Best of France – 13 days land only

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- 12 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily & 7 dinners
- Touring by luxury coach with free Wi-Fi
- Assistance of a professional Travel Director, airport transfers at selected times
- All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees & local taxes.
- VISIT: Lyon, French Riviera, Carcassonne, Bayonne, Bordeaux, Loire Valley & Omaha Beach

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Arrive Paris
Welcome to Paris, the City of Light! France is a diverse and fascinating country with so much to offer. From architecture to cuisine, your trip reveals a host of regional delights and specialities. Relax after your journey or wander through the streets of this beautiful city. This evening, meet for a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers and Travel Director and then enjoy an orientation drive through the city to take in some of the breathtaking sights.

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Paris – Beaune - Lyon
Drive south into Burgundy wine country, once home to the powerful Dukes of Burgundy, past the Côte d'Or vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits St. Georges. Arrive in the medieval town of Beaune to discover the treasures in the 15th century Hospice de Beaune. Tonight in Lyon, why not try out some local sights and specialities for which the city is justifiably famous.

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Lyon – Avignon – Monaco – French Riviera (2 nights)
Stop in Avignon to see the Papal Palace and the bridge made famous in the song, ‘sur le pont d'Avignon'. Traverse Provence, a picturesque area favoured by artists such as Van Gogh and Cézanne, to the Principality of Monaco. This small city state is both a constitutional monarchy and home to many rich and famous people! Explore the Cathedral, where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married. Later, enjoy a Regional Meal in Monaco before arriving at your hotel.

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French Riviera free time
Spend today as you wish. The Côte d'Azur is a sparkling and pristine stretch of famous coastline. You might like to lounge on the beach, shop in elegant boutiques or perhaps visit the hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence. This evening, why not dine in one of the many pleasant local restaurants.

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French Riviera – Arles - Carcassone
Visit the town of Arles, with free time to explore the city. Pass Alaric's Mountain to Carcassonne, a walled city and UNESCO World Heritage site which was extensively restored in the 19th century. See the double ring of ramparts featuring 53 towers during your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. ‘Robin Hood Prince of Thieves' was filmed on location in and around Carcassonne.

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Carcassonne – Lourdes - Bayonne

Wind your way through the Corbières Hills and ‘Cathar' landscapes toward the Pyrenées. See the Basilica on top of St. Bernadette's grotto at Lourdes, a holy site of pilgrimage. Dine tonight at your hotel in Bayonne.

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 Bayonne – Bordeaux (2 nights)
Head north through Les Landes to the classical town of Bordeaux. Built on the River Garonne, this is the world's major wine industry capital. Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the 8th century and the bi-annual wine fair held in the city attracts buyers from all over the world. See the sights including the magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces during your orientation.

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Dordogne excursion
Enjoy a scenic half-day included excursion through beautiful countryside and picturesque scenery in the Dordogne region, best known for the enchanting medieval ‘Bastide' villages. Drive to the renowned wine village of St. Emilion, possibly one of the most famous towns with ties to wine production. Later return to Bordeaux where you will have free time to explore the city.

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Bordeaux – Loire Valley
Continue north through the Poitou Charentes region to the Loire Valley, and stop to visit the beautiful fairytale Château Chenonceau, which straddles the River Cher. One of the most remarkable castles ever built, Chenonceau features stunning landscaped gardens and priceless collections of Renaissance furniture, tapestries and art. Join your fellow travellers this evening for a special Be My Guest dining experience where you enjoy typical French hospitality.

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Loire Valley – Mont St. Michel – Omaha Beach
Travel through Brittany to visit the island-town of Mont St. Michel on the Normandy coast, featuring the Abbey and picturesque streets. Follow the Liberty Highway to St. Lô and on to Omaha Beach, where your Travel Director provides an excellent account of the momentous events that took place here. Pause and reflect on the courage of those who gave their lives. Visit the D-Day museum and learn in detail about how the operation was planned and executed. Arrive later at your hotel where you dine tonight.

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Omaha Beach – Giverny – Paris ( 2 nights)
Head south-east towards the valley of the River Seine. Stop at Giverny and visit the house and gardens where Claude Monet lived for most of his life. One of the founders of French Impressionism, some of his most famous paintings were inspired by this spectacular garden. This evening in the glittering capital, Paris, consider a trip to one of the city's renowned cabaret venues.

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Paris sightseeing & free time 
Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, the Champs Élysées – see all these landmarks and more during your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. See the unique skyline from the second level of the Eiffel Tower, where you enjoy panoramic views across the city. Spend the rest of the day seeing more sights and shopping for souvenirs. Or simply relax and watch the world go by! This evening, celebrate with your Travel Director and new-found friends at a Farewell Dinner.

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Depart Paris 
Say ‘au revoir' to your fellow travellers at the end of a magical and memorable holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.

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