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, 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 and savor a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Step into the shoes of a local and navigate Le Métro, your main mode of transportation for the week. Get to know this underground system with a local pro, giving you the freedom to set off later as you wish. First stop: the Louvre Museum.* The ethereal glass pyramid at the Louvre’s entrance serves as your gateway to another realm, where ancient sculptures lead to 19th-century canvases. Wander past and marvel at the palette progeny of Raphael and Botticelli before making your way to Da Vinci’s renowned Mona Lisa. At the next stop, get to know the hip and historic district of Le Marais. During some free time for lunch, relax in one of Le Marais’ cozy cafés and indulge in the Parisian art of people-watching. Stroll through the spectacular Place des Vosges, the oldest town square in all of Paris, and to the Île de la Cité to take in the sight of the awe-inspiring Notre Dame. Early this evening, admire the city skyline as you float down the Seine on a dinner cruise.

Channel your inner royal at Versailles, an iconic palace located in the heart of France. There’s a reason why Versailles has served as a model for countless international abodes, which you’ll discover as you wind your way through sprawling gardens and palace halls with a local guide. From the Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the Queen, take in the palace’s most famous sights. Afterward, a visit to Versailles wouldn’t be complete without venturing beyond the palace, so take some time to explore the local market**. This evening, 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 harbour (an engineering marvel), the Normandy American Cemetery, and the D-Day landing site at Omaha Beach.

Today, 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. Choose how you discover the area because it’s your choice! Venture into the Musée de Montmartre and get a glimpse into the roots of cabaret and the lives of Paris's most famous artists with a local guide -OR- head inside Sacré-Coeur and take in the city from this iconic hilltop basilica, and enjoy a stop at a local café. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Paris as you please. Nothing compares to the view from within the Eiffel Tower,***** where you’ll enjoy an exclusive dinner featuring savory French cuisine.

Au revoir! Your tour comes to a close today.