Spotlight on Paris

Iconic skylines of picturesque towers. A trend-setting culinary scene. The inspirational muse of the world’s greatest artists. Fashion-forward <i>haute couture.</i> 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 <i>salut</i> as you toast the beginning of your tour and savour a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Step into the shoes of a local and navigate <i>Le Métro</i>, 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 <i>Mona Lisa</i>. On the next stop, your cultural lessons continue into the Quartier Latin, the intellectual and bohemian heart of Paris, known for its historic universities and lively streets. Then, stroll to the nearby <i>Île de la Cité</i>, the city’s ancient core, where the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral** stands – an 850-year-old Gothic masterpiece watching over the Seine. As your day wraps up, make the most of it, and admire the city skyline as you gently 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 neighbourhood of Montmartre. Blending artistic roots and quirky modernity, this 18th <i>arrondissement</i> neighbourhood is home to classical painters and cultural provocateurs. Have some free time to head inside Sacré-Coeur and take in the city from this iconic hilltop basilica and enjoy a stop at a café. Then, <b>it’s your choice!</b> 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 <b>-OR-</b> step off the tourist trail for a peaceful stroll through the Montmartre Cemetery. 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 savoury French cuisine.

<i>Au revoir!</i> Your tour comes to a close today.