Day 1: Drvie to Paris
A late afternoon departure from Ramstein gets us underway for our drive into France. On route we will make a rest stop to provide an opportunity for a quick meal and use of the restroom. Upon evening arrival in Paris we will travel directly to our first-class hotel where you are able to relax and rest up for the exciting weekend ahead.
Day 2: Paris Sightseeing
Our day gets off to a satisfying start with breakfast at our hotel before we set out for an amazing day of sightseeing in the center of Paris. The first stop on our action-packed day of iconic Paris sites is the base of the celebrated Eiffel Tower, where we will make an extended photo stop. If you would like to journey up the Eiffel Tower, it is highly recommended that you pre-purchase your tickets with a reserved time slot (see Booking Details for instructions) here.
Next, we'll visit the enchanting Christmas Market at the 'Jardin des Tuileries', located at the former royal Garden of the Louvre Palace. The holiday spirit can be found here in abundance and even further enhanced by an ice skating rink. Stroll the beautiful park, which will be all dressed up for the holidays, and have Santa Claus in attendance. Shop for a wide variety of wonderful Christmas decorations, Christmas gifts and mouthwatering treats offered by craftsmen from all over France.
Afterward, we travel by bus up the legendary Avenue des Champs Elysées, adorned in Christmas lights, to the Arch of Triumph, a celebrated memorial for soldiers of the French Revolution, Napoleonic War and World War I. From here we travel into the heart of the city to Isle de la city and Notre Dame Cathedral, the beloved soul of Paris that was damaged by fire in 2019. Reconstruction is well underway and although access to the inside is not currently permitted, the magnificent gothic features, imposing bell towers, elegant flying buttresses and gargoyles along the façade can all still be admired from the outside. There will be some free time here for you to explore the local sites.
Our next stop is the Opera House, historically linked to Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel and eventually world-famous musical, The Phantom of the Opera. Here we will have an opportunity to see the masterful 19th century architecture and check for exhibits that are sometimes available for public viewing. Now we will return to the hotel for a chance to change and freshen up. Tonight we will enjoy a delicious 3-course meal at a traditional French restaurant in the heart of Paris, followed by an illumination tour to experience the Parisian monuments at night.
Day 3: Versailles & Monmatre
After breakfast and hotel checkout, we travel to the grounds of the glorious royal palace of Versailles, built by the “Sun King” Louis XIV. This opulent chateau has served as residence to many generations of French aristocracy including Queen Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. Here we will see the Palace from the outside and visit the gardens which offer one of finest examples of the jardin à la française (French formal gardens) in the world. Numerous fountains, canals, reflecting pools and immaculately manicured grooves, each with their own specialty and theme are waiting to be discovered. This experience can be further enhanced by downloading the Versailles App which offers an interactive map of the entire estate.
After our time on the Palace grounds, a short walk takes us to Les marchés de Versailles, one of the finest open-air markets in all of France. Here you will find artisan cheeses from every region, all kinds of produce, traditional bread, delicious pastries, candy, exotic fruits, wine, flowers, cured meats, and even hot food like rotisserie chickens and fresh fish. A great variety preserved food items like marinated olives, spices, dried fruits and nuts can also be found here. The market offers an ideal way to sample a variety authentic French culinary traditions that you can eat on the spot or gather together for a picnic lunch to be enjoyed at your favorite spot in the gardens of Versailles.
Our final stop in Paris takes us to Montmartre, on Paris’s Northern right bank and highest natural point in the city. This area is famous for the beautiful Basilica of Sacre-Coeur, quaint cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and artistic spirit that thrives here. After a brief orientation from your guide, there will be free time to explore the nearby sites like the famous Moulin Rouge, ride the funicular, visit Sacre-Coeur and take in the amazing view of Paris and admire the art works on "Painter's Square". Enjoy a coffee or early supper in one of the many street side cafés. Finally, we must to say “Au revoir” to this incredible city and begin our journey home for an evening return to Ramstein. On route we will make a rest stop to provide an opportunity for a quick meal and use of the restroom.
