Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris to Normandy
You'll arrive at Paris CDG and get transferred to a historic château in Normandy. Once there, meet your trip leader and settle in with a welcome drink and hors d'oeuvres. The afternoon's yours to walk through the château and check out its private underground museum. Later, join everyone for a welcome dinner to kick things off.
- Meals
- Drinks & Hors d'oeuvres (Welcome drink and hors d'oeuvres), Dinner (Welcome dinner)
Included Activities
- Château transfer from Paris CDG
- Welcome drink and hors d'oeuvres
- Château tour including grounds and private underground museum
- Welcome dinner
- Day 2
Normandy
Start with French-style continental breakfast at the château, then head out to explore Normandy's food traditions. You'll visit a cheese factory in Livarot where they make Camembert and Livarot, and you get to taste both. After that, stop at Château de Saint-Germain-de-Livet to see the gardens. Grab lunch with the group in Pont-l'Évêque, then visit a historic Calvados distillery to learn how apples turn into Normandy's famous brandy with a sample included. You'll head back to the château for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast (French-style continental breakfast at the château), Lunch (Group lunch in Pont-l'Évêque), Dinner
Included Activities
- Livarot cheese factory visit and tasting
- Château de Saint-Germain-de-Livet gardens
- Calvados distillery tour and tasting
Landmarks Château de Saint-Germain-de-Livet - Day 3
Giverny
Travel to Giverny and spend time in Claude Monet's gardens and house. You'll walk through colorful flowerbeds and cross the iconic Japanese footbridge over the lily pond. After a leisurely lunch in Giverny, there's an optional floral painting workshop where you can create something with watercolors and pastels. Return to the château in the afternoon to relax before dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Leisurely lunch in Giverny), Dinner
Included Activities
- Monet's house and gardens visit
- Painting workshop with watercolors and pastels
Landmarks Claude Monet's House and Gardens - Day 4
Normandy
Visit significant D-Day historical sites including the American Cemetery and Omaha Beach. You'll have free time in Bayeux to explore this historic town at your own pace. Later, head back to the château for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- American Cemetery visit
- Omaha Beach visit
- Bayeux free time
Landmarks American Cemetery Omaha Beach - Day 5
Étretat and Fécamp
Begin in Étretat, known for dramatic cliffs where waves crash against the rocks. You'll have free time to explore and take in the views, then sit down for lunch as a group with panoramic vistas. Next, visit the Bénédictine Palace, a former distillery, and join a cocktail-making workshop guided by an expert barman. You'll return to the château later for relaxation and dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Group lunch with panoramic vistas over the cliffs), Dinner (Homemade dinner)
Included Activities
- Étretat free time
- Bénédictine Palace visit
- Cocktail-making workshop
Landmarks Étretat Cliffs Bénédictine Palace - Day 6
Trouville-sur-Mer
Travel to Trouville-sur-Mer and explore this seaside town at your own pace. Check out the fishing port, stroll the boardwalk with its opulent mansions, browse local shops, and visit the daily fish market to select fresh catch and enjoy it with white wine. Later, head to the château gardens for a pétanque tournament dressed as French bourgeoisie, with wine and hors d'oeuvres. Finish up with dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trouville-sur-Mer free time
- Pétanque tournament with aperitif
Landmarks Trouville-sur-Mer - Day 7
Mont Saint-Michel
Take a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel, an island home to just 30 inhabitants that can be cut off by shifting tides. Start with a tasting of Mont Saint-Michel bay oysters and mussels paired with wine. Once there, you'll have free time to wander the village streets and explore the abbey. A paved pathway leads to the top with roughly 350 steep stairs, though you don't have to go all the way. Have lunch at your own pace, then return to the château for a group dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Oyster and mussel tasting
- Mont Saint-Michel free time
- Mont Saint-Michel Abbey entrance
Landmarks Mont Saint-Michel Abbey Mont Saint-Michel - Day 8
Honfleur and Bernay
Travel to Honfleur, a charming harbor town that inspired artists like Monet. You'll have free time to wander the narrow cobbled streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses and explore the Old Harbor with its cafés and seafood restaurants overlooking sailboats. In the afternoon, visit a family-run cider farm in the Norman countryside that's been making cider since the early 20th century. Explore the estate, learn the process, and try 'cider games' with tastings. Later, visit Bernay near the château for free time to eat, shop, and experience everyday Norman life.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Honfleur free time
- Cider estate visit and interactive cider tasting
- Bernay free time
Landmarks Honfleur Old Harbor - Day 9
Rouen
Head to Rouen, the 'City of 100 Bell Towers,' famous for its historical connection to Joan of Arc. You'll start with a guided tour of this historic port city, then the rest of the day is yours. Stroll cobblestone streets, admire beautiful Norman houses, go window shopping, and take in the cathedral's grandeur. Return to the château in the evening for relaxation and a farewell dinner prepared by a private chef.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner prepared by a private chef)
Included Activities
- Rouen guided tour
- Rouen free time
Landmarks Rouen Cathedral - Day 10
Departure
Your final day in Normandy. Say farewell to France and the friends you've made. Breakfast is included, and you'll arrange your own departure using transportation options provided by your trip leader.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Free time
- Departure
