California Youth Symphony - 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 21: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Monday June 22: Paris

Arrive in the City of Light this morning and meet your tour manager. Check-in to your hotel and participate in your arrival briefing before a short orientation tour of the locality with your tour manager. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner as a group. (D)

Day 3, Tuesday June 23: Paris

This morning, enjoy a guided morning sightseeing tour of the Paris highlights including the Ile de la Cite, Notre Dame, the River Seine, the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, Les Invalides and much much more!. This afternoon rehearse for your first performance before an early dinner. Tonight your concert will be iin a classic Parisian venue such as the Madeleine Church (B,D)

Day 4, Wednesday June 24: Paris

After breakfast, pay a visit to the Louvre where you will discover the many famous masterpieces that call this museum home including the iconic Mona Lisa. This afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Seine, followed by dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 5, Thursday June 25: Loire Valley

After breakfast check out of your hotel, and depart Paris for the amazing Palace of Versailles. Your visit includes the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and the breathtaking surroundings. In the afternoon, continue to Chartres Cathedral, famous for its precious stained-glass windows, before today's final stop at your Loiire Valley hotel for dinner. (B,D)

Day 6, Friday June 26: Loire Valley

You will experience the wonder of the Loire Valley today with your tour manager. Included are visits to the chateaux of Chenonceau and Chambord! Your next performance will be today at a local venue such as the Cathedral de Blois. Dinner will be together tonight. (B,D)

Day 7, Saturday June 27: Lyon

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and make the lengthy journey across to Lyon today. On arrival in Lyon, check into the hotel and freshen up before heading out with your tour manager for dinner together. (B,D)

Day 8, Sunday June 28: Lyon

After breakfast, you will have a morning walking tour Lyon, a historical city with many influences and now recognized as a culinary center of France! Entrance is included to the Roman amphitheater. This afternoon travel to nearby Macon to perform as part of their prestigious international summer festival. Dinner will be together this evening. (B,D)

Day 9, Monday June 29: Lyon

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning to explore this beautiful city at the confluence of the Rivers Rhone and Saone. This afternoon, rehearse for tonight's finale performance in a venue such as the Grand Auditorium in collaboration with a local conservatoire (subject to availability of host ensemble). After the concert enjoy a reception to socialise with your hosts to celebrate your successful tour! (B,D)

Day 10, Tuesday June 30: Departure

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