Day 1: Thursday, June 5th

Depart today night via overnight flights to Paris.

Day 2: Friday, June 6th – Paris

Arrive this morning in Paris, the City of Light. No other city in the world offers the same unique combination of iconic architecture, world-class cuisine, stylish shopping, and renowned artistic treasures. Our base in Paris will be the elegant Hotel Intercontinental Paris Le Grand, located in the very heart of the city next to the Opéra Garnier. An impressive 800 square meter winter garden dominates the lobby of the hotel, a stately haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the busy Parisian streets. There will be time to check in and unpack this afternoon, before we gather for a welcome cocktail reception. Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner at legendary Parisian bistro Le Grand Colbert, where you might recognize the elegant dining room from a few of your favorite films. After dinner our return trip to the hotel takes us through the streets of Paris to enjoy the famous sights illuminated: the Louvre, the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and of course the Eiffel Tower.

Day 3: Saturday, June 7th – Paris

Our sightseeing tour this morning includes one of the most iconic Parisian landmarks, as we tour the Louvre Museum. Here at the world’s most visited art museum, we will receive a private entrance and welcome from a curator, and then two lecturers will give us a special tour through the highlights of this amazing collection. We’ll continue our sightseeing with visits to Notre Dame de Paris, and the beautiful Gothic masterpiece Sainte-Chapelle. As our tour winds down, we will enjoy lunch at the iconic Parisian restaurant Le Train Bleu. The décor of this restaurant is a harmonious tribute to the distinctive style of the “Belle Époque” period. The afternoon is free to explore Paris on your own. You might choose to visit the Place des Vosges with its beautiful arches and art galleries, or take a walk through Le Marais, one of the oldest districts of Paris, with its winding streets and inner courtyards where you can discover hidden treasures. On your free evening tonight, your tour host will be available to provide restaurant suggestions, or to help you secure tickets to one of the many cultural events available in Paris.

Day 4: Sunday, June 8th – Paris

This morning, take part in our first financial seminar. After a buffet lunch in the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free. This will be our last day in Paris, so this is a great time to shop for souvenirs or even for high-end couture. Then get ready for a truly special event this evening, as we cruise the Seine aboard a private yacht. Just like the athletes of the recent Olympic Games, who triumphantly entered Paris this way during the Opening Ceremonies, we’ll discover that there really is no better or more elegant way to capture the Parisian magic than to view the city from this unique vantage point. 

Day 5: Monday, June 9th – Beune

After breakfast this morning, we will board our private motorcoach and depart for the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Vézelay and Fontenay. Our first stop is the Abbey of Vézelay. Construction of the church began in 1295 and continued in several phases for the next 237 years. The most sacred part of the church is a crypt that contains 4th-century Gallo-Roman funeral monuments. After a rustic lunch in the Burgundy countryside, we continue to one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in France, L’Abbaye de Fontenay. Founded in 1118 under the leadership of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, the Romanesque abbey church and other monastery buildings in Fontenay survived wars and the French Revolution virtually intact. Late this afternoon, we’ll arrive in lovely Beaune at the famous Hotel Le Cep, a collection of noble townhouses dating from the Middle Ages. After a welcome cocktail, we’ll enjoy dinner at Bernard Loiseau’s “Loiseau des Vignes” - another great gastronomic experience, including a unique “wine library” designed to allow the serving of very fine vintages by the glass without sacrificing the quality of the wine.

Day 6: Tuesday, June 10th – Beune

Today we spend the full day in the vineyards of Burgundy, producers of some of the world’s finest wines. First on the agenda is a guided tour and wine tasting at Château de Pommard in the Côte de Beaune. We’ll continue to our visits with a guided tour of the lovely Château Clos de Vougeot, originally established in the 12th century by monks of the nearby Abbey of Cîteaux. Then it’s on to lunch at Domaine Comte Senard at Aloxe-Corton, paired with another wine tasting and a guided visit of their wine cellars and vineyards. Return to Beaune for a free afternoon and evening, with a chance to wander through the cobblestone streets of this picturesque town and admire the medieval half-timbered houses and historic mansions.

Day 7: Wednesday, June 11th – Château Stay in Provence

We bid farewell to Beaune this morning and head toward the heart of Beaujolais country, and the 12th century village of Villefranche-sur-Saone. We’ll have an opportunity to taste some of the region’s best Beaujolais, and an expert speaker will advise our group about the possibilities of investing in fine wines. Then it’s on to lunch in a rustic farmhouse. After lunch, we’ll journey through the rolling vineyards and lavender fields of Provence, en route to the secluded Relais & Chateaux property, Château de Fonscolombe. This lovely historic property is more than just a hotel, it is an opportunity to truly experience life in a French chateau, with a serene atmosphere focused on relaxation and leisure. Dinner tonight will be in the chateau’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Table de l’Orangerie.

Day 8: Thursday, June 12th – Monte Carlo

This morning we’ll cruise along the worldrenowned French Riviera. Our first stop will be in Cannes, home of the world’s most glamorous film festival. Then it’s on to the storybook town of Saint-Paul de Vence, for lunch at La Colombe d’Or, where they say that “the main ingredient in the cuisine is sunshine.” Our final visit will be to the enchanting hilltop village of Èze, high above the Mediterranean coast. We’ll have a chance to visit one of the oldest perfume factories here, located in the heart of the picturesque Old Town. Explore over 3000 years of perfume history in the museum, or perhaps you will find your own signature scent! We’ll end our day in the playground of the rich and famous, Monte Carlo. Our home for the next few days will be the iconic Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo, a refined luxury hotel just steps from the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. This beautiful property exudes the charm of the Belle Epoque, and the serene sophistication expected by the world’s most discerning travelers. We’ll enjoy welcome cocktails at the hotel. Then your free evening allows you time to explore this cosmopolitan city on your own. Sample fine wines, visit a chic lounge, or even take your chances by placing a bet in the grand casino.

Day 9: Friday, June 13th – Monte Carlo

This morning you’ll hear priceless advice from Oxford Club editors during our financial seminar at the hotel. After a bu[et lunch, we’ll have the chance to explore the fabulous Prince’s Palace, whose stately grounds have been home to the Grimaldi dynasty for over 700 years, including of course the movie-star-turned-princess, Grace Kelly. The afternoon is free so that you may prepare for tonight’s very special event. Our farewell evening will include a gala private dinner and is sure to be a memorable experience for all.

Day 10: Saturday, June 14th

Say a reluctant “au revoir” to France this morning, as we check out of the hotel and our tour comes to an end.

Friday, May 30: Depart USA

Depart tonight on overnight flights to France.

Saturday, May 31: Arrive in Paris

Upon arrival in Paris today, your private transfer will whisk you out of the city and on to the lovely surroundings of Versailles. You’ll be welcomed into brand new boutique hotel, Les Lumières. The 17th century Villacerf and Gramont pavilions were fully reimagined to create this serene accommodation, nestled in the heart of the Cité Royal and just steps from the palace grounds. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the hotel’s upscale spa. This evening, we’ll gather for cocktails in the hotel’s charming bar, where we’ll raise a glass of French champagne to toast the adventures to come. Then it’s on to dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. 

Sunday, June 1: Versailles

Today, enjoy priority access and a guided tour of the incomparable Palace of Versailles. This spectacular monument was the official residence of the kings of France and their courts until the French Revolution in 1789, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll explore the King's Grand Apartments, with seven rooms dedicated to different gods, and the Queen's Grand Apartments, once occupied by Marie Antoinette. Also, marvel at the sparkling Hall of Mirrors of Versailles, a large reception room in which to see and be seen, dreamt up by the celebrated architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Our tour ends with a picnic lunch created with ingredients from local markets and enjoyed amid the splendor of the palace grounds. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to wander through the palace’s stunning formal gardens. We’ll enjoy dinner at a local brasserie before returning to the hotel this evening.

Monday, June 2: Versailles * Chartres * Loire Valley

After breakfast this morning, we’ll board our private motorcoach for the short journey to the medieval city of Chartres. This picturesque town is well-known as the home of the massive Gothic cathedral Notre-Dame des Chartres, which dates to 1210 and stands today as a prime example of this elaborate architectural style. The cathedral is particularly notable for its distinctive, blue-tinted stained glass. After an in-depth tour of the cathedral with a local art historian, we’ll have time for a rustic lunch in one of the town’s charming cafes. Then it’s on to the famed Loire Valley, a paradise for wine lovers and those who enjoy classic French architecture and gardens. We’ll check in for a three-night stay at the Relais de Chambord, the only hotel located directly on the grounds of the historic chateau. Imagine waking up every morning a breathtaking feat of Renaissance architecture, not to mention the stunning French countryside. For the next few days, this is your reality at this small hotel brimming with boutique luxury. Dinner tonight will be held in the hotel’s elegant restaurant.

Tuesday, June 3: Loire Valley

We’ll get an early start this morning, as we’ve arranged exclusive access to the lovely Château de Chenonceau before it opens to the public. Our guided tour will take us through the history of this graceful castle, which was once home to Catherine de Medici. After our visit, we’ll savor lunch in the charming town of Tours before heading to Chateau de Villandry, known for its magnificent Renaissance gardens. This afternoon, we’ll return to the Chambord area for dinner and a tasting of some of the sparkling wine for which the Loire Valley is justifiably famous.

Wednesday, June 4: Loire Valley

This morning we’ll visit the charming Château du Clos Lucé, the final residence of the legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Discover more about the last few years of the iconic artist’s life, and his fascinating relationship with King Francis I. Enjoy lunch today at renowned winery Cave Ambacia, nestled into a cliffside overlooking the Loire River, where we’ll have a chance to tour the cellars and taste some more of the region’s amazing vintages. This afternoon, take some time to explore the town of Amboise, with its picture-perfect timbered houses and pedestrian thoroughfares. Or you may choose to join our optional tour of King Charles VII's grand 15th century Chateau d'Amboise. Either way, tonight we’ll return to Relais de Chambord for a lively final dinner together.

Thursday, June 5: Loire Valley * Paris

Bid a fond adieu to the lovely Loire Valley today, as we board our private motorcoach for the return journey to Paris. Upon arrival in Paris, we’ll check in to the stately Intercontinental Paris Le Grand, our home for the next few days as the main Oxford Club tour begins. The afternoon and evening are free to explore, and our staff will be happy to provide suggestions for activities tailored to your interests. Be sure to get lots of rest before our next adventure begins!