First Baptist Church Greensboro - 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, Saturday June 12: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Sunday June 13: 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 Monet's garden, inspiration for so many of the artist's iconic works. Continue to your first hotel in time for a welcome dinner (B,D)

Day 3, Monday June 14: 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 and sing the National Anthem. Later rehearse for your first concert which could take place at the Eglise St Patrice church in Bayuex, together with the local choir, followed by a shared social event after the concert and dinner (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday June 15: Loire Valley

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the Loire Valley. En route visit the Plou & Fils winery, whose family history dates back to the early 1500s! Learn all about wine production: the adults in your party can even taste the fruits of their labors! 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, Wednesday June 16: 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 Chateau or Cathedral in the city of Blois itself, before a post-concert dinner together (B,D)

Day 6, Thursday June 17: Paris

After breakfast check out and depart towards Paris. Stop off in the city of Chartres and see the stunning cathedral with some of the best examples of stained glass in the western world. You may have the opportunity to give a recital in this wonderful space. Continue to Paris in time for a group dinner together (B,D)

Day 7, Friday June 18: Paris

Today after breakfast, a guided sightseeing tour shows you the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde and the bustling Champs-Élysées. 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 8, Saturday June 19: 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 9, Sunday June 20: Departure

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