Eight Days in Normandy:

Eight days embracing the Normandy experience, with the perfect balance of structure and flexibility, group activities, and personal moments. Our groups are small, so when we are presented with an unexpected opportunity we just can’t miss….so shall it be.

                      

Day 1-Lisieux

 • Saturday: Welcome to Normandy!

We will meet you at the Lisieux Train Station at a designated time in the afternoon and drive you to your "home." You'll enjoy a warm welcome and cocktail, then have a few hours at your French cottage to unpack, relax, and explore. Following, is an informal but tasty dinner where you'll get to know the other members of the group. Later, you can stroll down to the 1,000 year old village church and admire the gorgeous panoramic view, or relax in your private garden. 

Day 2

Off we go to explore the historical town of Falaise. There you are transported back in history as you tour William the Conqueror’s Castle.
This is a masterpiece of medieval workmanship, constructed on an outcrop of rock to take advantage of its natural defenses. It towers majestically above the town of Falaise, and is believed to be William’s birthplace.

Lunch follows at a charming outdoor café restaurant. 
After lunch, we take a leisurely drive through the exquisite countryside to Chateau de Vendeuvre with remarkable grounds and surprise water gardens.Tour the magnificent and fully furnished home  which still belongs to the 9th count of Vendeuvre.          
Later, we return home to unwind and enjoy a fabulous, tasty dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 3

• Monday: St Pierre sur Dives, Bayeux

First, we will visit the covered market in St. Pierre sur Dives. After lunch, we'll travel to Bayeux to view the world famous 230 ft long tapisserie depicting the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England in 1066 and the majestic Cathedrale Notre Dame-Bayeux.

Back “home,” you’ll have time to lounge by the heated swimming pool, sip a glass of wine or take a nap.Later, you get dressed and have a leisurely dinner at a cozy little restaurant
in a beautiful nearby village.
A wonderful end to a perfect day! (B, D)

Day 4

• Tuesday: Memorial Pegasus-D-Day Landing Beaches-American Cemetery

 First, we head to the Memorial Pegasus in Benouville and learn about this famous bridge and Horsa glider so instrumental in helping to liberate Normandy on the night of 5th/6th June 1944.

           Next, we will spend several hours exploring Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach.The largest military landing in history took place in Normandy on June 6, 1944. Monuments, museums, bunkers and cemeteries hauntingly commemorate the Battle of Normandy.We will stop for a delicious lunch at a charming restaurant en route.After returning home, we will relax and get ready to enjoy a succulent gourmet dinner.
(B, L, D) 

Day 5

• Wednesday: Leisure/Free Day

Today is dedicated to doing as little or as much as you choose. Wake up late, enjoy the heated pool, challenge a "new" friend to a game of badminton, read a book,ride a bike and explore the countryside, take a leisurely stroll,or do whatever else your heart desires. For those interested, we will offer several optional activities: A recreational cooking class, horseback riding, etc. 

We can also help develop itineraries for other day trips. (There is an additional charge for any day trips or optional activities).
We would be happy to plan a hike or bicycle ride in the surrounding area for those who are interested. There is no additional charge for this.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at "home."Later, get ready to enjoy a fun and informal poolside Barbeque while serenaded by French and Caribbean rhythms.

Day 6

• Thursday: Villedieu-les-Poeles-Mont St. Michel Abbey

Day 7

• Friday: Cheese Tasting-Honfleur Seaside Town-Calvados(apple brandy) Tasting

After a leisurely breakfast, we set off to visit Le Village Fromager in Livarot, famous for its Livarot, Camembert, and Pont L'Eveque cheeses. 
 We continue on our journey to the beautiful seaside town of Honfleur, a small town on the coast of Normandy in Northern France with one of the most picturesque ports in Europe.

   

At your leisure, stroll by working artists or through the quaint and cobbled town centre.
Next, we stop at the Chateau du Breuil en Auge and try Pommeau and Calvados, where we will gain firsthand knowledge of the process involved in producing these wonderful drinks.

We will return with enough time for you to pack and relax. Our day ends with a wonderful “Bon Voyage” international feast under the stars, (weather permitting) with lots of wine, cheeses, and of course, calvados. (B, D)

Day 8

• Saturday: Goodbye…for now

First we have breakfast, after which we transport you back to the Lisieux TGV station, so you can continue on your sojourn home, or to other glorious parts of Europe. We can’t wait to see you when you return! What a fabulous week!

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