NORMANDY & CHATEAUX REGION

Today you will delve into history at the 1944 landing beaches of the Allied Forces during the D-Day Normandy invasions. Explore Omaha Beach and visit the American cemetery in Colleville: a site of over 170 acres housing 9,387 tombs and a wall of the missing. Next head to the Pointe du Hoc, where craters resulting from aerial bombardment underscore the famous feat carried out by US Rangers. Head to Utah Beach, one of the primary Allied invasion sites. From there you’ll proceed through Sainte Marie du Mont, before stopping in Angouville au Plain. The tour will end at Sainte Mere Eglise with a visit to the Airborne Museum. Overnight in Caen. (B)

The adventure continues on the island of Mont Saint Michel topped by a medieval monastery where nearly two and a half million visitors, pilgrims, and tourists are welcomed every year. After going through the Boulevard Gate and then the King’s Gate, fortified with its portcullis, you will find the “Grande Rue”, or main street, with its museums, shops and houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Enjoy the beautiful view over the bay as you head down the ramparts path. Today you will have an included lunch featuring Normandy specialties before stopping in Cancale, the Oyster capital of Brittany, and then heading on to St. Malo for an evening walking tour and overnight stay. (B,L)

Le Mans, “City of Art and History”, greets you, showcasing its twenty hectares of cobblestone streets, timber framed or “pan-de-bois” homes, Renaissance hotels, Roman wall, and Saint Julien Cathedral. Next you will visit the magnificent Château de Chenonceaux, often called the “Ladies” Château. In 1512 Thomas Bohier decided to replace the fortress on this site with a Renaissance style château. The build was directed by his wife Katherine Briconnet. In 1535, King Francis I incorporated it into the Crown Estate as part of a debt settlement. Later, King Henry II gifted it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who added the bridge over the Cher River and the gardens. Head on to Amboise for tonight’s stay. (B)

Experience the best of Amboise starting with a visit to Château of Clos Lucé, the home of Leonardo Da Vinci. Named “Premier Painter and Engineer and Architect” by King Francis I, Da Vinci was granted enjoyment of the Château, which is located only a few meters away from the Château d’Amboise royal residence. In the afternoon, take a leisurely cruise along the picturesque Loire River and then join in a tasting experience of wine and biscuits of the Tourraine area. (B)

Your journey of discovery continues today with a visit of the Château Chambord, a magnificent castle that King Francis I started constructing in 1519, featuring 400 rooms, more than 80 staircases, 365 fireplaces, and an exceptional number of towers, high ceilings, pointed domes and graceful pinnacles. Next, visit the Royal Château de Blois that presents a stunning look at the art and history of the Loire’s castles and has been classified as a historic monument since 1845. Enjoy free time for shopping and return to your hotel to get ready for a special farewell dinner in a château. (B,D)

Rise and shine with breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight home. (B)