Charlottesville High School - France

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Sunday June 18: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Monday June 19: Caen

Arrive in France and meet your tour manager. This morning's first journey takes you north of the capital towards Normandy, with our first stop today at the town of Giverny: here you'll be able to visit the famous artist Monet's garden, inspiration for so many of his iconic works. Continue to your first hotel in time for a welcome dinner (B,D)

Day 3, Tuesday June 20: Caen

Spend the morning remembering not only a part of France's history, but a very important part of our own past when you visit the famous D-Day beaches in Normandy. Picture the chaos of June 6, 1944 at the bomb-scarred landscape of Pointe du Hoc then visit the the serene American War Cemetery in St. Laurent, overlooking Omaha Beach. You may have the opportunity to lay a wreath at the American Cemetery. Later rehearse for your first concert which could take place at the Eglise St Patrice church in Bayuex, followed by dinner together (B,D)

Day 4, Wednesday June 21: Loire Valley

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the Loire Valley. En route visit the city of Le Mans, home to the most famous long distance car race of all time. Continue to the city of Blois directly on the mighty Loire river and check in to your hotel in time for dinner (B,D)

Day 5, Thursday June 22: Loire Valley

Experience the beauty of the Loire Valley today on a panoramic tour of the region. Visit Chenonceau, the château of six women, built over the River Cher in an exquisite Renaissance design. See the château of Amboise, perched on a bluff above the Loire as you spend some free time exploring the town. This evening, perform the next concert of the tour at a local venue such as the Salles aux Grains in the city of Blois itself, before a post-concert dinner together (B,D)

Day 6, Friday June 23: Paris

After breakfast check out and depart towards Paris. On arrival a guided sightseeing tour shows you the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde and the bustling Champs-Élysées, before dinner in a Parisian restaurant (B,D)

Day 7, Saturday June 24: Paris

Today after breakfast, a guided sightseeing tour shows you the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde and the bustling Champs-Élysées, before a free afternoon and evening to explore the city and dinner in a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 8, Sunday June 25: Paris

This morning is yours to explore Paris, including a visit to the Paris Opera for a guided tour. Afterwards, enjoy some free time for lunch in the Latin Quarter. This afternoon, you will perform the final concert of the tour at a venue such as the beautiful Madeleine Church, where Gabriel Faure was once organist, as part of the regular weekday concert series. Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 9, Monday June 26: Paris

This morning you will drive to the beautiful town of Versailles to visit Louis XIV's magnificent palace at Versailles. With your audio guide, discover the palace interior, including the famous Hall of Mirrors. Return to Paris and enjoy spending some time in the colorful Montmartre district, including the Petit Train tourist train: simply enjoy the view from Sacre Coeur's front steps, or have your portrait painted while you wait by one of the many skilled street artists. Come together to celebrate your successful tour with a farewell dinner, followed by a night time cruise on the Seine as you bid farewell to the City of Light (B,D)

Day 10, Tuesday June 27: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)