Spotlight on Paris

Iconic skylines of picturesque towers. A trend-setting culinary scene. The inspirational muse of the world’s greatest artists. Fashion-forward haute couture. This is the “City of Light.” Feel the essence of Paris as the locals do – with its chic cosmopolitan vibe and constant energy. You’re on your way to a five-night stay in the thriving heartbeat of France.

Be swept off your feet as the Paris of your dreams comes alive. Spend the day as you wish, settling into your centrally located hotel and exploring the city independently. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Tonight, say salut as you toast the beginning of your tour.

Begin your Parisian discovery on foot with your tour manager in the heart of the city, known for its historic universities and vibrant streets. Continue to Île de la Cité, Paris’s ancient core, where the Notre Dame Cathedral* rises along the Seine, an 850-year-old Gothic masterpiece steeped in history. Take in sweeping views of the city on a Seine River cruise, framed by Paris’s iconic landmarks. Later, join a local expert for a visit to the Louvre Museum.** Enter through the iconic glass pyramid and explore centuries of art, from ancient sculptures to 19th-century masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. End your day in an unforgettable dinner inside the Eiffel Tower,*** featuring classic French cuisine and unparalleled views of Paris.

Be romanced by Paris – the whole day is yours for the taking. Perhaps you’ll wander over to the Left Bank of the Seine and plunge into the bohemian atmosphere of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood and indulge in a little retail therapy along the elegant Champs Élysées. Or, join an optional excursion to Versailles, where you’ll explore King Louis XIV’s magnificent Palace and formal Gardens,**** masterpieces of architecture and landscape design. Step back in time as you walk through the opulent State Apartments, including the legendary Hall of Mirrors, where history was made amid glittering chandeliers and gilded walls. This evening, a choice to experience Parisian nightlife during an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin***** for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.

Enjoy the day on your own, exploring Paris however you wish. If you’d prefer to venture beyond Paris, you can choose to join a full-day optional tour to Normandy,****** retracing the history of World War II with visits to see the Mulberry harbor (an engineering marvel), the Normandy American Cemetery, and the D-Day landing site at Omaha Beach.

Today, step into the shoes of a local and navigate Le Métro, the main mode of transportation for Parisians, and spend the morning exploring the hip, bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre. Blending artistic roots and quirky modernity, this 18th arrondissement neighborhood is home to classical painters and cultural provocateurs. After your guided walk, you can choose to visit the Sacré-Coeur* on your own and take in the city from this iconic hilltop basilica. Then, it’s your choice! Venture into the Musée de Montmartre to get a glimpse into the roots of cabaret and the lives of Paris's most famous artists with a local guide -OR- step off the tourist trail for a peaceful stroll on your own through the Montmartre Cemetery. As the day and the journey come to an end, you’ll gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

Au revoir! Your tour comes to a close today.