HISTORY AND HEROES:
Discover the Loire Valley and D-Day Beaches
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| Alexis de Tocqueville |
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Château de Chenonceau |
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Royal Castle of Amboise |
August 6 - 14, 2010
For More Information,
Call Ed Turner at 800-741-6964
The Fund for American Studies invites you to join them and other supporters on an excursion to France that explores the battlefields of WWII and focuses on a key figure in the U.S.-European relationship, Alexis deTocqueville.
We will visit the haunting beaches of Normandy where we’ll explore the war’s roots and learn about the lives of the government leaders, soldiers, sailors and people who witnessed it. Our trip incorporates many other notable sites as well as a visit to the family chateaux of de Tocqueville, noted French political philosopher whose mid-19th century Democracy in America is still considered the definitive work on that subject.
We will begin in Paris where we will meet with TFAS alumni. Our next stop will be the spectacular Loire Valley of France where we will visit several castles and get the chance to visit local wineries.
We will then travel to Normandy where we’ll explore the beaches of the D-Day invasion, as well as the surrounding villages that feature prominently in the history of WWII. Along the way we’ll pay our respects to the men and women who gave their lives in defense of freedom.
This trip is the fourth such adventure organized exclusively for Fund supporters. Participation is limited, so that guests will have the opportunity to get to know one another and interact with Fund leadership.
Please join us for this remarkable journey for an up-close look at some of WWII’s most significant sites.
PRICES
Regular Price After April 30
- $3,795 per person double occupancy
- $3,995 single occupancy
Airfare not included
TOUR SUMMARY (tentative)
August 6 – Depart independently for Paris
Saturday, August 7 – Paris
Arrive in Paris and check into a hotel of your choice. Later, gather for a welcome reception with TFAS alumni. (Night at hotel not included in price of trip.)
Sunday, August 8 – Loire Valley
Leave Paris and go by coach to the beautiful Loire Valley with a stop at the valley’s largest castle, Chambord, which was originally built as a hunting lodge for Francois I. Lunch in the park at the castle then proceed to the Chateau de Cheverny, built in the first part of the 17th century in the purest Louis XIII classical style, distinguished by extraordinarily symmetrical architecture. Check into hotel in Amboise. Dinner is on your own.
Monday, August 9 – Amboise and Leonardo da Vinci
Enjoy a private guided visit to the Royal Castle of Amboise. This magnificent castle originally was built as a stronghold in the 11th century. Expanded and improved over time, it was seized by Charles VII on September 4, 1434. This truly royal castle became a favorite of French Kings. Next visit Le Clos Lucé, the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci, where an unusual display of da Vinci’s genius will enchant and astound you. Visit a private wine cellar and participate in bottling your own personal bottle of wine. End the day with dinner at a local restaurant located in a cave.
Tuesday, August 10 – Chenonceaux
Check out of hotel and the day will begin with a short ride to Chenonceaux for a morning cruise on the Cher River after which we will then proceed to a private tour of the lovely Château de Chenonceau. Lunch will be in the lush splendor of the castle’s park. Château de Chenonceau, mentioned for the first time in writings in the 12th century, is the most visited castle in all of France, with the exception of Versailles. Transfer by coach to Cherbourg. Check into hotel.
Wednesday, August 11 – Alexis de Tocqueville
Check out of hotel and proceed to Cherbourg for a morning of leisure with lunch on your own. During the afternoon we will earn about the life of the French political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville, best known for writing Democracy in America, a classic historical account of the democratic system of the U.S. The book has served as an important reference since its first publication in 1835. Visit the village where de Tocqueville lived and visit his gravesite. Transfer by coach to Bayeux and check into hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Thursday, August 12 – D-Day Sites of Normandy
The peaceful coast of Normandy entered the world’s stage with the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. On this moving excursion, steep yourselves in some of the renowned sites, including Utah and Omaha beaches; Sainte Mère Eglise, where the 101st and 82nd Airborne Paratrooper Divisions set down in the early hours of June 6; and Pointe du Hoc, where the U.S. Second Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs to neutralize gun batteries. Stop by the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer to pay respects to the 9,387 men and women who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom.
Friday, August 13 – Arromanches/Bayeux
Check out of hotel. See the remains of Port Winston at Arromanches, a temporary harbor constructed to safely offload cargo and troops in Normandy following the D-Day invasion. Visit the Batterie de Longues sur Mer, the naval battery which was equipped with four 150-mm guns. The battery could fire on both Omaha beach and Gold beach. The battery engaged in a duel with several Allied cruisers at daybreak of June 6 but was captured the next day by the British without a fight. The guns are still intact. Continue to medieval Bayeux to view the 11th century Bayeux Tapestry, whose vibrant colors depict William the Conqueror’s invasion of Britain at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Return to Paris for your return flight home or continue your stay in Paris on your own. (Night at hotel not included in price of trip.)
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