Compare Best of Paris in 7 Days Tour by Rick Steves vs England, Spain and Portugal Ultimate Adventure by Discovery Nomads
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 1,795 | $ 1,832 |
| Price Per Day | $ 256 | $ 183 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Paris is synonymous with the finest things that culture can offer — in art, fashion, food, literature, and ideas. On this tour, your Paris-savvy Rick Steves guide will immerse you in the very best of the City of Light: the Louvre, Orsay, Orangerie, and Cluny Museums, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, and Versailles Palace. You'll also enjoy guided neighborhood walks through the city's historic heart, and quieter moments to slow down and savor the city's intimate cafés, colorful markets, and joie de vivre. Join us for the Best of Paris in 7 Days! |
Starting with the classic London you will find yourself in a romantic Paris, cheerful Barcelona, looking at Gaudi's masterpieces, cosmopolitan Madrid, trying amazing food and drinks and end in Lisbon for great views and portwein. |
Day 1: Welcome to Paris
We'll gather at our hotel in Paris at 3 p.m. for a short meeting and orientation stroll around our neighborhood, followed by a panoramic tour of the City of Light aboard a private bus. Then we'll get acquainted with one another over a delicious "Welcome to Paris" dinner together. Sleep in Paris (6 nights). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 2: The Historic Heart of Paris
Let's begin where Paris did, on the Ile de la Cité. Your guide will lead a walking tour of the city's early history, including visits to a pair of the world's most significant medieval Gothic churches: the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral and the exquisite Sainte-Chapelle. Then we'll take a stroll through the bohemian Latin Quarter, with free time for lunch on your own. We'll end our afternoon at the Cluny National Museum of the Middle Ages, where after an introduction, you'll be free to visit the sublime Lady and the Unicorn tapestry and have a rare, up-close look at the artistry of original stained-glass windows from Sainte-Chapelle. Walking: moderate.
Day 3: Montmartre and a Seine Cruise
This morning we'll hop on the Métro, then hike up Montmartre to tour the colorful neighborhood that was the haunt of artistic geniuses a century ago — including Van Gogh, Picasso, and Renoir — and generations of hopeful artists since. We'll end our walk with spectacular views of Paris from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. You'll be free for lunch and have time to explore more of the city on your own this afternoon. We'll regroup this evening to enjoy dinner together before embarking on a dreamy Seine River cruise. Boat: 1 hr. Walking: strenuous.
Day 4: The Marais District and the Louvre
We'll begin our day with a walking tour through Paris' diverse, history-layered Marais district. As we walk we'll learn about enlightened 17th-century urban planning at the beautiful Place des Vosges, the cultural roots of the Jewish Quarter, and how the French Revolution grew from this neighborhood. This evening, Europe's greatest museum — the Louvre — is open late, and we'll take full advantage of that. You'll come face to face with the works of Raphael, Delacroix, and Leonardo, and timeless treasures that include Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and hundreds more. Walking: strenuous.
Day 5: All Day at Château de Versailles
Today we'll explore the elaborate palace that Louis XIV, XV, and XVI called home. We'll make the 30-minute train trip to Versailles, where we'll have a guided tour of the dazzling Hall of Mirrors and other sumptuous rooms of the palace. You'll then have free time to wander through the expansive gardens and visit the farm animals at Marie Antoinette's hamlet — or zip back to Paris early via one of the frequent trains. Train: 1 hr. Walking: strenuous.
Day 6: Masterpieces of Paris
This morning we'll tour the Orangerie Museum, featuring Monet's magnificent water lilies and home to a fine collection of other works by Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, and more. You'll be well oriented and have time this afternoon to see the world's greatest collection of Impressionist art — almost next door — at the Orsay Museum, with art from Monet and Degas to Cézanne and Gauguin, and beyond. Or visit other nearby places covered by your included 6-Day Paris Museum Pass, such as the Rodin Museum, or the military museum of Les Invalides. Tonight we'll enjoy a farewell feast together, sharing travel memories and toasting new friends. Salut! Walking: moderate.
Day 7: Tour Over After Breakfast
Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. It's a breeze to reach Paris' airports by taxi, shuttle, or public transportation. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Merci et au revoir!
Day 1-2: London
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Kensington or similar.
Arrival before 12pm. Today you will go around London, where you will have an orientation tour of the city, see Westminster Abbey, the Cathedral of St. Peter, the Tower Bridge, Hyde Park and more.
Day 2-4 Paris
Accommodation: Novotel Paris or similar.
On the 2nd day you will travel to Paris and have a walking tour around the city. On the next day visit the Louvre museum, additionally get on top of the Eiffel Tower, take a walk on the creative Montmartre, visit Sacre Coeur cathedral and in the evening go to the restaurant and explore the nightlife of the city.
Day 4-6: Barcelona
Accommodation: Silken Diagonal Barcelona or similar.
Today you will fly to Barcelona, exploring this beautiful city, visiting the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, and in the evening go to try tapas and Spanish wine. You will have free time to relax on the Barcelonetta beach or go shopping.
Day 6-8: Madrid
Accommodation: Mercury Lupo de Vega or similar.
Enjoy a walking tour around this beautiful city, additionally visit the Prado Museum or Reina Sofia Museum where you will see the works of Picasso and Dali or ancient Toledo.
Day 8-10: Lisbon
Accommodation: Novotel Lisboa or similar.
Free time in Lisboa. Take a walk through the Baixa quarter’s main squares then continue your walk through the cobblestone alleys of quaint Alfama, the popular quarter of the seamen and Fado singers. Go along the grand Avenida da Liberdade up to Pombal Square, and stop for pictures of Belem Tower and the Monument of the Discoverers. Also visit Jeronimos Monestery with the tomb of Vasco da Gama.
