Paris Explorer
With the zest of a large city and the heart of a little village, Paris reveals its secrets to a select few. See the City of Light on this At Leisure vacation as it has never been seen before – the hidden courtyards and charming arrondissements, each with their own distinct personality. You'll also witness the opulence of Versailles and sample French flavors fit for royalty.
Paris Explorer also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
Overview
With the zest of a large city and the heart of a little village, Paris reveals its secrets to a select few. See the City of Light on this At Leisure vacation as it has never been seen before – the hidden courtyards and charming arrondissements, each with their own distinct personality. You'll also witness the opulence of Versailles and sample French flavors fit for royalty.
Paris Explorer also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Paris (7 Nights)
Paris is well deserving of its title – the City of Light – and it is yours to explore At Leisure in depth over the next few days. On arrival to Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport transfers will operate at 8 am, 11 am and 2 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Check-in to your centrally located hotel and spend the afternoon getting to know your picturesque surrounds. Wander through the leafy boulevards and winding cobblestone lanes of the French capital, stopping for a leisurely café au lait while watching sophisticated Parisians go by their day-to-day. This evening join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a quintessentially Parisian Welcome Reception.
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Day 3: Paris Sightseeing and At Leisure
Join your Travel Director this morning for a fascinating tour of this mesmerising city. View the grand Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde and Arc de Triomphe, built by Napoleon in the 19th century. Delve into its hidden squares and secret passages, visiting one of Paris' most historic neighborhoods and a favorite local haunt that remains a secret to outsiders. Gaze from the second level of the Eiffel Tower to the boulevards below. Spend the evening at leisure, or take an Optional Experience to the Latin Quarter for a visit inside the medieval Notre-Dame and a scenic cruise down the River Seine. -
Day 4: Paris At Leisure or Optional D-Day Beach Experience
Spend the day soaking up the sights and sounds of this elegant European capital. Your Travel Director will suggest activities and attractions that will ensure a memorable day spent discovering Paris. You may wish to experience a full-day Optional Experience on the northern coast of France to uncover the poignant history of the D-Day Landing. Spend your evening at leisure exploring the city's glittering sights at night or use your Parisian Brasserie voucher to indulge in delicious French flavors at one of the nearby brasseries. -
Day 5: Full-Day Excursion to the Palace and Royal Estate of Versailles
Tread in the footsteps of French nobility and explore the opulence and splendor of Versailles. Join a Local Specialist as you wander through the palace's extraordinary Hall of Mirrors and Battles Gallery. Meander through the picturesque Royal Gardens and visit Petit Trianon to see first-hand how the French Royal Family lived in private. Get a real taste of the city with Trafalgar's exclusive Eatwith Optional Experiences. Share delicious traditional flavors with a local family in their home.
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Day 6: French Cuisine Experience and At Leisure
Enjoy a Cultural Insight savouring the exquisite flavors of French cuisine as you meet a real Parisian chef for an unforgettable gourmet lunch experience, delving into local culinary secrets, delicious flavors and aromas that you will have an opportunity to create yourself and enjoy afterwards. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening perhaps discover the pageantry and French flair of a traditional cabaret performance at the world-famous Moulin Rouge. -
Day 7: Visit Montmartre and the Louvre
A leisurely start to our morning sees us take a private street trolley car back in time to the colorful hillside “village” of Montmartre and home to the picturesque Sacré-Coeur. Join your Local Specialist and tread in the footsteps of Picasso, Dali and Van Gogh as you meander through hidden squares, artists' haunts and romantic hideaways. Spend the rest of the day at leisure embracing your inner bon vivant before embarking on a special evening experience at the renowned Louvre museum. Enjoy the quiet atmopshere of the museum during this Small Group Sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist. -
Day 8: Paris Morning At Leisure, Walking Tour and Farewell Dinner
Admire the exquisite collection of modern art in the Center George Pompidou or enjoy an Optional Experience to explore the inspirational gardens of Monet at Giverny. This afternoon explore the history of the French Revolution during a walking tour of the city, then join your Travel Director and companions for a Farewell Dinner at an iconic Parisian restaurant with Art Nouveau decor dating back to 1898.
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Day 9: Depart Paris
After breakfast, it's time to bid Paris au revoir as you prepare to return home after a memorable At Leisure break in one of the world's greatest cities. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport at 8 am and 11.30 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.
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $630 p.p.
Shared Rooming: Room Share and Triple Rooms are not available on this trip.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $78 per person.
Airport Transfers: On arrival to Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport transfers will operate at 8:00 am, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport at 8:00 am and 11:30 am.
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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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Personal Flight Options
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Hotel Tips
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Breakfast Daily
Meal Summary
11 meals: 7 hot buffet breakfasts, 1 Regional Meal lunch, 1 Parisian Brasserie voucher, 2 dinners.
Included Highlights
Cultural Insight
- Discover Paris on Parisian terms as your Local Specialist reveals some of the city's hidden gems, including a behind the scenes tour of Montmartre to discover the secrets of the artists quarter. The secrets of la cuisine are yours to discover and enjoy as you learn how to cook the Parisian way with a local chef
Small Group Sightseeing
- Enjoy an in-depth, intimate guided tour at the fascinating Louvre Museum in a group size of no more than 25 guests
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Paris, Montmartre, the Louvre and Versailles
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- Insider walking tour in Paris with a Local Specialist
- Orientation tour in Paris
- Visit the Eiffel Tower and ascend to the second floor, the Royal Estate of Versailles including the Royal Palace, Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette's Hamlet “Le Petit Hameau”, the “village” of Montmartre
- View the Champs Élysées, Paris Opera House, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Notre Dame Cathedral
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
-
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.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in France is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some euros for when you first arrive in France, 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 in France. 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
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.
Wine is the most popular drink in France and is consumed at both lunch and dinner. Coffee is generally served black, unless a café au lait or café crème (with milk) is requested. For a simple and inexpensive lunch or snack, stop by a local bakery or food cart for a baguette au jambon (ham sandwich), crêpes, or a savory buckwheat galette filled with melted gruyère cheese and mushrooms. Many restaurants also offer a simple three course menu at a reasonable price.
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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 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.
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.
-
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.
Paris
Moulin Rouge Cabaret And Dinner
Adult Price: €162.00
Enjoy dinner and cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world-famous Moulin Rouge – the original Paris cabaret. Immortalized by the award-winning film of the same name, this Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes!
Paris
eatwith Experience
Adult Price: €
eatwith is the world’s leading community for authentic food experiences with locals in over 130 countries. Choose between our hand-selected hosts and dine like a local with a local. Fully immerse yourself in food and culture while meeting other travelers at your table and experience the magic of social dining. Transport is not included in this optional experience. €45 - €65
Paris
Musee D'Orsay with a Local Specialist
Adult Price: €49.00
Housed in a former railway station, the Orsay museum is renowned the world over for its rich collection of art. It houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art from such acclaimed artists as Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne and Van Gogh. This optional experience is dependent upon availability.
Paris
2CV Experience
Adult Price: €60.00
View the hidden gems of Paris in classic style! Enjoy a guided drive around France’s most Iconic city in France’s most iconic car - the 2 CV (a.k.a. deux chevaux). Drive off the beaten track and let your personal Parisian driver give you all the insider facts about Paris. Note: We recommend two people per car. However, if you would like three people in the rear seat, the price will be €40 per person.
Paris
Giverny House And Gardens Of Claude Monet
Adult Price: €49.00
Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll visit the charming former home of the greatest Impressionist painter, Claude Monet, which inspired his magnificent water lily paintings. Our coach will take us to the village of Giverny where we’ll enjoy a tour of the delightful house, gardens and famous Japanese bridge.
Paris
Notre Dame, Latin Quarter And Seine Cruise
Adult Price: €39.00
Come with us to explore the magnificent cathedral at the heart of Paris, Notre Dame. With your Local Specialist, you’ll also enjoy the Latin Quarter and have free time for a bite to eat. Then relax on our River Seine cruise, the perfect way to discover the city - don't forget your camera.
Paris
Guided Tour of the D-Day Beaches
Adult Price: €150.00
Discover the Normandy region and the D-Day beaches with our Local Specialist on this full-day tour. We'll visit the dramatic battle-scarred cliffs of Pointe du Hoc; the American cemetery at Omaha Beach and the almost-intact gun battery at Longues-sur-Mer. You'll also enjoy the superb new Operation Overlord Museum before continuing to Arromanches for views over Gold and Juno Beaches before visiting Juno Beach and the Canadian Cemetery (traffic and weather allowing).
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.
