Group Travel

France

Riviera Highlights – 5 Days

1. Day: Arrival in Nice. Check-in at the chosen hotel. Free time to feel the Mediterranean Sea breeze... Dinner in a typical restaurant.

2. Day: In the morning a guided tour on foot of the old town in Nice. During the visit you will have to possibility to taste «Socca», thin pancakes made of chickpeas and olive oil, with a glass of wine. The rest of the day and evening on your own.

3. Day: Departure for the small principality of Monaco. First we visit the old town and the Ducal Palace (outside only). Lunch on your own. In the afternoon we visit Monte-Carlo (the modern part of the principality) with a possibility of visiting the famous casino (Designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the old opera in Paris).

4. Day: Visit to nearby Antibes, a beautiful town with a yacht harbour and a famous Picasso museum. The rest of the day will be spent in Cannes, the star of the French Riviera, famous for its international film festival and the luxurious hotels, cars, beaches and visitors. It would be a real pity, to visit France without seeing this mundane city... Return to Nice and dinner at for example Restaurant FLO.

5. Day: Return back home.

The Riviera countryside - 5 Day

1. Day: Arrival in Nice. Check-in at the chosen hotel. Guided tour on foot of the old town in Nice. During the visit you will have to possibility to taste «Socca», thin pancakes made of chickpeas and olive oil, with a glass of wine.

2. Day: Today we go off into the Riviera countryside. Our first stop is St Paul de Vence, a beautiful town from the Middle Ages, home to many ancient and contemporary painters. The charming old town, with its numerous workshops, art galleries and most of all its wonderful panorama view of the Provencal countryside is always worth the visit. Nearby we find the famous Fondation Maeght, a foundation made like a temple of modern art with works of Chagall, Miro, Braque, Kandinsky, Matisse, Léger, Zadkine and others. Return to Nice.

3. Day: Departure for the charming village Cagnes-sur-Mer and possibility to visit the Renoir Museum. We continue via Biot (Hill town with a famous Léger Museum) to Antibes, a beautiful town with a yacht harbour and a famous Picasso museum. Return to Nice.

4. Day: Day tour to the Gorges du loup, Wolf throats: mountain villages, ravines and waterfalls in the Riviera countryside, near Vence, makes this tour an experience. The mountain river is called «Wolf» and winds through the mountainside in steep ravines. The village Tourette-sur-Loup still surrounded by ancient walls, the Middle Age rock village of Gourdon, the Pont-du-Loup... Return to Nice.

5. Day: Today we take of in towards Monaco and Eze. The Middle Age village of Eze is situated at 450m over the Mediterranean Sea and holds one of the best viewpoints of the coastline. We continue on to the tiny principality of Monaco.

6. Day: Return back home.

Provence - 8 Days

1. Day: Accommodation in Burgundy, for example Mercure Beaune Centre.

2. Day: Arrival in Uzès and the hotel Mercure Uzès. Check-in. Wander through the charming little town of Uzès. On the way back visit of the fascinating Pont du Gard, an almost 2000 years old Roman aqueduct and UNESCO cultural heritage.

3. Day: Visit of Nîmes with its Roman inspired monuments, such as the amphitheatre, Maison Carré, etc. We continue to the charming village of Saint-Remy-de-Provence and to the rock village «Les Baux», one of the most stunning Provencal villages. Return to the hotel.

4. Day: Departure for Avignon, one of the fascinating towns of southern France. Landmarks: the world famous Gothic Papal palace, the bridge Saint Bénezet, known through the song «Sur le Pont d’Avignon...». We continue in the countryside of Luberon, where the lavender embellishes the view in season. Light, colours and scents, as well as small mountain villages (Bonnieux, Ménerbes, Gordes, etc.) make out the countryside. Return to the hotel.

5. Day: Today we visit Arles, one of the most important art cities in southern France on the program, which has been made famous by Vincent Van Gogh. In the afternoon we visit the Camargue, situated in between the two river branches of the Rhone River. Pink Flamingos populate the whole moorland and bulls and the famous Camargue horses wander freely in the vast fields. Return to the hotel.

6. Day: Visit of Aix-en-Provence, a town with great atmosphere, reflecting the typically Provencal art de vivre. Visit a workshop where the «Calissons d’Aix » are made, nice sweets of melon and almond, a regional speciality. Guided walk through the town where Cézanne lived. Visit of his workshop, which has remained unchanged since the painter’s death in 1906. Return to the hotel.

7. Day: Before saying goodbye to Provence, another treat: along the way we find Chateauneuf du Pape, one of the most renowned vineyards in the region. We continue to Burgundy and accommodation.

8. Day: Return back home.

Highlights Alsace - 4 Days

1. Day: Arrival in Strasburg. Guided tour on foot in the old town and the «Petite France» with its half-timbered houses. Visit of the cathedral, a beautiful gothic work. Check-in in a family led 3* hotel, dinner at the hotel.

2. Day: Departure for Colmar. Guided tour of the beautiful old town. Visit of the Dominican church with the famous «The virgin in the rose bush» by Martin Schongauer. Visit of the Unterlinden museum, world famous for its Isenheim Altarpiece by Grünewald. Return along the Alsatian wine road with a stop in the historical wine town Kayersberg. Dinner at the hotel or in a typical restaurant in the old town.

3. Day: Full day tour: The Mount Saint Odile and the Haute Koenigsburg castle. Dinner at the hotel or in a typical restaurant in the old town.

4. Day: Full day tour: Vosges / Route des Crêtes with the following stages: Ste-Marie-aux-Mines, Lac Blanc (via Col des Bagenelles and Col du Bonhomme) and Col de la Schlucht (1153m, Winter sport resort). During the tour we stop at a farm inn and visit the cheese production with tasting. We continue over Markstein (1267m, Ski resort for the alpine world cup), Grand Ballon (1427m, the highest summit of the Vosges, viewpoint) and Hartmannswillerkopf (National memorial). Return to Strasburg. Dinner at the hotel or in a restaurant in town.

4. Day: Return back home.

Loire Valley Castles - 8 Days

1. Day: Arrival in France and accommodation in Paris or in the region.

2. Day: Departure to the Loire valley. First stop in Blois and visit of the castle. We continue along the Loire to the hotel, for example 3* Hotel Novotel Amboise. Dinner and night.

3. Day: In the morning visit of Amboise: first Leonardo da Vincis house, the Clos Lucé, where you can see the inventions of the Italian master, and then visit of the historical castle of Amboise, where you find Leonardo da Vincis tomb. In the afternoon we visit the «classic» Loire castle, the delightful Chenonceau built on the water, also called «the women castle», since each of the famous castle mistresses (as Catherine de Medicis) gave the castle a personal touch.

4. Day: In the morning visit of Tours: the old town « Vieux Tours » with its numerous half-timbered houses, the beautiful Plumereau square and the cathedral. In the afternoon we visit the castle Azay le Rideau, one of the most beautiful Loire castles with its Italian influenced architecture. We end with Villandry and its beautiful castle garden.

5. Day: Today’s first visit is the Fontevraud Abbey from the 12th century with the tombs of Henry Plantagenet, Eleanor d’Aquitaine and their son Richard Lionheart. We continue to Saumur where we visit a troglodyte workshop for “struck apples”. Visit and explanation with testing of this local speciality and a glass of spicy wine. In Saumur you can visit the famous Cadre Noir riding school or the castle. Return to the hotel.

6. Day: Free time / Day off.

7. Day: Two of the most famous castles are yet to be visited; the giant Chambord castle and the hunting castle of Cheverny. We continue on to our last hotel, in the Paris region or in Amiens or Abbéville...

8. Day: Return back home.

Burgundy’s churches – 9 Days

1. Day: Arrival in Burgundy. Accommodation in Beaune. Dinner and night.

2. Day: In the morning we visit Beaune and its famous Hôtel-Dieu. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon we visit the nearby castle, La Rochepot. Dinner at the hotel.

3. Day: We follow the wine road to Dijon, the capital of the “gold coast”. Guided walking tour through the historic old town. Free time for lunch in Dijon. On the way back we stop in Vougeot and visit the Clos-de-Vougeot castle, property of the wine connoisseurs (Chevaliers du Tastevin) and a museum open to the public. If we have time left, we can arrange for wine tasting in for example Grande Cave at Vougeot. Dinner at the hotel.

4. Day: Departure for Fontenay Abby, founded in 1118. The monastery is the best restored medieval monastery plant in Burgundy, today under monument protection and ranks among the Unesco world heritage. Next stage is the charming little town of Semur en Auxois. Depending on time, still another short detour can be made to the beautiful medieval village of Flavigny sur Ozerain before the return trip to Beaune. Dinner and night at the hotel.

5. Day: Departure for Vézelay. This popular pilgrimage goal holds the Relics of Mary Madeleine and lies on the first place on the UNESCO list of the holy places of our civilization. We drive on to Avallon with its pretty walled old town on a hill, towers, bastion and the old Collegium Saint Lazare. Return trip to Beaune. Dinner and night at the hotel.

6. Day: Today we leave for Tournus. We visit the little historical old town; the Hôtel-Dieu from the 17th century and the Roman church Saint Philibert. We continue with a visit in Taizé, centre of the ecumenical movement and pilgrimage for young people from all world. Participation in the prayers is possible. Before returning to Beaune we make a detour to nearby Cormatin castle.

7. Day: Visit of Cluny, famous for its cloister and the reform of the Benedictine order. Up to the establishment of the St Peter cathedral, Cluny was the largest church of the Christianity. We drive on to the well-known pilgrimage centre, Paray le Monial and visit of the church, a reduced copy of Cluny. Return trip to Beaune. Dinner and night at the hotel.

8. Day: Today’s tour takes us to Autun. The Roman St Lazare cathedral, a well-known pilgrimage centre on the St Jacob road because of the tomb of the holy Lazarus. On the way back to Beaune visit of Château de Mersault and wine tasting. Candlelight parting dinner in a regional wine cellar.

9. Day: Return back home.

Champagne - 3 Days

1. Day: Arrival in Reims, capital of the Champagne region. City tour including the world famous cathedral Notre Dame, where France’s kings were crowned in the 11th century. We then visit a famous champagne cellar, as Taittinger, Mumm or Piper-Heidsieck with a small tasting. Dinner at for example Brasserie FLO. Night in selected hotel.

2. Day: We follow the Champagne wine road through cute wine villages, with a detour for Hautvillers, home to the said champagne inventor Dom Pérignon. We finally arrive in Epernay, the heart of champagne industry, and home to famous cellars such as Moët et Chandon, Mercier, De Castellane, etc. We visit one of these and test their bubbles. Return to the hotel in Reims.

3. Day: Return back home.

Wine trip to Aquitaine - 8 Days

1. Day: Arrival to Bordeaux and welcoming by the guide upon check-in in chosen hotel in Bordeaux.

2. Day: City tour of Bordeaux, the capital of the Aquitaine region. Bordeaux has the largest area under monument protection in France with its "old Bordeaux`. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, a trip in the Medoc area, one of the most well-known wine regions. Visit of one of the well-known vineyards; Mouton Rothschild, Margaux, St.Estephe or Lafite with tasting.

3. Day: Trip to the coast and Arcachon, one of the largest oyster breeding areas in Europe. Cruise in the Arcachon bay. We then climb the Pyla dune, which, with its 110m, is Europe’s highest dune.

4. Day: Travel to St.Emilion, one of the most important places of wine production in this region, above all renowned for its noble rich red wines. Guided tour in the beautiful medieval city with wine tasting in a cellar. The rest of the day free.

5. Day: Departure for Sauternes, the famous cultivation area of this very special wine and a guided tour in the wine cellar with tasting. We drive on to Cazeneuve and visit the royal residence; preferential residence of the kings of Navarre and king Henry IV. In Sadirac, a guided tour in an unusual garden, in which 150 "forgotten" vegetable species are cultivated. Tasting.

6. Day: Travel to Bergerac, the “entrance” to the Périgord region. Guided tour in the historical old part of the town and the wine museum in the beautiful "Cloître of the Récollets". The most famous Bergerac wine is the Montbazillac, a sweet white wine, which we will try in the castle with some foie gras.

7. Day: Departure for Cognac. Visit of the castle, once home to King François 1st, today housing the Cognac producer Otard. We continue to nearby Saintes, with its rich architectural heritage.

8. Day: Return back home.

Brittany – 7 Days

1. Day: Arrival in Rouen. Check-in in the chosen hotel. Guided tour of Rouen.

2. Day: We travel via Caen to the Mont-Saint-Michel and visit this peculiar abbey on the rock. We continue on to St Malo, the former pirates’ nest and one of the most beautiful French channel towns. Accommodation in Saint Malo. Guided city tour of Saint Malo.

3. Day: Visit of the cute little town of Dinan with its half-timbered houses and paved roads. We drive on along the coastal road to Fort la Latte and the Cap Fréhel, one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the coast. The tour continues in the wild landscape of Brittany to St Brieuc, the capital of the Côtes d'Armor. Return to Saint Malo.

4. Day: Departure for Rennes, capital of the Brittany region. City tour. The tour continues on to Josselin castle for our next visit. Next stop is Vannes, the capital of the Morbihan region.

5. Day: Visit of Quimper – an unmistakable Britton town. Free time for lunch. We go on to Pointe du Raz, the western point of continental Europe. We stop in the beautiful little village Locronan before returning to the hotel in Vannes.

6. Day: Return tour through Normandy (possibility to stop in Caen or o the coast in Deauville). Accommodation in for example Amiens, the capital of the Picardy region.

7. Day: Return back home.

Normandy – Brittany - 9 Days

1. Day: Arrival in Rouen. Check-in at the hotel and a short city walk. Dinner.

2. Day: In the morning a city tour of Rouen. We then continue to the charming fisher village Honfleur. Our tour takes us along the flower coast, through the mundane Deauville to Caen. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner.

3. Day: Transfer to Bayeux. Visit of the cathedral and the carpet museum with the famous tapestry of William the Conqueror. We drive on through Normandy over St Lo to the Mont St Michel and guided tour of the world-famous abbey on the rock. Transfer to St Malo. Check-in at the hotel and dinner.

4. Day: In the morning visit of the oyster museum in Cancale with tasting. Return to St Malo and short city walk of this former pirates’ nest. In the afternoon trip to the wild rock coast to the Cap Fréhel, the most beautiful viewpoint of the Emerald coast. Return to the hotel in St. Malo and dinner

5. Day: In the morning, guided tour of Dinan. We continue on through Brittany along the southern coast to Quimper. Short city tour. Check-in at the hotel and dinner.

6. Day: The tour continues along the south coast with stops in fishing towns Concarneau, Pont Aven, Lorient and Carnac, famous for their bizarre stone formations. Transfer to Vannes, Check-in at the hotel and dinner.

7. Day: Transfer towards Nantes - of one of the safest sea ports of the kingdom in the Middle Ages. We continue along the Loire River, to the castle with the well-known tapestry of the Apocalypse can be visited. Check-in at the hotel and dinner.

8. Day: We follow the Loire river to Tours. Free time. We then continue on to Chartres and then Paris for our last night. Closing dinner in a typical Parisian restaurant.

9. Day: In the morning a half-day guided tour of Paris, before returning back home.