France Magnifique

br />Bask in the rich culture and romance of fascinating France on a tour that explores captivating Paris, picturesque Provence, and the fun-filled French Riviera. Follow the Cézanne Trail in Aix-en-Provence; enjoy a tour of the glittering gem of the Riviera, Monaco; and sip wine during your tour of a well-known winery in Vouvray. Exciting experiences like a high speed train ride through the French countryside and dinner and show at the Paradis Latin, where the famous French CanCan originated, bring to life the joie de vivre of this fabulous country.

Day 1: Overnight Flight


Day 2: Arrive Paris, France - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in beautiful Paris. Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise past famous landmarks along the River Seine. Celebrate the beginning of a fabulous trip with a special dinner at the Paradis Latin*, Paris's oldest cabaret theatre. Enjoy a delicious dinner complete with wine, champagne and a delightful cabaret show.

Day 3: Paris
A panoramic tour of Paris reveals the breathtaking architecture of the Arc de Triomphe; the Cathedral of Notre Dame; the Place de la Concorde and its commanding obelisk from the tomb of Ramses II in Egypt; Place Vendome; and the Champs-Elysées, the promenade famous for its people watching.

Day 4: Paris - Caen - Huppain Port-en-Bessin
Set off for the Normandy coast. During WW II, the largest invasion in history took place here. Enjoy an insightful visit to the Memorial Peace Museum, built to commemorate those who died in the epic battle of Normandy in 1944. Later, see the remains of the artificial Mulberry port built near Arromanche-les-Bains from where the allies resupplied their lines during the liberation of France before making your way to the hotel.

Day 5: Huppain Port-en-Bessin - D-Day Landing Sights
This morning visit the Omaha Beach Cemetery with time to visit the new interpretive center and to see the stars and stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy. Then, walk through la Pointe Du Hoc Ranger Memorial, see where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position. Next, make your way to Sainte Mère Eglise, the heart of the American Airborne operations on D-Day, and visit its parachute shaped Airborne Museum. A drive to Utah Beach provides a visit to the scene of the 4th Infantry Division’s operations.

Day 6: Huppain Port-en-Bessin - Blois
Journey south to the Loire Valley which is brimming with chateaus and parks, once the setting for the French court. Visit Chateau de Chenonceaux on the banks of the Cher River, a jewel of Renaissance architecture with traditional French gardens.

Day 7: Blois - Amboise - Blois
Embark on a tour of Chateau du Clos Luce, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last three years, showcasing a display of his early inventions. Proceed to the picturesque center of Amboise for free time to explore the colorful market street or a pleasant stroll along the river. Enjoy a tour and tasting at a well-known winery in Vouvray.

Day 8: Blois - Paris - TGV Train - Avignon - Aix-en-Provence/Avignon
Climb aboard the high speed TGV Train heading for Avignon, Provence. Enjoy a delightful tour of this walled city that was the center of European religion for 70 years when the Popes moved there in 1309. Tonight, enjoy dinner and fine French wine.

Day 9: Aix-en-Provence
Embark on a walking tour “in the footsteps of Cézanne” through Aix-en-Provence’s tree lined avenues to view sites from the famous painter's life. Experience the markets and monuments of this ancient city.

Day 10: Aix-en-Provence/Avignon - Grasse - St. Paul de Vence - Nice
Today, journey to Grasse, a retreat in the alluring Cote d'Azur region of France. Learn the secrets of perfume making, from extraction to distillation, when visiting a famous perfumerie. Travel to St. Paul de Vence, a 16th century walled town overlooking the Mediterranean coast. Then it’s off to Nice, the playground of the rich and famous and your home for two nights.

Day 11: Nice - Monaco - Nice
Enjoy a morning stroll through the local Flower Market in Nice. Next, see Place Massena and the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais. Witness the splendor of Monaco, the glittering gem of the Riviera. A panoramic tour highlights the famous Casino of Monte Carlo and the 13th century Prince’s Palace. See the Cathedral of Monaco, where Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace are buried. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a quaint restaurant.

Day 12: Nice - Tour Ends

Don't miss our current specials: FREE Door to Door Service Now Vacations Start at HOME! Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours. On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/2/2010 - 9/13/2010	$2,749
9/16/2010 - 9/27/2010	$2,749
10/14/2010 - 10/25/2010	$2,699
10/28/2010 - 11/8/2010	$2,699
11/4/2010 - 11/15/2010	$2,599
3/24/2011 - 4/4/2011	$2,599
3/31/2011 - 4/11/2011	$2,649
4/7/2011 - 4/18/2011	$2,649
4/28/2011 - 5/9/2011	$2,699
5/26/2011 - 6/6/2011	$2,799
6/9/2011 - 6/20/2011	$2,799
6/23/2011 - 7/4/2011	$2,799
7/21/2011 - 8/1/2011	$2,799
9/1/2011 - 9/12/2011	$2,799
9/22/2011 - 10/3/2011	$2,799
10/6/2011 - 10/17/2011	$2,799
10/20/2011 - 10/31/2011	$2,799
11/3/2011 - 11/14/2011	$2,699
3/22/2012 - 4/2/2012	$2,649
4/12/2012 - 4/23/2012	$2,699
4/19/2012 - 4/30/2012	$2,699
4/26/2012 - 5/7/2012	$2,799
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

FREE Door to Door Service

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