Enjoy a visit to the world famous city of Paris, capital of style, elegance and romance. Sample some gastronomic delights in a cosy bistro, see the elegant boulevards, the famous Mona Lisa in the Louvre, marvel at the architecture of Notre Dame and beautiful Sacre Coeur or the panoramic views from the Eiffel Tower - Paris offers a wealth of variety for everyone. The majestic and gently winding Loire Valley is famous for its magnificent chateaux and gardens, built by French Monarchs in centuries past.

ITINERARY

• Day One: Early departure to Folkestone for a journey through the Eurotunnel to Calais, then on via the autoroutes to Paris and the Tryp Hotel where we stay for the next three nights.
• Day Two: Following breakfast enjoy an included guided tour to show you the famous sights and landmarks around the city. Remainder of the day at leisure for personal sightseeing and to enjoy a meal in one the numerous bars, restaurants or Bistro’s.
• Day Three: This morning we include a visit to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, follow in the footsteps of the French kings at the impressive Château and Gardens. We return to Paris with the afternoon at leisure, perhaps take a cruise on the River Seine. This evening an optional excursion which will include a meal in a typical Parisian restaurant followed by a ‘Paris By Night’ tour.
• Day Four: We depart from Paris and head for the Loire Valley, stopping en route at Chartres to visit the cathedral, considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Continue south to the lovely historic town of Blois and the Mercure Centre Hotel where we stay for three nights.
• Day Five: A day at leisure to explore this lovely historic town and its royal castle, one of the most prestigious Renaissance monuments in France.
• Day Six: Today we visit three of the principal chateaux in the region. We see the magnificent Chateau de Chenonceaux, built on the River Cher, where the unique beauty of its architecture reflects in the water, then on to 17th century Chateau de Cheverny, described as the most beautifully decorated and furnished castle in the Loire Valley. Finally we see the Chateau de Chambord, the Loire’s largest Renaissance castle.
• Day Seven: We check out and travel via Tours to see the beautiful terraced gardens of Villandry, then continue north to Rouen, Normandy’s capital and site of Joan of Arc’s demise. Take a stroll through the quaint narrow streets lined with charming half-timbered houses and maybe visit the splendid cathedral. From here we continue on to Amiens for an overnight stay at the Novotel.
• Day Eight: To Calais for our Eurotunnel journey to Folkestone and home to North Wales.