Da Vinci Code Grail Trail

The itinerary for this tour is under review

Day 1 - Leaving around 4pm, we will head down to Portsmouth for the overnight ferry to Caen (cabin included).

Day 2 – Arriving early morning we will delve stright into the heart of the mystery of the Da Vinci Code, with a visit to Gisors were, the story goes, the Priors of Sion became detached from the Knight Templar in 1188 with the so called 'Ceremonial Cutting of the Elm'.

From here we will head for Chartres to book into the hotel, which will be our home for the next three nights. We will then have the rest of the day to take in the amazing Chartres Cathedral, admire and possibly translate the mystery carvings, walk the labyrinth, visit the one of the most important 'Black Madonna's' (or is it Isis?) and quest out the other historic buildings.

Day 3 – We will drive into Paris to visit Saint-Sulpice, which is closely connected with the Da Vinci Code. Saint-Sulpice was also the place that Berenger Sauniere (whose name was used in the Dan Brown book), visited to find a translation for the secret parchments he found in the church at Rennes-les-Chateau.

Day 4 – Today we will head to the town of Troyes where we will venture into the the lands of the Grail and the beginnings of the Knight Templar and will seek out the meaning of the connection between the two. Chrétien de Troyes's 'Perceval' was the first of the 'Grail Romances' and he was based at the court of the count of Champagne. It was here that the Knight Templar was created.

Day 5 - Today we move to the historic walled city of St Malo. St Malo has everything you could possibly want, including a vast selection of comfortable restaurants and bars.

Day 6 - St. Malo is the best place anywhere to recover from the night before. You can walk the ramparts of the City Walls and take in the most amazing views, or you can take a walk along the miles of beeches. When the tide is out you can walk out the historic prison island. Totally idyllic.

Day 7 – In the morning we will take the ferry direct from St. Malo to Portsmouth and then off home.

7 Days £650 (£100 single supp)

including transport from pick up to the ferry, from the ferry to Chartres & St Malo, the day tours & to drop off. Two ferry crossings, one with cabin. B&B in Chartres and St. Malo.