Compare Paris Getaway by TripMasters vs France Oysters and Wine Tour by Discovery Nomads
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 9 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 675 | $ 1,635 |
| Price Per Day | $ 75 | $ 234 |
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| Trip Style | Retreats | Self-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 |
Complimentary breakfasts in some hotels. |
| Description |
Paris is regarded as one of the most dynamic cities in Europe, and for good reason: the city assaults the senses; demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted and smelled. Gaze at impressive monuments and savor its gourmet cheeses, chocolates, wines, and seafood. Paris is relatively small as capitals go, with many of its major sights and museums within walking distance of each other. Stroll the Champs-Elysees for the chic, larger-than-life experience or wander the Rue Cler for a more intimate snapshot of Parisian living. Everyone from the artist, to the romantic, to the jaded world-traveler, will find inspiration here in the City of Lights. We recommend at least 6 nights in this amazing city to enjoy its full scope! The Must See`s include: the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Jardin des Tuileries, Latin Quater, Avenue des Champs Elysees and so much more! |
Try oysters and delicious sea food and wine while travelling from France to Spain on this Oysters and Wine Tour. See incredible sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame and relax on beautiful beaches of San Sebastian. |
Day 1 in Paris
Welcome to Paris! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!
Begin the afternoon with a pleasant lunch in any of the charming streetside cafes to be found throughout Paris. Afterwards, we recommend that you get acquainted with the city by choosing an optional tour such as Hop-on Hop-off Tour, showcasing the main sights of the French capital.
As night falls, enjoy the Trocadéro scene and a twilight ride up the Eiffel Tower as it glitters with lights to mark the change from one hour to the next; or dine on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world, followed by a romantic cruise on the Seine River. Either way you're sure to fall in love with the `City of Light.`
Day 2 in Paris
Wake up early today and head for the Ile de la Cité to visit 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle. This is a relatively small chapel that is not too far from Notre Dame, but the interior, which consists of almost floor to ceiling stained glass, is absolutely breathtaking.
No more than ten minutes walk from Sainte Chapelle is Paris`s most famous religious building, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the major Catholic cathedral in Paris.*
*Note that on April 15th 2019 a devastating fire seriously damaged Notre Dame. We believe the cathedral will be closed for the foreseeable future as a result of this tragic incident.
A midday visit to the Luxembourg Gardens and lunch at `Cafe de Flore` on Boulevard Saint-Germain will revive you for an afternoon tour of the Louvre Museum. You may want to purchase an optional guided tour which will allow you to avoid the lengthy queues and visit the main works including the `Venus de Milo`, the `Winged Victory of Samothrace` and the `Mona Lisa`. You will then be free to explore other sections of the museum at your leisure.
After a busy day of sightseeing, board a relaxing river cruise from Pont Neuf. Then grab a bite to eat before heading back to the Latin Quarter for drinks and dancing at the famous `Le `Caveau de la Huchette` jazz club. The dance floor is located in an underground cave and the atmosphere is intoxicating. It`s sure to be a night you won`t forget!
Day 3 in Paris
Begin your day at the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Emperor Napoléon I to commemorate the victories of his Grande Armée. Continue with a stroll down the grandiose Avenue des Champs-Elysées - don`t forget to stop for coffee and macarons at Ladurée - before visiting the Jardin des Tuileries, a classic example of intricate and typical Parisian landscaping.
Cross the pedestrian bridge from the Tuileries Garden and tour the Orsay Museum, housing the world`s most important collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Degas, Gaugin and Delacroix. This afternoon, tour the Rodin Museum and the Hôtel des Invalides or take the train from Orsay directly to Versailles.
On your final night in Paris, make your way to Odéon metro station, which will lead you straight to the Montmartre hill (or take the funicular up with a metro ticket) where you can enjoy an exceptional panorama over the city and its monuments illuminated at night. Stop at Sacre Coeur before exploring the winding, village-like streets of Montmartre then enjoy dinner at one of the charming cafes in Place du Tertre or consider a traditional Parisian cabaret at the legendary Moulin Rouge.
Additional Days in Paris
Should you be able to spend additional days in Paris be sure to visit the Marais district, including the Centre Georges Pompidou, a modern art museum, considered by Parisians to be the cultural pulse of the city. While in the area it is also worth visiting the Musée Picasso, Musée Carnavalet and Place des Voges, Paris`s oldest public square and a charming place to stop for lunch. Strangely obscure for such a renowned building, the remnats of the Bastille, the famous prison, lie almost forgotten at the edge of a tiny park. Marked only by a small plaque and usually missed by visitors to Paris, this is one gem worth seeing!
For sights from the modern to the macabre, we suggest Montparnasse Tower, an office skyscraper constructed from 1969 to 1973. The top floor terrace is open to the public and offers panoramic views of the city. In contrast, descent deep into the tunnels of Paris with a walking tour of the Catacombs. You will descend deep into the tunnels to explore over 1025 miles of Catacombs, dating back to 2 BC, that are decorated with human skulls and bones. You will discover the extraordinary history of the Catacombs and listen to the haunting stories and legends that embody these galleries of skeletons. If the catacombs are too creepy then you may want to visit the peaceful and park-like Père Lachaise cemetery - famous as the final resting place of The Doors lead singer, Jim Morrison, and French playwright Molière as well as composer Frédéric Chopin, author Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein, Edith Piaf and many more.
Day trips from Paris are also popular and we offer a wide selection from Versailles Palace and Gardens Walking Tour and Mont-Saint-Michel Day Trip to Normandy D-Day Battlefields and Beaches Day Trip. Fontainebleau, Vaux-le-Vicomte and Giverny are also great choices so be sure to check our sightseeing tours for availability and prices.
Your Last Day in Paris
Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.
Day 1-3 Paris
Arrival at any time. Explore fascinating Paris, visit the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, take a walk through the creative Montmartre, visit Sacre Coeur Cathedral and in the evening you will have free time to explore the nightlife of the city.
Hotel: Mercure Paris Opera or similar.
Day 3 Bordeaux
Next head to Bordeaux to become masters of the grape in the red wine capital. Drink the best drops and hear tales of how these fiery reds came to be. Enjoy a wine tour to one of the wineries.
Hotel: Novotel Gambetta or similar.
Day 4 Bordeaux/Arcachon
Today you will have a day trip to the capital of Oysters - Arcachon. Experience the beauty of Arcachon and climb to the top of Europe's tallest sand dune, Pyla Dune (Dune du Pyla). Admire the town houses of Arcachon's Bay and enjoy Oysters and Wine Tasting.
Day 5-7 San Sebastian
Today travel to San Sebastian in Spain. This city is perfect for relaxing on the beach, shopping and a little party in the evening. Additionally you can travel to Biarritz on a half-day tour.
