Compare Paris, Normandy & Loire Valley by Great Value Vacations vs Ultimate Southern France (Bordeaux, 2024) by Luxury Gold
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Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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Duration | 7 days | 12 days |
Price From | $ 3,220 | $ 8,695 |
Price Per Day | $ 460 | $ 725 |
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Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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Flights & Transport | Airfare included | No |
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Meals Included | N/A |
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Description |
Romantic cities, remnants of a tumultuous past, fairy tale palaces - experience it all on this adventure in France! You'll spend six nights based out of France's capital city of Paris, where you can climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, stroll through some of the world's most famous gardens, and indulge in freshly-baked Parisian pastries to your heart's content! Included in this vacation are four unique tours. Enjoy seamless access through Paris with your hop-on/hop-off bus pass, then follow the footsteps of WWII and the Allied invasion with your guided tour of Normandy and the D-Day beaches. You'll also be whisked away to one of France's most famous palaces, where you'll enjoy a guided tour followed by free time in Versailles' breathtaking gardens. Lastly, you'll be treated to a trip straight out of a storybook with a guided exploration of the Loire Valley's most iconic castles. Tour a home designed by Leonardo da Vinci, then explore the former residence of one of the art world's most famous patrons: Catherine de Medici. Please note: depending on availability, tours may be scheduled on different days than mentioned in the itinerary. |
Relax and unwind on a guided tour that takes you from Monaco to France. Cruise to spectacular Saint-Tropez, marvelling at the coastal town’s ancient walls for unparalleled views of its medieval towers. Step inside the Aix-En-Provence Cathedral, a national treasure and religious landmark. Slide into the passenger’s seat of a vintage car and be chauffeured through the countryside to an acclaimed winery for a private tour. Experience Calanques National Park, journeying past towering limestone cliffs looming over turquoise waters. Indulge in a diverse range of spectacular dining experiences, from exquisite seafood dinners to Michelin hotel meals. Learn about Bordeaux's unique history from a Local Expert or take a guided bike ride to learn about the city’s sustainability efforts.The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills. |
Day 1 Welcome to Paris!
Arrive at Paris' Charles De Gaulles Airport and be transferred to your Paris hotel. Activate your hop-on/hop-off bus pass and begin exploring the City of Light! You can take an entire loop for a unique perspective of the city, then start hopping off as you please. Ascend the steps of the Eiffel Tower and look down upon the city below, head to the Arc de Triomphe and stare in awe at its grandeur, then hop off at Pont Neuf and take a walk across this iconic and historic bridge.
Day 2 Paris
Continue utilizing your hop-on/hop-off bus pass! Gawk at incredible architecture, then lose track of time in the breathtaking Luxembourg Gardens.
Day 3 Paris
Today, spend an entire day following the footsteps of WWII and the Allied invasion with your Normandy and D-Day Beaches tour!
Day 4 Paris
Spend the first part of your day discovering the splendors of the Palace of Versailles, from the iconic gardens to the many works of art and furniture, created by the greatest craftsmen of the day. Return to Paris in the early evening, and prepare to experience Paris' one-of-a-kind nightlife! Take a romantic stroll along the river, enjoy some music, or perhaps even stumble upon a speakeasy!
Day 5 Paris
Spend today soaking up the highlights of the Louvre! Fall in love with the Venus de Milo, sneak a peek at Botticelli's Venus, then follow the iconic gaze of the Mona Lisa. After a day spent surrounded by some of the world's most famous masterpieces, consider winding down with a leisurely cruise along the river Siene, or perhaps treat yourself to a wine and cheese tasting, sampling the local sips and nibbles France is known for!
Day 6 Paris
Spend an entire day exploring France's most breathtaking chateaux on your guided tour today. In the evening, head to the Eiffel Tower to experience this landmark one more time as it becomes illuminated in the evening - the perfect way to spend your last evening in Paris!
Day 7 Depart France
Say au revoir to France as you are transferred from the hotel to the airport in time for your departure flight home.
Day 1: Welcome to the French Riviera
Transfer to your hotel before dining waterside at Fontvieille marina. Enjoy an evening drive along the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit to the Grimaldi Palace.
Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Dinner
Day 2: Nice Sightseeing Relaxed Start
In Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, join a Local Expert touring the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Continue to Nice where joining a Local Expert on a walk through the streets of Old Nice viewing the opera house, admire the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral and maybe taste some socca at the colorful food market on the Cours Saleya.
Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Breakfast
Day 3: Star-studded St. Tropez
Step into the 1950s glamour of the French Riviera in St. Tropez. Join a Local Expert to discover the boutiques, the old town and admire the yachts in the marina. Taste the local Tarte Tropézienne custard-filled, sugar-topped pastry at the bakery where it was first created. Delight this evening in an elegant Michelin Star meal at La Magdeleine.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Aix-en-Provence Relaxed Start
Join your Local Expert to discover the ancient Roman town. Follow in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne along the tree-lined boulevard of Cours Mirabeau and enjoy a French pastry and coffee in one of the most prestigious residences . Curate your visit at the Château La Coste open-air museum on a Guided Art Walk around the grounds or a wine-tasting experience.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast
Day 5: Calanques National Park Relaxed Start
Indulge in another Relaxed Start before strolling or cycling the Château gardens. Then try pétanque or lounge poolside. Arriving in Cassis, board your private cruise. Pass towering limestone cliffs, fjord-like inlets and hidden beaches of Calanques National Park. Savor the evening with a gourmet seafood dinner.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: French Icons
Visit the village of Lourmarin to browse the stalls of its famous market. Take a seat in your vintage Citroen 2CV and embark on a chauffeured drive through the Luberon mountains, through lush vineyards and scenic villages arriving at the Domaine de la Citadelle winery to taste its wines with a picnic prepared by local chef Madame Dromer.
Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Les Baux Relaxed Start
Visit the renowned Pont du Gard, a well-preserved Roman aqueduct. Observe how this three-level, 900-footlong bridge was built out of soft yellow limestone blocks from a nearby quarry. Stop in Avignon and admire the Palace of the Popes, the famous broken bridge and beautiful squares shaded by leafy platanes. Continue through the Alpilles National Park to the village of Les Baux de Provence.
Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Arles and Carcassonne Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Journey on to the fortified city of Carcassonne, one of the largest surviving medieval walled cities in Europe. Explore Van Gogh's town of Arles and visit the Roman Amphitheater with a Local Expert. Journey through Camargue to your hotel in Carcassonne in the heart of the city.
Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Carcassonne and the Languedoc Region Relaxed Start
After exploring Carcassonne venture into the rolling countryside to the village of Lastours overlooked by its four Cathar castles. Meet Jean-Marc Boyer, the Michelin-starred Chef of Le Puits du Trésor where you enjoy a traditional French cooking class and savor the food you have prepared accompanied by local wine. Relax on our evening cruise of the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Bordeaux
Journey to the enchanting city of Bordeaux where you will have time to explore this elegant, 18th - century jewel on the banks of the Garonne. Awaken your senses at the Bassins des Lumières Museum and enjoy an evening at leisure to get acquainted with the local cuisine and fabulous wines this area has to offer.
Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Bordeaux Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Learn about the 18th-century architecture of Vieux Bordeaux with a Local Expert. Or set off on a leisurely bike ride around the Garonne River before ending at the picturesque Jardin Public.
Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Depart Bordeaux
After breakfast you are transferred to Bordeaux Airport as your Luxury Gold journey comes to an end.
Breakfast