Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley

Transcription

1 2016 Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley + PA R I S E X T E N S I O N 10 D AY S 12 D AY S W I T H E X T E N S I O N Bright lights to lavish châteaux, see France from all angles. Few countries offer such an enticing combination of history, scenery and mouthwatering food and drink. Immerse yourself in the history of Normandy. Visit iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Mont Saint-Michel. Sample the sauvignon blanc and feast on coq au vin. From the iconic sights of Paris to the beautiful scenery of the Loire Valley, this is the France you ve read about now yours to discover.

2 2016 Overview PARIS, NORMANDY & THE LOIRE VALLEY Let us handle the details Expert Tour Director Local cuisine Handpicked hotels Sightseeing with local guides Private transportation Personalized flight options Your tour includes Your tour highlights 8 nights in handpicked hotels Breakfast daily, 4 three-course dinners with beer or wine, 1 wine tasting Multilingual Tour Director Private deluxe motor coach Guided sightseeing and select entrance fees 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 Saint-Michel Exquisite art and gorgeous gardens at Chenonceau The cuisine wine, cheese and apple brandy Where you ll go OVERNIGHT STAYS 2 nights Paris 2 nights Normandy Coast 1 night Saint-Malo 2 nights Loire Valley 1 night Paris Honfleur Rouen Normandy Coast Paris Saint-Malo Mont-Saint-Michel Château de Chenonceau Loire Valley FRANCE 35 MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE FOR THIS TOUR With our Right Size Advantage, your group will never get in the way of your experience. ABOUT YOUR HOTELS Our 3- and 4-diamond accommodations are handpicked to ensure quality and comfort.

3 2016 Itinerary PARIS, NORMANDY & THE LOIRE VALLEY Overnight flight 1 night Day 1: Travel day Board your overnight flight to Paris today. Paris 2 nights Day 2: Arrival in Paris Included meals: welcome dinner Welcome to Paris! Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Paris A guided tour introduces you to the architecture, scenery and history of the City of Light s many neighborhoods. Drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées in view of the Arc de Triomphe Pass the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on an island in the Seine River See the Eiffel Tower, the Palais Garnier opera house and Place de la Concorde, the city s grandest square Marvel at the eclectic and iconic architecture of the Louvre Enjoy a free afternoon in Paris or add an excursion. + Versailles Palace & Gardens Normandy Coast 2 nights Day 4: Normandy via Rouen & Honfleur, wine tasting, dinner Travel through the historic cities and pristine port towns on your way to the historic Normandy region. Visit Rouen, home to a large 16th-century clock and the two-towered Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral Walk through the market square where Joan of Arc was executed Enjoy a tasting of calvados, the region s distinctive apple brandy See the untouched Honfleur harbor, once an important port Day 5: Free day in Normandy Spend the day exploring Normandy on your own or add an excursion. + D-Day Beaches of Normandy Saint-Malo 1 night Day 6: Saint-Malo via Mont Saint-Michel, dinner Explore the striking 8th-century island monastery of Mont Saint-Michel on a guided sightseeing tour. See how the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized monastery, perched high on a granite rock, is surrounded by water at high tide and quicksand at low tide Enter the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel with your local guide Then, continue your journey toward Saint-Malo. Loire Valley 2 nights Day 7: Travel to the Loire Valley, dinner Take in Saint-Malo s narrow streets, tall granite homes and medieval ramparts on a guided tour. Later, drive through the Loire Valley, once known as France s Playground of the Kings. Day 8: Château de Chenonceau Get to know châteaux country on a guided tour of the Loire Valley region. Step inside the extravagant Château de Chenonceau and explore its gardens Discover how the castle got the nickname Château de Femmes some of its famous female residents included Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici Enjoy a free evening or add an excursion. + Loire Valley Dinner & Wine Tasting Paris 1 night Day 9: Travel to Paris Return to France s capital city making a photo stop at Château Chambord on the way, and enjoy a free afternoon or add an excursion. + Evening in Paris: Dinner & River Cruise Day 10: Departure (excluding early morning departures) Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or extend your stay to continue exploring Paris. Post-tour extension Paris 2 nights Day 10: Free day in Paris Spend the day exploring Paris on your own or add an excursion. + Iconic Sights: Notre-Dame & the Marais Day 11: Free day in Paris Spend another day exploring Paris or add an excursion. + Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny (seasonal, April through October) Day 12: Departure (excluding early morning departures) Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Extension is available on select departure dates. Space is limited. Minimum of 10 travelers is required.

4 2016 PND16_1215 Customize your experience PARIS, NORMANDY & THE LOIRE VALLEY Create a more personal journey by adding optional excursions that speak to your interests. Excursions offered on the same day will occur at different times, so there s no need to choose you re free to do as much or as little as you d like. Save $10* when you book your excursion up to 3 days before your tour departs. Please note: Excursions that require advance reservation will only have this discounted price listed. Call to start customizing your tour: Day 3: Versailles Palace & Gardens $109* (5 hours, departure time varies) 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. Day 5: D-Day Beaches of Normandy $75/$85* (10 hours, departs in the morning) Relive World War II history during this excursion to Normandy, where the Allied troops landed in June 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. Extension optional excursions Day 10: Iconic Sights: Notre-Dame & the Marais $75/$85* (5 hours, departs in the morning) 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. Day 11: Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny $85/$95* (6 hours, departs in the morning) The village of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 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. Day 8: Loire Valley Dinner & Wine Tasting $99/$109* (5 hours, evening with dinner) 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. Day 9: Evening in Paris: Dinner & River Cruise $115/$125* (5 hours, evening with dinner) 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. *Optional excursions may be purchased up to 3 days prior to departure or while on tour. Pre-purchased optional excursions cannot be canceled within 3 days prior to departure or while on tour. Select optional excursions require advance booking and cannot be purchased or canceled after the advanced reservation deadline. GAT accepts payment by cash, Visa or MasterCard for optional excursions purchased on tour. Additional fees may apply for optional excursions purchased on tour. Excursions require a minimum number of participants to operate. Details and prices are subject to change. Due to seasonal hours of operation and availability, some excursions may not operate. If this occurs, you will be refunded any payments made for that excursion post-tour.

5 PARIS, NORMANDY & THE LOIRE VALLEY SAMPLE HOTELS Paris 2 nights Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel 4-star centrally located Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center is conveniently located by the Latin Quarter and Saint- Germain-des-Pres. The metro station nearby takes you directly to the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Montparnasse business district and Notre Dame in less than half an hour. All guest rooms are larger than the average 4-star Paris hotel room. Our four-star Paris hotel features spectacular views, comfortable Revive bedding and upscale shower products. The 70s-inspired R'Yves Great Room concept combines a restaurant, cocktail bar and private lounges as well as a take-away counter for guests to enjoy great food in a trendy atmosphere with wireless Internet. Oceania Paris Porte de Versaille 3-star centrally located 250 modern and comfortable rooms (walk-in shower, free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, etc.), a 700-m2 garden with exotic plants, a Well-Being area for a moment of pure relaxation after a long day of working, shopping or visiting Paris... So many assets to assure you an unforgettable stay in Paris! Normandy Coast 2 nights Almoria Hotel Deauville 3-star centrally located The Almoria staff will welcome you in a brand new, entirely air conditionned hotel. Your stay includes free Wi-Fi access, phone, flat screen and cable channel, room service and an individual safe. The hotel offers 60 personalized and comfortable rooms as well as a breakfast room with a patio view, a lounge with a chimney, a bar and a pool. Best Western Hotel Moderne 3-star centrally located The Best Western Hotel Moderne is ideally situated less than two minutes from the Caen's historic center and the harbor. Departing from the hotel you can take a leisurely stroll around the pedestrian streets in the town center where you can find the department stores (Galeries Lafayette and Printemps), the theater and the cinema. Nearby, the picturesque district of Le Vaugueux and its numerous restaurants invites you to a small escape in the Norman flavors.

6 Saint-Malo 1 night Hotel de la Cité 3-star centrally located Standing between two historic landmarks, the Romanesque Château Comtal and the Gothic Basilica of Saint- Nazaire, the Hôtel de la Cité is set in its own glorious gardens. With its solid stone walls, wood paneling and stained-glass windows, the hotel offers luxurious hospitality. Several of the rooms have balconies and terraces allowing spectacular views of Carcassonne and the ramparts of the medieval Citadel, as well as the Castle. Other rooms offer views of the narrow cobble-stoned streets of the Citadel. Loire Valley 2 nights Novotel Amboise Hotel 3-star The Novotel Amboise is located in the heart of the Loire Valley amidst its legendary chateaux, including Chenonceaux, Chambord, Cheverny and more. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Paris 1 night Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel 4-star centrally located Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center is conveniently located by the Latin Quarter and Saint- Germain-des-Pres. The metro station nearby takes you directly to the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Montparnasse business district and Notre Dame in less than half an hour. All guest rooms are larger than the average 4-star Paris hotel room. Our four-star Paris hotel features spectacular views, comfortable Revive bedding and upscale shower products. The 70s-inspired R'Yves Great Room concept combines a restaurant, cocktail bar and private lounges as well as a take-away counter for guests to enjoy great food in a trendy atmosphere with wireless Internet. Oceania Paris Porte de Versaille 3-star centrally located 250 modern and comfortable rooms (walk-in shower, free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, etc.), a 700-m2 garden with exotic plants, a Well-Being area for a moment of pure relaxation after a long day of working, shopping or visiting Paris... So many assets to assure you an unforgettable stay in Paris!

7 2016 PND15_0315 Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TOUR Passport & visa requirements In order to enter France, U.S. and Canadian 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. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the French consulate for your specific entry requirements. Baggage allowance Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs. Contact your airline for detailed information regarding luggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that Go Ahead travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other internal transfers, which may include train connections or flights. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 total inches (length + width + height). Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on bag. 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 in something more formal. Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (entrance may be denied on this basis). 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. Cuisine One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is the delightful variety of local cuisine. Throughout France, you ll find endless opportunities to sample wonderful food at every price range. For the most casual snack or picnic, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, patés, cured meats, fresh-baked bread and fruit. Sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crepes, filled with cheese, ham, fruit or chocolate. Mouthwatering pastries and hot café au lait beckon from the cafés. On the restaurant scene, the prix fixe option is popular, offering a three- or four-course set menu for a good price. Nearly all restaurants post a menu outside. Browse around until something strikes your fancy. Transportation Round-trip flights arrive in and depart from 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). Included transportation on this tour 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. Electricity France operates on the European standard 220 volts. Time zones France 2015 is DBD one hour JOS_PreDeparture_0315.pdf ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). When it s noon in New York, it s 6 p.m. in Paris. Currency The 2015 Euro DBD is the JOS_PreDeparture_0315.pdf currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in France, 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 informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don 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 Europe s major cities both at banks and shops and they often attract higher fees. Tipping At the conclusion of your tour, it s 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. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping. Purchasing excursions on tour If you have not yet purchased your optional excursions, you may be able to do so while on your tour. Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions. Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged. Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See the separate Optional Excursions sheet for more information.