Royal Versailles & Monet's Garden

Day One

Early departure for our journey south to Dover for our ferry crossing to Calais. On arrival in Calais we then continue to Rouen where we stay at the Mercure Rouen Champ-de-Mars for one night. This evening savour a meal at one of the many delightful local restaurants, offering Norman specialties and soak up the lively atmosphere of this historic city.

DayTwo

This morning we check out of our hotel and journey to the picturesque village of Giverny to visit the former home of Claude Monet. The celebrated Impressionist artist lived here from 1883 until his death in 1926. Today, his beautifully restored house and gardens have been returned to their original appearance, offering a glimpse into the world that inspired some of his most iconic works. Strolling through the gardens, you will discover the enchanting landscapes that feature in Monet's celebrated Water Lilies series. The famous Japanese Bridge lovingly recreated, remains one of the estate's most recognisable and photographed landmarks. We then continue to Versailles, on the outskirts of Paris, where we check in to the Le Louis Versailles Château MGallery Hotel, where we stay for the next three nights.

Day Three

This morning we are joined by a knowledgeable guide for our visit to the magnificent Château de Versailles, one of France's most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A masterpiece of 17th-century architecture, the palace is renowned for its lavish State Apartments, the dazzling Hall of Mirrors and the grandeur that epitomised the reign of Louis XIV. Beyond the palace, the spectacular gardens are a masterpiece in their own right, stroll through these magnificent grounds, admire their timeless beauty and soak up the atmosphere of one of Europe's finest royal estates.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in Versailles, a symbol of French elegance and royal grandeur with beautifully preserved buildings, art galleries, lively markets and museums before we return to the gardens at Château de Versailles for the dazzling Musical Fountains Night Show, also known as Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes. As darkness falls, the magnificent gardens are brought to life with choreographed fountains, dramatic lighting and the sounds of Baroque music, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the Versailles night sky.

Day Four

Today we travel to Paris to enjoy a guided tour of the French capital and a relaxing cruise along the River Seine, offering a unique perspective of the city's historic heart and many of its iconic landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore at your own pace. Wander through the charming streets, browse elegant boutiques and cafés, discover world-renowned museums and galleries, or admire famous landmarks such as the renovated Cathédrale Notre-Dame, the iconic Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, the world's largest art museum.

Day Five

We check out of the hotel this morning and travel to Calais for our return ferry to Dover. From here, we continue our journey homeward to North Wales.

B=Breakfast Included