SHORTLIST

Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley - Classic Group

Enjoy the sights and sounds of France during this 8-day guided tour. Travel to Normandy and stand on the 100-foot-tall Pointe du Hoc, overlooking the beaches where soldiers fought in World War II — and walk with a Local Expert through the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach, where Allied Forces landed on D-Day. Drive through the Loire Valley to the glorious fragrant gardens of Château de Villandry, stopping to smell the basil, rosemary and other herbs grown in its gardens. You’ll remember those scents at a celebration dinner featuring a farm-to-table feast and sparkling wine. See Paris’ top attractions, from the elegant avenue of the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Tour details
Tour Provider Insight Vacations
Price From
$4,995
Number of Days
8
Start Location
Paris, France
End Location
Paris, France
Age Range
Avg. 50+
Group Size
30 to 40
Tour Style
Luxury
Tour Themes
Virtuoso
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Welcome to Paris
After checking in, the capital’s grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore. Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before enjoying a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by fresh home-made recipes.
Rouen, Honfleur and Deauville
Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral - a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church memorialises the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and wander along the harbour or stroll through the colourful streets. Close by, meet a farming family who grow apples to produce local juice, cider and calvados of Normandy. Sample the local produce paired with Normandy cheese. Later, arrive at your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.
Normandy Beaches and D-Day Landings
Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Then with a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach. Explore Normandy with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay. Alternatively, visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England. This evening you are treated to a delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients and delicious wines.
Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo
Journey through bocage country and explore the hilltop abbey of Mont Saint-Michel with your Local Expert. Situated on an island, the abbey is reached by a bridge across the shining sands. Behind the outer ring of defences huddles the small town – its singular street containing shops, cafes and hotels. Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places in France. A Local Expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs. Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city, home of Jacques Cartier and other celebrated voyagers. At your leisure, you can wander around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. By night, the town’s medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional experience to Cancale, known throughout France for its oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other Breton specialties.
Villandry Experience
Head south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated Angers Castle. Cross the Loire to Saumur, where a local vintner will guide you through tastings of the region's delicious wines. Head to Château de Villandry, the jewel of the Loire, to visit the glorious sustainable gardens on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Ensure you don't miss the water, ornamental and kitchen gardens. This stunning sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages and purple basil is grown organically to re-generate the local ecosystem. Continue to your very own castle hotel and admire its extensive gardens and potager.
Scenic Drive Along the Loire Valley
Journey to the fairytale Château d'Azay-le-Rideau where your Local Expert will show you the château's decor and return to your turreted château for relaxation. This evening, your dinner starts with a glass of local sparkling wine and continues with excellent service and delicious Farm-to-Table dishes in the most wholesome setting, ensuring the memory of your meal will linger long after you've returned home.
La Beauce and Chartres to Paris, City of Light
Travelling through the vast wheat fields of the the Beauce region, Chartres Cathedral, nicknamed the 'Acropolis of France' by August Rodin, looms large on the horizon. Enjoy a guided tour of this architectural delight.From here, return to the French capital where your Travel Director introduces you to the fabulous sights of Paris, including the vast Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood. Travel up the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. After dark, the City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour, don't miss the chance to experience a world-famous cabaret show.
Au Revoir Paris
Today, bid farewell to your journey through the French countryside as you transfer to the airport.
Inclusions
  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 7 Breakfast (B)
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
29 Mar 2025 05 Apr 2025 Available $4,995
12 Apr 2025 19 Apr 2025 Available $5,750
19 Apr 2025 26 Apr 2025 Available $4,995
03 May 2025 10 May 2025 Available $5,378
10 May 2025 17 May 2025 Available $5,378
17 May 2025 24 May 2025 Available $5,975
24 May 2025 31 May 2025 onRequest $5,975
31 May 2025 07 Jun 2025 Available $5,198
07 Jun 2025 14 Jun 2025 Available $5,198
14 Jun 2025 21 Jun 2025 Available $5,198
21 Jun 2025 28 Jun 2025 Available $5,198
28 Jun 2025 05 Jul 2025 Available $5,243
05 Jul 2025 12 Jul 2025 Available $5,153
12 Jul 2025 19 Jul 2025 Available $5,153
26 Jul 2025 02 Aug 2025 Available $5,085
16 Aug 2025 23 Aug 2025 Available $4,995
30 Aug 2025 06 Sep 2025 Available $5,198
06 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025 onRequest $5,995
13 Sep 2025 20 Sep 2025 Available $5,995
20 Sep 2025 27 Sep 2025 onRequest $5,995
27 Sep 2025 04 Oct 2025 Available $5,895
04 Oct 2025 11 Oct 2025 Available $5,895
11 Oct 2025 18 Oct 2025 Available $5,895
28 Mar 2026 04 Apr 2026 Available $5,950
11 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026 Available $5,950
18 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026 Available $5,950
09 May 2026 16 May 2026 Available $6,195
16 May 2026 23 May 2026 Available $6,195
23 May 2026 30 May 2026 Available $6,195
30 May 2026 06 Jun 2026 Available $6,195
06 Jun 2026 13 Jun 2026 Available $6,195
13 Jun 2026 20 Jun 2026 Available $6,195
20 Jun 2026 27 Jun 2026 Available $6,195
27 Jun 2026 04 Jul 2026 Available $6,250
04 Jul 2026 11 Jul 2026 Available $6,250
11 Jul 2026 18 Jul 2026 Available $6,250
25 Jul 2026 01 Aug 2026 Available $6,175
01 Aug 2026 08 Aug 2026 Available $6,175
15 Aug 2026 22 Aug 2026 Available $6,050
22 Aug 2026 29 Aug 2026 Available $6,050
29 Aug 2026 05 Sep 2026 Available $6,195
05 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026 Available $6,225
12 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026 Available $6,225
19 Sep 2026 26 Sep 2026 Available $6,225
26 Sep 2026 03 Oct 2026 Available $6,095
03 Oct 2026 10 Oct 2026 Available $6,095
10 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026 Available $6,095
17 Oct 2026 24 Oct 2026 Available $6,025