Normandy Brittany and The Loire Valley
A 10-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $2,375
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| Starting Price: | $2,375 |  |
| Tour Length: | 10 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | France | |
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Cities Visited: This is an evenly paced tour with three two-night stays in Mont St Michel, Loire Valley and Paris, plus one overnight stay in seaside Trouville. Travelling days have interesting stops en route with great photo opportunities. |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Paris really glitters at night - become aquainted with the French capital on an illuminations tour
- Visit the immense palace and formal gardens of Versailles
- Visit the Invasion Landings' Museum at Arromanches
- Pay your respects at the American Military Cemetery of St Laurent and hear tales of courage and valour at the Rangers' memorial at Pointe du Hoc
- Visit the Château d'Azay le Rideau, still surrounded by its moat
- Visit the Château de Villandry and its beautifully restored Renaissance gardens
- See the main sights of Paris from a unique perspective on your leisurely Seine cruise
Included Personal Insights
- The markets in France are world famous - enjoy a guided insight into everyday life in Rouen
- Enjoy a short group tutorial on the wines that complement your evening meal in the Loire Valley
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- Visit Rouen Cathedral and Place du Vieux-Marche, where Joan of Arc met her untimely death
- Drive along the D-Day landing beaches and see the remains of the Mulberry Harbor
- Enjoy a guided tour through the narrow cobbled streets of Mont St Michel
- Follow the 'Emerald Coast' to the massively fortified port of St Malo
- Sample some of the local wine of the Loire at Saumur
- See the imposing châteaux of Saumur, Angers and Usse.
- Visit Chartres Cathedral, famous for its stained glass windows
- In Paris - see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre, Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 10
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of local cuisine and wine in the Loire Valley (HD)
- 8 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 2 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Day 1 - DEPART USA
Overnight flight.
Day 2 - PARIS AT LEISURE
Welcome to Paris! On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 08:30, 11:00 & 13:30. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy this fabulous city, with its grand boulevards and world famous landmarks. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink, followed by a sparkling illuminations tour of the capital - the perfect introduction to Paris.
Hotel: Pullman Bercy
Day 3 - PARIS - ROUEN - TROUVILLE
Travel to elegant Versailles to visit the immense palace built for the Sun King, Louis XIV. Your guide leads you through the sumptuous royal apartments and there is time to take a stroll in the fine formal gardens. Continue to Rouen, capital of the ancient Duchy of Normandy. See the cathedral so wonderfully painted by Monet, and the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. You also get an insight into Rouen's famous markets - a paradise for gastronomes, bustling with local merchants and craftsmen. Your hotel tonight is in the charming seaside resort of Trouville. Consider a scenic drive through the Normandy orchards to learn the secrets of calvados making and visit the port of Honfleur?
Hotel: Le Beach. (BB)
Day 4 - TROUVILLE - ARROMANCHES - PONTORSON
There are poignant reminders of the Second World War as you drive along some of the beaches of the D-Day landings, including Sword, Juno and Gold. At Arromanches visit the Invasion Landings' Museum and see the remnants of the artificial port, Mulberry B, which remain in the bay. Continue on to Omaha Beach to visit the American Military Cemetery of St Laurent. Afterwards, follow the route of the Rangers depicted in Saving Private Ryan and visit the bunkers and the Rangers' Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Continue southwards to your hotel near Mont St Michel.
Hotel: Best Western Montgomery (BB,D)
Day 5 - MONT ST MICHEL & ST MALO EXCURSION
A locally guided tour of Mont St Michel takes you to the hill-top abbey surrounded by sea. The first structure, a simple oratory, was built here in the 8th century, and was subsequently expanded and enhanced over the centuries. The abbey's increasing fame attracted pilgrims and, by medieval times, a 'ville basse' had developed, with shops and guest houses. Enjoy an insight into the distinctive Breton lifestyle as you head for the Emerald Coast and the magnificent fortified port of St Malo, where Jacques Cartier is buried. Take time to walk along the ramparts and explore before returning to your hotel. (BB,D)
Day 6 - PONTORSON - LOIRE VALLEY
Drive south to Brittany and follow the valley of the Loire, passing the mighty moated castle at Angers. Cross the Loire at Saumur, where you can sample some of the local wine. Drive quietly past the sleeping beauty château at Usse en route to the beautiful Château de Rochecotte, once the home of Talleyrand, and yours for the next two nights. Enjoy a Highlight dinner and a short group tutorial on the wines that complement your evening meal at the hotel.
Hotel: Château de Rochecotte. (BB,HD)
Day 7 - CHÂTEAU COUNTRY EXCURSION
Stop at the castle of Azay le Rideau, once the home of a King's minister, and still surrounded by its moat. Visit the apartments and take time to wander in the town. Then it's on to the privately owned château of Villandry, sometimes called the 'Jewel of the Loire', to visit the apartments and the beautifully restored Renaissance gardens. Don't miss the water garden, ornamental garden and kitchen garden - a stunning display of plants, fruits and vegetables designed in the 16th century. From here return to your own château. (BB)
Day 8 - LOIRE VALLEY - PARIS
On a drive through the vast wheat fields of La Beauce, see the impressive cathedral at Chartres looming on the horizon. Stop to marvel at the beautiful stained glass rose window inside this famous cathedral, built on a sacred site. Return to 'the city of light', Paris, for a two-night stay. In the afternoon, there is time to explore at your own pace: relax in a Parisian cafe, window-shop in the elegant boutiques or visit Montmartre, with its street artists and the Sacre Coeur Basilica nearby. As night falls, consider indulging in the excitement and glamour of a French cabaret, complete with can-can.
Hotel: Pullman Bercy (BB)
Day 9 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING
A Parisian guide introduces you to all the fabulous sights: see the 13th century Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, with its tale of Quasimodo, hunchback of Notre Dame; drive through the courtyard of the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde and along the Champs Élysees to the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Now a relaxing Seine River cruise through the centre of the city provides an unusual "insight" into Paris. The afternoon is at leisure: perhaps admire the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, buy last-minute presents in famous department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps,
or celebrate with a farewell dinner. (BB)
Day 10 - RETURN TO USA
Your French experience ends after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 & 11:00. (BB)
Don't miss our current specials: | ||||
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
4/16/2010 - 4/25/2010 |
$2,399 |
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4/30/2010 - 5/9/2010 |
$2,399 |
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5/7/2010 - 5/16/2010 |
$2,399 |
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5/14/2010 - 5/23/2010 |
$2,399 |
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5/21/2010 - 5/30/2010 |
$2,399 |
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5/28/2010 - 6/6/2010 |
$2,399 |
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6/4/2010 - 6/13/2010 |
$2,399 |
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6/11/2010 - 6/20/2010 |
$2,399 |
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6/18/2010 - 6/27/2010 |
$2,399 |
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6/25/2010 - 7/4/2010 |
$2,385 |
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7/2/2010 - 7/11/2010 |
$2,375 |
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7/9/2010 - 7/18/2010 |
$2,375 |
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7/16/2010 - 7/25/2010 |
$2,375 |
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7/23/2010 - 8/1/2010 |
$2,375 |
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7/30/2010 - 8/8/2010 |
$2,375 |
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8/6/2010 - 8/15/2010 |
$2,375 |
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8/13/2010 - 8/22/2010 |
$2,375 |
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8/20/2010 - 8/29/2010 |
$2,375 |
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8/27/2010 - 9/5/2010 |
$2,399 |
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9/3/2010 - 9/12/2010 |
$2,425 |
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9/10/2010 - 9/19/2010 |
$2,425 |
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9/17/2010 - 9/26/2010 |
$2,425 |
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9/24/2010 - 10/3/2010 |
$2,425 |
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10/1/2010 - 10/10/2010 |
$2,425 |
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10/8/2010 - 10/17/2010 |
$2,425 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Paris really glitters at night - become aquainted with the French capital on an illuminations tour
- Visit the immense palace and formal gardens of Versailles
- Visit the Invasion Landings' Museum at Arromanches
- Pay your respects at the American Military Cemetery of St Laurent and hear tales of courage and valour at the Rangers' memorial at Pointe du Hoc
- Visit the Château d'Azay le Rideau, still surrounded by its moat
- Visit the Château de Villandry and its beautifully restored Renaissance gardens
- See the main sights of Paris from a unique perspective on your leisurely Seine cruise
Included Personal Insights
- The markets in France are world famous - enjoy a guided insight into everyday life in Rouen
- Enjoy a short group tutorial on the wines that complement your evening meal in the Loire Valley
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- Visit Rouen Cathedral and Place du Vieux-Marche, where Joan of Arc met her untimely death
- Drive along the D-Day landing beaches and see the remains of the Mulberry Harbor
- Enjoy a guided tour through the narrow cobbled streets of Mont St Michel
- Follow the 'Emerald Coast' to the massively fortified port of St Malo
- Sample some of the local wine of the Loire at Saumur
- See the imposing châteaux of Saumur, Angers and Usse.
- Visit Chartres Cathedral, famous for its stained glass windows
- In Paris - see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre, Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 10
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of local cuisine and wine in the Loire Valley (HD)
- 8 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 2 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Red Hot Special Oberammergau Passion Play
Only once a decade does the Alpine village of Oberammergau stage
its world famous Passion Play and now is the time to book for 2010.
On selected departures, Insight Vacations has great value prices on Passion Play Options and is offering them at 10% off the brochure price!
So, instead of paying $1000 for the Passion Play Option, you’ll pay
only $900 pp! That’s a saving of $200 per couple!
Tour Name Promo Code Departure Date Tour Duration
- Country Roads of Bavaria, HOT106 4 Jun 2010 13 Days
Switzerland & Austria
- Road to Rome HOT107 8 May 2010 15 Days
- European Spotlight HOT108 18 Jun 2010 14 Days
In addition, check out the exciting itineraries below which offer even more
great savings. And should you wish to visit the Passion Play on these tours, simply add the regular Oberammergau Option supplement of $1000 p.p. to the reduced tour price. The choice is yours...
Promo Tour Departure Brochure Price Price
Code Name Date WAS NOW
HOT109 Best of Germany 28 May 2010 $1,935 $1,740
HOT110 European Explorer 27 May 2010 $5,750 $5,175
HOT111 Hightlights of Europe 28 May 2010 $4,225 $3,799
Save $300 Off per couple
Two travelers booking together on an air-inclusive 2010 Europe tour will each save $150 off on all Lufthansa or United Airline flights.
Book Now - offer end March 31st, 2010.
TERMS: Valid for new bookings only. Offer CAN be combined with all brochure discounts. Entire booking including air must be paid in full by March 31, 2010. Offer valid from March 1st-March 31st, 2010. All Travel must be completed by October 24th, 2010. Offer is valid on UA and LH flights only (no code share flights allowed over the Atlantic – must be on UA or LH only). Valid on all tours to Europe, Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Morocco. Offer - $300 off per couple or $150 off for single travelers. Offer subject to availability and valid off of all net fares. Promotion cannot be booked online. Commission paid on air for this promotion is 0%. Air tickets are non-refundable after purchase. No name changes allowed once a reservation is made. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Offer can be used for groups – with availability and names at time of booking – full payment on entire package due March 31, 2010. CST No. 2068745-20
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.