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Normandy & Brittany

June 22 - July 3, 2008

Normandy and Brittany regions. From Cabourg, travel to Bayeux to see its famous tapestry. Learn about the Allied invasion with visits to Caen and its Memorial and Museum for Peace; Omaha Beach; and the British landing zone at Arromanches, then pay tribute to the brave soldiers at the World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. Enjoy a stop at a Calvados distillery and sample the renowned brandy, then explore the harbor town of Honfleur. Your home base in Brittany is Rennes, the capital of the region. Immerse yourself in local history in Josselin, Vannes and Carnac, then cruise along the Rance River from medieval Dinan to St-Malo. Your adventure concludes with two nights in Paris, the City of Light.

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Paris, France. (Flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

Day 2
Upon arrival, transfer by motorcoach to Cabourg and the Grand Hôtel de Cabourg. (Transfer provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)
Independent Exploration:  The afternoon is free to walk along seaside Cabourg’s historic streets and gardens.
This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 3
Educational Focus: A Brief History of Normandy.
Excursion: Bayeux and Caen.  Marvel at the famous Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century work illustrating the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Visit the Cathedral Notre-Dame and enjoy some free time in this charming town. After lunch, spend the afternoon in Caen, where two 11th century monasteries, one for men and one for women, are fascinating sights. Then visit the Caen Memorial and Museum for Peace, which is dedicated to the D-Day invasion of Normandy.

Day 4
Educational Focus and Excursion: D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.  Listen to a lecture about the details of D-Day. Visit Omaha Beach, the British landing zone at Arromanches and the German gun emplacements at Longues-ser-Mer. You also will visit the World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

Day 5
Educational Focus: Culinary Traditions of Normandy.
Excursion: Calvados Distillery and Honfleur.  Visit one of the region’s highly regarded Calvados distilleries and try the smooth apple brandy for which the region is famous. Afterwards, explore the charming harbor town of Honfleur at your leisure.
Tonight, gather for a Farewell to Normandy Reception at the hotel.

Day 6
This morning, depart for Rennes. Along the way, stop at Mont-St-Michel, a magnificent  monastery and one of the most impressive sights in France. Construction began in the eighth century and continued for 1,000 years. During its history, Mont-St-Michel also has been a fortress and a prison.
Upon arrival in Rennes, check into the Mercure Rennes Centre Colombier.

Day 7
Educational Focus: Breton History.
Excursion: Walking Tour of Rennes.  Explore the capital of Brittany, which has a striking combination of earthen houses, medieval timber-framed buildings, elegant civil architecture and magnificent churches. After the walk, wander through the renowned Musee des Beaux-Arts.

Day 8
Educational Focus: Breton Language and Traditions.
Excursion: Josselin, Vannes and Carnac.  This full-day tour takes you to an impressive Renaissance castle in Josselin, the historic and well-preserved town of Vannes and then Carnac, where prehistoric stone monuments are the stars.

Day 9
Educational Focus: Contemporary France.
Excursion: Historic Dinan, Rance Valley Cruise and St-Malo.  In Dinan, take a walking tour of this medieval town that sits high above the scenic Rance Valley. Then, embark on a cruise down the Rance River to St-Malo, once a privateer haven.
Educational Focus: Meet the People.
Attend a Graduation Ceremony and dinner.

Day 10
This morning, transfer to Paris by deluxe motorcoach. Stop in Chartres, home to the stunning, French Gothic Chartres Cathedral. After a walking tour of the city and lunch, continue to Paris.
Upon arrival in Paris, check into the Mercure Opera Lafayette.

Day 11
Excursion: Highlights of Paris.  In the morning, join a panoramic tour of Paris.
Independent Exploration:  The afternoon is at your leisure to explore Paris.

Day 12
Transfer to the Paris airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Transfer and flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

Approximately $2,595 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.