121 Trips found for "valley of the flowers"

• Amsterdam: Cruise along the old waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
• Aalsmeer: The colossal Aalsmeer Flower Auction is the size of 200 football pitches and even has its own fire brigade, hairdresser and bicycle repairman! Over 30,000 species are featured, with 43 million flowers and 5 million plants are sold daily Monday to Friday. The most popular varieties are roses, tulips and chrysanthemums.
• Bruges: Visit the Market Square and famous belfry of the Market Hall with your Local Expert. See the Gothic town hall in Burg Square and the frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel.
• Giverny: Visit the fascinating house and gardens where Claude Monet, the Master of Impressionism, lived and worked from 1883 until his death in 1926. Revel in an oasis of color, both within the house and in the fragrant gardens.
• Chambord: The stunning Loire Valley is world-famous for its magnificent Chateaux, as well as beautiful landscapes and delicious wine. Visit two of the most famous Chateaux: Chenonceau Castle, and Chateau de Chambord, and be transported back in time as you explore them and their gardens.
• Versailles: Visit the Château de Versailles, one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th century French art. This former royal residence is world renowned for its architecture, grandeur and extravagant gardens.
• Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
• London: Experience the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show, an inspiring and enjoyable showcase of fabulous floral displays and cutting-edge garden design. Immerse yourself in colour and ingenuity as you enjoy the very best show gardens, flowers, and gardening from around the world.
• Monnickendam: Journey through the polder landscape to visit Monnickendam. Along the way, visit a rustic cheese workshop to learn the secrets of the dairy industry and witness the ancient art of clog making.

• Your Parisian rhapsody... flows through the heart of the city of l'amour
• meanders through painted landscapes and flowers with romance in seaside villages and exquisite gardens along the Seine...

  Impressions of France... rendered on canvas within famed art or quickly captured by street artists in Montmartre

• gilded into a golden palace at Versailles
• indulged during a château dinner
• distilled into apple brandy and cider
• carved into a clifftop castle
• and floating in a Water Garden... linger long after you return home. Follow the Seine to coastal Normandy on a 10-day journey that's sure to impress. Discover the art of Paris before a 7-night cruise to Rouen
• Honfleur and Giverny
• immortalized by Impressionist artists. Visit D-Day beaches
• sample Calvados where it is made
• dine at a private château and more before returning to Paris via riverboat.

• Want to stay longer? You can extend this trip up to a total of 9 days!

• Along the River Seine to the coast of Normandy and back features art and daily life in Paris
• stops in historic
• small villages and towns
• and a memorable visit to the beaches of Normandy.

  Unique experiences include a Tauck Exclusive evening at Château du Taillis

• a palatial private residence in Normandy
• where guests will enjoy a reception
• dinner
• music
• and a tour of the château's small museum of World War II artifacts; and a private early-opening guided visit to the home and gardens of the painter Claude Monet at Giverny
• where he painted many masterpieces
• followed by free time to explore the nearby Impressionist Museum as you please; and in Paris
• a choice of museum visit. Highlights include Versailles
• for guided visit inside Louis XIV's magnificent palace and gardens at Château de Versailles; Rouen
• where a walking tour includes visits to Cathédrale de Rouen and Joan of Arc Square with a local guide; the D-Day Beaches of Normandy
• with guided visits to Pont du Hoc
• Omaha Beach
• and the American Cemetery along with lunch at Chateau la Cheneviere; Les Andelys for a guided walking tour and a visit to Château Gaillard; and Tilly
• for cider and Calvados tastings and a Normandy farm tour.

• Along the River Seine to the coast of Normandy and back features art and daily life in Paris
• stops in historic
• small villages and towns
• and a memorable visit to the beaches of Normandy.

  Unique experiences include a Tauck Exclusive evening at Château du Taillis

• a palatial private residence in Normandy
• where guests will enjoy a reception
• dinner
• music
• and a tour of the château's small museum of World War II artifacts; and a private early-opening guided visit to the home and gardens of the painter Claude Monet at Giverny
• where he painted many masterpieces
• followed by free time to explore the nearby Impressionist Museum as you please; and in Paris
• a choice of museum visit. Highlights include Versailles
• for guided visit inside Louis XIV's magnificent palace and gardens at Château de Versailles; Rouen
• where a walking tour includes visits to Cathédrale de Rouen and Joan of Arc Square with a local guide; the D-Day Beaches of Normandy
• with guided visits to Pont du Hoc
• Omaha Beach
• and the American Cemetery along with lunch at Chateau la Cheneviere; Les Andelys for a guided walking tour and a visit to Château Gaillard; and Tilly
• for cider and Calvados tastings and a Normandy farm tour.

• Some of them first came to the south of France at the invitation of innkeepers
• wise men all
• who asked artists like Matisse
• Chagall and Picasso to spend the weekend as their guest and leave behind a painting or sculpture in exchange for a good meal and bed. Many
• like Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh
• stayed on
• leaving a legacy of painted memories that forever illuminate places like Nice
• Saint-Paul-de-Vence
• Aix and St-Rémy-de-Provence... Thankfully for us
• much of their work is available to us in museums from Provence to Paris to destinations the world over
• where moments in time are immortalized
• landscapes are honored for eternity and a week filled with culturally rich discoveries and artful treasures lingers long after you return home... For one week
• savor the bounty of Provençal life at tastings in wineries and olive orchards alive with local flavor... in architectural icons inspired by Romans
• poets and popes... and in joie de vivre of Paris
• aglow with glamour
• past and present. Begin in delightful Nice; explore glittering Monte-Carlo
• historic Avignon and Aix-en-Provence
• and see firsthand what inspired van Gogh in St-Rémy. Enjoy an adventurous walk on the Pont du Gard; a locally guided visit inside Avignon's fortress-like Palais des Papes; and a high-speed rail journey to Paris for a three-night stay highlighted by a River Seine luncheon cruise and more in the storied French capital.

• Explore all things français along the River Seine on a remarkable family river cruise through northern France... walk through the gardens of Giverny
• inspiration for many Claude Monet paintings… time travel along the beaches of Normandy for a deeper understanding of World War II and events that affected generations
• past and present… Your cruise begins in Paris with either a guided walking tour or a guided bicycle ride along the Seine. In artist Claude Monet's Giverny go inside his house and discover the inspiration for his garden paintings. Hike up to Château Gaillard of Richard the Lionheart fame in Les Andelys or take a walk in a village steeped in history and country charm. All generations of your family share poignant memories exploring the beaches of Normandy
• touring the American Cemetery and visiting the D-Day Academy where a hands-on visit takes you back to the year 1944 and the D-Day Invasion. In Rouen you'll see historic sites immortalized by Joan of Arc
• and take a 3-D tour of the city's Roman period. Your family goes inside Louis XIV's gilded palace Château de Versailles to see how the royals lived
• then take a walk through the gardens or a bicycle tour including Marie Antoinette's farm.

• Explore all things français along the River Seine on a remarkable family river cruise through northern France... walk through the gardens of Giverny
• inspiration for many Claude Monet paintings… time travel along the beaches of Normandy for a deeper understanding of World War II and events that affected generations
• past and present… Your cruise begins in Paris with either a guided walking tour or a guided bicycle ride along the Seine. In artist Claude Monet's Giverny go inside his house and discover the inspiration for his garden paintings. Hike up to Château Gaillard of Richard the Lionheart fame in Les Andelys or take a walk in a village steeped in history and country charm. All generations of your family share poignant memories exploring the beaches of Normandy
• touring the American Cemetery and visiting the D-Day Academy where a hands-on visit takes you back to the year 1944 and the D-Day Invasion. In Rouen you'll see historic sites immortalized by Joan of Arc
• and take a 3-D tour of the city's Roman period. Your family goes inside Louis XIV's gilded palace Château de Versailles to see how the royals lived
• then take a walk through the gardens or a bicycle tour including Marie Antoinette's farm.

• 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
• 7 Breakfast (B)
• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Bayeux: Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England.
• Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay.
• : Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
• : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
• : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
• : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
• : Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
• : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
• : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
• Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a delightful Welcome Dinner, served with wine.
• Saumur: Fun and informative, discuss the grape varieties and local terroir while sampling wines of the Loire Valley.
• Chateau de Rochecotte: Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table Celebration Dinner, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Loire Valley: Discover the sustainable gardens of Château de Villandry. In the scenic Loire Valley, explore France’s finest formal gardens. Now a hub for sustainability preserving the estate's biological diversity, learn all about the a sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages, and purple basil, all grown organically to re-generate the local ecosystem. Their aim is to preserve a remarkable garden, maintained with meticulous care, while incorporating maintenance work into a balanced ecosystem. They have partnered with a local university to bring biodiversity back into the gardens.  Villandry Gardens advance UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land.
• Rouen: See the cathedral, the Great Clock, the Old Market square and Place du Vieux-Marché where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.
• Honfleur: See this charming fishing town.
• Omaha Beach: Follow the route of the Rangers, visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial.
• Omaha Beach: With a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent.
• Bayeux: Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England.
• Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay.
• Mont-Saint-Michel: Savour your first sight of the fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel. Cross the causeway for a guided tour with your Local Expert through the maze of halls and vaults of the abbey.
• Saint-Malo: Your Local Expert guides you trough the intertwined streets of the walled city to arrive at the cathedral. Later enjoy the chance to walk along the fortifications and explore the cities nightlife at your leisure.
• Angers: Enjoy exploring the western gateway to the Loire Valley in the little town of Angers and see its imposing chateau.
• Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau: During your visit to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, your Local Expert will show you the subtle blend of French tradition and innovative Italian decor within this 16th century icon of the Loire Valley.
• : "Paris is truly a delight to all the senses – seeing the iconic architecture, hearing about the history, smelling the wonderful bakeries and tasting the local specialties during our foodie walk."
• : "I love to see how guests react to Paris because, despite its fame, it still surprises. It’s a majestic city, which shines in the daytime and sparkles at night."
• : "I decided to become a Travel Director because I love the joy of discovery. When people see a place they've dreamed about, tasted something they've only read about, and hear the music and stories of a place they're exploring, we all share a joyful creation of lifelong memories."
• : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
• : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
• : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
• : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• ONLY WITH CROISIEUROPE: A luxury cruise on an authentic paddle riverboat
• EXTENDED STAY INCLUDED:
  • 1-night/2-day trip to the Châteaux of the Loire Valley
  • Accommodations at a 3- or 4-star hotel in Paris
  • Dinner in a typical French brasserie
  • Visit the Chambord and Chenonceau châteaux
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • A full-day excursion through the Loire-Château d'Ussé, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, and the gardens at the Château de Villandry
  • Only with CroisiEurope: Helicopter ride over the Loire Valley(2)
  • Tasting of wines* in the cellar of the Château de Brissac
  • Explore Nantes, and its secret courtyards and passages
  • The Saint-Nazaire shipyard, French excellence
  • The Muscadet Wine Route, regional vineyards

• Paris : Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the courtyard of Les InvalidesGIVERNY
• Normandy beaches: Visit Juno Beach Center and Park, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach with the Monument to the Braves, and the American Cemetery and MemorialBAYEUX
• Mont st. michel: Guided visit of the abbey
• ChÂteaubriant: Morning break
• Angers: Take pictures of the castleLOIRE VALLEY
• Civray de touraine: Wine tasting at the Père Auguste wine cellar
• Chartres: Visit the gothic cathedral
• This France tour is the perfect way to see the highlights of Paris plus Brittany, the Loire Valley, and the World War II landing beaches in Normandy in a short amount of time
• Beautiful scenery combined with famous landmarks, charming châteaux, and fascinating history sum up this tour—with overnights in Paris, elegant Deauville, Caen, Mont St

• Cycle along the Loire River, passing by classic quaint villages and the verdant countryside in the north west of France.
• You haven’t seen chateaux until you’ve seen the ones in France. Marvel at the Chateau de Chenonceau, which spans the banks of the Cher River, and the acclaimed Chateau de Villandry, among others.
• Discover the Loire's charm on a river cruise and toast the moment with a glass of exquisite local wine.
• Consider the option of visiting a chateau turned museum, showcasing Leonardo da Vinci’s designs and how he spent his final years of life in the nearby town of Amboise.
• Explore the vineyards of Vouvray, near Villandry, for an optional tasting, and discover why this region is known for its aged chenin blanc wines.
• Complete your cycling journey in the township of Angers, with its history dating back centuries, and buildings to suit.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

• 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
• 7 Breakfast (B)
• 2 Dinner (D)
• 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
• 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
• Le Mans: Walk among the wild hyacinths in the beautiful gardens of the 17th-century Chateau d'Eporce, during a Be My Guest lunch. Enjoy home-cooked dishes created by the resident culinary expert, Lydia.
• Bayeux: Explore the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry telling the story of Norman conquests and the Battle of Hastings so many centuries ago.
• Amboise: Learn all about the centuries-old tradition of wine trading originating from the troglo cave dwellings that have been at the heart of wine in the Touraine region since the 16th century.
• Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris on an orientation drive this evening.
• Honfleur: Admire the harbour town of Honfleur and its beautiful colourful storefronts.
• Normandy Beaches: Spend the morning visiting the American Rangers Memorial and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on D-Day Landing Beach.
• Omaha Beach: Join an emotive journey tracing the story of the D-Day landings and visit Omaha Beach.
• Mont-Saint-Michel: Savour your first sight of the fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel and cross the causeway to explore the tidal island town.
• Amboise: Visit the Amboise Royal Château with your Local Specialist where you will see the home of Leonardo da Vinci's tomb.
• Chateau Chenonceau: Visit Château de Chenonceau or commonly known as 'Ladies Castle' which got its name from the many women who influenced its construction.
• Chartres: Bask in the beautiful religious architecture from the 13th century as you explore the town of Chartres.
• : Explore Mont-Saint-Michel and Châteaux of the Loire Valley with a Local Specialist
• : Discover Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, Bayeux and the Loire Valley
• : Visit the Bayeux Tapestry, the Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches of Omaha and Juno, the monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel, the Châteaux of Amboise and Chenonceau and Chartres cathedral
• : View the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
• : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• : Optional Experiences and free time

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED: 
• EXCLUSIVE TO CROISIEUROPE the Loire from above(1)
• Full-day excursion to the castles of the Loire Valley: guided tours of the castles of Ussé, Azay-le-Rideau and the gardens of Villandry
• The Saint-Nazaire shipyard, embodiment of French pride
• The wine route of the Muscadet through the vineyards of the Nantes region
• Cruise on board a paddle steamer

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Create lifelong memories on board a festive ship decked out for passengers to ring in the New Year with pizzazz.
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Nantes, the historic capital of Brittany
  • Saint-Nazaire and the Escal'Atlantic
  • Day-trip to the Châteaux of the Loire Valley: Azay-le-Rideau and Chinon
• New Year's Eve dinner with wine and a glass of champagne

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Dinner at the Abbey of Collonges, Paul Bocuse's temple of gastronomic excellence
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Discover the fine Côtes Rôtie and Saint-Joseph vineyards
  • Wine-tasting* in a cellar of Tain L'Hermitage
  • Vienne, ancient Roman city
  • Lyon and its peculiar "traboules"
  • Wine-tasting* in the Beaujolais vineyards

• Want to stay longer? You can extend this trip up to a total of 8 days!
• The Tootbus Must-See Paris Hop-on/Hop-off Tour + River Cruise (24 hours)
• Guided Tour of Normandy & The D-Day Beaches
• Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Versailles Palace & Gardens (Half-Day Morning-VAM)
• Guided Tour to the Loire Valley Castles (from Paris)