Chateaux and Gardens of Paris

Thursday To Calais and we head south to our hotel in Saclay. We are met with a welcome drink on arrival. PLEASE NOTE: At the hotel there will be a 3-course meal with 2 options for main (plus 1 vegetarian option) and we will be asked for our options on the first night.

Friday We have a guided tour of the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, considered to be one of the most magnificent achievements of the 18th century. Highlights are the aweinspiring Hall of Mirrors and the astonishingly beautiful palatial grounds. Then into central Paris for a 70-minute ‘Cruise across the Capital’ on the River Seine.

Saturday Relax in the hotel this morning or take a short walk into the village before we enjoy lunch at our hotel. At 15:00 we depart to visit the quaint, medieval market town of Dourdan where we can witness firsthand its architectural heritage and rich past as a royal town. Then we arrive at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte at approx. 20:00 and we spend the evening exploring this magical estate by the flickering of more than 2000 candles. There is a restaurant on site (not included) and the night concludes at 23:00 with a gold and silver firework display.

Sunday A mid-morning departure to Monet’s country retreat in Giverny and we visit the impressionist’s charming pink house and iconic gardens where we can admire the Japanese bridge and famous waterlily pond. We then spend time in nearby Vernon, with over 200 half-timbered houses, cobbled paths, mill and castle.

Monday We return to Calais and home.

Holiday Inclusions:

• Return coach travel
• Home pickup & drop off service (see here for details.)
• Tours as indicated (Inc. Versailles, cruise, Vaux le Vicomte and Monet’s Garden)
• Channel crossings
• Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast, three evening meals and one lunch