Journeys: Paris & Normandy Highlights
8 days, Paris to Paris
Itinerary
Day 1Paris
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
We recommended arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city. The "City of Lights" is unlike any other place on earth. Known for its glorious monuments, museums, and markets, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, Montmartre to the Marais, Paris has something for everyone. Discover for yourself Paris’ “je ne sais quoi.”
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Musée Rodin Visit
12EUR per personSpend some time at The August Rodin Museum, one of Paris' most enjoyable museums. With famous sculptures on display like the Burghers of Calais, The Gates of Hell, The Hand of God, The Kiss and The Thinker, you can wander through this former mansion, marvelling at the architecture as well as Rodin's best work.
Eiffel Tower Visit
16EUR per personVisit the most famous landmark in France, the Eiffel Tower. Opt to climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top for a stunning view over the city. Hang out at dusk and watch the tower light up.
Walk Along the Seine River
FreeStroll like a Parisian along the Seine. There are almost 40 bridges that cross over the river within Paris alone, if something on the right bank catches your eye, just cross over to explore. Stop to relax on the banks or bring a picnic.
Monet's Giverny Gardens
10.20EUR per personIn the town of Giverny, visit Claude Monet's residence and the famous gardens that made "plein air" painting a defining characteristic of the Impressionist art movement. Monet spent the last 40 years of his life in Giverny, bringing landscapes and everyday scenes to life with bright colours and balanced compositions, best depicted in paintings of water lillies and his Japanese-inspired garden through the seasons.
The Louvre Visit
12-16EUR per personExamine the massive collection at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and the Winged Venus. While it might take a lifetime to view everything in the museum, one of the largest in the world, make the most of the time you have and try to spend at least a few hours wandering around.
Sacre Coeur Visit
FreeVisit the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, located in the Montmartre neighbourhood. This Roman Catholic church was completed in 1914 and stands on the highest point of the city. Climb up 200 stairs to reach the dome of the basilica to get an amazing view of the Paris skyline.
Luxembourg Garden Visit
FreeStroll through the Luxembourg Garden, or Jardin du Luxembourg, built in the early 1600s outside the Luxembourg Palace. The garden is known for expansive lawns, flowers and tree-lined promenade, topped off with a Medici Fountain.
Champs-Élysées Visit
FreeWander past high end retail shops, cafés and theatres before reaching the famous Arc de Triomphe.
Palace of Versailles Visit
18EUR per personVenture just outside the city of Paris to the sprawling yet elegant Palace of Versailles, which served as King Louis XIV's royal residence leading up to the French Revolution. Visit the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and the celebrated Gardens of Versailles, while immersing yourself in the history, art and architecture of 17th century France. Plan to spend a few hours touring the palace; we recommend pre-purchasing your entrance ticket online.
Musée d'Orsay Visit
11EUR per personTour through The Musée d'Orsay, a must-see museum in Paris. Housed in a former train station, the beautiful building is the perfect setting to display some of the world's most revered Impressionist art. Wander from room to room in awe at the works on display by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Gauguin. Marvel at Degas' ballerinas and Van Gogh's swirling colours.
Napoleon's Tomb - Les Invalides Army Museum
12EUR per personThe Musée de l'Armée houses one of the world's largest collections of military art, armour and weaponry from the 17th to 19th century. Wander through the museum's vast collection of French cannons, artillery and relics, before making your way to the Napoleon I's tomb in the Dôme des Invalides.
Day 2Paris/Bayeux
Depart for Giverny to visit Claude Monet's garden, inspiration for the artist's water lily series and named as one of National Geographic's "top 10 most magnificent gardens in the world." Continue on to the pretty port town of Honfleur for a walk with our CEO and some free time. Arrive this evening in Bayeux and enjoy a dinner at a local crêperie.
Depart Paris for Upper Normandy and the quaint village of Giverny. Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked here from 1883 until his death in 1926. Monet felt that his flower and water gardens here were his greatest works of art and to this day, they are meticulously maintained. These served as inspiration for his celebrated water-lily series and have been named by National Geographic as one of the "10 most magnificent gardens in the world."
Honfleur sits on the estuary where the River Seine meets the English Channel and is considered one of the prettiest port towns in France. Its quaint harbour and historic buildings have always been a draw for artists, including Monet.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Claude Monet's Gardens
Enjoy a visit and walk through Claude Monet's Garden, inspiration for the artist's water-lily series and named as one of National Geographic's "top 10 most magnificent gardens in the world."
Free Time
Enjoy free time for a walk and lunch in this pretty seaside Village.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 3Bayeux
This morning, we immerse ourselves in WWII history with a local, accredited expert. Begin with a lecture on the Allied invasion and visit a museum to view and handle WWII relics including vintage weapons, uniforms, and maps. Then board a WWII transport vehicle to visit Secqueville-en-Bessin War Cemetery to learn about the significance of poppies — the ultimate emblem of military sacrifice. This afternoon, continue exploring with our CEO, visiting Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American cemetery and memorial.
Take in scenes of the D-Day landing which had a pivotal role in the history of the world. Visit the moving memorials and beaches and learn about the impact this event had on the direction of the Second World War. The Battle of Normandy Historical Area is considered an open-air museum and includes all the sites, museums and memorials associated with D-Day and the invasion. Old army bunkers and war relics still exist along the five beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, while museums and memorials throughout the region stand as forceful reminders of this decisive period of WWII. Nearly 30 cemeteries (including American, British, Canadian, French, German and Polish) hold the remains of almost 100,000 young soldiers who never returned from their service in Normandy. Today these memorials offer quiet space for personal reflection for every visitor, young or old, regardless of nationality.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: D-Day Historical Experience
Here’s a day designed for those who can’t get enough of WWII history. In the Norman town of Bayeux, meet a recognized war historian who will lead a lecture about the Allied invasion and how it continues to shape this region in Northwest France. Visit a hands-on museum to view and touch relics such as weapons, uniforms, vehicles, and maps. Then board an authentic WWII transport to travel to the British War Cemetery at Secqueville-en-Bessin to walk the grounds and learn about the ultimate emblem of supreme sacrifice in war, the poppy.
D-Day Beaches & Memorials
With our CEO, visit some of the key landmarks from D-Day which can include; Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American cemetery and memorial.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Bayeux
Today, enjoy an excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel, an island commune off the coast of Normandy. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval fortress is considered one of the most stunning and imposing sites in Europe with origins dating back to the 6th century. Take an orientation walk with our CEO then enjoy free time to explore. Opt to visit the abbey, monastery, or museums, or wander the winding lanes and cobblestone streets.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel
Visit Mont-Saint-Michel a UNESCO World Heritage site. This medieval fortress is considered one of the most imposing sites in Europe, with origins dating back to the 8th century. After an orientation with our CEO, enjoy free time to wander the winding streets and ally's or climb up to visit the Abbey church.
Free Time
Explore the cobblestone streets of this medieval fortress town.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Bayeux
Enjoy a free day to explore Bayeux and its medieval centre. Wander its quaint streets to visit shops and cafés then opt to visit the cathedral and the famed Bayeux Tapestry.
Please note the Bayeux Tapestry will be closed for 18 months for renovations beginning September 2025.
Free Time
Explore the cobblestone streets of this medieval town.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Bayeux Tapestry
9.50EUR per personDepicting over 50 scenes, the Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidery, 230 feet long, made in the 11th century. The scenes tell the tale of the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy. This stunning linen canvas was thought to be embroidered by monks in the south of England after the Battle of Hastings in October, 1066.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Bayeux/Paris
Depart for the river port city of Rouen where we take an orientation walk with our CEO and enjoy some free time. Continue back to Paris for some free time to explore the City of Lights.
Rouen was an important city in the Roman era and Middle Ages, showcased by its historical (and beautiful) centre of Gothic churches and medieval half-timbered houses. it is most notable as the place where Joan of Arc was tried for heresy.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Take an orientation walk with our CEO and enjoy some free time to visits shops or have lunch.
Free Time
Beautiful Paris, the "City of Lights", is the capital of France and famous the world over for its magnificent architecture, glorious monuments, fine museums, and romantic ambiance. Check out L'Arc de Triomphe, Champs d'Elysees, Musée du Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Centre Georges Pompidou, Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Paris, and Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The most iconic sight is, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Take long walks on the famous "ponts de Paris" (bridges) and enjoy some fine French food.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Paris
Enjoy a morning walk with our CEO in the medieval centre of Paris; the Île de la Cité. Opt to visit inside Notre Dame, and the Sainte-Chapelle. Afterward, take advantage of free time to explore the city.
This afternoon, you are free to explore on your own to discover the “je ne sais quoi” of this stunning city. Opt to visit the Eiffel Tower, explore the city's outstanding museums and churches, float down the River Seine on a cruise, or simply people-watch.
Free Time
Being the art, fashion, and gastronomy centre of France, there is no shortage of things to do and see.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
The Louvre Visit
12-16EUR per personExamine the massive collection at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and the Winged Venus. While it might take a lifetime to view everything in the museum, one of the largest in the world, make the most of the time you have and try to spend at least a few hours wandering around.
Musée d'Orsay Visit
11EUR per personTour through The Musée d'Orsay, a must-see museum in Paris. Housed in a former train station, the beautiful building is the perfect setting to display some of the world's most revered Impressionist art. Wander from room to room in awe at the works on display by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Gauguin. Marvel at Degas' ballerinas and Van Gogh's swirling colours.
Eiffel Tower Visit
16EUR per personVisit the most famous landmark in France, the Eiffel Tower. Opt to climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top for a stunning view over the city. Hang out at dusk and watch the tower light up.
Champs-Élysées Visit
FreeWander past high end retail shops, cafés and theatres before reaching the famous Arc de Triomphe.
Musée Rodin Visit
12EUR per personSpend some time at The August Rodin Museum, one of Paris' most enjoyable museums. With famous sculptures on display like the Burghers of Calais, The Gates of Hell, The Hand of God, The Kiss and The Thinker, you can wander through this former mansion, marvelling at the architecture as well as Rodin's best work.
Sacre Coeur Visit
FreeVisit the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, located in the Montmartre neighbourhood. This Roman Catholic church was completed in 1914 and stands on the highest point of the city. Climb up 200 stairs to reach the dome of the basilica to get an amazing view of the Paris skyline.
Palace of Versailles Visit
18EUR per personVenture just outside the city of Paris to the sprawling yet elegant Palace of Versailles, which served as King Louis XIV's royal residence leading up to the French Revolution. Visit the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and the celebrated Gardens of Versailles, while immersing yourself in the history, art and architecture of 17th century France. Plan to spend a few hours touring the palace; we recommend pre-purchasing your entrance ticket online.
Monet's Giverny Gardens
10.20EUR per personIn the town of Giverny, visit Claude Monet's residence and the famous gardens that made "plein air" painting a defining characteristic of the Impressionist art movement. Monet spent the last 40 years of his life in Giverny, bringing landscapes and everyday scenes to life with bright colours and balanced compositions, best depicted in paintings of water lillies and his Japanese-inspired garden through the seasons.
Napoleon's Tomb - Les Invalides Army Museum
12EUR per personThe Musée de l'Armée houses one of the world's largest collections of military art, armour and weaponry from the 17th to 19th century. Wander through the museum's vast collection of French cannons, artillery and relics, before making your way to the Napoleon I's tomb in the Dôme des Invalides.
Moulin Rouge Dinner & Show
175-185EUR per personStep into the Moulin Rouge and experience a night in Paris you'll never forget. Opened in 1889, this world-famous cabaret continues to bring some of the world's best performers to its stage, with nightly shows that feature over 60 dancers in feather- and rhinestone-studded costumes dancing to the French "can-can". We recommend reserving tickets in advance for the dinner and show.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Paris
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Eiffel Tower Visit
16EUR per personVisit the most famous landmark in France, the Eiffel Tower. Opt to climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top for a stunning view over the city. Hang out at dusk and watch the tower light up.
The Louvre Visit
12-16EUR per personExamine the massive collection at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and the Winged Venus. While it might take a lifetime to view everything in the museum, one of the largest in the world, make the most of the time you have and try to spend at least a few hours wandering around.
Musée d'Orsay Visit
11EUR per personTour through The Musée d'Orsay, a must-see museum in Paris. Housed in a former train station, the beautiful building is the perfect setting to display some of the world's most revered Impressionist art. Wander from room to room in awe at the works on display by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Gauguin. Marvel at Degas' ballerinas and Van Gogh's swirling colours.
Sacre Coeur Visit
FreeVisit the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, located in the Montmartre neighbourhood. This Roman Catholic church was completed in 1914 and stands on the highest point of the city. Climb up 200 stairs to reach the dome of the basilica to get an amazing view of the Paris skyline.
Musée Rodin Visit
12EUR per personSpend some time at The August Rodin Museum, one of Paris' most enjoyable museums. With famous sculptures on display like the Burghers of Calais, The Gates of Hell, The Hand of God, The Kiss and The Thinker, you can wander through this former mansion, marvelling at the architecture as well as Rodin's best work.
Palace of Versailles Visit
18EUR per personVenture just outside the city of Paris to the sprawling yet elegant Palace of Versailles, which served as King Louis XIV's royal residence leading up to the French Revolution. Visit the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and the celebrated Gardens of Versailles, while immersing yourself in the history, art and architecture of 17th century France. Plan to spend a few hours touring the palace; we recommend pre-purchasing your entrance ticket online.