Gems of Normandie & the French Riviera - Superior
Gems of Normandie & the French Riviera - Superior
Gems of Normandie & the French Riviera - Superior
11 Days Starting and ending in UK/Ireland
Visiting: Paris, Tours, Chenonceau, Mont Saint Michel, Caen, Nice
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Group size:
1 - 30
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through France with the "Gems of Normandie & the French Riviera - Superior" tour. This exquisite adventure begins in the romantic capital of Paris, where the city's iconic landmarks await your discovery. From the historic streets of Paris, travel to the majestic Mont Saint-Michel and the picturesque landscapes of Normandy. Experience the elegance of the French Riviera in Nice, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Versailles. Along the way, indulge in diverse experiences from wine tasting in the lush vineyards to walking tours that reveal the rich tapestry of French history and culture. Whether you're marveling at the architectural wonders of Caen or soaking up the sun in Nice, this tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, history, and leisure, making it an unforgettable escape into the heart of France.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Uk/Ireland - Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Novotel Suites Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of France? Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Paris.* Arrive at Paris airport and self-transfer to your hotel**. Paris is the capital of France and a great place to discover the city’s most famous tourist sights, the local culture and cuisine. Overnight stay in Paris. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day. ** Airport transfers in Paris are not included. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.
Day 2 : Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Novotel Suites Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city’s most famous tourist sights and monuments on a Half Day Sightseeing Tour by bus with a professional English-speaking guide. Marvel at Paris's best-known sights: Place Vendôme Square, place de l’opera, the Pantheon, Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Invalides and the Eiffel Tower. End your tour in the city center. Why not grab a bite to eat in one of the many cafés or do a spot of shopping in this shoppers haven. The rest of the day is free to explore Paris at your leisure. Overnight stay in Paris.
Day 3 : Paris - Chambord - Tours
Location: Tours
Accommodation Name: BW Plus L'Artist Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, meet your English-speaking tour leader and depart Paris by coach towards the Loire Valley and its wonders of the Renaissance period. First stop is a visit to The Chambord Estate*, one of the most emblematic examples of Renaissance castle architecture in France. Enjoy some free time to stroll at your own pace through the heart of the castle and its gardens. Take a break for lunch before continung to an included wine tasting in the beautiful limestone Caves de Vouvray, where you'll discover local sparking wines. Following this visit, transfer to the historic city of Tours and check-in at the hotel before a free evening. Overnight stay in Tours. *Entry to the estate included. Guests will have the option to pay for an audio-guide separately.
Day 4 : Tours - Chenonceau - Tours
Location: Chenonceau
Accommodation Name: BW Plus L'Artist Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, explore the magnificent Castle of Chenonceau.* The two-story gallery stands upon a graceful arched bridge that crosses the Cher River which gives the impression that the castle is floating on water. Also known as "The Ladies’ Castle," it was initially constructed in 1513. Equalling the beauty of the interior, the Château's Renaissance French Gardens are perfectly landscaped with decorative pools and flower beds and are an important destination for garden lovers from all over the world. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Château of Amboise, an emblematic monument of the Loire Valley. The palace was built above the river, with landscaped gardens stretching from the earth to the sky, offering one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Loire. Overnight stay in Tours. *Entrance to the castle included, with the possibility to purchase an audio-guide on arrival.
Day 5 : Tours - Mont Saint Michel - Caen
Location: Mont Saint Michel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Caen Côte de Nacre
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from Tours heading towards the world-renowned Mont Saint Michel*, a Unesco World Heritage site. The car park stands approximately 1.5 miles away from the island. On leaving the coach, head for the Place des Navettes, where shuttle buses called Passeurs transfer to the mount itself. The Mount was consecrated to St-Michel from the year 708. The Benedictine Abbey** presents a grand panorama of medieval architecture from the XI-XVI centuries. Spend some time exploring the village built on the slopes in the shadow of the fortifications. Head towards the Normandy Beach area, checking in at the hotel in Caen. Overnight in Caen. *Please bear in mind that the transfer from Tours to Mont St Michel will be around 280km, approximately 3 hours of driving. **Entry to the abbey included. Guests will have the option to pay for an audio-guide separately.
Day 6 : Caen - Day Beaches Tour - Caen
Location: Caen
Accommodation Name: Novotel Caen Côte de Nacre
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of WW-II’s major sights. Visit, learn about and pay homage to Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach and the Colleville-Sur-Mer Cemetery of the Allied Forces. After this solemn educational tour, spend a tranquil afternoon on your own exploring Caen. Located near the English Channel, Caen is a historic city replete with mediaeval architecture and the tomb of William the Conqueror. Overnight stay in Caen.
Day 7 : Caen - Honfleur - Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Novotel Caen Côte de Nacre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, learn more about the best food and drink that this rich region of France has to offer, starting with a visit to the Village du Fromager. See all stages of cheese production and enjoy tasting the different types of cheese on offer. After the visit, head to Honfleur in time for a lunch break. This small city and harbour dates back to the Vikings invasion in the 11th century. After a couple of hours exploring the city, continue eastwards until reaching Paris. Overnight stay in Paris. Please bear in mind that the transfer from Caen to Paris will be around 240km, approximately 3 hours of driving.
Day 8 : Paris - Nice
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Villa Bougainville by HappyCulture
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast* at the hotel. Make your own way to Paris Gare de Lyon station. Embark on a High Speed Train to Nice, that sits beautifully on the pebbly shores of the French Riviera. Self-transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to begin exploring this stunning city on the Cote d’Azur. Overnight stay in Nice. * Depending on the train schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.
Day 9 : Nice - Èze - Monaco - Nice
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Villa Bougainville by HappyCulture
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and depart on your half-day Èze to Monaco excursion. Enjoy a panoramic view of Nice and the bays of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Enjoy the unique opportunity to visit the stunning medieval village of Èze, which sits atop the hill like an eagle's nest, and take-in the epic views of the French Riviera. Your driver-guide will then take you to Monaco, where you will walk to the emblematic Old Town perched on the rock. Discover the Prince's Palace and Romanesque-Byzantine Cathedral. Admire the famous Casino Square, the Grand Casino, luxury boutiques and Café de Paris. For a bit of adrenaline, ride on the Monaco Grand Prix circuit that sits between Monaco and Monte Carlo. Upon your return, the rest of the day is free to explore Nice at your leisure, visiting museums or enjoying the beach. Overnight stay in Nice.
Day 10 : Nice
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Villa Bougainville by HappyCulture
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy the day discovering Nice at your own pace. We recommend making the most of your day by taking part in one of the following optional excursions (due to timings you are only able to do one of the two). If you prefer touring the countryside of Côte d'Azur* you’ll love our optional half-day tour, if you prefer a coastal discovery you will enjoy our full-day trip to Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud**. Overnight stay in Nice. *Optional half-day tour to the countryside of Côte d'Azur: Head to the Old Town of Grasse, the historic center of French perfumery since the late eighteenth century, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit Fragonard Perfumery. Next, head to Gourdon, one of the most beautiful villages in France where you’ll admire the panoramic view of the Côte d'Azur, from the Alps to the coast. Visit the 9th century castle and its opulent, Lenôtre designed gardens. Continue to Gorges du Loup, to admire the 130 ft waterfall. Next, visit the medieval village of Tourette-sur-Loup, also known as the ‘City of Violets’ as it became a meeting place for musicians, painters, writers and poets in the mid-1920s.The tour will end in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a real Provencal jewel that has become the favorite garden of many painters over time. *Optional full-day excursion to Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud: Set-off early this morning, ready for this exciting sightseeing tour of two iconic locations. Kick-off your adventure on a boat ride from Port Grimaud, a picturesque lakeside town also known as "Little Venice", to the distinguished town of St. Tropez. Discover this legendary coastal town on the French Riviera that has attracted many international stars from the world of fashion, cinema and literature since the 1920s. Enjoy some free time in the picturesque old town for some shopping at the provincial market and maybe have lunch on a sun terrace. Enjoy the return journey to your hotel along the wonderful coastal road. Contemplate some of the most beautiful views of all France, stopping along the way to soak up these fantastic views.
Day 11 : Nice - Uk/Ireland
Location: Nice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast* at the hotel. Self-transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the UK/Ireland.** Arrive in the UK/Ireland and end of your trip.**
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
** You can book the optional transfer in the next step of the booking process.
What's Included
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Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
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International flights: UK/Ireland - Paris, Nice - UK/Ireland .*
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2nd class High speed train ticket Paris – Nice
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10 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels. **
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10 Breakfasts.
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Entrance to the most famous Loire valley castles: Chambord, Chenonceau & Amboise and to Mont-St-Michel Abbey.
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Air taxes and fuel surcharge.
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Sightseeing tour of Paris and guided tour of Normandy World War II landing beaches. Panoramic tour of Nice, Èze & Monaco.
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ATOL Protection.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included but can be added to the package for an additional cost.
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Meals Not Mentioned
Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary are excluded.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and personal spending are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Audio-Guides
Audio-guides for certain attractions, where mentioned, are not included and can be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with included international flights from the UK/Ireland to Paris and Nice to UK/Ireland, complemented by a 2nd class high-speed train ticket from Paris to Nice. Experience the ease of moving between the gems of France with convenience.
Accommodation
Stay in superior category hotels for 10 nights, offering comfortable and stylish rooms that promise a restful night's sleep after a day of exploration. Each hotel is chosen for its high standards and amenities to enhance your stay.
Meals Included
10 Breakfasts.
Check out our Q&As
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What are the highlights of the Gems of Normandie & the French Riviera tour?
The highlights of the tour include visits to Caen, Mont Saint-Michel, Nice, Paris, and Versailles.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, 10 breakfasts are included in the tour.
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Is there a wine tasting included in the itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes a cheese factory experience with tasting and wine tasting in the Caves de Vouvray.
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Are airport transfers included in the package?
No, airport transfers are not included but can be added to the package for an additional cost.
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What type of accommodation is provided?
The tour provides 10 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels.
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Is there a guide included in the tour?
Yes, an English speaking tour leader from day 3 to day 7 and a driver-guide during the Nice, Èze & Monaco tour are included.
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Are international flights included?
Yes, international flights from UK/Ireland to Paris, and Nice to UK/Ireland are included.
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What are the exclusions of the tour package?
Exclusions include airport transfers (unless added for an additional cost), meals not mentioned in the itinerary, optional excursions, travel insurance, and audio-guides for certain attractions.
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Where can I check the latest Travel Restrictions?
It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. It is also the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding government embassies and/or consulates as appropriate.
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What recommendations should I follow before traveling?
Passport validity: It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding embassies and/or consulates as appropriate. Requirements change so please check the up-to-date requirements in advance of your departure date. In many cases, countries now require that passports are valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from their borders.
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How can I upgrade my flight?
If you would like to make an upgrade to your flight or ask for a quotation, please contact us with all the information. Our customer success agents will answer your request as soon as possible.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes of flights and related services are not permitted after the booking is confirmed. If you wish to make any significant amendment affecting the flights, you will need to cancel it as per the terms & conditions applicable to your booking and make a new booking. If you require more information about your cancellations policy please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section). If you would like to proceed with the cancellation or require assistance please contact us.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic not only created an unparalleled impact on health and economy globally, but it has also changed fundamental behaviors with regards to traveling. In response to such changes, Exoticca provides extra peace of mind for all reservations made from 18th January, 2022 onwards by including Covid 19 Protection. Testing positive for COVID-19: If you or anyone else traveling with you on your booking cannot travel due to testing positive for COVID-19 you will be given the option to reschedule your trip or receive 100% of the trip value in Exoticca travel credit. **Proof of infection must be provided in the form of an official COVID-19 positive test result. For more information on the details of the Covid 19 Protection Policy, please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section).
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Travelling to the USA or Canada?
Traveling to the United States: Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online application system, developed by the United States government to pre-screen travelers before authorizing them to board a plane or ship bound for the United States. Starting on the 12th of January 2009, any person entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must have an approved ESTA travel authorization. This includes travelers who travel to the United States to catch a connecting flight. An ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials determine the admissibility of travelers upon arrival. For more information click here. If a traveler is found to have visited a country designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (09.11.2022, Countries: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria), the traveler is no longer eligible to participate in the Visa Wavier Program and must apply for a visa to enter the United States. Traveling to Canada: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to Canada by air. This includes travelers who travel to Canada to catch a connecting flight. An eTA is linked electronically to the traveler's passport and is valid for a maximum of five years or until the passport expires, depending on which of these two scenarios occurs first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA. An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents to determine whether you are admissible to enter Canada. For more information click here. Traveling to a Schengen member country (Europe): Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) The ETIAS travel authorization will be needed to enter a Schengen member country by air, land, or sea. From November 2023, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will be able to register with ETIAS. ETIAS will become a mandatory entry requirement. The ETIAS for Europe will grant travelers authorization to visit the ETIAS countries that are all members that compose the Schengen zone. The ETIAS visa waiver has been designed for short-term stays of up to 90 days. For more information click here.
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COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and other vaccines?
It is the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. Check with the migration and health authorities for the country of origin, destination, and stopover to learn more about vaccination requirements.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Once your purchase is complete, you will receive confirmation by email and all your travel documents will be uploaded on to your booking and the Exoticca customer account (which you'll be provided details of). These will include: transport details, hotels, itinerary, important notes, and insurance policy (if applicable).
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
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Low Deposit
Exoticca requires a minimum deposit of 60% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exoticca charges.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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