France and Belgium Group Tour

Paris & Bruges

Tour Description


From the glamour of Paris, to the international significance of Brussels and the scenic canals of Bruges you will enjoy this journey to two of Europe's French speaking nations. In addition to exploring the landmarks of Paris, you will enjoy a special show at the famous Lido in Paris. Sophistication meets history on this journey.

Highlights

  • Evening Lido Dinner Show
  • Guided Tour of Versailles Palace & Gardens
  • Half-day guided tour to Monet's Giverny
  • Tour Ghent's medieval architecture
  • Half-day guided walking tour of Bruges

Paris - 4 nights

Day 1: Arrive Paris

Arrival in Paris, City of Lights. Meet/greet service. Transfer to hotel via private coach or individual shuttles for staggered arrivals. Welcome Reception & Dinner at hotel.

Day 2:

Half-day guided Paris orientation tour. Admission to the Eiffel Tower: Situated near the Seine River, this French icon gives provides a 360 degree panoramic view of the city. Afternoon free to explore on own.

Evening Lido Dinner Show:
Soiree Bonheur is an extravagant review featuring 70 artists including the famous Bluebell Girls and the Lido Goy Dancers.

Day 3:

Morning guided tour to Versailles with admission included to the Versailles Palace & Gardens. The Palace of Versailles was the official residence of the Kings of France from 1682 until 1790. It was originally a hunting lodge, built in 1624, by Louis XIII. It is here from which the king radiated his power and where the destiny of Europe was decided over a century. The French classical architecture was complemented by extensive gardens.

Afternoon guided walking tour to the Louvre. The Louvre, in its successive architectural metamorphoses, has dominated central Paris since the late 12th century. Built on the city's western edge, the original structure was gradually engulfed as the city grew. The dark fortress of the early days was transformed into the modernized dwelling of Francois I and, later, the sumptuous palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Here we will explore one of the greatest art collections in Europe.

Day 4:

Half-day guided tour to Giverny. A charming country village, it was in Giverny where painter Monet chose to settle with his family; and it was there where he indulged in his love of nature, in his art, his garden and his photography. In Giverny, we will see Monet's home, his garden and workshop, all authentically restored. As we stroll in the exquisitely colored gardens and admire the pond with the famous Japanese bridge, we enter Monet's world where art and nature become one.

Bruges - 2 nights

Day 5:

Private Coach to Bruges with stop en route in Brussels & Ghent. Morning departure for the drive to Belgium. We'll stop in Brussels to stroll through Grand Place and then continue on to historic Ghent for a short tour of the city's medieval architecture in Belgium's largest car-free area. See the Saint Bavo Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece and the splendid architecture along the old Graslei harbor before heading to our final destination, Bruges, the Venice of the North

Day 6:

Half-day guided walking tour of Bruges. One of the most beautiful cities in Europe the whole town is a World Heritage site. Walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you can easily imagine yourself in medieval times. Suspended in time 500 years ago by the silting of its river, the 13th-century city is blessed with preserved history and idyllic charm. Our visit to this unique town with its age-old houses and picturesque bridges is best seen by guided boat trip down the lazy canals. Your afternoon is free to shop and try the many local delicacies such as Belgium chocolate or local beer.

Day 7:

This morning we transfer to Brussels International Airport with ample time to check your luggage and board your flight back to the USA

Inclusions

  • Accommodations: Paris 4 nights, Bruges 2 nights
  • Meals: Continental breakfast daily. Lunch and dinner as noted in itinerary
  • Ground transportation via air conditioned luxury coach
  • English speaking assistants and guides
  • Admission tickets as outlined in itinerary

Download the Paris & Bruges pdf file.