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Rugby World Cup France 2023 - Tour 12 - The Odyssey


Email us at rugby@weloverugby.com for final availability.


Join us for the full Rugby World Cup 2023™ tour - 51 days and nights enjoying the best France has to offer plus 15 matches of incredible rugby action! From the opening ceremony & France v New Zealand in game one, right through to the final!

We visit Paris, Biarritz, Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion, Toulouse, Lyon, Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Aix-en-Provence, Munich, Barcelona, Brussels, Marseille, Normandy, Villers-Bretonneux & Champagne.

We take in classic countryside, wineries, castles, churches, rugby towns, the beauty of the south-west with the monumental battlefields of the Western front.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the best of France and its neighbouring countries. This is not a rugby tour, this is la meilleure chose dans la vie! - the best life has to offer!

Included Matches

Category 2 match tickets are included as standard for all games - enjoy incredible seats for:

Opening Ceremony - France v New Zealand, 8 September, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

Australia v Georgia, 9 September, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

New Zealand v Namibia, 15 September, Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse

Australia v Fiji, 17 September, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne

Italy v Uruguay, 20 September, Stade de Nice, Nice

France v Namibia, 21 September, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille

Australia v Wales, 24 September, OL Stadium, Lyon

New Zealand v Italy, 29 September, OL Stadium, Lyon

Australia v Portugal, 1 October, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne

Ireland v Scotland, 07 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

quarter-final 1, 14 October, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille

quarter-final 3, 15 October, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille

semi-final 1, 20 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

semi-final 2, 21 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

final, 28 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

Plus you can add an optional ticket to the bronze final at Stade de France on 27 October to your tour when booking.

Inclusions

Accommodation


  • Top-quality accommodation throughout (51 nights)

  • 2 nights in Paris (8-10 September)

  • 1 night in Biarritz (10 September)

  • 2 nights in Bordeaux (11-13 September)

  • 3 nights in Toulouse (13-16 September)

  • 2 nights in Lyon (16-18 September)

  • 3 nights in Nice (18-21 September)

  • 2 nights in Aix-en-Provence (21-23 September)

  • 2 nights in Lyon (23-25 September)

  • 3 nights in Munich (25-28 September)

  • 4 nights in Lyon (28 September-2 October)

  • 4 nights in Barcelona (2-6 October)

  • 3 nights in Paris (6-9 October)

  • 4 nights in Brussels (9-13 October)

  • 3 nights in Marseille (13-16 October)

  • 3 nights in Dijon (16-19 October)

  • 3 nights in Paris (19-22 October)

  • 2 nights in Caen (22-24 October)

  • 1 night in Amiens (24 October)

  • 1 night in Reims (25 October)

  • 3 nights in Paris (26-29 October)

  • Breakfast daily

Match Tickets


  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for Australia v Georgia

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for Australia v Fiji

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for Australia v Wales

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for Australia v Portugal

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for France v New Zealand

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for New Zealand v Namibia

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for New Zealand v Italy

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for France v Namibia

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for Italy v Uruguay

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for Ireland v Scotland

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for quarter-final 1

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for quarter-final 3

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for semi-final 1

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for semi-final 2

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for final

Transfers


  • Coach, high-speed train & flight transfers throughout

Sightseeing


  • Biarritz city tour

  • Bordeaux city tour

  • Saint-Emilion winery experience

  • Toulouse city tour

  • Lyon city tour

  • French Riviera & Monaco tour

  • Nice city tour

  • Aix-en-Provence city tour

  • Munich city tour

  • Dachau tour

  • Munich’s Oktoberfest

  • Barcelona city tour

  • Brussels city tour

  • Tour of WW2 memorials of Normandy & Bayeux

  • Tour of WW1 battlefields of the Somme & Villers-Bretonneux

  • Paris city tour

  • Tour of WW2 memorials of Normandy & Bayeux

  • Tour of WW1 battlefields of the Somme & Villers-Bretonneux

  • Dijon city tour

  • Burgundy winery tour

  • Champagne winery tour

  • Palace of Versailles tour

Merchandise


  • Commemorative We Love Rugby tour merchandise set

Matches

Category 2 match tickets are included as standard for all games - enjoy incredible seats for:

Opening Ceremony - France v New Zealand, 8 September, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

Australia v Georgia, 9 September, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

New Zealand v Namibia, 15 September, Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse

Australia v Fiji, 17 September, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne

Italy v Uruguay, 20 September, Stade de Nice, Nice

France v Namibia, 21 September, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille

Australia v Wales, 24 September, OL Stadium, Lyon

New Zealand v Italy, 29 September, OL Stadium, Lyon

Australia v Portugal, 1 October, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne

Ireland v Scotland, 07 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

quarter-final 1, 14 October, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille

quarter-final 3, 15 October, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille

semi-final 1, 20 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

semi-final 2, 21 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

final, 28 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

Plus you can add an optional ticket to the bronze final at Stade de France on 27 October to your tour when booking.

Itinerary

Friday 8 September - Welcome to Paris!


Details for meeting the group at today’s hotel will be sent four weeks before the tour. Extra nights of accommodation at our tour hotel will be available to add closer to the tour.

Tonight we head to the opening ceremony of the tournament and game one - New Zealand vs France. Can it get any better than this?

Opening Ceremony - France v New Zealand, Stade de France, Saint-Denis, 21:00

Overnight: Paris

Saturday 9 September - Australia v Georgia


The highlights of Paris await! Our tour leader and local guide will be on hand in the hotel lobby this morning to offer recommendations for the day before we meet this evening for our stadium transfer.

Australia takes on Georgia tonight at the incredible Stade de France. The Aussies will be looking to get their tournament off to a good start and we’ll be in full voice to help them along!

Australia v Georgia, Stade de France, Saint-Denis, 18:00

Overnight: Paris

Sunday 10 September - Biarritz


This morning we begin the southwest France portion of our tour at the stunning resort town of Biarritz on the Bay of Biscay.

The luxurious seaside tourist town of Biarritz lies on the Bay of Biscay in the heart of French Basque country. After being known mainly as a fishing and whaling town for most of the Middle Ages, the 19th century saw the city become a luxury destination with European royalty coming to relax at the city’s main beach and famous salt baths. More recently Biarritz was the location for the introduction of surfing in Europe and attracts surfers from around the world each summer.

This afternoon we take a walking tour of this playground of Frances rich and famous before settling in for a sundowner at one of the beachside bars.

Overnight: Biarritz

Monday 11 September - Bordeaux City Tour


Today we head to France’s number one wine (and rugby!) region of Bordeaux.

Surrounded by hillsides of vineyards and castles, Bordeaux has long stood at the crossroads of European civilization. In the Middle Ages the city’s harbour became known as Port de la Lune thanks to its crescent shape and Bordeaux was once Europe’s second busiest port after London.

Best of all for the tourist, the city is a world capital of wine with Vinexpo - the world wine expo - held here every two years. We will visit the modern Cite du Vin wine museum on our city tour and of course there are plenty of cafes and bars serving the best of the local produce!

After check-in at our hotel we embark of a tour of this gorgeous city.

Boasting some of France’s boldest architecture and public spaces Bordeaux is a delight for both visitors and locals. From the incredible Place de la Bourse to bustling Sainte Catherine Street and the UNESCO-listed Saint Andre Cathedral, the city has spectacular photo opportunities at every turn.

Overnight: Bordeaux

Tuesday 12 September - Saint-Emilion Winery Tour


Saint-Emilion is a medieval town whose steep, narrow streets are lined with churches and ruins dating back to the 11th century and earlier. The town and surrounding vineyards are UNESCO World Heritage listed. The wines of Saint-Emilion are blended from three main grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Today we head to Saint-Emilion and one of the region’s top wineries as we learn about and sample the best the area has to offer.

Tonight we will sample of some of the region’s famous product at the bars lining Rue Parlement Saint Pierre.

Overnight: Bordeaux

Wednesday 13 September - Transfer to Toulouse


Today we depart Bordeaux and travel through some classic French countryside en route to Toulouse. The southern city of Toulouse is known for its sunshine and laid-back lifestyle making it one of France’s most pleasant cities.

Overnight: Toulouse

Thursday 14 September - Carcassonne Day Tour


Today we visit the medieval fortress city of Carcassonne, first established in Roman times. The location is an amazingly preserved example of medieval life.

This evening we head in to the old town centre for dinner before joining the locals at the pick of the city’s sports bars to cheer on the hosts as they take on Uruguay.

Overnight: Toulouse

Friday 15 September - Toulouse City Tour & New Zealand v Namibia


Today we take a tour of the historic city centre starting at the incredible central square of Place du Capitole before moving on to the Basilique Saint-Sernin, one of the most important churches on the medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, and finishing on the banks of the Canal du Midi.

This evening we head to Stade de Toulouse for clash between the New Zealand and Namibia!

New Zealand v Namibia, Stade de Toulouse, Toulouse, 21:00

Overnight: Toulouse

Saturday 16 September - Transfer to Lyon


Today we travel to Lyon where we will be based ahead of this weekend’s rugby action. After checking in at our hotel we settle in for a massive evening of rugby action featuring Pool C rivals Wales and then the Irish take on Tonga in Pool B.

Overnight: Lyon

Sunday 17 September - Lyon City Tour & Australia v Fiji


The Romans settled on Lyon’s Fourviere hill in 43BC and the city has an incredible array of highlights stretching over its 2,000 years of history. This morning we embark on a sightseeing tour of Lyon taking in Place Bellecour, Lyon Cathedral, the Roman amphitheatre of Fourviere and the central Rue St-Jean.

Following the city tour we travel south to the historic mining town of Saint-Etienne for Australia's clash with Fiji. After being given a scare against Fiji in Japan in 2019 where they trailed by 9 points in the second half of the match, the Aussies will be keen for a solid start in this one!

Australia v Fiji, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne, 17:45

Overnight: Lyon

Monday 18 September - Cannes & Nice


This morning we depart Lyon for the French Riviera. Our first stop is Cannes where we will enjoy lunch overlooking the Mediterranean before moving on to Nice where we will be based for three nights.

The ancient Greeks founded the first permanent settlement here around 350 BC and named the town Nikaia after the goddess Nike. From the 18th century the city became popular as a winter resort for the British aristocracy and the main beach walk is known as the Promenade des Anglais.

Overnight: Nice

Tuesday 19 September - Monaco & French Riviera Tour


Today we travel to the Principality of Monaco for a tour taking in the Casino de Monte Carlo, Monaco Palace and Larvotto Beach. We then return to Nice to explore the local highlights including the famous Promenade des Anglais, Place Garibaldi and the Albert Gardens.

Overnight: Nice

Wednesday 20 September - Nice City Tour & Italy v Uruguay


Today we take a city tour of Nice. Our tour starts at the magnificent Promenade des Anglais running along the Mediterranean waterfront before heading to Nice’s old town highlights of the Town Hall, Cours Saleya market square and Saint Reparata Cathedral before we finish at the pick of Nice’s cafes and restaurants to sample some ‘cuisine Niçoise’.

This afternoon we head to Stade de Nice to see Italy v Uruguay. With the Italian border just 35km away tonight’s supporters will be heavily in favour of the Azzurri!

Italy v Uruguay, Stade de Nice, Nice, 17:45

Overnight: Nice

Thursday 21 September - Aix-en-Provence & France v Namibia


This morning we travel to the picturesque city of Aix-en-Provence, a highlight of any French tour! This evening we travel to Marseille’s Stade Velodrome for France v Namibia.

France v Namibia, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, 21:00

Overnight: Aix-en-Provence

Friday 22 September - Aix-en-Provence City Tour


Today we take a city tour of Aix-en-Provence. Starting at the glorious avenue of Cours Mirabeau we explore the intricate backstreets and grand city squares all featuring fountains fed from the local hot springs. Our tour ends at the daily produce market at Place Richelme.

Overnight: Aix-en-Provence

Saturday 23 September - Transfer to Lyon


We return to Lyon today ahead of Australia's massive Pool C clash with Wales. This evening we settle in at our local sports bar for this evening’s rugby featuring England’s match against Chile and then South Africa take on Ireland in Pool B.

Overnight: Lyon

Sunday 24 September - Australia v Wales


Lying at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers, Lyon is France’s third largest city. UNESCO has declared Lyon’s historic areas of Fourviere, Vieux Lyon, Croix-Rousse and the central Presqu'île peninsula World Heritage status.

The city is also home to some of France’s top culinary traditions. Local bouchon restaurants serve local specialties including sausages, duck pate and roast pork, all accompanied by wines from the surrounding areas of Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone.

This evening is Australia's all-important clash with Pool C rivals Wales. As the Aussies learnt the hard way in Japan, a win here will be crucial to avoid the top-placed Pool D team come quarter-final time!

Australia v Wales, OL Stadium, Lyon, 21:00

Overnight: Lyon

Monday 25 September - Transfer to Munich


This morning we travel to the Bavarian capital of Munich where the annual Oktoberfest beer festival - the largest public festival in the world! - has just gotten underway.

After checking in at our central Munich hotel we head for the first of three glorious nights at the Theresienwiese grounds - a festival that has to be seen to be believed!

Overnight: Munich

Tuesday 26 September - Munich City Tour & Oktoberfest


Munich’s old town centre is lined with stunning architecture, traditional markets and plenty of Bavarian history. Today the city is a fascinating mix of a modern economy set within a classic medieval town.

After our walking tour of the old town we return for more Oktoberfest festivities where we will spend the afternoon sampling another of the 18 beer halls set up especially for the festival. In addition to the famous beer tents there is plenty to see and do outside from culinary curiosities to amusement rides for the thrill-seekers!

Overnight: Munich

Wednesday 27 September - Dachau Tour


This morning we visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. Located 20 kilometres north of Munich, Dachau was the site for one of the Nazi’s first concentration camps for political prisoners. Today the site is an incredible memorial to the horrors of that era.

This evening we have our final night at the world’s biggest beer festival!
Overnight: Munich

Thursday 28 September - Lyon


We return to Lyon today ahead of a massive weekend of World Cup rugby action!

Overnight: Lyon

Friday 29 September - Lyon & New Zealand v Italy


Today we have time to explore central Lyon, act like a local with a stroll along the banks of the Rhone to the botanical gardens at Parc de la Tête d'Or.

Tonight Lyon’s Parc Olympique Lyonnais sees another massive Pool A match as the All Blacks take on Italy. Italy will need a win against either the hosts or the Kiwis if they are to qualify for their first ever quarter-final, will tonight be the night?

New Zealand v Italy, OL Stadium, Lyon, 21:00

Overnight: Lyon

Saturday 30 September - Basilica of Notre-Dame


This morning we take a ride on the Lyon funicular to Fouviere’s Basilica of Notre-Dame. The Basilica dominates the Lyon cityscape and affords excellent views over the city.

This afternoon we settle in for matches featuring Argentina, Fiji and Scotland as each side tries to lock-in unexpected places in the knock-out stages of the tournament.

Overnight: Lyon

Sunday 1 October - Australia v Portugal


This afternoon we travel to Saint-Etienne for Australia's final group match in Pool C against Portugal.

Australia v Portugal, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne, 17:45

Overnight: Lyon

Monday 2 October - Barcelona


Following Australia’s final pool match we head south to the Spanish city of Barcelona where we spend four days and nights exploring the best of Catalan culture. From the incredible architecture of Sagrada Família and Casa Mila to some incredible tapas bars and seafood cuisine Barcelona offers non-stop experiences for the visitor. Our local guide will be with us as we explore the best the region has to offer.

Overnight: Barcelona

Tuesday 3 October - Sagrada Familia Tour


This morning we take a tour of one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks, the Sagrada Familia. Begun in 1882, the construction was overtaken by Antoni Gaudi a year later. Gaudi’s new design married gothic and art nouveau styles and construction has continued slowly since Gaudi’s death in 1926.

Overnight: Barcelona

Wednesday 4 October - La Pedrera & Park Guell Tour


Today we visit two more iconic Barcelona locations designed by Antoni Gaudi. Casa Mila, colloquially known as La Pedrera (‘the stone quarry’) thanks to its unique façade was the last private residence built by Gaudi.

Located above the city on Carmel Hill, Park Guell was originally intended as a housing development where the city’s elite could enjoy the relative fresh air way from the factories below. After sales proved sluggish the area was converted into a municipal garden featuring a range of mosaic-filled pathways, viaducts and benches in Gaudi’s unique design.

Overnight: Barcelona

Thursday 5 October - Montserrat Tour


Located 50 kilometres northwest of Barcelona, Montserrat is a unique series of rock formations sitting 1,200 metres above sea level offering views of all of Catalonia. The mountain is home to a monastery established in the 11th century which has undergone a series of restorations and thanks to its incredible location is a popular destination for both worshippers and tourists alike.

Overnight: Barcelona

Friday 6 October - Paris Transfer


Today we return to Paris ahead of the final round of pool matches. Tonight we’ll join the locals at our downtown sports bar to watch hosts France take on Italy in Pool A.

Overnight: Paris

Saturday 7 October - Ireland v Scotland


Today we have free time to explore the Paris capital before we head to Stade de France for tonight’s crucial Pool B clash between Ireland and Scotland - a match likely to determine which side progresses in the tournament!

Ireland v Scotland, Stade de France, Saint-Denis, 21:00

Overnight: Paris

Sunday 8 October - Paris Cruise


This morning we embark on a cruise of the River Seine, a highlight of any visit! This afternoon there is time for shopping along Champs Elysees, a visit to the Louvre or settling in at our local sports bar for the final round of pool matches including Japan v Argentina - a game that could determine Australia’s quarter-final opponent!

Overnight: Paris

Monday 9 October - Brussels


We cross the Belgian border for four days of immersion in everything Brussels has to offer - baroque architecture, incredible museums and of course chocolate and beer! We’ll explore both the capital and surrounding highlights including Bruges and Antwerp during our stay.

This evening we will soak up the atmosphere in the bars and restaurants around the Grand Place market square.

Overnight: Brussels

Tuesday 10 October - Brussels City Tour


Today we take a tour of the Belgian capital. The rural settlements on the banks of the river Senne were fortified by Charles of Lorraine in the year 979. Until 1830 Brussels was variously under the control of European monarchies and the first French republic as part of the Netherlands.

In 1830 the Belgian revolution gave rise to an independent Belgium containing cultural and linguistic influences of both the Dutch to the north and the French to the south. Since World War II the city has become the capital of Europe and home to a range of international political, financial and cultural institutions.

Overnight: Brussels

Wednesday 11 October - Bruges Tour


The historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to its strategic harbour and canal system Bruges was a major trading port from the 12th to the 15th centuries. Early banking systems and one of the world’s first stock exchanges were established here as the city grew. Much of the historic architecture of this time is still standing and today Bruges is a major European tourist destination.

Overnight: Brussels

Thursday 12 October - Antwerp & Ghent Tour


At the end of the 15th century excessive silt made the harbour of Bruge inaccessible to trade shipping and Antwerp became the new international trading hub. At one stage the post was estimated to process up to 40% of world trade. International banking was also established here and the city developed a cosmopolitan mix of peoples that can still be seen today.

After our tour of the highlights of Antwerp we will head on to Ghent and the incredible St Bavo’s cathedral. The cathedral is home to one of the most iconic religious paintings, the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers completed in 1432.

Overnight: Brussels

Friday 13 October - Marseille Transfer


Today we return to southern France ready for the start of the business end of France 2023 - the quarter finals in Marseille!

After check-in at our hotel we’ll head down to the restaurants of the Vieux Port area to sample some of the local seafood ahead of the weekend’s matches.

Overnight: Marseille

Saturday 14 October - Quarter-final 1


Founded by the ancient Greeks around 600 BC, Marseille is the oldest and second-largest city in France. Its strategic position on the Gulf of Lion has meant it has been a major trading port since its inception with a cosmopolitan culture with influences from across Europe, north Africa and the Middle East.

This afternoon is the first of this weekend’s quarter-finals featuring the winner of Australia’s Pool C and the runner up of Pool D (England, Japan or Argentina). Tonight’s second quarter-final in Paris sees the winner of Pool B take on Pool A’s runner up.

Quarter-final 1 (Winner Pool C v Runner-Up Pool D), Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, 17:00

Overnight: Marseille

Sunday 15 October - Quarter-final 3


We return to Marseille’s Stade Velodrome for quarter-final number 3 - runner up in Australia’s Pool C against the winner of Pool D. The last of the quarter-finals tonight features the winner of Pool A and the runner up of Pool B.

Quarter-final 3 (Runner-Up Pool C v Winner Pool D), Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, 17:00

Overnight: Marseille

Monday 16 October - Dijon


We head to France’s historic Burgundy region famous for the eponymous wines, food and a famous condiment! Dijon is home to some amazing restaurants featuring a wide range of the region’s gastronomy and one of the highlights of stay here is sampling some of what the town has to offer.

Overnight: Dijon

Tuesday 17 October - Dijon City Tour


This morning we embark on a walking tour of Dijon’s UNESCO-listed old town centre. Known as the City of Dukes, Dijon’s old town is lined with incredible architecture and cobblestone streets. We will visit the Palace of Dukes, now home to the city’s town hall and fine arts museum, Saint-Bénigne cathedral, the 13th century Eglise Notre-Dame and end our tour at the markets along Rue de la Liberté to pick up some local specialties - gingerbread cakes, wines and of course the eponymous mustard!

Overnight: Dijon

Wednesday 18 October - Burgundy Winery Tour


Today we tour one of the region’s top wineries to sample the famous pinot noir and chardonnay varieties with an opportunity to select some to take home!

Overnight: Dijon

Thursday 19 October - Paris Transfer


This morning we return to Paris where all of our tour groups come together for a big night on the town in anticipation of tomorrow’s rugby action!

Overnight: Paris

Friday 20 October - Paris City tour & semi-final 1


Today we visit some of Paris’s many sightseeing highlights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arch de Triomphe and Champs Elysees. Following our sightseeing tour you will have the afternoon to explore other local features such as the Louvre Museum or a cruise along the Seine.

Then tonight we head to the magnificent Stade de France for the first of the tournament’s semi-finals.

Semi-final 1 (Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 2), Stade de France, Saint-Denis, 21:00

Overnight: Paris

Saturday 21 October - Semi-final 2


Today we explore more of what the French capital has to offer including the Champs Elysees, Montmartre and the Parisian cultural highlights around Le Marais. Then we return to Stade de France for tonight’s second semi-final.

Semi-final 2 (Winner QF 3 v Winner QF 4), Stade de France, Saint-Denis, 21:00

Overnight: Paris

Sunday 22 October - Normandy


This morning we depart Paris and begin our tour of the French battlefields and memorials of the World Wars. First we head to Normandy and the famous beaches of the D-Day landings of World War 2. We visit Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery of Colleville before arriving in Caen for the first of our two-night stay.

Overnight: Caen

Monday 23 October - Bayeux & WW2 Memorials


Today we visit more of the Normandy WW2 battlefields and memorials with our specialist tour guide. We then visit the medieval town of Bayeux before returning to our hotel in Caen.

Overnight: Caen

Tuesday 24 October - Amiens & the Somme Battlefields


Today we head north to the city of Amiens and the WW1 battlefields of the Somme. Amiens is surrounded by preserved battlefields and memorials commemorating the war and the role the Anzacs played in defending the area against German invasion.

Overnight: Amiens

Wednesday 25 October - Villers-Bretonneux


Today we head to the town of Villers-Bretonneux where Australian soldiers famously fought during the First World War. Annual Anzac Day services are held here each year and in addition to the local memorials we will visit the incredible Sir John Monash Centre opened to commemorate the Anzac Day centenary.

We then travel to the capital of France’s traditional Champagne region, Reims.

Overnight: Reims

Thursday 26 October - Champagne Winery Tour


First stop today is a winery in France’s famed Champagne region where we will hear about some of the history of the region’s most famous product before while sampling a glass and possibly purchasing a bottle or two.

This afternoon we return to Paris ahead of the climax of Rugby World Cup 2023!

Overnight: Paris

Friday 27 October - Palace of Versailles Tour


Today we visit the world heritage listed Palace of Versailles for a tour of the incredible Royal apartments and extravagant gardens. In 1623 Louis XIII developed a hunting lodge on the grounds which was subsequently developed into a magnificent palace and gardens which soon became an enduring symbol of royal opulence.

This evening we get together at our central Paris sports bar for the bronze final, always an exciting display of attacking rugby!

A ticket to tonight's bronze final can be added to your tour during the booking process.

Overnight: Paris

Saturday 28 October - Pre-Final Function & World Cup Final


This afternoon we have our pre-final function where our expert panel will share their thoughts on the tournament and preview tonight’s final.

Then tonight is the tournament’s showpiece event at Stade de France!

RWC 2023 Final, Stade de France, Saint-Denis, 21:00

Overnight: Paris

Sunday 29 October - Tour Ends


Today our tour ends. Airport transfers and extra nights at our tour hotel will be available closer to the event.

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Rugby World Cup France 2023 - Tour 12 - The Odyssey
Tour Dates:
8 Sep, 2023 - 29 Oct, 2023
Tour Duration:
52 Days/51 Nights