Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
Normandy, Loire Valley & France River Cruise
(20 days, Paris - Nice, 2012)
Spend 20 days exploring the best of France, including Paris, the Loire Valley plus the Belgian city of Bruges and a luxury river cruise from Chalon-sur-Saone to Nice.
Your 20 day tour of France begins in its romantic capital, Paris, where you will have the opportunity to visit some of the city’s most famous sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the iconic Champs Élysées. You will then travel through the Somme, home of the famous WWI Battle of the Somme. You will visit the Australian Museum in Villers-Bretonneux before spending the night in Amiens.
Your tour continues to the city of Bruges in Belgium, a World Heritage-listed city, often called the ‘Venice of the North’ before visiting Caen and Saint-Malo en route to the Loire Valley. You will spend two days in the Loire Valley, including a trip to the Castle of Sleeping Beauty and the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. Arriving in Lyon you will be transferred to Chalon-sur-Saone to board your luxury river cruise to Nice, along the way discovering Beaune, Maçon, Trévoux and Vienne, before stopping in Tournon and enjoying a visit to a French homestead and experiencing a home-cooked meal.
Your cruise then continues through Viviers, Bollene and Châteauneuf-du-Pape before stopping in the beautiful city of Avignon, where you will visit the Palais des Papes, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings. The final stop on your cruise is the city of Arles where you will have the opportunity to take a walk along the stunning embankments of the city, before journeying to Nice for the end of your tour.
- Exclusive private charter sailing onboard the ms Symphony
- 9 nights accommodation in a outside stateroom or suite
- ALL meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily on your cruise
- Shipboard commentary during cruise
- Experienced Scenic Tours Cruise Director
- Complimentary beer, wine and soft drink with lunch and dinner
- Coffee, premium teas, espresso drinks and hot chocolate
- Personal whisper headsets for all guided tours
- Airport Transfers
- ALL TIPPING and GRATUITIES INCLUDED
- We ascend to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower for majestic views of Paris and dine one floor below at 58 Tour Eiffel
- Enjoy a highlight dinner in a French chateau in the heart of the Loire Valley
- Meet a local wine vintner in the Beaujolais region and sample some of the best on offer in this region
- At a typical French family homestead be treated to a home cooked meal by the family in Tournon
- Visit a real working farm in La Camargue, the ‘wild west’ of France where cowboys tend to herds of bulls destined for bullfighting in Spain
- In Avignon visit the Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic church in Europe; or Take and excursion to nearby Uzès, a well preserved and charming town
- The Westin Paris offers magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower, just moments from the Louvre Museum
- Grand Barrail Château Resort and Spa is a sympathetically restored and highly luxurious 19th-century château operating as one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World
- The Domaine de Beauvois’s history dates back to the monarchy of the Middles Ages, but today offers luxurious accommodation supported by its membership of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World
- 42 superb meals including 19 Full Breakfasts - hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 8 lunches - buffet and daily à la carte selections (L), 2 Highlight Dinners - three course table d’hôte (HD) and 13 Dinners three to four course table d’hôte (D)
- Discover the landmarks of Paris on your guided city tour
- Visit the bronze ‘Bullecourt Digger’ Australian Memorial Park
- Travel through the Somme Battlefields to Villers-Bretonneux
- Visit the VC Corner Cemetery and the moving “cobber” memorial
- Explore the UNESCO listed city of Bruges often described as the Venice of the North
- Visit charming Rouen infamous as the location where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake
- Stop in historic Bayeux to see the tapestry depicting the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066
- Travel along the coast of the D-Day landings and hear tales of valour at the Rangers memorial at Pointe du Hoc
- Enjoy a guided tour of the narrow cobbled streets of Mont St Michel and the amazing Hill-top Abbey
- Visit Chateau Azay-le-Rideau, still surrounded by its moat
- Visit the world famous Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley
- Enjoy a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles and its gardens
- Board the TGV train from Paris to Lyon
- Captain’s welcome dinner onboard
- Visit the Hostellerie Le Cedre in Beaune
- Take a stroll along the Heritage Trail in Maçon
- Stop in Lyon the gastronomic heart of France
- Take a walking tour through the streets of Vienne
- Travel through the Ardèche countryside into rural France
- Home to the summer residence of the Avignon Popes visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Sail down the romantic Saône River to Arles
- Luxury 40 seat coach
- Small group touring experience
- Professional Tour Director
- Whisper Headsets for all walking tours
- All Tipping, Gratuities and Porterage Included
Day 1: Paris
You will be met at Charles de Gaulle airport by your Scenic Tours Representative before being transferred* to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy a welcome drink this evening with your Tour Director.
Two Night Special Stay: Paris
Two Night Special Stay: Paris
Day 2: Paris
(FB,HD)
Paris, the capital of France, is situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region. Today join your Tour Director on your Included sightseeing tour of all the major sights of Paris. See the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Concorde Square and the famous Champs Elysées. Tonight journey to the Eiffel Tower and ascend to the second level for unforgettable views. It’s a short walk to your spectacular dinner venue, 58 Tour Eiffel, just one floor below, where you will dine overlooking the Paris skyline.
Day 3: Paris - Amiens
(FB,D)
Today rejoin history as you travel through the Somme, home of the Battle of the Somme which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth in WWI. Visit the Australian museum in Villers-Bretonneux before continuing to nearby Le Hamel and Thiepval. Tonight, dine in a charming local restaurant with your fellow travellers.
Overnight Stay: Amiens
Overnight Stay: Amiens
Day 4: Amiens - Bruges
(FB)
Our first stop for the day is Bullecourt, home to the largest Australian Memorial Park and the emotive bronze ‘Bullecourt Digger’. We then travel to nearby Fromelles, the scene of Australia’s worst loss of life in all wars on July 19, 1916 where over 2,000 men were killed. We visit the VC Corner Cemetery and the moving “cobber” memorial. Visit Hill 60 which features the best observation point in the region. This afternoon arrive in the gorgeous medieval town of Bruges in Belgium. Enjoy time to explore the treasures of this UNESCO listed city often called the Venice of the North.
Overnight Stay: Bruges
Overnight Stay: Bruges
Day 5: Bruges - Deauville
(FB,D)
Travel to the medieval city of Rouen, see the cathedral so wonderfully painted by Monet and the spot where Joan of Arc was tried for heresy and burned at the stake in 1413. We then continue towards the Normandy coast to Deauville, our home for this evening.
Overnight Stay: Deauville
Overnight Stay: Deauville
Day 6: Normandy Beaches - Saint Malo
(FB,D)
This morning visit Bayeux to see the Queen Matilda’s Tapestry depicting the Norman invasions of Britain in 1066. There are poignant reminders of WWII as you drive along the beaches of the D-Day landing. Stop in Omaha Beach before following the route of the Rangers depicted in Saving Private Ryan and visit the bunkers and Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Continue this evening and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant on your way to Saint Malo.
Two Night Stay: Saint Malo
Two Night Stay: Saint Malo
Day 7: Saint Malo
(FB)
Located on the Brittany Coast, Saint-Malo is a romantic city dedicated to the sea. Once an island, enclosed within granite ramparts that remained intact for centuries, in spite of the highest tide in Europe the old city is still alive. Visit nearby Mont St Michel and the amazing hill top abbey surrounded by sea. This afternoon enjoy time at leisure in this quaint seaside village, where fresh local markets, cider and Celtic music all make up the charm of this coastal lifestyle.
Day 8: Saint Malo - Loire Valley
(FB,HD)
Enter into the enchanted land of vineyards and rolling green hills that is the Loire Valley. Its’ fairytale castles are rich in the Renaissance architecture that was in vogue during the period that saw French royalty and nobility call them home. Visit the Castle of Sleeping Beauty with its romantic turrets and pointed towers in Usse. On arrival in Tours visit Azay-le-Rideau, one of the earliest French Renaissance château built on an island in the Indre River. This evening we celebrate our visit to the Loire Valley with a highlight dinner in a nearby chateau.
Two Night Stay: Loire Valley
Two Night Stay: Loire Valley
Day 9: Loire Valley
(FB,D)
The first stop today is at the stunning Château de Chenonceau, resplendent with numerous arches, buttresses and towers set in magnificent gardens. The history alone of the chateau is amazing. Then on to the delightful market town of Amboise where, as part of our guided visit, we will see Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb in the gardens of the imposing castle. We will also visit Clos Lucé, the manor house in which the great artist lived, and wander the narrow streets which contain many medieval timbered houses. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 10: Loire Valley - Paris
(FB, D)
We continue our scenic journey to the plain of La Beauce and soon arrive in the cathedral city of Chartres. We shall see the UNESCO listed cathedral, which was started in 1145 and marks the high point of French Gothic art. After a brief journey a highlight awaits as we enjoy a guided visit of the famous Palace of Versailles. The official residence of the Kings of France from 1682 until the French Revolution was seen as a symbol of absolute monarchy. We return to Paris where tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner to Paris in a local Brasserie.
Overnight Special Stay: Paris
Overnight Special Stay: Paris
Day 11: TGV Train - Chalon-sur-Saône
(FB,D)
It is time to leave the city of lights behind as you journey to Dijon through the countryside onboard the ultra-fast TGV train. On arrival, transfer to Chalon-sur-Saône to embark on your Rhone cruise. Onboard you will be warmly welcomed by your dedicated crew before enjoying a welcome reception with your fellow travellers.
Next Nine Nights: Cruising
Next Nine Nights: Cruising
Day 12: Beaune
(FB,L,D)
This morning enjoy a visit to Beaune in the heart of Burgundy for an Included visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. Founded in 1443 once used as a hospital for the poor and needy, it showcases some of France’s finest examples of 15th Century architecture. Burgundy is renowned for its white wine which you will have the pleasure of tempting your palate at a tasting.
Day 13: Maçon -Trévoux
(FB,L,D)
Considered the door of the Burgundy region, explore the treasures Macron has to offer. Once the largest Christian building in the world see the great Benedictine Abbey of Cluny. SCENIC ENRICH Travel through the ‘Golden Stone’ region of Beaujolais where you will meet a local wine vintner. Sample some of his best drops perfectly accompanied by cheese and sausage appetisers.
Day 14: Lyon
(FB,L,D)
This morning continue to cruise south to Lyon the gastronomic heart of France. See charming embankments, majestic bridges and illuminating monuments emerge around every bend on your walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Finish your walking tour with a visit to the local markets, where flowers, fresh produce and art are abound. This afternoon enjoy a cooking demonstration inspired by the local regions specialities.
Day 15: Vienne -Tournon
(FB,L,D)
Visit the old Roman city of Vienne before setting sail down the Rhone to Tournon. SCENIC ENRICH A special experience awaits you this evening as you learn about everyday life on a visit to a typical French family homestead. Savour the experience as you are treated to a home-cooked meal by the family. Why not use this special opportunity to polish up on your French.
Day 16: Viviers
(FB,L,D)
The walled city of Viviers, is a delightful stop on this France river cruise. A walking tour reveals ancient homes and its unusual cathedral. Considered one of the south’s best kept secret we take you in to the unspoilt Ardèche countryside. This picturesque and lush region is the perfect place to enjoy the simplest pleasures that rural France can offer, including the natural wonder of the largest natural canyon in Europe. This evening set sail and relax onboard, perhaps enjoy a drink in the Panorama Lounge.
Day 17: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
(FB,L,D)
Today explore Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the largest and most important wine region in the southern Rhône. Dating back to the 11th century the papal tradition of planting vines continues today with over 300 hectares of vineyards. Home to the summer residence of the Avignon Popes, visit the castle ruins which offer a taste of history and a glorious view over the area.
Day 18: Avignon
(FB,L,D)
The city was probably a much more peaceful place before Rome became ‘inconvenient’ for the popes who moved the papacy here about 700 years ago. Although they stayed for less than a century they kept very busy during these years as you will see by the impressive architecture of this medieval city. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Visit the Palais des Papes, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings for a guided tour; or (2) Take an excursion to Uzès, a well preserved and charming town.
Day 19: Arles
(FB,L,D)
SCENIC ENRICH Today venture to La Camargue, the ‘wild west’ of France where cowboys tend to herds of bulls destined for bullfighting in Spain. Visit a real working farm and witness these hard working cowboys at hand with their vigorous training schedule to train the young bulls ready for fighting. Today the ferias or bull runs and bull fights are held in this very same arena that was the scene of the Roman games in the first century. This evening why not take a stroll along the pretty embankments of Arles.
Day 20: Arles - Nice
(FB)
After breakfast this morning journey by coach to Nice where you will be transferred* by your Scenic Tours representative to Nice International Airport for your onward or homebound flight. (Please schedule flights for after 2.00pm)
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
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