French Rendez-vous

Welcome to Paris! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

J’adore Paris Wake up in Paris with a free morning to explore on your own or join an exciting optional excursion. This afternoon, join an included guided walk to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters. Later, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine with incredible views of the city.* (B,D) * For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded. LOCAL FAVORITE As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. What better way to complete your visit to Paris than with a dinner cruise along the Seine. Gaze at the City of Light from your ship while indulging in French fare and wine. Bon Appétit!

Voyages Extraordinaires Bid au revoir to Paris and drive to Nantes, situated on the Loire River. Join your Local Guide for a walking tour, which includes sights of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Ile Feydeau, Place Royale, and Passage Pommeraye. Free time this evening to explore more of the city and perhaps try some of the seafood specialties for dinner. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT The once busy port of Nantes influenced the young Jules Verne, who was born and raised there, to become attracted to the sea and travel. His books about voyage and exploration have been translated all over the world and have led him to often be regarded as the “Father of Science Fiction.” In Nantes he is said to be one of the inspirations for “Les Machines de l’Ile” project that includes a “Marine Worlds Carousel” and a 12-meter-high, mechanical “Great Elephant” that walks around the exhibition area carrying passengers.

Local Spirit En route to Bordeaux, stop in Cognac for a [LOCAL FAVORITE] guided visit of the Château Royale du Cognac and a cognac tasting. Continue to Bordeaux, known as a City of Art and History, but more famously recognized as the Global Capital of Wine, producing around 960 million bottles of wine each year! This evening free time to start discovering the city. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE The Dutch started to distill French wines into brandy in the 16th century as a means of preserving their much-treasured purchases for the journey back home. During your visit of the Château Royale discover the history of its inhabitants and the origins of Cognac. Then raise your glass to discover why it is worth all the effort.