• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Optional Experiences and free time
• On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilise

Itinerary

Day 1 | Bonjour Paris
All the flavours of France come to life on this unforgettable journey, which kicks off in Paris, the ‘City of Light’. Spend your day strolling past its iconic landmarks in search of hidden treasures, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and an orientation drive through the city.
Meals: Dinner Hotel: Mercure 17 Batignolles

Day 2 | Journey through Burgundy to Lyon
We travel south to Burgundy and on to the medieval town of Beaune. On a visit to Hospices de Beaune admire the colourful geometric roof tiles of the 15 century. Next we continue to Lyon, the gourmet capital of France. Consider spending your evening delving into the epicurean delights for which Lyon is justifiably famous. Why not wander up the city’s narrow lanes lined with pastel pink and yellow façades in search of a cosy bouchon for a tasty dinner with newfound friends?
Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Mercure Centre Saxe Lafayette

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Local Beaujolais Dinner and Old Town Discovery – Strolling through the maze of hidden courtyards, cobbled streets and hidden traboules with our Local Specialist, we’ll step back in time to discover Lyon’s secrets. The World Heritage city was formerly home to ancient Gauls, powerful Romans, Gothic Cathedral builders and wealthy Renaissance Silk Merchants. We’ll finish the evening with a mouth-watering three-course French feast, paired with local wine.  Adult: 83.00 EUR

Day 3 | Onwards to Avignon, Monaco and the French Riviera
Today we journey to the city of Avignon at the heart of Provence. See the Papal Palace and the bridge made famous by the song – Sur le Pont d’Avignon. Continue through the Provençal countryside to Monaco. Upon arrival we’ll view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married, where we will enjoy a Regional Dinner in Monaco before continuing along the Riviera to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Holiday Inn Nice

Day 4 | The French Riviera Your Way
The sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera are yours to explore today. Consider relaxing on the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers or an Optional Experience could see you visit the hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, consistently named the most beautiful hilltop town in this region. In your free time, soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious Salade Niçoise.
Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Holiday Inn Nice

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:  Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Corniche Drive, Perfumery and Meal – Today, with our Local Specialist, discover the artists’ and shoppers’ paradise that is medieval Saint-Paul-de-Vence, consistently named the most beautiful hilltop town in the region. Next, we’ll travel the famed Corniche roads to witness the most spectacular views of the Riviera coastline and its lavish villas. Along the way we’ll pay a visit to a traditional French perfumery and then finish our excursion at a local restaurant for a delicious meal with wine. Adult: 96.00 EUR

Day 5 | Admire Arles and Continue to Carcassonne
Visit Arles with its honey-coloured façades, Roman ruins and Camargue culture, and enjoy some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Alternatively, choose an Optional Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Vincent van Gogh and local history with our resident expert before winding your way to the fortified city of Carcassonne. A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Mercure La Cité

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:  On the Trail of Vincent Van Gogh – You simply can’t visit Arles without seeing all of the treasures the Romans left behind. Marvel at the amphitheatre built 2000 years ago, then switch gears with your Local Specialist to learn about Arles’ other great claim to fame – the locations where Vincent Van Gogh produced some of his most famous works in Provence, including The Starry Night.    Adult: 29.00 EUR

Day 6 | Pilgrimage to Lourdes and on to Biarritz We drive toward the Pyrenees this morning and arrive in Lourdes, the global centre of the Marian pilgrimage. You will have an opportunity to see the Basilica, perched atop St. Bernadette’s Grotto, where the young girl, turned saint, is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary. Then, travel west to the Basque Coast, where we spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Novotel Anglet Biarritz.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Biarritz Train Ride & Basque Country Dinner – All aboard! We’ll take a private train through the streets of the elegant seaside resort of Biarritz, taking in spectacular coastal viewpoints. We’ll arrive at a typical Basque chalet in the nearby countryside to enjoy tasty local specialities for dinner. You might even catch the locals playing their favourite sport: Jaï alaï ! Adult: 80.00 EUR

Day 7 | Venture to Bordeaux
This morning, perhaps join an Optional Experience across the border into Spain to discover more about the  Basque Country. Later, after journeying through Les Landes, we arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux, whose stunning Garonne riverfront and Age of Enlightenment history and architecture have made it one of France’s most visited cities. Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the 8 century and the biannual wine fair attracts buyers from all over the world. Spend some time seeing the sights during your orientation of the city.
Meals: Breakfast Hotel: FirstName Bordeaux

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

A Morning in Spain – Jewels of the Basque Country – Cross the border into Spain to discover the charming Basque town of Hondarrabia. Stroll through the maze of cobblestoned streets with our Local Specialist, who will reveal the secrets of this medieval town, known for its beautiful Basque houses and colourful wooden balconies. Discover its role on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and the impressive Castle of Charles V, today a parador.  Later we will cross back into France and on to St. Jean de Luz, a wealthy Basque port town with an intriguing past filled with pirates, a royal marriage and closely-guarded family recipes. Taste this city’s world-famous creation – the macaron, and enjoy free time for lunch or to explore the local craft shops and the beautiful beach.
Adult: 51.00 EUR

Day 8 | Discover Beautiful Saint-Émilion
Lush green valleys and wine hills take centre stage today during a scenic half-day included excursion to Saint-Émilion, whose wine heritage dates back to Roman times. You will also have free time to explore Bordeaux and perhaps tease your taste buds with delicious Bordelaise cuisine or stroll through the city’s historical centre admiring its beautiful architecture.
Meals: Breakfast Hotel: FirstName Bordeaux

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Secrets Of The Bordelaise – After today’s drive, you’ll understand why Bordeaux is often described as the most beautiful wine region in the world. We’ll take you inside the World Heritage Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion, before heading to our favourite French Chateau Estate. The hostess will take you on a tour of the vineyards and the cellar, before we sit down to enjoy a Bordelaise-style feast with local wine. Adult: 91.00 EUR

Day 9 | Explore a Château in the Loire Valley
Today, journey to the renowned Loire Valley, known as the ‘Garden of France’. Along the way, you’ll stop for a light lunch with the de Montferrier family on their farm during a unique Be My Guest experience. Appetites satisfied, it’s time to explore the stunning gardens of Château de Villandry during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Elise, Local Specialist and environmental educator, learning how organic gardening techniques support biodiversity. Stroll through the estate’s beautifully designed spaces, from the tranquil water garden, with its shimmering ponds and fountains, to the intricate ornamental gardens. Later, arrive at our special hotel for the night — one of Trafalgar’s Stays with Stories.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Château de Beauvois

Day 10 | Off to Mont-Saint-Michel and the Normandy Beaches
We travel through the patchwork landscapes of Brittany, to the island settlement of Mont-SaintMichel on the Normandy coast, where we visit the island town and view the impressive Norman Benedictine Abbey. Follow the Liberty Highway to St. Lô and on to Omaha Beach. Reflect on the bravery of the young men who sacrificed their lives for freedom and visit the D-Day Landing Zone to learn how the operation was planned and executed. Arrive later at your hotel where you dine tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  Hotel: Mercure Omaha Beach

Day 11 | Journey to Paris
We travel east towards Paris, stopping at Giverny to visit the house and gardens that once inspired Claude Monet’s exquisite Impressionist works of art. This evening, consider a trip to one of the city’s renowned cabarets.
Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Mercure 17 Batignolles

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Montmartre Village and Artists’ Square – Many people go to Paris, but only a few are lucky enough to experience what it’s really all about. Join us for a stroll with our Local Specialist through Montmartre – an artists’ village once home to Picasso and Toulouse Lautrec, tucked away from the modern city. The paint will still be wet on the canvasses, as we watch apprentices work before our eyes in the famous Artist’s Square. Mingle, barter, and stand in awe of Sacré Coeur Basilica in this historic, bohemian neighbourhood.
Adult: 50.00 EUR

 Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner – It’s world famous for a reason, and this is your chance to see the real-life inspiration behind the award-winning movie. This Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers with over 1,000 costumes to create a dazzling spectacle. You’ll enjoy wine, dinner and Champagne during this unforgettable soirée at the original Parisian Cabaret!  Adult: 215.00 EUR

Day 12 | Discover the Delights of Paris
Join your Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighbourhoods of Paris to see where the locals live and shop. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights on your terms. Enjoy a leisurely café au lait in quiet surrounds or consider an Optional Experience to the opulent Palace of Versailles. This evening, we celebrate an epic adventure with your Travel Director and newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Mercure 17 Batignolles

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Versailles Palace and Gardens – Built for the Sun King, Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles was the envy of every European ruler, but loathed by the French commoners, which lead to the French Revolution. Step inside the opulent world of Versailles and our Local Specialist will take you through the palace’s Hall of Mirrors and State apartments. Then, enjoy free time to wander the symmetrical, treelined gardens.*
Adult: 85.00 EUR * This optional is subject to availability.

Seine Cruise and Parisian Icons – Discover the heart of Paris with a cruise along the Seine. Take in the city’s most iconic sights, from the Eiffel Tower to the Grand Palais from a scenic vantage point. Then, sit back and relax as you drive through the enchanting streets of the City of Love, uncovering even more of its timeless landmarks.
Adult: 50.00 EUR

Day 13 | Farewell Paris
For now it’s time to bid a fond au revoir to the Best of France and your fellow travellers at the end of a magical and memorable holiday. Meals: Breakfast