Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley (201213)
A 10-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $2,935
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| Starting Price: | $2,935 |  |
| Tour Length: | 10 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | France | |
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Cities Visited: Investigate Normandy’s role in two invasions that changed the course of history, one in 1066 and the other in 1944. Add also the châteaux of the Loire and glittering Paris. Tour Pace: This is an evenly paced tour with two-night stays in St Malo, the Loire Valley and Paris, plus one overnight stay in seaside Trouville. Travelling days are jam packed with interesting stops and great photo opportunities. While other afternoons have been left free for you to explore at your own pace. Hotels: Hotels on this tour range from the more modest Le Beach in the provincial town of Trouville to the magnificent Château hotels in the Loire Valley, both of which enjoy a beautiful setting. Perhaps sit out with a drink on the terrace and look out across the countryside or stroll through the beautiful grounds. |
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A Welcome Reception with light informal meal (WR)Highlight Dinner of local cuisine and wine in the Loire Valley (HD)A Celebration Dinner with wine at a Parisian Restaurant (CD)8 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 2 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
INCLUDED FIRST CLASS SERVICES
Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorHeadsets for all guided visits and walking toursEnjoy the unique comfort of Insight’s Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroomInsight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterageInsight Traveller Welcome packAirport arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 10 (Should your flights not coincide with these transfers, please make your own way to/from the airport)
Board your overnight flight (not included).
Day 2: PARIS AT LEISURE
Welcome to Paris! On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, your airport transfers leave for the tour hotel at 08:30, 11:00 & 13:30. After checking-in, the capital’s grand boulevards and world famous landmarks are yours to explore. Later, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and light informal meal followed by a sparkling illuminations tour of the capital. This includes a Seine River cruise to show you all the landmarks from a different perspective – the perfect introduction to the ‘city of light’.(Welcome Reception)
Day 3: PARIS – ROUEN – TROUVILLE
Travel to Rouen to see the cathedral so wonderfully painted by Monet, and the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. You also get an insight into Rouen’s famous markets - a paradise for gastronomes and bustling with local merchants. Continue to the most picturesque of ports, Honfleur, its quay-side and streets full of character. Stay in the charming seaside resort of Trouville.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 4: TROUVILLE – BAYEUX – ST MALO
Stop in Bayeux to see Queen Matilda’s Tapestry depicting the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066. There are poignant reminders of WWII as you drive along some of the beaches of the D-Day landings, including Juno and Gold. Visit the Invasion Landings’ Museum at Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay. Continue to Omaha Beach to visit the American Military Cemetery of St Laurent. Afterwards, follow the route of the Rangers depicted in Saving Private Ryan and visit the bunkers and the Rangers’ Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Now on through ‘Bocage country’ to St. Malo, a walled 15th century port city and one of the most charming places in France.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5: MONT ST MICHEL SIGHTSEEING
A pleasant drive leads to the hill-top abbey of Mont St Michel for a guided tour. The abbey stands on an island about half a mile offshore, reached by a causeway across the sands. Behind the outer ring of defences, huddles the small town, with its one street containing shops, cafés and hotels. Return along the Emerald Coast to stunning St Malo, where you are at leisure to walk around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. Lower down, the city’s winding streets, resemble a medieval maze, where you can stumble upon quaint shops, bars and restaurants.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 6: ST MALO – LOIRE VALLEY
Drive south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated castle at Angers. Cross the Loire at Saumur, where you can sample some of the local wine. Drive quietly past the sleeping beauty château at Ussé en route to your beautiful Château hotel - relax like royalty in sumptuous surroundings for the next two nights.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 7: CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY EXCURSION
Visit the apartments of the castle of Azay-le-Rideau and appreciate the beautiful setting amid the waters of the Indre. Take time to explore the charming town too, before continuing to the château of Villandry, the ‘Jewel of the Loire’. Visit the apartments and the restored Renaissance gardens. Don’t miss the water garden, ornamental garden and kitchen garden – a stunning display of plants, fruits and vegetables designed in the 16th century. From here return to your own superb château, surrounded by vineyards. Enjoy a Highlight dinner and a short group tutorial on the wines that complement your evening meal at the hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 8: LOIRE VALLEY – CHARTRES – PARIS
Driving through the vast wheat fields of La Beauce, Chartres Cathedral looms large on the horizon. Auguste Rodin called it the ‘Acropolis of France’, and once inside you can marvel at the beautiful stained glass rose window. On arrival in Paris, a Parisian guide introduces you to all the fabulous sights: see Notre Dame Cathedral, with its tale of Quasimodo; drive through the courtyard of the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde and along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. As night falls, perhaps consider experiencing the excitement and glamour of a French cabaret?(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9: PARIS AT LEISURE
Enjoy a whole day at leisure! Relax in a Parisian café, window-shop in the elegant boutiques or mingle with the street artists of Montmartre. Perhaps admire Mona Lisa in the Louvre, or buy last-minute presents in famous department stores. Tonight join your friends for an end-of-tour Celebration Dinner with wine at a typical Parisian bistro.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)
Day 10: RETURN TO USA
Your French experience ends after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 & 11:00. Alternatively, transfer to the elegant River Baroness, chosen by Condé Nast Traveler’s as one of the world’s ‘Top Small Cruise Ships’, for a delightful 7 night river cruise down the Seine. See page 100 for details.(Buffet Breakfast)
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
5/18/2012 - 5/27/2012 |
$3,135 |
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5/20/2012 - 5/29/2012 |
$3,050 |
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5/25/2012 - 6/3/2012 |
$3,050 |
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6/1/2012 - 6/10/2012 |
$3,050 |
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6/8/2012 - 6/17/2012 |
$3,050 |
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6/10/2012 - 6/19/2012 |
$3,125 |
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6/15/2012 - 6/24/2012 |
$3,050 |
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6/22/2012 - 7/1/2012 |
$3,050 |
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6/29/2012 - 7/8/2012 |
$3,099 |
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7/8/2012 - 7/17/2012 |
$3,099 |
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7/13/2012 - 7/22/2012 |
$3,099 |
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8/3/2012 - 8/12/2012 |
$3,099 |
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8/5/2012 - 8/14/2012 |
$3,099 |
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8/10/2012 - 8/19/2012 |
$3,099 |
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8/12/2012 - 8/21/2012 |
$3,099 |
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8/17/2012 - 8/26/2012 |
$3,099 |
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8/19/2012 - 8/28/2012 |
$3,099 |
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8/24/2012 - 9/2/2012 |
$3,099 |
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8/26/2012 - 9/4/2012 |
$3,099 |
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8/31/2012 - 9/9/2012 |
$3,099 |
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9/2/2012 - 9/11/2012 |
$3,125 |
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9/7/2012 - 9/16/2012 |
$3,125 |
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9/9/2012 - 9/18/2012 |
$3,125 |
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9/14/2012 - 9/23/2012 |
$3,125 |
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9/16/2012 - 9/25/2012 |
$3,125 |
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9/21/2012 - 9/30/2012 |
$3,125 |
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9/23/2012 - 10/2/2012 |
$3,125 |
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9/28/2012 - 10/7/2012 |
$3,050 |
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9/30/2012 - 10/9/2012 |
$3,050 |
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10/5/2012 - 10/14/2012 |
$2,935 |
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10/12/2012 - 10/21/2012 |
$2,935 |
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| Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator. | ||||
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Paris: Enjoy an illuminations tour of the French capital seeing the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre, Place de la Concorde and Arc de Triomphe See the Parisian landmarks from a unique perspective on a Seine cruise.Rouen: See the Cathedral and Place du Vieux-Marché where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Visit the colourful markets.Honfleur: Visit the picturesque and historic port.Bayeux: Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum.Arromanches: Visit the Invasion Landings’ Museum and see the remains of the artificial Mulberry Harbour.Normandy Beaches: Drive along the D-Day landing beaches Pay your respects at the American Military Cemetery of St Laurent. Hear tales of valour at the Rangers’ memorial at Pointe du Hoc.St Malo: Walk along the fortifications and narrow streets.Mont St Michel: Enjoy a guided tour of the hill-top abbey.Loire Valley: Enjoy a wine tasting. See the imposing Châteaux of Saumur, Angers and Ussé: Visit Château d’Azay le Rideau, still surrounded by its moat. Visit Château de Villandry and its beautifully restored Renaissance gardens. Enjoy a short tutorial about the world famous Loire Valley wines.Chartres: Visit the Cathedral.
SAVE Up To $600 Per Couple On Select 2012 Insight USA Tours
2012 USA SALE - SAVINGS OF UP TO $600
Save up to $300 per person on select 2012 Insight Vacations USA itineraries
| Tour Name | Tour Duration | Departing | Was | Now | Saving | Promo Code |
| American Parks Trail | 10 | May 13, 27 | $2525 | $2325 | $200 | 12USSALE1 |
| Best of California | 9 | Jul 20 | $2595 | $2395 | $200 | 12USSALE2 |
| Best of Eastern Canada & USA | 16 | May 27 | $4175 | $3875 | $300 | 12USSALE3 |
| Capitals of Eastern Canada | 7 | Jul 8 | $1799 | $1599 | $200 | 12USSALE4 |
|
Coastal New England and Canada’s Maritimes |
13 |
Jun 29, Jul 13 |
$3525 | $3225 | $300 | 12USSALE5 |
| Enchanting Canyonlands | 7 |
May 19, Jun 16 & 30, Jul 21 & 28 |
$1975 | $1775 | $200 | 12USSALE6 |
| Grand Canadian Rockies | 13 | May 28 | $6275 | $5975 | $300 | 12USSALE7 |
| Great Western American Adventure | 15 | Jul 20 | $4350 | $4050 | $300 | 12USSALE8 |
| Hawaiian Dreams | 10 | Jun 16 | $3750 | $3450 | $300 | 12USSALE9 |
| Hawaiian Dreams with Kauai | 12 | Jun 16 | $4595 | $4295 | $300 | 12USSALE10 |
| Maritimes Landscapes | 8 | Jul 2, 16 | $2375 | $2175 | $200 | 12USSALE11 |
| Southwest Discovery | 11 |
May 11, Jun 15 |
$2535 | $2335 | $200 | 12USSALE12 |
Terms and Conditions: Price is in American dollars and is per person, land only, based on double occupancy. For new bookings only made after March 31, 2012 on departures listed above for 2012 travel. Subject to availability. Excludes Early Payment Discount and any other promotional offer. Please note if the booking is made within 45 days from the departure date full Payment will be due at the time of booking. No bookings may be made after June 26th, 2012. Other conditions apply.
SAVE Up To $700 On 2012 Insight Europe Tours
SAVE UP TO $700 ON 2012 INSIGHT EUROPE TOURS
AIR-INCLUSIVE DEPARTURE: Save up to $700 per couple on Insight Gold, and $500 per couple on Premium Europe tours.
LAND-ONLY DEPARTURE: Save up to $500 per couple on Insight Gold, and $300 per couple on Premium Europe tours.
BOOKING WINDOW: March 31st - June 28th, 2012
TRAVEL WINDOW: April 15th - October 25th, 2012
Terms and Conditions: Booking and full payment for entire vacation package must be made by June 28, 2012. Offer is valid for new bookings made from March 31, 2012 through June 28, 2012. Travel must begin between April 15, 2012 and October 25, 2012. Offers valid on any airline. Offers not valid to Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Israel, Select Choices, or any tours with train and tours with cruise. Save $700 ($350pp) offer valid only on air-inclusive Insight Gold Europe tours; Save $500 ($250pp) air offer valid only on air-inclusive Premium Europe tours. Normal name change policy applies. Fuel surcharges, taxes and fees are included in quoted rate. Once payment is received, air tickets are non-refundable. Save $500 ($250pp) land offer valid on land-only Insight Gold departures; Save $300 ($150pp) land offer valid on land-only Premium Europe departures only. Offers are combinable with brochure discounts found in our 2012 Premium Europe & Britain brochures except Early Payment Discounts. Offers are not combinable with Hot Deals or each other. Offers may be withdrawn at any time and are subject to availability. Valid for new Scheduled Group bookings subject to promo payment conditions are met. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20
SAVE $300 Per Couple On Insight Winter Tours
Save $300 on autumn, winter and spring vacations!
BOOKING WINDOW: April 16, 2012 - July 12, 2012
TRAVEL WINDOW: November 1, 2012 - March 31, 2013
Terms and Conditions: $300 per couple savings ($150 per person) valid when booking and deposit (plus applicable insurance) for vacation package is made by July 12, 2012. Offer valid for new bookings made on Winter Europe brochure vacations from April 16, 2012 through July 12, 2012. Travel must begin between November 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013. Offer not valid to Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Select Choices, and tours with cruise inclusions. Promotion is combinable with brochure discounts found in Insight Vacations’ 2012/13 Winter Europe brochure except Early Payment Discounts. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Valid for new Scheduled Group bookings subject to promo payment conditions being met. Offer ends July 12, 2012. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
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