you take a combination of bank/ATM cards, credit cards and traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks, as needed. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. Please note: With the conversion to the
euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major cities—both at banks and shops—and they often attract higher fees.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity.
We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalency of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalency of $2USD/CAD per local guide.
Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping. Tips may only be paid in cash.
Suggested Reading
http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/d/10908/r/GV/mcms.html
Traveler Tips
Be sure to pick up some inimitable French fashions and perfumes, as well as delectable wines and cheeses while in Paris.
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Paris and the Normandy Coast
My first tour with Go Ahead was fabulous. My expectations may have been too high and some of my issues are petty but by the end of the tour - these things add up. Paris: Hotel- I paid for a single room. It was TINY, barely able to walk around bed and view horrible.I've been to Paris before and realize European hotel rooms. But, some guests had huge rooms, some did not. The included dinner entree consisted of baked chicken & mashed potatoes - a totally white plate of food. Roen: Not sure this was needed, but it was okay. Distilleie Bushnel very nice. Hotel Deauville, nice room, courtyard view okay. Included dinner - the best we had (salmon). D-Day excursion - wonderful, wish we'd had more time. Tour of Mont. St. Michel - very nice. Lasted a bit long (about 45minutes over schedule I think). Not enough free time. St. Malo: Strange hotel rooms, but not bad. Street and water view. Novotel Amboise: Room nice but view of DUMPSTER. Very large hotel outside of town - not near full and yet majority of tour guest had the dumpster view. Included dinner not appetizing but certainly okay. Tour of Chenonceau Castle very, very nice. Tour of Chambord totally not needed and had 3 hours of free time - totally not needed which left us NO free time in Amboise.
Outstanding tour of France
This was an outstanding tour providing a perspective of culture, history and Art. The tour was even better than I anticipated Lisa as the tour guide did an outstanding job. She could have provided more reccomendations for resturants when we were on our own.
Paris/Normandy
Though the weather was foul, the tour director, Lisa, was exceptional. She knew the history of the region and was very helpful with the logistics. The airline assigned seats were abysmal. It was indicated that we were to be seated on the aisle, 37 and 38. We were scrunched at 54, rear of the plane, only one seat was on the aisle going and none returning which made the retun flight a very uncomfortable and seemingly interminabl.
Paris and Normandy
We had a marvelous trip! Our tour guide was knowledgeable and funny and our driver was excellent. We enjoyed getting to know all the other members of the tour as well. One of the tour members took a nasty fall on the uneven cobblestones and her need for care was handled swiftly and efficiently. We forgot an item in one of the hotels and our guide helped us arrange for it to be mailed back to the US - we received it upon our return without difficulty. The D-Day beaches and ceremony at the American Cemetary are memories that will remain for a lifetime. I also enjoyed the free time we had to explore on our own. THe tour of Chennonceau had to be done too quickly unfortunately but it was beautiful. All the hotels were comfortable and the staff very service oriented. Some of the rooms were very dark - but the soft offset lighting effect seems to be popular in American Hotels also unfortunately! I would have liked a bit more direction to chose restaurants on our own. We chose one that was very expensive and very mediocre when we were in Roen. All in all, I would recommend Go Ahead to friends and will look forward to taking future tours with them!
Paris and Normandy Coast
The Paris and Normandy Coast tour was excellent. Our tour director, Lisa was so well informed. I loved all the optional tours, especially, the Normandy beaches. My absolute favorite was the trip to Giverny. Our hotels, too were wonderful and all the meals. I was pleased with the entire trip. I would certainly recommend this tour to my friends. Carole Nealon.
Paris and the Normandy Coast
This is a wonderful tour - I would recommend it to anyone interested in WWII history. The best part, however was having an excellent and competent tour director. We're senior travelers, and it was comforting to know that we were in good hands.
Paris & the Normandy Coast
Superb tour guide, Lisa, made this trip very enjoyable. Her knowledge of France, it's culture and history was remarkable, and her sense of humor delightful. Organized and attentive to detail, she kept things running smoothly and on time. Would like to take another tour with her as guide. Our bus driver was friendly and got us safely to each destination. As far as the sites: all very worthwhile and enjoyable, just wish we had more time at places like Versailles and Mont St. Michel. Hotels were fair to good.
Paris and the Normanday Coast Tour
I found France beautiful and enjoyed the tour, except for the problems I and my firends encountered...the group size much too large (42), and unfortunately various on-going issues with our tour director's inappropriate behavior and her unprofessionalism, which made for stressful times, thus making the trip a little less enjoyable. My friends and I had, before traveling to France, booked another tour to Panama, hopefully we won't encounter any of these issues when we travel in January 2013, or we may have to look for another tour company for future trips.
Paris/Normandy
A great trip. You spent your time at the sights (not shopping) and we were not rushed anywhere. Helen, our tour director was wonderful. The airport pick-up was the worst we experienced is 25 years of European travel. We got to our hotel 4 hours after we landed - not acceptable. The breakfast buffet at the Paris hotel was uncooked - eggs that like a soup and raw bacon. Helen stayed with us during the extention in Paris and that was greatly appreciated.
despite an unauspicious beginning, a great tour
This trip had a rather rocky start. I had received a call from Go Ahead warning me that the transfer from the airport would be "different" this time and that I should carefully read the instructions which would arrive in my final documents. This was so far removed from any other Go Ahead transfer we'd ever experienced that we were entirely taken aback. Fortunately, things improved immeasurably thereafter and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour...many places I'd always wanted to see, good hotels, great company. This was one of the most congenial groups of fellow travelers on any of the trips I've taken with Go Ahead. The included dinner on the last night (at a little place called The Combustibles, I believe) was the best of the included dinners on the tour.
