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→ Itinerary

Itinerary

DECEMBER 7 – USA / PARIS: Fly transatlantic overnight from Chicago to Paris, France. Dinner is served and in-flight entertainment is provided.

DECEMBER 8 – ARRIVE PARIS, FRANCE: Welcome to Paris! After making your way through customs, enter the arrivals area where you will meet your tour director and coach driver. After a short welcome, depart from the airport and make your way to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure in Paris. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in your hotel. (D)

DECEMBER 9 – EIFFEL TOWER, NOTRE DAME, & CHRISTMAS MARKET: After breakfast this morning, make your way to the Eiffel Tower and a visit to the 2^nd Floor where you enjoy the stunning views of Paris from new heights. Afterwards, make your way to Notre Dame Cathedral. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, Notre Dame is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It is distinguished by its elegant flying buttresses, its impressive rose windows and its two emblematic towers which dominate the western facade. The cathedral has witnessed many historical events, including the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte and the canonization of Joan of Arc. Then on to The Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas Market, one of the capital’s most beautiful and charming Christmas markets. Square René Viviani plays host to dozens of French artisans, showcasing exceptional creations and regional products in an enchanting atmosphere. Later this afternoon, transfer to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market. Nestled alongside Square Félix Desruelles and the iconic Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this not-to-be-missed Left Bank event has been brightening up the neighborhood for over 20 years. A truly enchanted village, with its little wooden chalets where artisans and seasonal delicacies merrily rub shoulders. Golden pretzels, steaming tartiflettes and comforting hot drinks make this Christmas market the perfect place to indulge and fill up on winter warmth. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for overnight. (B/D)

DECEMBER 10 – LOUVRE MUSEUM, JARDIN DES TUILERIES & MONTMARTRE CHRISTMAS MARKETS: After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit to the Louvre Museum, once a palace of kings and now home to some of the most well-known art in the world. A large, glass, steel-rod and cable pyramid designed by the American architect I.M. Pei now covers the main entrance, juxtaposing the ultra-modern with the classical façade of the palace. Treasures dating from antiquity to the 19th century are housed here, among them the Venus de Milo and Ghirlandaio’s The Visitation. Perhaps the most famous work here is Leonardo de Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Afterwards, visit Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market. The market includes some 80 wooden chalets set in the exceptional garden setting between the Louvre and Concorde, offering French products, including a gourmet market touring France, and craftsmen offering gift ideas. Then make your way to the Montmartre Christmas market, a traditional French market that takes place in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. It features French crafts, mulled wine, and regional food. Later, return to your hotel for overnight. (B)

DECEMBER 11 – VERSAILLES & LA DEFENSE CHRISTMAS MARKET: After breakfast, morning excursion to visit the awe-inspiring residence of the great Sun King Louis XIV, Versailles. Housing up to 20,000 people, the huge palace was the glory of the king’s reign before he was sent to the guillotine. The famous Hall of Mirrors is 70 meters long, stretching the length of the west side. It was here that the 1919 Treaty of Versailles was ratified, ending World War I. This afternoon, make your way to the Christmas Market at La Defense. Despite being the biggest Christmas market in the Paris area and boasting arguably the tastiest and most extensive food options, the La Défense Village de Noël qualifies as a true “hidden gem,” little known to most Paris visitors. Not only will you discover wonderful artisan “Made in France” items as well as a vast selection of gifts not typically seen in other Paris Christmas markets, but you’ll love the steaming plates of delicious Quebeçois fare, Spanish-style paella, traditional French specialties. Later, return to your hotel for overnight. (B)

 DECEMBER 12 – EXCURSION TO REIMS: After breakfast, depart on a full day excursion to historic Reims, the City of Coronations, four of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. View the Place Royale, Place du Forum, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville. Visit Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral. The cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art, was built in 1211. It was the scene of the coronations of the kings of France in memory of the baptism of Clovis by Saint Remi at Christmas 498. The forecourt of the cathedral and the adjacent streets make an ideal location for the Reims Christmas market. Founded in 1996, the event has become one of the most popular Christmas markets in France. The 140 chalets of the Christmas market offer all sorts of goods and ideas for gifts. This afternoon, enjoy a cheese and wine tasting in Reims before returning to Paris for overnight. (B)

DECEMBER 13 – PARIS AT LEISURE: After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Paris to explore independently and at your own pace. Later this afternoon, meet back at your hotel and depart for dinner. Enjoy views of top city attractions and a delicious dinner on an evening Seine River cruise. Enjoy the city from a different perspective as you gaze out at famous city sights such as the Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. Afterwards, return to your hotel. (B/D)

DECEMBER 14 – PARIS / USA: After breakfast, you will leave the hotel for Paris Airport. After a wonderful time in Paris, you will head back home to the USA! (B)

IMPORTANT: This tour includes walking tours. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surface.

→ Inclusions

 Inclusions

• Round-trip air from Chicago to Paris on United Airlines
• Paris – 6 nights, 4-Star Crown Plaza Republique
• Private luxury motorcoach for all transfers and sightseeing
• Tour manager throughout
• Welcome dinner in Paris hotel
• Dinner in a local restaurant in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Seine Dinner Cruise
• 6-day Paris Visite Travelcard
• Visit the 2^nd floor of the Eiffel Tower
• Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
• Visit Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas Market
• Visit Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
• Visit Louvre Museum
• Visit Jardin des Tuileries& Montmartre Christmas Markets
• Visit Versailles Palace
• Visit the Christmas Market at La Defense
• Christmas Classical Music Performance*
• Full day excursion to Reims
• Visit Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral
• Visit Reims Christmas Market
• Cheese and Wine tasting in Reims
• Hotel porterage of one suitcase per person
• Portfolio of e-travel documents
• 24-hour emergency local office assistance while traveling in France

*Note: The Christmas Classical Music performance will take place in a Paris Church. The venue and the day of the performance will be advised at a later date.

IMPORTANT: This tour includes walking tours. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surface.

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