Compare Best of Paris in 7 Days Tour by Rick Steves vs Paris-Loire Valley for families by Paris-Toujours

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: Arrival day in Paris

On arrival at the airport welcome and transfer to your hotel or apartment in the center of Paris. Family free time to relax and wander in the lively streets around your hotel.

Day 2: Introduction to Paris with amazing views

After breakfast, meet your private guide for an introduction of Paris with a walking tour on the Islands (Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint-Louis). Your guide will introduce Paris’ history while walking in front of many famous monuments. You will start with the Ile de La Cité where the Sainte-Chapelle was built to protect the relics of the Christ. You will also be able to enter in the gothic jewel, Notre-Dame Cathedral, dated from the 12th century. You will also climb the 400 stairs of Notre-Dame towers – at the top of the tower you will have a 360° magnificent view of Paris. You will even be able to see gargoyles very close!

Day 3: Treasure hunt at the Louvre and picnic lunch on the river Seine

This morning you’ll meet your guide at Le Louvre museum for a family treasure hunt! With a series of quests, you’ll explore four great civilizations. Along the way, you’ll meet mighty kings, crafty goddesses, mysterious soothsayers and lovers mortal and immortal, each with their own captivating stories to tell.

After this playful moment you’ll be expected by your skipper for a picnic cruise on the Seine. A nice way to discover the monuments from another angle!

Day 4: Eiffel Tower and bake like a parisian

Start your day by taking height with a self-guide tour of the Eiffel Tower with skip-the-line access– an unmissable monument if it’s your first time in Paris!

In the afternoon, you’ll have a private pastry class. You will learn how to bake colorful macarons! At the end of the class you’ll get to taste them with a hot chocolate or a juice.

Day 5: Journey to the Loire-Valley

After breakfast you will be transferred to the train station and you will take the high-speed train from Paris to the Loire Valley. A great way to see the French countryside. After dropping off your luggage at the hotel you will spend your afternoon discovering the charming city of Amboise. Discover on your own the Royal castle of Amboise and the Clos Lucé, the place where Leonardo Da Vinci used to live at the end of his life.

Day 6: An active and cultural day

In the morning you will have a 2-H bike ride near the Loire River. Your guide will take you on the ‘Loire à Velo’ paths from Amboise.

In the afternoon, meet your guide in Amboise and drive to the Castle of Chenonceau for a private tour of one of the most famous castles of the Loire Valley thanks to its unique architecture, built on the Cher river.

Day 7: Discovery of 2 iconic Loire Valley Castles

This day you will discover 2 castles of the Loire Valley with your personal guide. In the morning you will visit Cheverny Castle specially appealing to children. The chateau, which led to the creation of Moulinsart in the famous comic book Tintin, is also famous for the tradition of horse-back hunting and its impressive pack of 100 dogs. You may have a chance to witness the spectacular daily event of “the dogs’ soup” late morning. In the afternoon, you will visit the chateau of Chambord which is a unique monument by its architecture and proportions. Leonardo da Vinci probably took part in the conception of the project. With more than 400 rooms and its double spiral staircase, Chambord is a highlight of the Loire Valley. You will also be able to bike in the castle estate.

Day 8: Journey back to Paris

Departure day – Pick-up by your driver and transfer to the airport or train station