FAITH AND FREEDOM: HONORING THE SPIRIT OF NORMANDY, WWII, AND THE SACRED LANDMARKS OF FRANCE (10-DAYS)
American Cemetery, Normandy, France
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of France, specially crafted for group travelers seeking inspiration, history, and faith. Discover charming villages, breathtaking landscapes, and the deep Christian and cultural roots that have shaped not only France but the world. Discover God’s presence in France’s sacred landmarks and stories of sacrifice.
Begin your journey in Paris, the city of lights. Together you will visit sacred places of worship and holy monuments, magnificent palaces and their legends of 19th century royalty, spend quality time exploring museum collections including some of the most precious pieces of spiritual art and historical treasures in the world, and engage with local experts eager to share their knowledge and stories about the past.
Walk the sacred grounds of Normandy, where the course of history turned during WWII. Stand on the hallowed shores of Omaha Beach, reflect at the American Cemetery and Memorial, and explore preserved German bunkers along the rugged coastline—each site a moving tribute to the heroes of D-Day and the liberation of Western Europe.
Chartres Cathedral
Tour the homes and art studios of the greatest artist of all time. Experience the spiritual majesty of Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and medieval abbey that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Journey on to Chartres, home to one of the world’s greatest Gothic cathedrals, and visit Orléans, where the ancient Cathedral of Saint Croix stands as a testament to early Christianity in Europe.
Chartres Cathedral Nave
Relax, refresh and rejuvenate in the lush fields and picturesque vineyards of the Loire Valley, also known as the valley of a thousand castles.
Conclude your French pilgrimage with a peaceful overnight stay in a picturesque countryside château—the perfect, enchanting finale to a tour filled with faith, history, and the timeless beauty of France.
Along the way experience legendary culinary delicacies, visit world-reknown wineries, and some of the most beautiful landscapes and gardens in the world!
Mont St. Michel,
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Includes:
• Round trip airfare.
• Accommodations at First Class hotels and French Chateaux.
• Transfers, as per itinerary.
• Tour Escort throughout tour.
• Sightseeing as indicated in itinerary.
• Breakfast daily, Lunch, Dinners with wine in Loire Valley.
• All service charges and local taxes.
Pricing varies with date of travel and group size. Contact LutherTours 1.844.777.1517 or info@luthertours.com for details.
Itineraries are custom-designed to meet the needs and desires for each individual group. Use this itinerary as is, or for inspiration to collborate with a LutherTours professional tour itineary planner to create a unique journey just for your group.
DAY 1:
Depart USA on your transatlantic flight to Paris, France.
DAY 2:
Arrive Paris. Meet your professional tour manager and board our private motor coach for transfer to Paris city center and panoramic sightseeing tour. Group will meet for Welcome to Paris dinner. Overnight Paris (B/D)
Day 3:
Worship Service. Guided tour of Notre Dame, Louvre Museum or Musee' d'Orsay, Basillica of Sacre Cour. Overnight in Paris (B)
Day 4:
Morning visit to Palace of Versailles. Afternoon at leisure. Seine River “Illuminated Paris” Dinner Cruise. Overnight in Paris (B/D)
DAY 5:
Travel to the coastal region of Normandy. Lunch and visit Giverny home to Claude Monet and the birth place of Impressionism. Unique Calvados Wine experience and tastings on site at the oldest House of Calvados. Overnight in Normandy (B/D)
DAY 6:
Learn more about the invasion that led to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation during WWII. Visit the sacred fields and cliffs of Normandy, village of St. Mere Eglise Air Bourne Museum, sacred grounds of Utah/Omaha Landing Beach and Museum and American Cemetery at Omaha Beach. Overnight Normandy (B)
DAY 7:
Visit to Mont Saint Michel abbey, among France's most stunning sights. A Europe pilgrimage destination, this holy island a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight Normandy (B)
DAY 8:
Depart Normandy to the Loire "valley of a thousand castles". Along the way visit Chartres, with its world-famous cathedral – a medieval masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the International Stained-Glass Center to learn more about this unique and beautiful art. Continue to Orléans, located in the Loire valley. This city is closely associated with the history of Joan of Arc, which we discover on our walking tour. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant including Loire Valley wine. Overnight in Loire Valley (B/D)
DAY 9:
Visit the largest and most impressive castle in the Loire valley- Châteaux Chambord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for its "living cultural landscape". Visit Mansion Clos-Lucé- Parc Leonardo Da Vinci residence where Leonardo lived, worked and celebrated the final years of his life; and nearby Chateaux Amboise medieval fortress, 14th century royal residence and the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci located in the chateaux chapel. Discover the secrets of making the famous Loire Valley sparkling and still-wines, and the wine caves of the Vouvray vineyards. Conclude your French pilgrimage with a peaceful overnight stay in a picturesque countryside château—the perfect, enchanting finale to a tour filled with faith, history, and the timeless beauty of France. Farewell Dinner and Overnight in Loire Valley (B/D)
DAY 10:
Tour Ends. Group transfer to Paris airport for flight to USA (B)
QUESTIONS?
Contact a LutherTours professional tour itinerary planner to find out how easy it is to plan a custom-designed tour itineraray for your family and friends, church group or organization!
Call 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com
