Small group, but packed with adventure

Our tour guide, Brian, was the best. He is extremely knowlegable, and because of his duel citzenship, he has a unique perspective. He took care of everyone's needs, including making sure our connections after the trip were smooth. Our bus driver was also remarkable. The history lessons we received while we rode the bus were fasinating. Brian gave us enough lively background to prepare us for each stop. We would have appreciated more time in Paris, and better weather. But it did ont dampen our spirts!

Enlightening Memorable Trip

The trip was leisurely pleasant from Monet's Giverny to Lower Normandy Deauville, to the memorable moving D-Day beaches, the tapestry of Bayeaux, scenic coast of Saint Malo and the verdant Loire Valley. appreciated the side trips offered like Saint- Malo.

Interesting

Interesting places and our tour guide Brian was very knowledgable of the various places we toured I en joyed it

A great way to see France

We have only traveled in Europe on our own before and we had some reservations about going with a tour group. But we didn't want to have to drive, and neither of us speaks French fluently; therefore we chose this trip because it provided the most of what we wanted to see. Our reservations were unfounded; we had a wonderful and memorable trip. Our director, Brian, was incredible and there were only 12 of us on the trip, so it was a very personal experience. Brian's insights, knowledge, and personality greatly enhanced the experience. We felt that we gained a good understanding of French history and current culture from him. We saw so much of France-Normandy coast and Loire Valley - with a little overview of Paris in our limited time in the city. The pacing of the trip was fine. We had enough time at each destination and there was a nice balance betwen free time and designated tour time during the trip. My only disappointment with the itinerary was that the full day in Rouen was on a Sunday when all of the stores and many restaurants were closed. The included dinners were very good and our accomodations were also very good and modern except for the hotel in St. Malo. Its location was perfect, but we had a room on the top floor that was really antiquated, didn't even have a shower, and the AC did not work. We left the window open but, as Brian had warned us earlier, the bars across the street stay open late and are very noisy at night. Others on our tour complained about their rooms on lower floors due to low ceiling height and antiquated accomodations. We had wonderful food and wine throughout the trip. Brian was helpful too in suggesting restaurants, bakeries, etc. as options for our lunch stops and for dinners on the nights we were on our own. in summary, I would definitley endorse this trip to future travelers.

Superior travels

An excellent trip dripping with history and information. The guide was superb! There were only a very few suggestions and they were very minor. This trip should be enjoyed by anyone interested in France and WW II not to mention the many other super aspects of the vacation.

reflections at Normandy

good balance of art & history with free tme and good logistical organization supported by outstanding tour director

Wonderful trip to Normandy and the Loire Valley

The itinerary was great. I think Amboise and the Loire Valley deserve an extra day with maybe the winery tour an optional excursion. Our guide, Brian Haldman, was terrific! I can't say enough about him. The level of expertise of GoAhead guides is reallly remarkable. Brian is in a class by himself. The bus driver, Patrique, was also great. This is my second GoAhead tour. The first was to Sicily which was also great. I am an experienced traveller and had been to some of the places before, but enjoyed them much more with the informations we received from Brian and other local guides used. The flight connections, direct from LAX to Paris, were an added bonus..

a small shadow

The only flaw in this trip was that we were not met at the airport upon arrival. Everything else was first-rate.

Absolutely a Fantastic Tour

One of the best trips I've taken. Our tour guide Thierry was great, he took care of everything and was very knowledgeable. Thierry even took a group of us who extended our stay on an extra walking tour of Montmartre. Touring the Normandy Coast was thrilling, I enjoyed every little city we visited and could not tell you which is my favorite. This was my second trip with Go Ahead and I WILL be taking another. Thank you for a wonderful time in France.

Paris Normandy and Brittany

Nice accomodations - excursions were interesting - meals served were delicious - nice to not have all meals provided - that gave us an opportunity to eat light or more formally or just take time exploring instead of spending time in a restaurant - Our Director, Brian was so well informed and enthusiastic, respectful and polite. I will definitely travel with Go Ahead in the future.