European Accent
16 Days from $2,395 per person
The lush green countryside of Holland and Germany are your introduction to the highlights of Europe. Explore the fascinating cities of Venice, Paris and Rome, and Avignon, with its imposing Papal Palace.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
The lush green countryside of Holland and Germany are your introduction to the highlights of Europe. Explore the fascinating cities of Venice, Paris and Rome, and Avignon, with its imposing Papal Palace.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Arrive London (2 Nights)
After checking into your hotel, the rest of your day is at leisure.
*Local Host is with you during your stay in London. Your Travel Director will join you on Day 3.
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Day 2: London Free Day
Today, explore the city at your own pace. See the sights, visit the museums, picnic in the parks or shop on the high streets—the list is endless and the choice is yours.
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Day 3: London – Amsterdam
This morning meeting your Travel Director and traveling companions to board your coach and set off from London. See the famous White Cliffs of Dover as you cross by ferry to Calais, France. Continue by coach through Belgium to The Netherlands. In Amsterdam enjoy an orientation of the historic city center. Tonight consider a canal cruise in a glass-topped boat—it's a great way to see the city.
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Day 4: Amsterdam – Rhine Cruise – Rhineland
Cross through the Netherlands and east into Germany. Cruise down the River Rhine past picturesque villages, steep vineyards and medieval castles. Arrive later at your Rhineland hotel.
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Day 5: Rhineland – Lucerne Region
Follow the Rhine valley to the Swiss border near Basel and continue through central Switzerland to Lucerne. Your orientation includes the Old Town, the Chapel Bridge and the poignant Lion Monument, built in memory of Louis XVI's Swiss Guards. Don't forget to shop for Swiss chocolate and exquisite watches.
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Day 6: Lucerne Region – Venice (2 Nights)
Enjoy splendid views of alpine scenery as you follow the St. Gotthard highway south to Chiasso at the border with Italy. Travel past Lake Como to the magical city of Venice.
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Day 7: Venice Orientation and Free Time
Watch Venetian craftsmen at work creating local specialties at a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island. Cruise along Venice's Giudecca canal to St. Mark's Square. View the ornate Doge's Palace where the Venetian rulers once lived.
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Day 8: Venice – Rome (2 Nights)
Cross the Veneto plains and drive over the Apennine Mountains. Continue through Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio to Rome—the Eternal City.
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Day 9: Rome Sightseeing and Free Time
This morning consider an Optional Experience to the Sistine Chapel featuring Michelangelo's magnificent fresco'ed ceiling, considered to be his crowning achievement. Then your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour starting with a visit to St. Peter's Basilica. View the Colosseum and see the ancient sites of Rome. Spend the rest of the day exploring on your own.
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Day 10: Rome – Florence
Travel north through the rolling hills of Umbria into Tuscany and the Renaissance city of Florence. Enjoy spectacular views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Spend free time visiting Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Giotto's Bell Tower. Learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft.
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Day 11: Florence – Pisa – Monaco – French Riviera (2 Nights)
View the Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles. Follow the Italian coast to France and enjoy amazing views of the harbor and the palace in Monaco. Travel past picturesque coastal towns to your hotel on the French Riviera.
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Day 12: French Riviera Free Time
Enjoy a full day of relaxation on one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe.
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Day 13: French Riviera – Avignon – Lyon
In the papal town of Avignon view the renowned broken bridge made famous in the song ‘sur le pont d'Avignon' and the imposing Papal Palace. Continue to Lyon, the third-largest city in France located in the Rhône-Alpes region. Due to its historical and architectural landmarks this city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Day 14: Lyon – Versailles – Paris (2 Nights)
This morning travel north through scenic countryside. Stop in Versailles and consider a visit to the magnificent Palace and Gardens of Versailles before arriving in the elegant, romantic capital city of Paris.
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Day 15: Paris Orientation and Free Time
Your morning orientation includes views of the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Later consider an excursion to explore Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter. You might like to finish your evening with a cabaret show, for which Paris is famous.
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Day 16: Depart Paris
This morning after breakfast say farewell to your fellow travelers. A return transfer will arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 8 am. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
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Bastille Day
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Apr 19 | 30 Apr 19 |
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$2,395pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 6 May 19 | 21 May 19 |
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$2,695pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 20 May 19 | 4 Jun 19 |
|
$2,695$2,695pp | Last Minute DealPromo Code: PP150LMD10 | Call 1-877-622-9109 Book Now | ||
| 27 May 19 | 11 Jun 19 | $2,695pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 17 Jun 19 | 2 Jul 19 |
|
$2,725pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 24 Jun 19 | 9 Jul 19 |
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$2,725pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
|
Bastille Day |
1 Jul 19 | 16 Jul 19 |
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$2,725pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 8 Jul 19 | 23 Jul 19 |
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$2,750pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 15 Jul 19 | 30 Jul 19 |
|
$2,750pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 29 Jul 19 | 13 Aug 19 |
|
$2,750pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 5 Aug 19 | 20 Aug 19 | $2,750pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 12 Aug 19 | 27 Aug 19 | $2,750pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 2 Sep 19 | 17 Sep 19 |
|
$2,725pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 9 Sep 19 | 24 Sep 19 |
|
$2,725pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 16 Sep 19 | 1 Oct 19 | $2,725pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 30 Sep 19 | 15 Oct 19 | $2,725pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 7 Oct 19 | 22 Oct 19 | $2,725pp | Request Quote Book Now |
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Bastille Day: This departure will be in France during Bastille Day. Celebrations will be taking place throughout the country.
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Supplement: from $680 per person
Triple Room Discount: $30 per person
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $136 per person
Airport Transfers: A return transfer on the last day will arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 8 am.
Complimentary London Return: Guests are welcome to return to London by motor coach at no extra cost. Additional accommodations will be required as arrival in London will be late afternoon/early evening.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Breakfast Daily
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Personal Flight Options
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
19 meals: 1 Full breakfast, 14 Buffet breakfasts, 4 Three-course dinners.
Sightseeing Experiences
- Dover See the White Cliffs
- Amsterdam See the historic city center
- Rhine Valley Cruise the romantic Rhine
- Lucerne Visit the Lion Monument and views of the Chapel Bridge
- Swiss Alps Scenic St. Gotthard highway
- Venice Cruise by private boat to St. Mark's Square. Visit a traditional glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island
- Rome Morning sightseeing with your Local Specialist. Visit St. Peter's Basilica. View the Colosseum and see the ancient sites of Rome
- Florence Panoramic city views from Piazzale Michelangelo. See Piazza Santa Croce
- Pisa View the Leaning Tower
- Monaco Visit the Principality
- Avignon Views of the Popes' Palace and the Pont Saint-Bénezet
- Lyon Orientation of this UNESCO World Heritage City
- Paris Enjoy a morning orientation tour including views of the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower
First Class Highlights
- Ferry from Dover to Calais
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in Italy and France is the Euro (€), in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF) and in London is the Pound (£). While it’s a good idea to bring some euros for when you first arrive, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate when you arrive in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is sampling the cuisine.
While Italy is most famous for pizza and pasta, few travelers are aware of just how varied the country’s culinary offering actually are. In fact, each of the 20 regions has its own distinctive cuisine. Traditionally, lunch (pranzo) is the most substantial meal of the day. A full meal consists of antipasto (starter), a primo piatto (pasta, rice or soup), a secondo piatto (meat or fish) with a side, or contorno (vegetable or salad), then frutta (fresh fruit). Finish with espresso and maybe a limoncello or grappa. Wine is usually served with the meal, accompanied by mineral water. Tap water is safe to drink, but not always tasty. We recommend you buy bottled mineral water. ‘Acqua non potabile’ means the water is not safe to drink.
Swiss cuisine is a flavorful blend of German, Italian, and French influences and a wide variety of regional offerings. Specialty dishes include fondue and raclette (cheese dipping dishes), sausages and rösti (fried potato), bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) and fondue bourguigon (cubes of steak with various sauces). Swiss pastries and desserts are excellent. There are also spirits made from fruit; the most popular are Kirsch, Pflümli and Williamine. And don’t miss out on the world-class selection of Swiss chocolate.
The French have an ongoing love affair with food and wine. Meals are lovingly prepared and consumed leisurely through a bevy of appetizers and main courses, usually accompanied by a number of wines. Boeuf bourgignon (beef stew with wine, herbs and vegetables), coq au vin (chicken cooked with bacon in a white wine and herb sauce) and bouillabaisse (fish stew) are featured on many menus. Cheese lovers will not be disappointed with hundreds of varieties to choose from. And no visit would be complete without a visit to a pâtisserie, with its delicate pastries you will definitely be tempted.
Restaurants around London serve specialties such as fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, sausages, stilton cheese, and scones with clotted cream. Culinary experiences to not to miss include a traditional pub meal, afternoon tea, and full English breakfast.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
In Italy tipping is less common or generous as in the U.S. When dining out, it’s appropriate, although not required, to leave an extra euro or two for your waiter.
A service charge is typically included in the bill at restaurants in Switzerland. While there is no need to leave an additional tip, you can round up to the next franc for service if you choose.
In France, a 15% service compris is included by law in the price of food and drink. Tipping in addition to this service charge is never expected, but always appreciated. If you’d like to leave something extra, keep in mind that even in the fanciest restaurants, people rarely tip more than 5-10%. A good rule of thumb is to leave an extra €1 for every €20 spent. Rather than adding gratuity to your credit card slip, leave coins in the tray where the check was presented to ensure that your waiter receives it.
Restaurants in London often include a service charge of 12.5 percent, especially for large groups. If service isn’t included, it’s customary to leave 10-15 percent of the bill.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam Discovery And Canal Cruise
Absolutely the best way to see Amsterdam’s wonderful sights! A private cruise by glass-roofed boat travels the historic canal ring, showing imposing warehouses, stately merchant homes, houseboats & bridges. Then, on foot with our Local Specialist, explore the heart of the city, including the not-to-be-missed coffeehouses and shop-windows of the Red Light District!
Adult Price: €39
Lucerne
Mount Stanserhorn And Lake Cruise
Take a scenic cruise with us across Lake Lucerne to Stans, and one of Switzerland's oldest mountain railways. Traveling by railway and Cabrio cable car, we'll reach 6300 feet, where you’ll have free time to admire the stunning Alpine scenery and enjoy some refreshments. (On certain departures Optional may be operated in reverse, ending with the cruise.)
Adult Price: CHF.112
Venice
Gondolas and the Grand Canal
Join us for a scenic cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You’ll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice’s dreamy, narrow waterways.
Adult Price: €70
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-colored houses—a real photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: €71
Rome
Roman Evening with Dinner
Spend a light-hearted evening with us in Rome. Relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine with drinks and music. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a drive and provide a glimpse into how Romans enjoy their city.
Adult Price: €61
Inside The Vatican & Colosseum
We skip the lines at the Vatican Museums for this tour that shows not just remarkable works of art collected and commissioned over the history of the Papacy, but also Michelangelo’s amazing ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Later we hear fascinating tales of gladiatorial combat and more on our visit to the Colosseum, again with time-saving VIP entrance.
Adult Price: €81
Florence
Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills
Join us for a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We will enjoy a meal at a charming restaurant where a selection of regional favorites is served, accompanied by a selection of local wines and live music. A truly unforgettable experience, with an atmosphere that is the essence of all things Tuscan.
Adult Price: €65
Florence's Renaissance Treasures
This trip is all about exploring the jewel in Florence's crown: its Renaissance heritage. You'll visit the Santa Croce church, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. You’ll also see the Duomo and experience first-hand its spectacular design. Signoria Square, the political center of Florence and the original setting of Michelangelo's David, will also be visited.
Adult Price: €37
Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli
A scenic drive into the Chianti hills, past vineyards, brings us to a delightful hamlet overlooked by an imposing castle. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince.’ After a welcome drink and visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa’s own vines. This is the essence of all great things Tuscan, past and present, condensed into one memorable evening!
Adult Price: €65
French Riviera
St. Paul And Corniche Discovery with Lunch or Dinner
Join us on a drive inland towards the mountains to visit the historic, walled hilltop town of St. Paul - an artists’ paradise. We’ll continue along the Riviera, passing through glamorous Nice and traveling on the Corniche roads as you admire the spectacular views, before arriving at a characteristic restaurant for a delicious meal including drinks.
Adult Price: €82
St. Paul de Vence and Nice
A lovely drive into the Esteral Heights brings us to the quaint walled hilltown of St Paul de Vence. Our walk through the village’s winding streets with a Local Specialist reveals elegant fountains,vine-covered ramparts and interesting galleries. Then, because no visit to the Riviera is complete without it, we continue to glorious Nice to enjoy the city, its old town and colorful provençale markets.
Adult Price: €43
Paris
Seine Cruise And Paris Illuminations
Paris at night is a city transformed. Enjoy this superb 'City of Light' on a leisurely cruise along the River Seine. Afterward, as we drive through this amazing city, we’ll stop at some vantage points for you to capture the fascinating sights on camera. In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.
Adult Price: €38
Versailles Palace And Gardens
Built for the Sun King, Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles was the envy of every European ruler. Your Local Specialist will take you through the State apartments and famous Hall of Mirrors, with free time to stroll the symmetrical tree-lined gardens. Please note: This optional is subject to availability and involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Adult Price: €65
Notre Dame And Latin Quarter
A guided drive through Paris' bohemian Left Bank with our Local Specialist brings us to amazing Notre Dame to discover one of the world's most famous Cathedrals and the epitome of Gothic architecture. Afterward, take a stroll through the delightful Latin Quarter, a medieval maze of winding cobblestone alleyways where you'll have free time to enjoy the sidewalk bistros, boutiques and hidden squares.
Adult Price: €33
Nouvelle Eve Cabaret And Dinner
One of the oldest and most elegant revue theatres in Paris, Nouvelle Eve is a hidden gem, where you’ll meet the Director and two of the cast members before enjoying a four-course dinner with wine. You will then experience unparalleled Parisian entertainment—including the world-famous Can-Can.
Adult Price: €139
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
