France: Landscapes, History and Wine

Embark on a dinner cruise against the panoramic backdrop of Paris. Step aboard the all-glass restaurant boat, where you will be greeted by the staff and escorted to your table. Enjoy a glass of champagne as you take in the elegant decor. Listen to live music as you sail on the River Seine, passing iconic landmarks. You will be served a sumptuous three-course meal that includes fine wines, a choice of starters, mains, and desserts. Indulge in the classic French dishes that have been prepared using the best ingredients as you sail on the calm waters. As you dine, enjoy views of the city at dusk. After the cruise is over, disembark and head back to your hotel. (Duration: 2.5 hrs; Time: 1815/2015 hrs; Shared activity; No transfers; Starting point: Bateaux Parisiens, Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris; Meals included: dinner; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Entry fees included; Not available on Jan 1, Feb 14, July 14, Dec 24-25 & Dec 31)

Get picked up from your centrally located hotel at a convenient time on this exciting exploration of the City of Lights. Accompany your driver on a private tour of iconic landmarks such as the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, and the famous opera district. Get a glimpse of the courtyard of the renowned Louvre Museum and watch the Seine river as it flows gently by. Stop frequently to capture stunning images of all the prominent attractions and many others. Return to your hotel with cherished memories of your time. Please let your guide know beforehand if there are any particular sites you would like to visit and they will personalize the tour accordingly. (Half Day; Time: Morning tour 0900-1300 hrs/Afternoon tour 1400-1800 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Excluded: Entrance fees, a guide and meals; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Embark on this riveting discovery of the Normandy beaches that figured prominently in the Allied victory of World War II. Drive out to Omaha Beach that was one of two crucial landing areas for the American forces on that fateful day. Picture how the American troops battled tremendous odds to take the enemy by surprise as you listen to stories of immense bravery and courage. Head out to Pointe du Hoc, known for its cliffs that were deftly scaled by the Americans to thwart the German offensive. Walk across the site, which is now peppered with several bomb craters, for a closer look at the remains of many of the original fortifications. Savor breathtakingly beautiful views of the bay from your vantage point before turning back. (Half Day; Time: 0900/1400 hrs; Shared Activity; Transfers to Meeting Point not included; Group size: Max 8 guests; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Explore the magnificent monastery of Mont Saint-Michel, an island commune off the coast of Normandy. This UNESCO-designated site, one of France’s most iconic attractions, is a revered spiritual and intellectual center. Originally known as Mont Tombe, the monastery’s history is a blend of the personal stories of its monks, inhabitants, pilgrims and visitors. Follow your guide on an orientation walk through the King’s Gate. Stroll down La Grande Rue, a steep cobblestone pathway that is lined with antique timber-framed houses. Then, ascend a series of staircases to arrive at the base of the abbey complex. Take in the panorama of medieval religious architecture and head to the terraces that offer splendid bay views. Continue past the columns in the crypts that support the church. See the giant wheel that was used to move supplies up and down the mountain and proceed to the Benedictine abbey. Visit the spaces dedicated to daily monastic life such as the refectory, cloister, scriptorium and chaplaincy. View the old fortifications, where knights defended the island during the Hundred Years War before the tour winds up and you head back. (Duration: full day; Time: 0830 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: 2-8 ppl; Transfers to Meeting Point not included; Starting point: Place de Quebec, Bayeux; Travel time to activity: 1.5 hrs; All entry fees are included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Not available on Sun; Please reach the meeting point 10 mins before departure time)

Visit two outstanding wine estates and discover the flavors of the region. From Tours, drive to Vouvray, a small town nestled on the Loire River that is renowned for its dry and sweet white wines. At a family-owned wine farm, discover the different production methods. Taste their range of wines and visit the troglodyte cellar where traditional-method wines made from Chenin Blanc grapes are produced. Then, hop back in the van and drive to a boutique winery along the riverfront. Here, meet local winegrowers who will share their expertise about the terroir. Learn about noble rot, a fungus that produces some of the world’s best dessert wines. Gain insight into the different steps in winemaking, including harvesting, fermentation, aging and bottling. Sample their dry, medium-dry and sparkling white wines with hints of green apple, pear, citrus and herbs to round off your tour. (Duration: half day; Seasonal: Apr-Oct; Time: 1400 hrs; Available on Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat; Shared activity; No transfers; Starting point: Tourist Office, Tours; Entry fees are not included; Wine tasting included; Fitness level: easy)

Discover various secrets of the French monarchy at the 15th century Château Royal d’Amboise, which majestically overlooks the Loire river. Soak up the picturesque location, perched on a spur. Marvel at its Gothic-style architecture and vestiges of the Renaissance Royal House. Take a tour of this former residence of the Valois and Bourbon dynasties of France, and a retreat for yesteryear master artists. Learn about their rich and interesting past, as your guide elaborates behind the scenes’ stories of royal families here, including political and artistic influences on French history. Get a glimpse of the royal lifestyle with the interactive Histopad digital experience. Next up, make your way through the maze of underground pathways, past the many rooms, along the ramparts and on the towers of the castle. Enjoy stunning views of Amboise and the Loire Valley beyond. Lastly, ambling about the terraced botanical gardens, take time to visit the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci at Saint-Hubert’s Chapel on site. (Duration: 1 hr; Time: On request; Private Activity; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).