Three days tour through Loire Valley & Normandy
Very pleasant, yet intense three days tour. Main part are the visits of the famous castles of Loire Valley as well as the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy. But our guest can expect lots of unprewieved sightseeing and drive through scenic roads of two breathtaking regions.
The most beautiful castle of all - Chenonceau
"Off the beaten path places"
Overlooking Omaha Beach at low tide
3350
Highlights of the tour
- Chateau Chenonceau and other castle
- Possible stay at Fontevraud abbey
- Le Mans 24h race museum
- Falaise gap battlefields
- Medieval town Bayeux
- D-Day landing sites
The price of the tour is 3350 Euros
- Price for the group: 1 to 7 guest
- Direct pick up and drop off to your accommodation
- Private guide / driver (same person)
- Tour itinerary and flexibility to change the tour
- Spacious, aircoditioned minibus
Full description of the tour
PROPOSED ITINERARY DAY ONE
| 7:00am depart | Direct pick up from your accommodation in Paris |
| Chateau Chambord | Chambord is a radically unique work, one of the jewels in the heritage of humankind. you will discover extraordinary architecture imagined by François I and imbued with the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci. Chambord is perhaps the equivalent in architecture of Mona Lisa in painting. |
| Chateau Chenonceau | A Renaissance masterpiece ; the history of the Château de Chenonceau is defined by a an almost uninterrupted succession of women who built, embellished, protected, restored and saved it. It is a home to an extraordinary collection of furniture, tapestries and paintings. The Flower Garden is an unmissable part of any visit. |
| Traditional lunch | Traditional lunch or sandwiches in the car (can be decided on the day) |
| Chateau Ambois | This royal château is the expression of French-style luxury. From its balconies, its roofs and its terraced gardens, visitors can take in the Loire landscape and delight in what the kings enjoyed. Leonardo da Vinci tomb is preserved at the chateau |
| Vouvray wineries | The Vineyards of Vouvray appellation stretches out from the eastern limits of the city of Tours and covers 8 villages. The majestic and characterful Loire River is a natural temperature regulator. Its effects can be felt in the vineyard thanks to the many valleys that shape the hillsides. Vouvray product around 110 000 hl (60% sparkling; 40% still wines) with 180 wine growers |
| Other interesting sightseeing | Multiple short stops while driving through Loire Valley countryside. Stop for sightseeing, great panorama and other interresting sites with historical stories. |
| +/-5pm drop off to your accommodation |
Suggestion of the hotels in city Tours will be sent to you upon booking. A unique alternative would be an overnight stay in the Fontevraud abbey |
PROPOSED ITINERARY DAY TWO
| Le Mans | The city was the cradle of the automotive industry. No wonder that the first grand prix automobile in history was organized in 1906, which in 1923 became the famous "24 Hours of Le Mans". The event allowed the city to acquire a worldwide reputation. With an exceptional historical heritage, which has allowed many directors to film films in natural scenery, this is a must-see tourist attraction, also appreciated for its cultural vitality and its preserved green spaces |
| Scenic route through French countryside | |
| Battlefields of the Falaise gap | Learn about the Falaise gap and about the destruction that hapened there |
| Montormel | Area where the German army got encircled by the Allies. Visitor center, movie and museum dedicated to the Falaise gap battles |
| Vimoutier Tiger tank | One of only six left in the world |
| Hautvillers | Tasting of Champagne at a small producer |
| Various sightseeing | Various stops on the road towards Paris: Panorama of the "Valley of Epernay", Commonthwealth, Italian, German WW1 cemetery and other |
| +/-5pm drop off to your accommodation | Suggestion of the hotels in Bayeux will be sent to you upon booking. Evening visit of Bayeux cathedral on your own |
PROPOSED ITINERARY DAY THREE
| US Airborne section | Various stops around the sited where the 82nd & 101st Airborn were droped on the 6th June '44 - Angoville eu Plain: Church where two US Para medics established an aid station - Saint Marie du Mont: Objective of 101st Airborne (Band of Brothers) - Saint Mere Eglise: Famous tow and the objective of the 82nd Airborne |
| Atlantic Wall | Remains of many German defence bunkers along the coast nicknamed the "Atlantic Wall" |
| Utah Beach | Landing zone of the 4th Div. led by Theodore Roosevelt Jr. |
| Traditional lunch | Traditional lunch or sandwiches in the car (can be decided on the day) |
| Pointe du Hoc | One of the most impressive site in the whole Normandy. Remains of German bunkers, bomb craters left after heavy allied bombing accompanied by a heroic story of 225 Rangers. Duration of the visit +/- 1hr |
| Omaha Beach | Dog Green & Charlie sectors - pictured in the movie Saving Private Ryan. Your guide will take on the beach where he will explain to you the functionality of the German defence system, the Allied preparation and the actions from the 6th of June 1944. (walking the beach possible depending on the tide) Duration of the visit +1hr |
| US Cemetery | Overlooking the east part of Omaha Beach the US cemetery is a pilgrimage place that every American should visit. Duration of the visit +1hr |
| Other sightseeing | Multiple short stops while driving through Normandy countryside. Stop by many tanks, cannons, German defensive positions, sightseeing, great panorama and other interresting sites & stories related to D-Day actions |
| +/- 4:30pm depart | Direct drop off to your accommodation in Paris or airport |
WHATS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
- Governmental tax - No hidden extra fees
- VIP Private Trip 1 to 7 guests – Price is for the group
- Private spacious and luxury Van – Full option 7 seater mini bus
- English speaking driver / guide
- Insurance while guest in the car (transportation insurance)
- Pick up and drop off from and to the hotel/accommodation in Paris
- Full transportation including all road charges (petrol, parking, highway fees)
- Planning and Flexibility of the itinerary
- Suggestions and booking of hotels & restaurants (If needed)
- For multiple day tour - guides accommodation, breakfast and dinner are covered
WHATS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee breaks & snacks expenses
- Entrance fees to any museums, activities, visits and tastings
- Your own hotel - accommodation - overnight stay
- Guides lunch on guests expenses (20Euros max)
- Any additional or personal expenses
- Guides gratuity (optional)
- Each guest personal insurance : The guest has to be covered with his own private international travel insurance for any accidents or sickness while being on the tour as Private Trip does not take any responsibility for it
Useful informations
Appropriate clothing ! Good walking shoes and wind/water proof jacket are essential at the northern coast of France. In winter months extra clothing is recommended. Take an extra bag with clothes into the car - the van is spacious !
If you had a relative that participated in the battle of Normandy or any other battle to liberate Europe - let us know! We can do the necessary research on the individual or his unit / division and adapt the tour depending on the possibilities. In the last years we had helped many families to reveal what their relatives went through in Normandy and other battlefields in France !