Paris-A Week to Remember

Day 1 : Fly to France

We board our overnight flight to the city referred to as the heart, soul and imagination of France, multifaceted Paris.

Day 2 : Bon Jour Paris

Paris unfolds before our eyes as we are introduced to its sights and sounds by our English-speaking Parisian guide. This cosmopolitan city is alive with activity. We start our visit of Paris where the city got its start, Ile de la Cite. Highlights include Notre Dame, site of the coronations of Henry VI and Napoleon and made famous in Victor Hugo’s novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Enjoy a delicious Holiday Vacations Welcome Lunch hosted by our Tour Director. Afternoon finds us arriving at our hotel where we enjoy the luxury of unpacking just once during our five-night Parisian stay.

Day 3 : Monet’s Garden & Versailles

Enjoy a full breakfast complete with fresh fruit and French pastries before venturing out each morning on our group guided activity. Today we travel through the French countryside to the charming village of Giverny, home to Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, the serene atmosphere of his home and gardens will feel as if we have stepped into one of his famous paintings. This afternoon we visit Versailles, residence of King Louis XIV and the seat of France’s government for a hundred years. Meticulously maintained, the Chateau’s grandeur and brilliance remains that of the 17th century. Get a glimpse of life in this opulent palace on our tour through the State Apartments. Beginning in the King’s Wing, we walk through the impressive Hall of Mirrors before exiting by way of the Queen’s Wing. Enjoy free time in Versailles before returning to the city late this afternoon. If you are tempted by one of Paris’ famous cabarets, tonight may be your night to enjoy their elaborate stage shows.

Day 4 : Seine River Cruise

Today is open for individual pursuits. If shopping is your desire, the famous department stores Galleries Lafayette and Printemps are nearby as well as many other stores along Boulevard Haussmann. The afternoon is open for independent activities such as visiting the Musée d’Orsay with its impressionist paintings. Tonight we dine at a quaint French restaurant before enjoying a spectacular cruise on the Seine River. We glide past illuminated monuments, bridges, buildings and Notre Dame. The evening takes on a magical feel as the Eiffel Tower’s golden lacework glows from within against the dramatic night sky.

Day 5 : The Louvre

Join your Tour Director for a closer look at this fascinating city. Paris is a collection of unique neighborhoods. We begin our day with a stroll along the Rue Cler and its markets. This bustling street is lined with bakeries, butcher shops and stores selling cheese, wine, fruits, vegetables, flowers and chocolate. We follow this with a visit to the Saint Germain des Prés neighborhood. This area was made famous by philosophers, actors, musicians, and writers, such as Hemingway, that frequented its many cafes. This evening we visit the Louvre, one of the world’s most famous museums. Our guided tour through what started as a 16th century palace is a walk through France’s history. Home to a vast collection of classic and modern art, we will be inspired by DaVinci’s Mona Lisa, the ancient Greek statues Venus de Milo and Winged Victory and the colossal painting The Coronation of Napoleon.

Day 6 : Monmartre & Sacre Coeur

Experience a leisurely pace of life as we wander the winding streets and cobbled lanes of Paris’s highest hilltop, Montmartre. Ascending by funicular to Sacre Coeur, enjoy incredible views in all directions. We find the artist’s square of Place du Tertre in full swing as painters’ visions come to life. Make room in your suitcase for a piece of original artwork, a lasting memory that will transport you back to this very location. Enjoy a special Farewell Dinner of fine French cuisine for the perfect ending of A Week to Remember.

Day 7 : Au Revoir Paris

So much more than just a destination, we depart Paris with vivid memories that will surely last a lifetime.