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France Upgraded
8 days, Paris to Paris
Itinerary
Day 1Paris
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
We recommended arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city. The "City of Lights" is unlike any other place on earth. Known for its glorious monuments, museums, and markets, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, Montmartre to the Marais, Paris has something for everyone. Discover for yourself Paris’ “je ne sais quoi.”
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Day 2Paris/Bayeux
Set off to Giverny and visit the magical garden of Claude Monet, which was used as inspiration for some of his most famous painting series. Then, travel to the port town of Honfleur and enjoy some free time to wander around the quaint harbor and historic buildings. You’ll end the day with dinner at a local crêperie in Bayeux.
Depart Paris for Upper Normandy and the quaint village of Giverny. Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked here from 1883 until his death in 1926. Monet felt that his flower and water gardens here were his greatest works of art and to this day, they are meticulously maintained.
Honfleur sits on the estuary where the River Seine meets the English Channel and is considered one of the prettiest port towns in France.
Claude Monet's Gardens
Enjoy a visit and walk through Claude Monet's Garden, inspiration for the artist's water-lily series and named as one of National Geographic's "top 10 most magnificent gardens in the world."
Free Time
Enjoy free time for a walk and lunch in this pretty seaside Village.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 3Bayeux
Learn about the Allied invasion of Normandy and other historical facts about World War II during a lecture with a recognized war historian at a local museum. Then head to Secqueville-en-Bessin War Cemetery to learn about the significance of poppies. In the afternoon visit notable Normandy sites including Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American cemetery and memorial.
D-Day had a pivotal role in the history of the world and today you will be visiting various memorials and beaches to learn about this event and the impact it had on the Second World War. The Battle of Normandy Historical Area is considered an open-air museum and includes all the sites, museums and memorials associated with D-Day and the invasion. Old army bunkers and war relics still exist along the five beaches, while museums and memorials throughout the region stand as forceful reminders of this decisive period of WWII. Nearly 30 cemeteries hold the remains of almost 100,000 young soldiers who never returned from their service in Normandy. Today these memorials offer quiet space for personal reflection for every visitor, young or old, regardless of nationality.
D-Day Historical Experience
Here’s a day designed for those who can’t get enough of WWII history. In the Norman town of Bayeux, meet a recognized war historian who will lead a lecture about the Allied invasion and how it continues to shape this region in Northwest France. Visit a hands-on museum to view and touch relics such as weapons, uniforms, vehicles, and maps. Then board an authentic WWII transport to travel to the British War Cemetery at Secqueville-en-Bessin to walk the grounds and learn about the ultimate emblem of supreme sacrifice in war, the poppy.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
D-Day Beaches & Memorials
With our CEO, visit some of the key landmarks from D-Day which can include; Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American cemetery and memorial.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Bayeux
Today, you’ll go on an excursion to the mythical UNESCO World Heritage site, Mont-Saint-Michel. This medieval fortress is considered one of Europe’s most stunning sites and is only accessible by shuttle or foot during low tide. There will be a CEO led orientation walk and then you can explore on your own. Perhaps, you’ll visit the Abbey church at the top of the hill or simply get lost amid the winding lanes.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel
Visit Mont-Saint-Michel a UNESCO World Heritage site. This medieval fortress is considered one of the most imposing sites in Europe, with origins dating back to the 8th century. After an orientation with our CEO, enjoy free time to wander the winding streets and ally's or climb up to visit the Abbey church.
Free Time
Explore the cobblestone streets of this medieval fortress town.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Bayeux
Wander the quaint streets of Bayeux on this free day to explore. Search for local shops and cafés or opt to visit the Cathedral of Bayeux where you can see the Bayeux Tapestry.
Free Time
Explore the cobblestone streets of this medieval town.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Bayeux Tapestry
9.50EUR per personDepicting over 50 scenes, the Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidery, 230 feet long, made in the 11th century. The scenes tell the tale of the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy. This stunning linen canvas was thought to be embroidered by monks in the south of England after the Battle of Hastings in October, 1066.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Bayeux/Paris
Discover the lovely port city of Rouen today. Head out on foot in this riverside destination and search for Gothic churches and medieval half-timbered houses. Then it’s back to Paris where you’ll spend the rest of the day as you wish in the capital city.
Rouen was an important city in the Roman era and Middle Ages, showcased by its historical (and beautiful) centre of Gothic churches and medieval half-timbered houses. it is most notable as the place where Joan of Arc was tried for heresy.
Free Time
Take an orientation walk with our CEO and enjoy some free time to visits shops or have lunch.
Free Time
Beautiful Paris, the "City of Lights", is the capital of France and famous the world over for its magnificent architecture, glorious monuments, fine museums, and romantic ambiance. Check out L'Arc de Triomphe, Champs d'Elysees, Musée du Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Centre Georges Pompidou, Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Paris, and Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The most iconic sight is, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Take long walks on the famous "ponts de Paris" (bridges) and enjoy some fine French food.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Paris
Your CEO will lead you on an orientation walk in the morning of the medieval centre of Paris. You can choose to check out a Gothic chapel which has 1,113 stained glass windows. After working up an appetite we’ll participate in a guided lunch featuring the pairing of French wine and cheeses. Then, take advantage of the rest of the day to tour iconic landmarks in the City of Lights.
Later this afternoon and evening, you are free to explore on your own to discover the “je ne sais quoi” of this stunning city. Opt to visit the Eiffel Tower, explore the city's outstanding museums and churches, float down the River Seine on a cruise, or simply people-watch.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
French Wine and Cheese Pairing Lunch
Enjoy a presentation on French wines and the art of perfectly pairing them with cheese. Taste five wines presented by our local expert and learn the proper etiquette, terminology and appreciation of French wine.
Free Time
Being the art, fashion, and gastronomy centre of France, there is no shortage of things to do and see.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Sacre Coeur Visit
FreeVisit the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, located in the Montmartre neighbourhood. This Roman Catholic church was completed in 1914 and stands on the highest point of the city. Climb up 200 stairs to reach the dome of the basilica to get an amazing view of the Paris skyline.
The Louvre Visit
12-16EUR per personExamine the massive collection at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and the Winged Venus. While it might take a lifetime to view everything in the museum, one of the largest in the world, make the most of the time you have and try to spend at least a few hours wandering around.
Musée d'Orsay Visit
11EUR per personTour through The Musée d'Orsay, a must-see museum in Paris. Housed in a former train station, the beautiful building is the perfect setting to display some of the world's most revered Impressionist art. Wander from room to room in awe at the works on display by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Gauguin. Marvel at Degas' ballerinas and Van Gogh's swirling colours.
Eiffel Tower Visit
16EUR per personVisit the most famous landmark in France, the Eiffel Tower. Opt to climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top for a stunning view over the city. Hang out at dusk and watch the tower light up.
Champs-Élysées Visit
FreeWander past high end retail shops, cafés and theatres before reaching the famous Arc de Triomphe.
Musée Rodin Visit
12EUR per personSpend some time at The August Rodin Museum, one of Paris' most enjoyable museums. With famous sculptures on display like the Burghers of Calais, The Gates of Hell, The Hand of God, The Kiss and The Thinker, you can wander through this former mansion, marvelling at the architecture as well as Rodin's best work.
Palace of Versailles Visit
18EUR per personVenture just outside the city of Paris to the sprawling yet elegant Palace of Versailles, which served as King Louis XIV's royal residence leading up to the French Revolution. Visit the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and the celebrated Gardens of Versailles, while immersing yourself in the history, art and architecture of 17th century France. Plan to spend a few hours touring the palace; we recommend pre-purchasing your entrance ticket online.
Napoleon's Tomb - Les Invalides Army Museum
12EUR per personThe Musée de l'Armée houses one of the world's largest collections of military art, armour and weaponry from the 17th to 19th century. Wander through the museum's vast collection of French cannons, artillery and relics, before making your way to the Napoleon I's tomb in the Dôme des Invalides.
Moulin Rouge Dinner & Show
175-185EUR per personStep into the Moulin Rouge and experience a night in Paris you'll never forget. Opened in 1889, this world-famous cabaret continues to bring some of the world's best performers to its stage, with nightly shows that feature over 60 dancers in feather- and rhinestone-studded costumes dancing to the French "can-can". We recommend reserving tickets in advance for the dinner and show.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 8Paris
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.