France
Archived Itinerary
This journey isn’t just about seeing France—it’s about experiencing it in a way that will leave a lasting mark on you.
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of its rich history, language, customs, architecture, and breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, you’ll find moments of spiritual renewal—whether standing in awe beneath soaring cathedral vaults, reflecting on the quiet devotion of monastic life, tracing the courage of Joan of Arc, or contemplating the heroism and heartbreak of WWII. You’ll grapple with the bold attempt to erase faith during the French Revolution and witness how history continues to shape the present.
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12-Day Tour Itinerary
This itinerary is a sample and small items may be changed or rearranged to capitalize on additional opportunities and build the best adventure possible.
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Day 1
Paris
Arrive in Paris and start your adventure with a walking tour of the medieval heart of the city. Admire the gothic splendor of Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle, then wander the winding streets of the Latin Quarter. Visit La Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned. After dinner, decide whether to rest or enjoy more of the City of Lights at your own pace.
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Day 2
Paris
Today is museum day at the Louvre, one of the world’s finest. We’ll focus on highlights, from Greek sculptures like Winged Victory and Venus de Milo to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, and works by Michelangelo and Raphael. After lunch, stroll through the Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde, the grisly center of the French Revolution. Continue down the Champs-Élysées to Napoleon’s Arc de Triomphe, where sweeping views of Paris await.
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Day 3
Paris
Rise early for a train to the Palace of Versailles, the Sun King’s masterpiece. Marvel at the opulence of the palace and the serenity of its sprawling gardens, fountains, and pools. Visit Marie Antoinette’s “peasant cottages” for a glimpse of palace escape. Back in Paris, explore the Rodin Museum, home to The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. End the day at Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Artist’s Square, watching portraitists compete to capture your likeness amid the lively square.
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Day 4
Paris
Start the day with a stroll through Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, then take the metro to Musée d’Orsay, boasting the world’s finest collection of Impressionist art. Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, and Cézanne take center stage in this beautiful old train station. The afternoon is yours to shop, explore another museum, or wander Paris’ charming streets and parks. End your visit to Paris at the Eiffel Tower, the most photographed tower in the world.
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Day 5
Blois
Leave Paris behind and journey to the Loire Valley, stopping at Chartres Cathedral to admire its mismatched spires and exquisite stained glass. After lunch, explore Château de Chambord, with 365 fireplaces and a grand staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Spend the night in Blois, a quaint riverside town wrapped around its own castle.
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Day 6
Blois
Tour the elegant Château de Chenonceau, built and decorated by six noble women and spanning the river Cher in a truly idyllic setting. This beguiling setting offers perfectly manicured gardens waiting to be explored and even a rowboat for unforgettable water-level views. After touring, return to Blois for lunch and a free afternoon to wander the town’s charming streets, visit a local market, or simply soak in the ambiance of this historic riverside village.
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Day 7
St. Malo
Depart Blois for the walled medieval town of St. Malo on Brittany’s coast. Walk the perimeter atop defensive ramparts or enjoy the beach and a swim in the chilly Atlantic waters. Learn the town’s pirate history and discover its famed explorer, Jacques Cartier.
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Day 8
St. Malo
Spend a relaxed day with a short drive to the medieval Fort la Latte along the stunning Brittany Coast. After touring, return to St. Malo for an afternoon of shopping, wandering, or a swim on the nearby beaches. The combination of dramatic coastal views and historic charm makes this day both rejuvenating and captivating.
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Day 9
Carentan-les Marais
Depart early to visit Mont-Saint-Michel, a marvel of medieval engineering and solitude that has inspired generations seeking peace and reflection. After experiencing the island’s awe-inspiring architecture, head to Carentan-les-Marais, a peaceful town with free time to explore its streets. Learn about its history during the D-Day invasion, where the town was reduced to rubble and fiercely contested.
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Day 10
Bayeux
Visit key D-Day sites for a sobering and moving experience. At Sainte-Mère-Église, see where Private John Steele became famously entangled from his parachute. Explore the American Paratrooper Museum, the D-Day Experience Museum, and Dead Man’s Corner before heading to Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Army Rangers scaled cliffs to take out German artillery. End the day in Bayeux, exploring the cathedral or the iconic tapestry.
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Day 11
Honfleur
Tour the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, seeing thousands of graves honoring young soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Imagine the harrowing experience of those troops and reflect on their bravery. Visit Arromanches-les-Bains for lunch and a final D-Day museum highlighting the artificial harbor that enabled the Allied invasion. Conclude the day in Honfleur, a picturesque fishing town with colorful houses and a Norse-inspired church.
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Day 12
Paris
On the return to Paris, stop in Rouen to visit Joan of Arc’s museum and the cathedral where she was martyred. Then explore Monet’s gardens in Giverny, wandering the idyllic grounds that inspired some of the world’s most famous paintings. Finally, arrive at your hotel near the airport, reflecting on a journey through French history, art, and breathtaking scenery before either flying home or continuing on to the extension.
5-Day Extension Itinerary
If you also attend the 12-day tour, we will cover your travel between Paris and Geneva. If you book only the 5-day tour, you will join up with us in Geneva. This itinerary is a sample and small items may be changed or rearranged to capitalize on additional opportunities and build the best adventure possible.
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Day 1
Geneva
Travel to Geneva in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring the Old Town. Nestled in the stunning Alps region and steeped in the history of the Protestant Reformation, the city offers captivating views. Stay at the Seventh-day Adventist College in Collonges-sous-Salève, overlooking Lake Geneva, with the 1,500-foot Mont Salève rising behind you—a dramatic introduction to the region.
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Day 2
Chamonix
Spend the day in Chamonix, a paradise for mountaineers and adventurous travelers. Take a cable car up to Aiguille du Midi and be amazed by the jagged peaks, flowing glaciers, and Mont Blanc towering above. Safe yet exhilarating, the 3,000-foot drops below will make your heart race. After descending, explore the charming mountain town and enjoy the alpine ambiance at your leisure.
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Day 3
Gruyères
Cross into Switzerland for a visit to the picturesque town of Gruyère, famous for its medieval streets and hilltop castle. Tour a local cheese factory to see how the namesake cheese is made and sample the delicious results. In the afternoon, hike scenic trails just outside town or explore Gruyère’s charming streets, shops, and cafés while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
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Day 4
Geneva
Begin the day at CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, exploring groundbreaking science and innovation. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional climb to the top of Mont Salève. The hike rewards your effort with sweeping vistas of the Alps and Lake Geneva, making the energy you expend completely worthwhile.
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Day 5
Annecy
Discover the enchanting town of Annecy, often called the “Venice of the Alps.” Wander the narrow medieval streets, admire the cathedral and imposing castle, or relax on the lakeside beach. Charming boutiques and waterside cafés await. The town’s timeless beauty, serene canals, and sparkling lakes will be utterly beguiling. Cap off the day with a traditional fondue/raclette dinner, savoring the flavors that define this region.
What to expect
This is a group adventure right from the beginning and from the moment you sign up, we will make sure you feel prepared, excited, and supported. You'll hear history where it actually happened, gain confidence as a traveler, and experience the kind of camaraderie that only comes from shared adventure.
Before departure:
Group calls: You’ll be invited to two group calls where you can ask questions, meet fellow travelers, and get a feel for what’s ahead.
Packing lists & recommended reading: To help you prepare, we’ll send a packing list and recommended reading list ahead of time—so when you step off the plane, you're ready to immerse yourself in the journey.
While traveling:
Arrival: When you arrive, we’ll be there to greet you at the airport and take you to our hotel to drop your bags—no stress, no guesswork. You’ll receive a detailed itinerary booklet, and everything you need to start exploring immediately.
Balance of structure & freedom: Each day begins with breakfast at your hotel before setting out on that day's adventure. Expect a mix of guided walking tours that bring history to life and free time to explore at your own pace. Lunchtime? We’ll point you to the best local spots. When it’s time to meet for an afternoon activity, a quick WhatsApp notification will keep you on track.* Evenings are for sharing stories and enjoying great meals together. As we walk to dinner as a group, you'll find yourself laughing over the day’s experiences and forming friendships that will last long after the trip ends. Before bed, you'll receive a message with any updates for the next day’s itinerary.
*We use a WhatsApp group to communicate with everyone in-country and alert you to potential schedule changes. You will be required to use this platform during our trip. A key benefit of using WhatsApp is that it doesn’t require cell service to function—as long as you have a data package, you will be able to stay in contact with everyone. This can be a significant cost savings if you opt for purchasing an eSIM card for the country.
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You can expect 3-star accommodations in central, walkable locations with lots to see and do right outside the hotel door. Rooms will be comfortable but not luxurious. You’ll want to be prepared to climb stairs because many of the prime-location hotels that we stay in do not have elevators.
Rooming assignments: Our tour is priced based on double occupancy, so if you’re joining us as a solo traveler you will be paired up with a roommate unless you purchase a single room supplement at the time of booking.
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Breakfast and most dinners are included in your trip fee (see list of inclusions below for more details). Each morning you’ll eat breakfast in the hotel and each evening our group will gather for dinner together in delicious local restaurants. You will be responsible for your own lunch, but we will always be happy to make recommendations.
Vegetarian options are always available. Other special diet requests should be made at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to accommodate you, we cannot guarantee options for all dietary needs in every location.
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Once you’ve signed up for a trip we will send you a packing list. We always plan an opportunity to do laundry approximately halfway through the trip and most pack in carry-on sized luggage.
While not required, packing in a carry-on can avoid logistical nightmares if an airline loses your luggage. And they’re easier to carry up hotel stairs!
What’s included—and what’s not
We want you to feel confident about what’s covered in your trip cost and what extra expenses to plan for. By covering the essentials and giving you flexibility in other areas, we ensure a balance of structure and freedom—so you get the most out of your trip. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in your tour fee and what you’ll need to budget for separately:
Included
✔️ Airport Transfers – From the moment you arrive, we’ve got you covered. We’ll pick you up at the airport and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. At the end of our journey, we’ll get you back to the airport for your flight home. Please be prepared to provide your flight information so we can coordinate your pickup.
✔️ Lodging – You’ll stay in well-located accommodations chosen for their character, convenience, and welcoming atmosphere. They will be comfortable, but not luxurious. Be prepared to climb stairs as many hotels in Europe do not have elevators.
✔️ All Major Ground Transportation – Whether it’s trains, buses, or private coaches, all necessary transportation between tour destinations is arranged for you.
✔️ Breakfast & Most Dinners – Start each day with breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for a full day of exploration. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a group dinner, featuring local flavors and great conversation. Exception: On the 12-day tour to France there will be 3 evenings when we do not eat together and you will have the opportunity to explore the local cuisine on your own.
✔️ All Site Entrance Fees – No surprise costs at the door. Your entry to historical sites, museums, and major attractions is covered, so you can focus on the experience.
✔️ Experienced Tour Coordinator – Your dedicated coordinator ensures everything runs smoothly, answers your questions, and helps create a seamless, stress-free travel experience.
Not Included
❌ Airfare & Baggage Fees – You’ll book your own flights to and from the tour destination. Be sure to check your airline’s baggage policies and budget accordingly.
❌ Lunches – Midday meals are on your own, giving you the flexibility to explore local cafés, grab a quick bite, or indulge in something special that catches your eye.
❌ Passport Application Fees – Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity past the end of this tour. If you need a new passport or renewal, be sure to take care of this in advance. Please be prepared to provide us a photo of your current passport.
❌ Bottled Drinking Water – You’ll want to stay hydrated while exploring on your feet all day in the summer heat! Tap water is safe to drink, so consider bringing a reusable bottle to keep with you.
❌ Gratuities – Tips for local guides, bus drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
❌ Travel Insurance – Deposits are non-refundable. For peace of mind, each participant is highly encouraged to protect their travel investment by purchasing CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) insurance immediately after booking your trip.