Royal Getaway to France and Loire Valley

Today you will discover Paris on a full day city sightseeing tour. Paris was born on the Ile de la Cite, where the Notre Dame Cathedral now stands tall. The beautiful cathedral is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, its sculptures and stained-glass windows having no true rival in the world. 

After your visit to the cathedral, your private guide will show you the hidden corners of Paris. You will explore antique bookstores, quaint shops filled with treasures and see the works of different street painters. Then it's time for a 'cafe au lait' and a delicious French macaroon, followed by an afternoon visit to the eclectic Orsay Museum.

Paris has been a reference in European art and culture across centuries and every monument here deserves a visit. Today you will explore the Montmartre area and climb to the Sacre Coeur Basilica. With its beaming white color and unique, romantic style, the Basilica is a must-see for everyone traveling to Paris.

Continue with the enchanting Marais district and its narrow-cobbled streets, where you'll discover the medieval feel of the capital. Nearby you will also find the elegant 17th century Place des Vosges and the Picasso National Museum, depicting 5000 art works created by the famous painter. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Your day will take you to the Palace of Versailles, the official residence of the Kings of France from 1682 until 1790. It was first a hunting lodge, but under the reign of King Louis XIV it was expanded to become the vast palace which we admire today. The Palace is divided into 4 different spaces - the Palace, the Garden, the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette's Estate. One can easily spend an entire day here, admiring the 700 golden rooms of the palace, each one filled with different pieces of art and strolling through the beautiful royal gardens. Return to Paris late afternoon.

Today you will depart from Paris and make your way to the romantic region of Normandy. On your way, stop shortly in Rouen, for a quick coffee and a peek at the cathedral. This historic city, capital of Normandy and Giverny, is forever linked with Joan of Arc and the famous Impressionist painter, Monet. 

After your visit to the cathedral, continue your drive to the coast of Normandy. Here you will find the Omaha Beach, a symbol of sacrifice for the American soldiers of the Second World War. Travel onward to Montbazon, where you will spend the rest of the day at leisure. Visit one of the oldest fortresses in France and spend the night at Chateau d'Artigny, an 18th-century style castle that is now a luxurious hotel.

Today you will explore the splendid UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Loire Valley. In the autumn of 1519, Francois I King of France starts the construction of a magnificent palace, resembling more to a work of art, aesthetic and spiritual, than a home. That is the Chateau of Chambord, whose location between the royal river and the wild woodlands only adds to the beauty of the castle. Some say that Leonardo da Vinci himself collaborated to the creation of this chateau, side by side with many French and Italian artists and architects. Afternoon at leisure.

Continue to explore the beautiful region of the Loire Valley with a visit to the Chateau of Chenonceau, an exceptional site filled with history. The castle, which conveys beauty and elegance, was a royal residence and home to extraordinary characters who have marked the destiny of France across the centuries. You will then explore the town of Amboise and its dominant, imposing Chateau. The castle offers impressive sights over Loire River and a highly regarded collection of Renaissance art and furniture. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Before returning to Paris today, visit the Cathedral of Chartres. It was founded to house a tunic of the Virgin Mary in the 12th century and became an important Marian pilgrimage center. The cathedral survived a terrible fire during that time and to everyone's relief, the Holy Tunic was found intact, surviving the blaze. Its Temple is in magnificent condition, having been spared during the French Revolution and both World Wars, and never needing any restoration. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Spend your last day of your European adventure exploring Paris on your own. In the morning, you can join a croissant baking class, where you will learn the secrets to preparing French pastry from the dough, the rolling and the baking. Then you have the rest of the day to visit the famous Eiffel Tower and admire Da Vinci's work of art Mona Lisa in Musée du Louvre. Afternoon at leisure.

Private transfer to airport and flight back to homeland.