From Monet to the Kings

The Light That Changed Painting

Meet at the airport and board a direct Aegean Airlines flight to Paris. Upon arrival, we leave the French capital behind and head to Giverny, the village where Claude Monet lived and created some of the most iconic works in the history of painting.

Our first encounter with France takes place in a setting where nature was transformed into art. We stroll through the village, along flower-lined paths, quiet streets and scenes that evoke the world of Impressionism, and enjoy some free time for a coffee before continuing to Normandy. Entrance to Claude Monet's house and gardens is not included and is optional, payable locally.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Rouen. The magnificent Gothic cathedral—painted by Monet time and again under different light conditions—the timber-framed medieval houses and the cobbled streets create one of the most atmospheric cities in northern France. Our tour also touches on the memory of Joan of Arc, whose story became forever intertwined with the city.

Where the Sea Meets Elegance

After breakfast, we follow the Normandy coastline on a day that combines the charm of small ports with the cosmopolitan atmosphere of its historic seaside resorts.

Our first stop is Honfleur. The old harbour, the narrow colourful façades, the fishing boats and the small galleries create a scene that looks as though it has been painted by hand. The exceptional quality of the light here inspired generations of artists and played a key role in the birth of Impressionism.

We continue to Deauville, with its famous wooden boardwalk, elegant villas and the cinematic atmosphere of classic French glamour. Just across the way, Trouville offers a more unpretentious seaside character, with its lively harbour, fish market and relaxed pace.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Caen, the city of William the Conqueror. We explore the historic centre and the imposing castle before transferring to our hotel.

Where History Changed Forever

There are places we visit for their beauty. And there are places we visit out of respect. Today is a full day, and it begins early in the morning.

In Arromanches we see the remains of the Mulberry Harbour, one of the greatest engineering achievements of the Allied landings. A little later, we arrive at Omaha Beach. The sea is calm today, yet this shore remains a symbol of courage, freedom and human sacrifice. We do not see it as just another photo stop, but as a place of remembrance.

Leaving the D-Day beaches behind us, the landscape begins to change. Then, on the horizon, Mont-Saint-Michel comes into view. The granite islet, the abbey and the tides create a scene that seems suspended somewhere between reality and legend. There is time to explore the medieval village and the unique landscape of the bay. Entrance to the abbey is not included and is optional.

The day concludes in Saint-Malo, the fortified city of seafarers, where we will spend the night.

The City of Seafarers and Legends

The morning is dedicated to Saint-Malo. Behind the stone walls of Intra-Muros lies a maze of cobbled streets, charming squares and granite buildings that tell the stories of explorers, merchants and corsairs.

Walking along the ramparts, we take in the English Channel and the landscape shaped by the tides. There is time for a coffee, a stroll through the Old Town, or to sample Brittany's buttery galettes and authentic crêpes.

At midday, we depart for Rennes, the vibrant capital of Brittany. Its distinctive timber-framed houses, Place des Lices, Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the squares of the historic centre reveal a city where medieval character meets a youthful spirit.

From the Sea to the Valley of Kings

We leave Brittany behind and head towards the heart of France. Today's journey marks a transition from the medieval coastline to the world of the Renaissance.

We stop in Angers, the gateway to the Loire Valley. Its imposing castle—with seventeen towers and distinctive striped walls of dark slate and pale limestone—dominates the River Maine. We stroll through the Old Town, taking in Saint-Maurice Cathedral and the medieval half-timbered townhouses, and have time for a short break before continuing our journey. Entrance to the castle is not included and is optional.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Tours, We explore its historic centre, with its timber-framed houses, Place Plumereau and the outdoor cafés that give the city its lively yet elegant character.

The sea is now behind us. From here on, the landscape belongs to rivers, vineyards and the châteaux that earned the region the title of "the Garden of France".

Where Kings Dreamed

Today is dedicated to the Loire Valley, a cultural landscape where history, architecture and nature coexist in remarkable harmony.

Our first stop is Amboise, a small town with a great royal history. It was here that Leonardo da Vinci spent the final years of his life, as a guest of King Francis I. The view of the château and the town's narrow streets transports us to the era when the Renaissance was transforming European art and thought.

We continue to Chenonceau, the famous "Ladies' Château", built across the waters of the River Cher. Its distinctive architecture and the stories of the women who shaped its history have made it one of the most recognisable châteaux in France. Entrance to the estate and the château is not included and is optional. Return to Tours.

A King's Dream

The final great journey of our trip takes us to the Château de Chambord, the largest and most magnificent château in the Loire Valley. With more than four hundred rooms, hundreds of chimneys and its famous double-helix staircase, it stands as the grandest expression of the French Renaissance.

Our entrance to the château is included. We discover the halls, architectural details and terraces of the royal vision created by King Francis I to impress—even five centuries later.

We continue to Chartres. Its Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves an extraordinary collection of medieval stained glass, including the famous "Chartres Blue". After exploring the Old Town, we depart for Paris, where we arrive for our final overnight stay.

In the evening, an optional Paris by Night experience is available, including a cruise on the River Seine and a visit to Montmartre (€60 per person, payable locally).

Paris, toujours Paris

The final chapter belongs to Paris. Our panoramic city tour takes us to the city's great landmarks: Trocadéro and the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, Pont Alexandre III, Les Invalides and Place de la Concorde.

We continue to Place Vendôme, the Opéra Garnier, the Louvre and the historic Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame. The experience is completed with the Latin Quarter, the Sorbonne, the Luxembourg Gardens, the Panthéon and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Depending on the available time, there is an opportunity for one last coffee or a short stroll before our transfer to the airport. Departure for Athens at 21:20.

The journey that began with the light of Monet comes to an end in the City of Light. Normandy, Brittany and the châteaux of the Loire return home with us as one complete story.