Inaugurated during Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign, L’église de la Madeleine, more commonly known as La Madeleine, is a church in the heart of Paris that was built in the style of a Greco-Roman temple. This Roman Catholic church, dedicated to Mary Magdalene, is one of the best known buildings in Paris, and is host to some of the most important concerts in the city. Its prominent location, along with its tremendous size, allows it to be uniquely set apart against a stunning Parisian backdrop. The interior is lavishly decorated with marble, and has a single nave with three domes. At the altar sits a statue of Mary Magdalene being carried up to heaven by two angels, by the Italian sculptor Baron Charles Marochetti. La Madeleine also has a statue of St. Augustine created by Antoine Etex, as well as two by François Rude – the masterpiece Baptism of Christ, and the baptismal font.

DAY ONE:
Monday, July 1, 2024

• Depart via scheduled air service to Paris, France

DAY TWO
Tuesday, July 2

• Arrive in Paris
• Meet your MCI Tour Manager, who will assist the group to awaiting chartered motorcoach
• Transfer to Caen via Rouen
• Excursion to Rouen to see the Cathedral. In the Place de la Cathédrale stands the Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame, one of the largest and most magnificent in France. The most striking feature is the elaborately articulated west front which was several times painted by Claude Monet. Also see the sight of Joan of Arcs execution
• Late afternoon hotel check-in
• Welcome Dinner included, and overnight

DAY FOUR
Thursday, July 4

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Morning excursion to Coleville and participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the American Cemetery, site of the June 6th Normandy Invasion
• Lunch, on own
• Visit the Point du Hoc where you can see the World War II Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument. It was erected by the French to honor elements of the American Second Ranger Battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James E. Rudder. During the American assault of Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, these elements scaled the 100-foot cliff and seized the German artillery pieces that could have fired on the American landing troops at Omaha Beach. At a high cost of life, they successfully defended against determined German counterattacks
• Also visit the Les Braves Omaha Beach Memorial – a memorial that is located in the center of Omaha Beach and commemorates the fallen American soldiers of World War II who lost their lives on the beaches of Normandy, June 6th 1944. The memorial represents three elements: The Wings of Hope, The Rise of Freedom, and the Wings Of Fraternity. French sculptor Anilore Banon created the monument in 2004, commissioned by the French government to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion of Normandy. Originally intended only as a temporary exhibit, this piece still stands today
• Dinner included, and overnight

DAY FIVE
Friday, July 5

• Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out
• Morning transfer to Paris
• Lunch, on own
• Morning guided tour of Paris historique. See the most historic parts of the city including seeing the Notre-Dame Cathedral during the restoration process after the devastating fire in 2019, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, Luxembourg Palace and Gardens, Latin Quarter, Place de la Bastille, Invalides Hospital, and other Parisian highlights
• Dinner included, followed by an evening cruise on the River Seine
• Overnight at the hotel