Vive la France

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INCLUSIONS

Vive la France 2009
12 Days • $2,749*

Round trip airfare from Minneapolis on scheduled carrier, including current departure and security taxes (Other departure cities available upon request.)
Land transportation via deluxe motor coach and public transit
Multi-bedded accommodations in youth hostels
All guided tours and admissions to sightseeing as indicated in itinerary
Services of a full-time tour guide

NOT INCLUDED

Meals not indicated above
Beverages, except with breakfast
End of tour tip to tour leader (we recommend $2-3 per person, per day )

End of tour tip to driver (we recommend $2-3 per person, per day )

Luggage handling
Items of a personal nature, such as passport fees and spending money

Trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical insurance (indiviual and group coverage availalbe upon request for an additional cost)

Family stay supplement (price determined by length of stay and activities planned during the family stay)

*Prices based on projected airfare costs and foreign currency exchange rates as of January 14, 2008 and a minimum of 35 paying participants.

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Day 1 • Depart
We depart the United States today on our overnight flight to Paris. During the trans-Atlantic portion of our flight, we enjoy complimentary meal and beverage service, as well as in-flight entertainment. In-flight D

Day 2 • Bayeux
This morning we arrive in Paris and meet our coach and driver. If time permits, we visit Monet’s gardens at Giverny before continuing on to our hostel in Bayeux, in the heart of Normandy. In-flight B/D

Day 3 • Bayeux
Our first full day in France begins with a visit to the Peace Memorial in Caen. After time to view the extensive exhibits, we continue on and visit some important sites of the Allied Invasion of Normandy in 1944 such as Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. We complete our time in Normandy with a visit to the Bayeux Tapestry Museum where we learn about the Norman Conquest in 1066. B/D

Day 4 • Tours
Departing Normandy this morning, we continue on to one of France’s most spectacular landmarks: the Abbaye du Mont St. Michel. Built on an island off the coast of France, the abbey is now connected to the mainland by a causeway. Upon our arrival, we explore the island on our own and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. In the afternoon, we continue on to the Loire Valley, the “playground” of France’s royalty and nobility for centuries. B/D

Day 5 • Tours
Today we explore towns and châteaux of the region. First on our agenda is a visit the “Au Vieux Four,” a traditional French bakery in Tours. Our visit includes a tour and sample of the bakery’s traditional French breads. After time for lunch in Tours, we continue on to visit two of the more famous châteaux in the valley: Chambord and Chenonceau. B/D

Day 6 • Annecy
We depart Tours this morning and have a long, but scenic drive across France to Annecy, located in the heart of the French Alps. B/D

Day 7 • Annecy
This morning we drive to Chamonix, home of the first Winter Olympics in 1924. Here we board the téléphérique to Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. After time to soak in the scenic vistas, we return to Annecy where we have the afternoon free to explore this charming lakeside city. B/D

Day 8 • Dijon
Leaving the Alps behind, we travel to Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy. Here we tour a traditional mustard mill, “Ets Fallot,” and learn how the world famous Dijon mustard is produced. After our tour (and sample), we continue on to Dijon, the capital of Burgundy for our overnight. B/D

Day 9 • Paris
Our destination today is Paris, France’s vibrant capital city. We arrive in Versailles, a suburb of Paris, in the afternoon and tour the opulent Château de Versailles. Home to French kings and queens until the Revolution, each room is richly decorated with tapestries and gold leaf. At the end of our tour, we have some time to walk around the extensive gardens and fountains that surround the château. We transfer to the center of Paris in time to freshen up before dinner. B/D

Day 10 • Paris
This morning we board the Métro and travel to the foot of the Eiffel Tower. A guide from Fat Tire Bike Tours meets us here with bicycles to begin our tour of Paris. Our route takes us along the bike paths and through the parks of Paris as we discover the rich history and culture of the city. At the conclusion of our tour, we take the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the views from the top. After time for lunch, we take the Métro to Montmartre. Here we have the afternoon to explore the area and visit the Sacre Coeur. B/D

Day 11 • Paris
After breakfast, we travel by Métro to the heart of Paris and visit Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie. We then visit the spectacular Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the world’s great cathedrals. This afternoon is free for shopping or a visit to the Musée du Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay. After dinner, we conclude our tour of France with a cruise along the Seine, soaking in the sights of the “City of Lights.” B/D

Day 12 • Return
We pack our bags this morning and transfer to the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. Memories of beautiful scenery, exciting cities and splendid palaces accompany us on our return flight to the United States. B/In-flight L

Family stays are available at the end of the tour for an additional cost, determined by the length and activities of the family stay.

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