41 days in Europe Itinerary

Discover the Alabaster Coast along the steep Normandy coast with spectacular chalk cliffs, a number of scenic villages, posh seaside holiday resorts, the Channel Islands, and the English Channel. The Channel Islands, although British Crown Dependencies, are considered culturally and historically a part of Normandy. Upper Normandy is predominantly more industrial, while Lower Normandy is predominantly agricultural. The shoreline is famed for the D-Day invasion by Allied troops on June 6, 1944, where you'll find museums and monuments with historical significance to World War II. As you explore the old towns, note the Norman architecture that follows a pattern similar to the English Romanesque architecture following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Typical Norman villages have many half-timbered houses in their old towns and historical vessels in their old ports. One of the most popular things to do along the Alabaster Coast is sampling its local products: The region produces hard apple ciders, Calvados apple brandies, and famous Bénédictine liqueur instead of wine due to its abundance of apple orchards.

As part of the French Riviera, Monaco offers the sparkling aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean Sea on its doorstep. The country has long been known for its panache--fast cars, big casinos, and expensive boutiques surround you here. While there are less luxurious activities for travelers, this is not the country for tourists on a budget. Many cruise ships make this a port of call in this region, so expect to see these vessels and large yachts as part of the landscape here.