Encore Experiences Tour of 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, Friday March 20: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Saturday March 21: Paris

Welcome to Paris! Known as the “City of Light” for its role as a center of education and culture during the Enlightenment. Upon arrival, check into your 4*, centrally located hotel, and enjoy a special welcome dinner together. Then take a walk around Montmartre. This cultural and artistic district is worth the visit for the bustling energy of the artists. (D)

Day 3, Sunday March 22: Paris

Today travel to Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles. Your visit includes the Galeries des Glaces, as well as the King's Apartments. In the afternoon, attend a performance of Faust at the magnificent Opéra Royal de Versailles! Commissioned by King Louis XV, this theater opened in 1770 for the wedding celebrations of the future King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. (B)

Day 4, Monday March 23: Paris

In the afternoon, enjoy a special guided tour of the elegant Opéra-Comique for a guided exploration of this historic Parisian opera house. Discover the beautifully restored Salle Favart and learn about the uniquely French opéra comique tradition, blending music and spoken dialogue and hear stories of famed premieres by composers such as Georges Bizet and Claude Debussy. The rest of the day is yours to explore Paris at your own pace and have dinner on your own. (B)

Day 5, Tuesday March 24: Loire Valley

Depart this morning for the breathtaking Loire Valley, home to France’s most iconic châteaux—where you'll be staying! Upon arrival, embark on a guided walking tour with your Tour Manager, offering fascinating insights into the region’s rich history and charm. In the evening, enjoy dinner on your own. (B)

Day 6, Wednesday March 25: Loire Valley

Today visit Chenonceau, the château of six women, built over the River Cher in an exquisite Renaissance design. It features a moat, drawbridge, towers and turrets—and great stories about resistance to the Nazi army. Enjoy time for lunch in Amboise, then stop for a visit of the mighty Chambord, the sprawling creation commissioned by François I, towering over its deer-filled park. Tonight enjoy dinner on your own. (B)

Day 7, Thursday March 26: Bordeaux

This morning, depart for Bordeaux. Much of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site—revitalized, graceful and a fine example of urban planning, which you'll discover as your Tour Manager gives you a walking orientation upon arrival. See its historic center and the miroir d'eau, the world's largest reflecting pool. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening. (B)

Day 8, Friday March 27: Bordeaux

Today enjoy a visit of the Cité du Vin - a new generation museum where wine comes to life through an immersive, sensorial approach, all set within an evocative architectural design. (B)

Day 9, Saturday March 28: Paris

This morning, board the high-speed TGV for your return to Paris. The rest of the day is yours to perhaps explore one of the many world-class museums, or sample the best of French pastries whilst meandering along the Seine. Tonight, enjoy dinner together to celebrate your successful Encore Experience tour of France! (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday March 29: Departure

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