Day 1: Depart for Paris

Begin your journey with an overnight flight to Paris, the enchanting City of Light.

Day 2: Arrival and Paris Orientation

Arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport, you’ll meet your local Program Director who will guide you to a private motor coach, taking you to your centrally-located hotel. Next, get your first taste of Paris with an orientation walking tour, exploring iconic sights like Notre-Dame and the charming Latin Quarter. Tonight, take a cruise along the Seine River, capturing your first glimpses of the city’s illuminated landmarks!

Day 3: Discovering Parisian Landmarks and Art

Start your day with a guided tour of Paris’s most famous landmarks, including the majestic Arc de Triomphe, the bustling Champs-Élysées, and the splendid Palais Garnier Opera House. In the afternoon, dive into the art world at the Louvre, where you’ll navigate a scavenger hunt through its iconic collections, discovering masterpieces and hidden gems alike. Later, experience the magic of Paris from above with a visit to the Eiffel Tower, enjoying panoramic views as the sun sets over the city.

Day 4: Versailles and Cooking Class

This morning, travel to the opulent Palace of Versailles, where a guided tour reveals the lives of French royalty within the palace’s gilded halls and intricate gardens. After exploring the grandeur of Versailles, take time for a picnic lunch amidst the palace’s beautiful grounds. After dinner, take a stroll through the artistic district of Montmartre, capped by a visit to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, where you’ll witness breathtaking views of the city by night.

Day 5: Remembering History in Normandy

Depart for a meaningful day trip to Normandy, walking along the historic D-Day beaches, including Omaha Beach, where Allied forces landed during WWII. At the American Cemetery and Memorial, pay tribute to the soldiers who fought and sacrificed here, and gain deeper insights with a visit to the D-Day Museum. Reflecting on these powerful experiences, return to Paris in the evening for dinner.

Day 6: Immersing in Impressionism

The morning brings a hands-on impressionist art class led by a local artist, where you’ll create your own artwork inspired by this influential movement. In the afternoon, visit the Musée d’Orsay to view iconic works by Monet, Degas, and other masters of Impressionism.

Day 7: Castles and Countryside of the Loire Valley

Today, journey to the Loire Valley, beginning with a stop in Chartres to explore its famed Gothic cathedral, celebrated for its exquisite stained-glass windows and centuries-old relics. Continue on to Château de Chambord, a Renaissance masterpiece surrounded by lush grounds where you’ll tour its grand halls and unique architectural features. Arrive at your accommodations in the Loire Valley, where you’ll enjoy a group dinner that introduces local flavors and sets the tone for tomorrow’s adventures.

Day 8: Exploring the Loire Valley by Bike

Spend the morning traversing the Loire Valley’s scenic countryside by bike, riding along peaceful roads lined with vineyards, châteaux, and picturesque villages. Along the way, stop for photos and explore the valley’s charm up close, experiencing the beauty of the landscape at your own pace. In the late afternoon, return to Paris and join a farewell dinner, sharing memories of the week and celebrating the experiences that have connected you with French culture.

Day 9: Departure Day

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories, new perspectives, and a deeper connection to France’s history and culture.