The Best of France

Transcription

1 Educational Travel Experience Designed Especially for Dominion High School The Best of France March 27 - April 3, 2015 ITINERARY OVERVIEW DAY 1 DEPARTURE FROM IAD DAY 2 ARRIVE PARIS - BAYEUX - NORMANDY (2 NIGHTS) DAY 3 THE D-DAY INVASION BEACHES DAY 4 NORMANDY - MONT ST. MICHEL - ST. MALO (1 NIGHT) DAY 5 ST. MALO - VERSAILLES - PARIS (3 NIGHTS) DAY 6 PARIS (THE REVOLUTION AND NAPOLEON) DAY 7 PARIS (PARIS OF THE IMPRESSIONISTS) DAY 8 DEPARTURE FROM PARIS

2 ITINERARY France is an enchanting country that evokes elegance, opulence, and richness. But the country is so much more than luxurious castles, fashionable cities, and delicious food and wine. France has an incredible history spanning thousands of years, history that can be found in every crevice of its countryside. Each region is unique, and amid the beauty of the mountains, coastline, and cities there are charming small towns filled with friendly people who embrace the true meaning of joie de vivre. Educational Tour/Visit Cultural Experience Concert Performance Transportation Recreational Activity LEAP Enrichment Sporting Fixture DAY 1 Friday, 27 March 2015 Relax and enjoy our scheduled flight from IAD to CDG DAY 2 Saturday, 28 March 2015 Our 24-hour Tour Director will meet us at the airport and remain with us until our final airport departure. We will have use of a private coach and driver, while touring for the next four days. Today we will travel from Paris to Normandy. En route we will stop in Bayeux. Bayeux was the first town to be liberated after the Normandy invasion, but escaped the war with little damage, allowing its charming streets to be preserved. A walk through town reveals a wealth of 15th-19th century buildings and streets lined with cafes and shops. Tour the Bayeux Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux). It was consecrated in 1077 in the presence of William the Conqueror. Visit the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, home to one of the most famous tapestries in the world. The tapestry is actually embroidery on a band of linen, 231 feet long and 20 inches wide. It depicts 58 scenes in eight colors, telling the story of the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy. Our base for the next two nights will be Normandy (area), where breakfast and dinner will be provided at the hotel. DAY 3 Sunday, 29 March 2015 The Normandy region of France comprises 360 miles of coastline bordering lush farmland and bustling market towns. Despite its natural beauty and gastronomic delights, the area is primarily known for its history: from William the Conqueror to WWII. It is perhaps this rich heritage, along with the verdant surroundings, that inspired the Impressionist movement, begun here in the 19th century. Walk on Utah Beach, where we will view the US Monument. Visit the Utah Beach Museum, housed in an old German bunker. We will get an intimate look at how the D-Day landing took place through a short film and by seeing the personal items the soldiers carried. Explore Pointe du Hoc; it was a nearly 100-meter-high cliff, with perpendicular sides jutting out into the Channel. It was assigned to the U.S. 2nd Rangers to take and hold during the D- Day landings. View the coast at Omaha Beach, where you can still see war wreckage. Experience the solemn serenity of the Normandy American Cemetery. Overlooking Omaha Beach and the English Channel, the memorial grounds contain the graves of 9,387 soldiers, each marked by a white marble cross or Star of David. 1

3 DAY 3 Sunday, 29 March 2015 LEAP: Soldiers Stories Using first-hand accounts of US servicemen involved in the D-Day landings in June 1944 put yourself in the shoes of the soldiers to assist in a better understanding of what they experienced. The Mulberry Harbor was built for D-Day in June It consisted of two artificial harbors which were towed across the English Channel and put together off the coast of Normandy. The Mulberry Harbor s purpose was to ease and speed up the unloading process so that Allied troops were supplied as they advanced across France and therefore became one of the greatest engineering feats of World War II. DAY 4 Monday, 30 March 2015 During the course of our tour we will gain from the knowledge and insight of two half-day local guides while we are here in France. Today we will travel from Normandy to St. Malo. En route we will stop in Mont St. Michel. The misty silhouette of Mont St. Michel is one of the most enchanting sights in France. This small island, capped by an imposing monastery, is surrounded by a huge tidal plain. The tidewaters regularly rush in to cut it off from the mainland. Its steep, narrow, winding streets give the impression of traveling back in time, and the experience is one of the most haunting in Europe. Tour the Abbaye du Mont St-Michel, known as the Marvel of the West. Walls surround the church and the three-tiered collection of 13th-century buildings that rise to the church s pointed spire. We will enjoy breathtaking views over the bay, which features the strongest tides in Europe. We will continue to the St Malo (area), which will be our base for one night. While here, we will enjoy breakfast and dinner at the hotel. DAY 5 Tuesday, 31 March 2015 Today we will travel from St. Malo to Paris. En route we will stop at Versailles. Experience Versailles, a palace commissioned by Louis XIV around Louis XIII s hunting lodge. In addition to viewing the spectacular Gardens, our visit includes the ornate State Apartments, highlighted by the magnificent Hall of Mirrors. Versailles set the standard for royal opulence in the 17th century; this over indulgence set the stage for outrage and the ensuing French Revolution 100 years later. Seize the Chateau! Experience the French Revolution through role play. Using Audio Guides you will find yourself in the shoes of the monarchy, clergy, nobility, bourgeoisie or peasantry to explore the issues underlying the French Revolution. For the next three evenings we will enjoy the convenience of our centrally-located Paris hotel, where daily breakfast will be included. In Paris, the cost of public transport is included for all group sightseeing. Escorted by our Tour Director, we will be able to experience the city in the same manner as the local people. This evening, dinner will be provided in a local restaurant. DAY 6 Wednesday, 01 April 2015 Paris is one of the most iconic cities in the world, filled with culture and history, monuments and museums. Known as the City of Light, Paris is a million things to a million people. No writer has ever been able to truly capture Paris in words, and only the experience of being there can begin to express the grandness and magic of this incredible city. Ascend the Arc de Triomphe, a massive triumphal arch commissioned by Napoleon. Today, it is a symbol of Paris and is home to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 2

4 DAY 6 Wednesday, 01 April 2015 Walk through the Jardin des Tuileries, the Neo-Classical gardens outside of the entrance to the Louvre and continue to La Place de la Concorde for a magnificent view of the Champs Élysées. Time permitting we will explore the Champs Élysées, which offers a beautiful look at Parisian life and architecture. Tour the renowned Louvre Museum with a local specialist guide. We will see Leonardo da Vinci s Mona Lisa, the imposing Coronation of Napoleon, and many of the finest paintings and sculptures from western civilization. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral. Work began in 1163 on a spot that had been a holy shrine since Roman times. Over the centuries, the cathedral has been the scene of some of France's most momentous occasions, including the coronation of Napoleon. Ascend to the top of Paris most recognizable landmark, the Eiffel Tower, built for the Universal Exhibition of The wrought-iron tower was not meant to be permanent, and the first permit was only for 20 years. But by that time, it had proved to be a valuable communication device for radio. It is now France s global icon and has hosted over 200 million visitors. Tonight we will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant in the Latin Quarter, a section of the city that dates back to the Roman times; it is generally associated with artists, intellectuals, and political unrest. Geneva is situated in a prime Rhône Valley position at the southwestern corner of Lake Geneva, within view of the pinnacle of the Mont Blanc. The city's strong French influence shows itself everywhere, from its mansard roofs, iron balconies, sidewalk cafes, and French signs. Geneva is a cosmopolitan city and home to more than 200 international organizations, including the European headquarters of the United Nations. DAY 7 Thursday, 02 April 2015 Experience the perfect introduction to the beauty of Paris on a Seine River Cruise. We will pass under many graceful bridges and view important landmarks on both banks during our trip. This evening, dinner will be provided in a local restaurant. Visit the Musée D Orsay, which is housed in a former railway station. It features mainly French art from , and is best known for its impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Cezanne. Paris is one of the most important centers of fashion in the world. We will visit the elegant stores of Au Printemps and Galeries Lafayette for a first-hand look at the latest trends in fashion. Visit Sacré-Coeur Basilica, a huge white church that dominates the Parisian skyline. Construction of the church began in 1875 and ended in 1914, just before WWI. Inside, we can admire the stained glass and some of the world s largest mosaics. Tonight we will ascend to the Montmartre area of Paris, where we will have dinner in a local restaurant. This area was made famous in the late 19th century as an artists haunt. We will also spend time in the Place du Tertre, a square known for its local artwork. DAY 8 Friday, 03 April 2015 Our rewarding and enjoyable tour comes to an end as our Tour Director accompanies us to the airport on our final day. 3

5 TOTAL PER PERSON TOUR COST BASED ON NUMBER OF FULL-PAYING PARTICIPANTS Dominion High School Full Paying Price In USD *With Early (Subject to final airfare confirmation) Participants Discount This proposal is valid until Sunday, 09 November 2014 and this tour 20 3,699 3,499 cannot be operated in its present format with fewer than ,799 3,599 participants. 16 3,799 3,599 * Early Enrollment Discount of $200 if enrolled by 10/31/2014. EZ Pay Option Enroll by 10/31/2014 and make 3 payments of $1, every 30 days by automatic deduction from your bank account. The final payment of the series will be deducted no later than 45 days before travel. **Based on the bolded pricing ratio from above. How to Enroll The Trip ID for your program is and you can register today by credit card or echeck by going to: A $300 initial deposit is due by 10/31/2014. Please contact your Program Leader for further information. Program Leader: Kathy McDermott Contact Details: Kathy.McDermott@lcps.org Tour Prices Guaranteed at Time of Enrollment! Our Price Guarantee: Once you have accepted this proposal, the dates have been confirmed and the WorldStrides International Discovery Promotional Packs has been made available for your group s tour, the prices shown for the various group size levels will not change, regardless of any subsequent movements in airline fuel and taxes or currency fluctuations. What is Included: Round trip airfare with a major carrier on scheduled flights and guaranteed dates All airport taxes and fuel surcharges (which will not change after time of enrollment for any participant) Accommodation in three and four star hotels in twin or triple rooms with private facilities guaranteed throughout A filling breakfast everyday to get the day started well throughout your touring program A hearty three course dinner daily reflecting local cuisine on every evening (usually in local restaurants in capital cities) A full-time WorldStrides International Discovery programs Tour Director, familiar with our LEAP Educational Program, to accompany your group 24 hours a day from arrival to departure The expertise and perspective of local guides during your tour All excursions, cultural activities and (several pre-booked) admissions as per your itinerary Transportation by private coach for airport transfers and touring, except in the capital city, where public transport is used (and the cost included) for group sightseeing Basic health insurance while on tour (including medical treatment on tour up to $7,500) and $50,000 of coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation This Does Not Include: Lunches or beverages with meals Visas (if required) Tips and gratuities for the guide and driver (or cruise staff if applicable) Any fees that might be imposed by the airlines at the airport for checked baggage Cancellation Protection Plus, which provides for cancellation for reasons not normally covered by insurance, at a rate of $25 a day. Please note the rate will be reduced to $20 a day if all the participants on the program choose to take this valuable assurance. 4

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