On this journey through northern France, you’ll experience some of the world’s most historical sights—from the 12th century to the 21st.  Begin your trip with a stay in romantic Paris, the City of Light, then visit the best parts of the French countryside where authentic sweets and treats await.

Please note: 2009 itinerary varies. Please call for details.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Paris

Board your overnight flight to France.

Day 2 - Paris

A Go Ahead representative meets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and begin acquainting yourself with the City of Light. Meet your fellow travelers at this evening’s Welcome Dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Rouen

Travel to Giverny (seasonal) to visit Claude Monet's Gardens. Next, continue to Rouen, where a professional local guide leads your tour of the medieval city, whose cathedral was often depicted in Monet's paintings. Arrive in Rouen where a local guide introduces you to the city. First stop is the Butter Tower—named because it was financed by Catholics paying penance for refusing to give up butter. Then see the renaissance clock and the square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.  (B)

Day 4 - Rouen

Continue your explorations of Rouen today on your own or opt to join an excursion to Honfleur and the Norman Heritage for a guided tour. After your tour of Honfleur, visit Normandy Bridge, an engineering marvel whose construction lasted for six years and was completed in 1995.  (B)

$59 USD

Honfleur and the Norman Heritage Travel further into Normandy where you'll explore Honfleur, a picturesque seaport full of lively cafes, on a guided tour.

Day 5 - Normandy Coast

Travel along the rugged Normandy coast into Lower Normandy, passing through the Auge region on your way to Caen for a guided tour of the town, which William the Conqueror chose as his French headquarters. Here, you'll visit the Mémorial de Caen (Peace Museum), regarded as the best World War II museum in France.  (B, D)

Day 6 - Normandy Coast

Explore the Normandy Coast at your leisure today, or you might choose to join a full-day optional excursion to the evocative Normandy beaches, where World War II history was made during the bloody battles of the Allied invasion. (B)

$69 USD

D-Day Beaches of Normandy Immerse yourself in World War II history during this fascinating optional excursion to Normandy, where the Allied troops landed in June 1944.

Day 7 - St. Malo

Journey through the village of Bayeux to view the famed Bayeux tapestry, an ancient work of art depicting the Battle of Hastings. Continue on to the rocky seaport of St. Malo for an included dinner tonight. (B, D)

Day 8 - St. Malo

Join a local guide for sightseeing in coastal St. Malo. Amid the town's rocky enclaves, pirates once took refuge. Then choose to embark on an optional excursion to Mont-St.-Michel, a monastery perched on a tiny islet this afternoon. (B) 

$69 USD

Mont-St.-Michel Tour the breathtaking islet monastery of Mont St.-Michel, one of the wonders of the Western world. This 8th-century abbey is perched on a granite rock, surrounded by water at high tide.

Day 9 - Tours

Depart St. Malo and head south into the lush Loire Valley, now a major wine-producing region and once France’s “Playground of the Kings.” Arrive later in Tours, one of France’s most inviting modern-day cities. Walk through Tours’ Old Quarter and view the ornate Renaissance cathedral, as your tour director leads you on a sightseeing tour of the city. (B, D)

Day 10 - Paris

Today, opt to join an excursion to the Loire Valley’s Renaissance castles: romantic Chenonceau, arching gracefully over the River Cher, and Amboise. In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to Paris. Upon arrival, you can enjoy an optional Evening in Paris that begins with dinner at a favorite local restaurant and ends with a cruise along the Seine. (B)

$99 USD

Evening in Paris: Seine cruise & Dinner Take in all the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a favorite local restaurant. Then board a boat cruise along the Seine and glide past the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris — including Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

$85 USD

Loire Chateaux Journey into the lush Loire Valley, called Valley of the Kings in Renaissance times because it was where the French monarchy chose to build their enormous chateaux.

Day 11 - Paris

This morning’s guided sightseeing tour of the City of Light features views of the Eiffel Tower, the enormous Arc de Triomphe (the world’s largest triumphal arch), and Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, whose construction dates back to 1163. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Paris on your own before rejoining your group for a Farewell Dinner. (B, D)

Day 12 - Paris

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or stay on in Paris. (B)

Please note: 2009 itinerary varies. Please call for details.