Tour overview
Paris, France’s capital, is a major European city and a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Its 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. Beyond such landmarks as the Eiffel Tower and the 12th-century, Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, the city is known for its cafe culture and designer boutiques along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
Included
- Airfare
- Local Transport
- Accommodation
- Tour Guide
Not Included
- Entrance Fees
- Guide Gratuity
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 1
Musee d'Orsay is located in a former Beaux Arts railway station that was constructed around 1900, Musee d'Orsay features the largest collection of impressionist masterpieces in the world. Some of the most notable paintings on view include "Starry Night Over the Rhone,” by Vincent van Gogh, "The Card Players,” by Paul Cézanne, and “L’Absinthe," by Edgar Degas. The majority of the exhibits are French art that dates from 1848 to 1915, including photographs, paintings, furniture, and sculptures. While tours are not offered in English, there is an interactive floor plan in English that you can access to create a personalized, printable tour of your very own.
Day 2
Le Marais is the city’s most en vogue art galleries make their home in the most significant and historic architectural buildings of Le Marais, once the city’s Jewish quarter. In this district, dine at trendy restaurants, shop at the hippest fashion houses, and admire contemporary art in one of the museums. Many people from the Chinese community around the northern portion of the district sell handmade leather products and jewelry from their personal workshops. You'll find many LGBT-friendly cafes, nightclubs, cabarets, and shops in the southwestern portion.
Day 3
The Eiffel Tower, also known as the "Iron Woman," Eiffel Tower is an iconic symbol of the City of Lights. You’ve no doubt admired this tower in countless films, but when you see it for the first time you'll be blown away by its magnificent scale and grandeur. Gustave Eiffel built the 325-m (1,063 ft) tower in 1889, and for 40 years this was the tallest structure in the world. As you ascend to the third level, realize you’re climbing to the highest accessible observatory platform open to the public in the entire European Union. On the first and second levels, dine in the restaurants, shop in the boutiques, and enjoy breathtaking city views. An audio guide and an iPhone app in English offer historical and cultural tidbits. Taking the Métro to the Ecole Militiare stop, then strolling up Champ de Mars, is a lovely way
Day 4
Arc de Triomphe, Paris is one of the city’s most famous monuments, Arc de Triomphe honors those who died fighting in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, and consists of four main sculptures. This location also marks the central spot where the avenues radiate out of Place de l'Étoile. See the names of French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Inside the monument, you can view a permanent exhibit conceived by artist Maurice Benayoun and architect Christophe Girault exploring the symbolism of this and other national monuments in regards to war and peace. Beneath its vault lies the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" from World War I.
Day 5
Louvre Museum has an impressive collection of 30,000 pieces, it's nearly impossible to see all of Louvre Museum. The three "Great Ladies,” Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Mona Lisa, may be the museum’s most well-known attractions. The Michelangelo gallery is just one of 30-plus galleries, each with a theme, such as bronze. Masterpieces aren't the only pieces that stand out. Religious artifacts include a fragment of the Egyptian Book of the Dead on papyrus. Even more impressive is the Code of Hammurabi from the Mesopotamian civilization. English-language tours are available on several days, but you need advance registration. Join a city museum tour or order tickets in advance so you won't wait in a long line to gain entry.
Day 6
Palace of Versailles is considered the most illustrious and opulent castle in all of France, Palace of Versailles exemplifies the most beautiful achievements of French art in the 18th century. This former seat of royal power now chronicles the country's past as a museum of the history of France. On your exploration of the numerous buildings, be sure to see the the lavish Hall of Mirrors, the Queen’s bedchamber, the ecclesiastical chapels, and the King's Grand Apartments. If you love books, don’t miss the library, with its delicately carved wooden and stone panels. In the Clock Room, admire the famous astronomical clock encased in bronze. Arrive as early as possible to avoid long entrance lines. Even with advanced tickets, you'll have to wait your turn at the security checkpoint. Alternatively, book a local guide service to bring you to the château and skip the long lines altogether.
