Dinner
Monday, October 5 - Arrival in Paris, France (Airport Code: CDG)
Bienvenue en France!
Upon arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, make your own way to the hotel for check-in at AIDEN by Best Western Paris Roissy CDG hotel. The hotel offers shuttle service on request (available from 5:05 a.m. to 9:05 a.m.). For those arriving outside of these times, rest assured that we will coordinate to ensure a comfortable journey to the hotel.
Experience a delightful day in Paris, where you can explore the city's iconic sights with convenient train access to the city center, along with taxi and Uber options. After a day of adventure, we will be having our welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant before turning in.
Hotel: Aiden by Best Western Paris Roissy CDG ★★★★
Breakfast
Dinner
Tuesday, October 6- Rouen - Caen
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Rouen, where you will be welcomed by your modern coach for the duration of the day.
Explore the historic heart of Rouen, featuring timber-framed houses dating from the 15th to the 18th century, the Place de l’Horloge, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen, considered one of France’s most beautiful Gothic masterpieces. Other highlights include the Abbey Church of Saint-Ouen, Saint-Maclou Church, the Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, and the Palais de Justice. The old town is completely pedestrian, offering an exceptional heritage experience.
In the afternoon, continue to Caen, the regional capital of Normandy. Key attractions include the Abbaye aux Hommes (today Caen’s City Hall) and the Abbaye aux Dames with its abbey church, the Castle of William the Conqueror (now a public garden), the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Caen Memorial, dedicated to the Second World War, the Normandy landings, and the Cold War. The visit also includes the old town with its marina and majestic squares.
Admission to Abbaye aux Dames and Abbaye aux Hommes is included.
After the visits, transfer by coach to your hotel in Caen for check-in and two-night stay.
Hotel: Mercure Hotel Caen Centre Port de Plaisance ★★★★
Breakfast
Dinner
Wednesday, October 7 - Caen – Bayeux – Landing Beaches / Omaha Beach
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart with your guide for a half-day guided city tour of Caen.
Caen is the regional capital of Normandy and is renowned for its rich historical heritage.
Continue to Arromanches-les-Bains for a stroll along the historic landing beaches. Here, just one day after 6 June 1944, a floating artificial harbor was constructed; its massive concrete blocks can still be seen scattered along the shoreline. Walking along the beach offers a powerful sense of the immense logistical effort involved in the liberation of Europe. The Musée du Débarquement commemorates these historic events.
Proceed to Omaha Beach, where a visit to the Omaha Beach War Cemetery serves as a moving reminder of this pivotal moment in history. (Entrance fee not included.)
Drive back to Caen. Dinner at the Mercure Hotel.
Breakfast
Dinner
Thursday, October 8 - Mont-Saint-Michel – Nantes
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out. Departure by coach to Mont-Saint-Michel.
Enjoy a guided visit of Mont-Saint-Michel, the iconic island village renowned for its rich history and dramatic setting. Visit the magnificent abbey, where you will explore its medieval halls and admire the remarkable architecture. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking panoramic views from this extraordinary site.
Free time following the visit of the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Continue by coach to Nantes. After the visit, your bus will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Nantes for check-in and a one-night stay.
Hotel: Mercure Nantes Centre Passage Pommeraye ★★★★
Breakfast
Friday, October 9- Nantes – Saintes – Bordeaux
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out.
Discover Nantes, a vibrant city in western France located on the Loire River. Rich in history, the city is home to notable landmarks such as the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany and Nantes Cathedral. Nantes is also famous for Les Machines de l’île, an innovative artistic park featuring giant mechanical animals, including the iconic rideable elephant. A major cultural hub, the city hosts numerous festivals and music events and offers attractive green spaces such as the Jardin des Plantes. Nantes beautifully blends historical heritage with modern creativity.
In the afternoon, depart for Saintes, a historic town in southwestern France renowned for its Roman legacy. Highlights include the Roman Amphitheater, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Arch of Germanicus, and the Abbaye aux Dames. The town’s public gardens and relaxed atmosphere make it a charming stop rich in history.
After the visit, continue by coach to Bordeaux. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and a one-night stay.
Free time in Bordeaux.
Hotel: Sure Hotel by Best Western Bordeaux Lac
Breakfast
Dinner
Saturday, October 10- Bordeaux – Lourdes
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out. Departure by coach to Lourdes.
Spend the remainder of the day in Lourdes, one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage destinations. The town is renowned for the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Each year, millions of pilgrims come to Lourdes to pray and seek healing at the Grotto of Massabielle and the holy spring.
After the visit, transfer by coach to your hotel in Lourdes for check-in, vespers and dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: Hotel Gallia & Londres ★★★★
Breakfast
Dinner
Sunday, October 11 - Lourdes – Toulouse – Montpellier
Check - Out and early Morning Liturgy at church in Lourdes (boxed breakfasts)
Enjoy free time in the morning in Lourdes. Lunch on your own. Depart by coach to Toulouse and enjoy a stop in the city.
Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Toulouse is known as “La Ville Rose” (the Pink City) due to the distinctive pink bricks used in its architecture. The city beautifully blends cultural heritage with a vibrant lifestyle. Highlights include the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the Jacobins Convent (entrance included), and Capitole Square. Toulouse is also a major center for aeronautics and space industries, home to the Airbus headquarters and La Cité de l’Espace (visits not included and currently not available).
After the stop in Toulouse, continue by coach to Montpellier. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and a one-night stay.
Hotel: Mercure Montpellier Centre Comédie ★★★★
Breakfast
Dinner
Monday, October 12 - Aix-en-Provence – Cannes – Nice
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out. Depart by coach to Nîmes.
Discover the Roman Arena of Nîmes, one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world. Explore the charming city center with its lively squares, historic buildings, and rich cultural heritage.
Continue to Avignon for a guided city tour. Visit the magnificent Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing medieval architecture and history. Wander through Avignon’s charming streets and cross the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet, known from the song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant history and atmosphere along the Rhône River.
Drive onward to Arles, a historic city in the heart of Provence renowned for its Roman heritage. Highlights include the ancient arena and Roman theatre. Arles also inspired Vincent van Gogh with its picturesque streets and landscapes. Explore the old town, lively markets, and experience the authentic Provençal culture along the Rhône.
After the visit, transfer by coach to your hotel in Arles for check-in and a one-night stay.
Hotel: Hotel Arles Plaza ★★★★
Breakfast
Dinner
Tuesday, October 13 - Aix-en-Provence – Cannes – Nice
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out. Depart by coach to Aix-en-Provence.
Stop in Aix-en-Provence for a guided visit (on request, subject to availability). This charming city in southern France is renowned for its elegant architecture, sunny climate, and vibrant café culture. Stroll along streets lined with fountains, historic mansions, and lively markets. Famous as the home of artist Paul Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence perfectly blends art, history, and the relaxed Provençal lifestyle.
Continue to Cannes, the glamorous city on the French Riviera. Known for its luxurious beaches, prestigious film festival, and the elegant Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes offers excellent shopping, fine dining, and a lively cultural scene. Guests may enjoy a free lunch break in Cannes before departing for Nice.
Arrive in Nice, famous for its sunny beaches, the vibrant Promenade des Anglais, and its colorful old town. The city is a perfect combination of Mediterranean charm, cultural heritage, and seaside relaxation, with excellent markets, art museums, and local cuisine to explore.
After the visit, transfer by coach to your hotel in Nice for check-in and a two-night stay.
Hotel: Hotel Nice Riviera ★★★★
Breakfast
Dinner
Wednesday, October 14 - Monaco – Eze – Nice
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure by coach to Monaco.
Explore the glamorous Principality of Monaco, a symbol of luxury on the French Riviera. Begin with a visit to the Exotic Garden (established 1933), home to over a thousand rare and exotic plants, offering stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. At 11:55 a.m., witness the Changing of the Guard in front of the Prince’s Palace. Discover the charming alleys surrounding the palace, visit Cathedral Notre-Dame-Immaculée, and explore the Oceanographic Museum, one of the most impressive buildings of “The Rock,” perched 85 meters above the waves.
In the afternoon, visit Monte-Carlo, the iconic district known for its world-famous Casino, the Café de Paris, and luxury boutiques.
Late afternoon, continue to Eze, a picturesque medieval village perched high on the Côte d’Azur, often called “the eagle’s nest”. Eze is divided into three areas: the seaside reachable via the Basse Corniche, the old town at 429 m via the Moyenne Corniche, and higher points via the Grande Corniche at 700 m. Wander the paved alleys adorned with fuchsia bougainvillea, explore boutique shops and perfume stores, and visit the Jardin Exotique d’Eze, which showcases exotic plants while offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Return to Nice in the evening. Free time to relax or explore the city at your leisure.
Breakfast
Dinner
Thursday, October 15 - Marseille
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, visit the Grotte Cosquer, a unique and fascinating attraction in Marseille. In 1985, diver Henri Cosquer discovered the entrance to one of the world’s most mysterious underwater caves, located in the heart of Calanques National Park. At a depth of 37 meters, he explored 150 meters of underground passages until surfacing in a prehistoric grotto, uncovering more than 500 drawings of sea creatures and handprints—treasures preserved for over 20,000 years. The site is now the third replica of a prehistoric cave, following Lascaux and Chauvet. Visitors explore the grotto in small wagons, accompanied by audio guides, for a truly immersive experience.
In the afternoon, drive up to Notre-Dame de la Garde with a guide. Known locally as “La Bonne Mère” (The Good Mother), this iconic basilica dominates Marseille from its hilltop perch. Built in the mid-19th century in a striking Romanesque-Byzantine style, it features a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, panoramic views of the city and harbor, and serves as a popular pilgrimage site.
Continue to Palais Longchamp, a historic monument set within a beautiful park. Built to bring water into the city, the site features a covered colonnade leading to two museums—the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Museum of Natural History—and opens to the cascade on one side and extensive gardens on the other. The Palais Longchamp played a key role in Marseille being named European Capital of Culture in 2013.
After the visits, transfer by coach to your hotel in Marseille for check-in and a two-night stay.
Hotel: Ligo by HappyCulture ★★★★
Breakfast
Friday, October 16 - Marseille – Church Visit
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Coptic Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary and Saint Mina, the main Coptic Orthodox church in Marseille, serving the local Coptic Christian community, primarily Egyptians residing in the region. Located at 40 Rue de Lyon, 13015 Marseille, in the northern part of the city, the church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Mina, one of the most revered saints in the Coptic Orthodox tradition.
Originally an older church that had been abandoned, the building was restored and reopened as a Coptic Orthodox church in the early 2000s. Today, it is an important spiritual and cultural center, preserving the Coptic faith and traditions in southern France.
Inside, the church follows traditional Coptic Orthodox style, featuring an iconostasis (a wooden screen adorned with icons), Coptic icons of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints, and a strong emphasis on liturgical prayer. Services are conducted primarily in Coptic and Arabic, with some parts in French, especially for younger generations. The church regularly holds Divine Liturgies, prayers, baptisms, weddings, and community events.
Please note: due to ongoing tramway construction in the area, a short walk of approximately 200 meters will be required to reach the church entrance.
Breakfast
Saturday, October 17 - Departure – Marseille Airport (Airport Code: MRS)
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and leave your baggage at the hotel reception.
Transfer by coach to Marseille Airport for your departure flight. Safe travels!