Splendors of France

France’s Champagne Region: Begin this intoxicating tour in Reims, home of the historic cathedral where French Kings were crowned. Visit champagne producers both large and small in wine country and shop for fine chocolate in the medieval town of Troyes. Discover Charleville’s tradition of puppetry and marvel at the Fortress of Sedan, the largest castle in Europe.

Normandy: Witness the birth of Impressionism in Giverny and in the museums in Rouen and Honfleur. The Norman Conquest unfolds in the Bayeux tapestry and we remember World War II’s D-Day landing. Your journey ends at the awe-inspiring Abbey of Mont-St-Michel.

Carcassonne and the Pyrenees: From a fairy tale fortress to the gentle Pyrenees, Rudy takes in the castles and peaks of this magical region. Your itinerary includes an unforgettable stop at Carcassonne, the largest fortress in Europe.

France’s Bordeaux and Dordogne: Sample the best Bordeaux and then cruise the lovely Dordogne and Lot Rivers, with stops at a chateaux, ancient watermills and perched villages. Attend cooking classes and embark on an underground adventure to see prehistoric cave paintings.

Europe Just For Fun: Looking for absolute R&R, total escape or just a change of pace? Rudy shares his “personal picks” for a variety of European adventures that are especially entertaining, exhilarating or challenging, including hot-air-ballooning, mountain luge rides, golf, puppetry, amusement parks, country mazes, hiking or just laying on a sunny beach.

Extra DVD Features:
Rudy’s Travel Tips
The biggest traveler mistakes, Strategies for beating the crowds, choosing a hotel and more.

Fascinating Side Trips:
Champagne from the air, Monet’s garden at Giverny, medieval jousting at Carcassonne and more.