Memories of France and Charms of the Netherlands
Paris
13 days
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Itinerary
- Arrival in Paris and shared transfer from the airport or train station to the tour hotel. Bed and breakfast at Moxy Paris La Villette, Mercure Paris La Défense, or similar.
- Breakfast and half-day panoramic tour of the city's main points of interest. Paris, the capital of France and known as the City of Light, is a vibrant metropolis combining history, art, and elegance. The tour will introduce the city's key role in events such as the French Revolution, which began in 1789, as well as its splendor during the Belle Époque, a period when Paris consolidated itself as one of Europe's major cultural and artistic centers. The panoramic drive will showcase some of the capital's most iconic symbols, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe, reflecting its historical and architectural evolution. It will also cover how major urban projects and world's fairs shaped the modern image of the city. After the visit, free time to enjoy Paris at your own pace, stroll through characterful neighborhoods like Montmartre, walk along the banks of the Seine, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere of the French capital. Bed and breakfast at Moxy Paris La Villette, Mercure Paris La Défense, or similar.
- Breakfast and departure for Rouen, one of Normandy's most charming medieval cities. We will take a walking tour of its historic center. During the walk, we will discover the Church of Saint-Maclou, an outstanding example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, and walk near the Joan of Arc Historical Museum, located where her trial took place. We will continue toward the famous Gros-Horloge street, one of the city's symbols, until we reach the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Rouen, immortalized in Claude Monet's famous painting series. The tour ends at the Old Market Square, the historic site of Joan of Arc's execution in 1431. Free time for lunch. We will then continue toward the Norman coast to reach Étretat, one of France's most iconic natural landscapes. We will walk down to the beach area, from where you can admire the spectacular white chalk cliffs rising over the English Channel. Among the most notable formations are the Porte d’Aval and the Aiguille, which inspired artists like Monet and Courbet. In the afternoon, we will proceed to Le Havre, a historically significant port city entirely rebuilt after World War II and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique modern urban planning. Bed and breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn Le Havre Centre or similar.
- After breakfast, we will depart for Mont Saint-Michel, one of France's most fascinating sights. This rocky islet, crowned by its medieval abbey, has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for centuries. Admission to the abbey is included, allowing you to discover its monumental architecture and enjoy the views from this unique enclave, whose landscape changes constantly with the rhythm of the tides. We will walk along its cobblestone streets and absorb the atmosphere. We will then continue to Rennes, the capital of the Brittany region. Upon arrival, we will take a walking tour of the historic center, starting around the Church of Saint-Melaine and strolling through some of the city's most characteristic streets until reaching the Parliament of Brittany Square, one of the region's most representative civic buildings. Free time to walk around and enjoy the local atmosphere. In the afternoon, we will head to Nantes, a city historically linked to the Dukes of Brittany and Atlantic trade. Upon arrival, we will take a panoramic tour to view some of its main monuments, such as the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul and the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, which can be admired from the outside. This first introduction will showcase the dynamic and cultural character of the city, which combines its historic past with remarkable urban renewal. Bed and breakfast at the Novotel Nantes Centre Bord de Loire or similar.
- After breakfast, we will start the day by visiting the area of Les Machines de l’Île, one of Nantes' most unique spaces. This urban area, inspired by the creative imagination of Jules Verne, allows you to view some of its impressive mechanical structures from the outside, walk around, and take photos. Next, we will depart for La Rochelle, a charming coastal city with an outstanding maritime heritage. Upon arrival, we will walk through the Old Port area, where iconic medieval towers still guard the harbor entrance as witnesses to its naval past. Free time for lunch and to enjoy the lively port atmosphere with sea views. You can admire the La Rochelle Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe, from the outside. In the afternoon, we will continue to Bordeaux, the elegant capital of the Aquitaine region, renowned for its refined architecture and close ties to the wine world. Upon arrival, we will take a panoramic tour and walking route through some of its most iconic spaces, such as the Place des Quinconces, the Place de la Bourse with its famous Water Mirror, and the area around the Grand Théâtre, a jewel of French Neoclassicism. We will finish the walk in the historic center, which exudes the city's stately and vibrant character. Bed and breakfast at the Novotel Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint-Jean or similar.
- After breakfast, you will have some free time for last-minute shopping in Bordeaux before continuing the journey. We will leave the city and head toward Poitiers, driving through pleasant landscapes of the French interior. Upon arrival, we will walk through the historic center, passing the area of the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre and reaching the Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande, one of the most prominent examples of French Romanesque art, viewable from the outside. This stop offers a good opportunity to enjoy the urban atmosphere before resuming the route. In the afternoon, we will proceed to Tours, a city located on the banks of the Loire River and known as the gateway to the Loire Valley. Upon arrival, we will take a walking tour of the center, starting near the Basilica of Saint Martin and walking through the old town streets until reaching the lively Place Plumereau, famous for its half-timbered houses and vibrant atmosphere. This tour provides a first introduction to the historic and welcoming character of the city. After the visit, transfer to the hotel and rest of the afternoon free. Bed and breakfast at the Hampton by Hilton Tours Centre, Mercure Tours Centre, or similar.
- After breakfast, we will depart for the spectacular Château de Chambord, one of the most iconic jewels of the Loire Valley. Built in the 16th century by order of King Francis I, this majestic castle is a masterpiece of the French Renaissance, famous for its monumental design and unique double-helix staircase, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. With your admission ticket, you will have time to freely tour its halls, galleries, and terraces, which offer wide views of the extensive surrounding park. We will continue to Orléans, a historic city on the banks of the Loire River closely linked to Joan of Arc, who led the liberation of the city here in 1429. Upon arrival, we will take a walking tour of the historic center, strolling through its most representative streets and seeing places connected to the French heroine. The walk will lead us to the Place du Martroi, presided over by her equestrian statue, and will continue along the city's historic axis to the Holy Cross Cathedral, whose stained glass windows depict episodes from her life. After the tour, free time to walk around and have lunch on your own, enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of the city. In the afternoon, we will return to Paris, where you can enjoy your last night in the French capital. Bed and breakfast at Moxy Paris La Villette, Mercure Paris La Défense, or similar.
- After breakfast, we will say goodbye to Paris to journey toward Brussels, arriving directly in the heart of the city. During the drive, you can clearly appreciate the transition from Paris's urban environment to the rural areas of northern France, with wide fields, until reaching Belgium and the more urban surroundings of Brussels. Upon arrival in Brussels, the country's capital and home to important European institutions, you will have free time for a first introduction to the city and to begin enjoying its atmosphere. Bed and breakfast at the Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre, Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, or similar establishments.
- After breakfast, we will begin a tour of Brussels, exploring some of its most iconic sights. The panoramic drive will include the European Union institutions district, the Cinquantenaire Park, and the Atomium—an icon of the 1958 World's Fair and one of the city's greatest symbols. We will also see the imposing Palace of Justice, one of Brussels' most monumental buildings, and continue to the elegant Grand Sablon Square, surrounded by historic buildings and sophisticated cafes. We will walk to see the famous Manneken Pis statue, one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. The tour will ultimately lead us to the spectacular Grand Place, the historic heart of Brussels, where we can admire the extraordinary architecture of its guild houses and soak up the atmosphere. In the afternoon, we will have free time to continue discovering the city at our own pace. Bed and breakfast at the Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre, Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, or similar.
- After breakfast, we will head to Ghent, Belgium's third-largest city and one of its most prominent historic centers. Ghent is home to the impressive St. Bavo's Cathedral, a symbol of the city that houses the famous masterpiece The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers. We will also see the Graslei (Grass Quay), an old port area that retains the charm of the medieval guilds that marked the city's commercial golden age. A key city in the Middle Ages, Ghent was one of Europe's main commercial hubs thanks to its textile industry and canal network. We will have free time for lunch in Ghent, and in the afternoon, we will continue to Bruges, known as the Venice of the North and considered one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. We will walk along its cobblestone streets, pass the Basilica of the Holy Blood, visit the Market Square, and admire its picturesque canals. In the evening, you can enjoy the local cuisine and sample some typical Belgian chocolate specialties. Bed and breakfast at the Novotel Bruges Centrum or similar.
- After breakfast, we will leave Bruges and head toward Antwerp, known as the Diamond City because a massive portion of the world's uncut diamonds passes through its markets. We will make a short stop at the Grote Markt, the city's central square, surrounded by guild halls and dominated by the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady, a symbol of Antwerp's historic splendor. This brief visit will allow you to get a taste of its lively urban atmosphere and commercial heritage. Next, we will continue to The Hague, the third most populous city in the Netherlands and the seat of government and parliament. We will take a brief panoramic tour, seeing highlights like the Binnenhof, the Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court, reflecting the city's role as an international legal and political center. After this visit, we will continue until we reach Amsterdam. Bed and breakfast at the Leonardo Royal Amsterdam, Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam (Arena Boulevard), or similar.
- We will begin the day with a tour of Amsterdam, one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands. We will start our walking tour of the historic center in the Amsterdam Centraal Station area, where we will admire Dam Square—the city's nerve center—with the majestic 17th-century Royal Palace as a backdrop. We will also visit the Flower Market, famous for its colorful stalls and its well-known tradition linked to tulips. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a cruise along Amsterdam's iconic canals, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from where you can appreciate its gabled houses, historic bridges, and vibrant urban life. After the cruise, we will have free time to explore the city at our own pace. We recommend visiting one of its famous museums or strolling through its historic neighborhoods. Bed and breakfast at the Leonardo Royal Amsterdam, Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam (Arena Boulevard), or similar.
- Free day in Amsterdam until the time for your transfer from the hotel to the airport. End of services.
Included
- Accommodation: 12 nights on a bed and breakfast basis in the mentioned hotels or similar.
- Transfers: Arrival transfers between the airport and the hotel in Paris. Necessary transfers for the Paris – Brussels journey. Paris – Brussels journey by train in standard class (tourist category). Departure transfer from the tour hotel to Amsterdam airport.
- Admissions and Activities: Admission to the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey and the Château de Chambord. Amsterdam canal cruise (approximate duration: 75 minutes).
- Panoramic Tours: Paris, Nantes, Brussels, and The Hague. Walking Tours: Rouen, Rennes, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Poitiers, Tours, Orléans, Ghent, Bruges, and Amsterdam.
Not included
- Porters: Porter service is not included in the package price; each passenger must handle and transport their own luggage.
Important Notes
- City Tax: The cities included in this itinerary may apply a local tourist tax, intended for the improvement of infrastructure and services at each destination. This amount is already included in the total price of the tour and does not need to be paid additionally at the destination.
