Highlights
- Walk in the footsteps of kings along the ornate hallways of Versailles
- Sample buttery croissants and crisp baguettes in the chic Marais district
- Relax and refresh in your elegant room at Beaune's Hostellerie Cèdre Hotel
- Tour the vineyards and taste wines in the famed Côte de Beaune region
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Paris, Dinner Cruise on the Seine | Paris |
| Day 2 | Foodie Tour of Saint-Germain, Insider's Louvre Experience, Eiffel Tower Dinner | Paris |
| Day 3 | Breakfast Tour of Versailles, Cheese & Wine in Le Marais | Paris |
| Day 4 | Train to Dijon, Transfer to Beaune, Tour the Historic Burgundy City | Beaune |
| Day 5 | Côte de Beaune & Côte de Nuits Wine Tasting Excursion | Beaune |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Dijon, Train to Paris, Cabaret Show & Dinner at Moulin Rouge | Paris |
| Day 7 | Depart Paris |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Dinner Cruise on the Seine
Welcome to France! Your flight lands in the capital city of Paris, otherwise known as the "City of Lights." This elegant metropolis blends fascinating history with a cool, contemporary vibe and combines historic architecture with chic cafés, world-class museums, and designer shopping. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel, the Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain. This opulent retreat features spacious rooms, rooftop views, and an on-site restaurant, bar, and spa.
Take a moment to regroup, then this evening, start your vacation in style with a dinner cruise along the Seine. Just before sunset, board your luxury vessel and meet your captain. Sip Champagne as you watch the cityscape pass by, taking in sights such as the Musée du Louvre and Cathédrale Notre-Dame while savoring French specialties, accompanied by excellent wine and live music.
Day 2: Foodie Tour of Saint-Germain, Insider's Louvre Experience, Eiffel Tower Dinner
Today begins with a gourmet food tour in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a vibrant neighborhood home to some of the city's most prominent chocolatiers, pâtissiers, and cheesemakers. Meet your private guide and explore the winding passageways and streets, with stops along the way for tastings of delicious handcrafted chocolates, pastries, cheeses, and, of course, wine! Your guide will share insight into the cultural heritage associated with these treats, and you'll come away with a better understanding of France's incredible gastronomy.
Later, take a deep dive into some of the world's most revered artistic works at the Musée du Louvre. Originally built as a fortress and then used as a royal residence, the Louvre was inaugurated as a museum in the late 1700s. Today, its collections are valued at more than 45 billion, and its works include "Mona Lisa" and "Venus de Milo." Team up with a private art historian, who will help you learn about these masterpieces and others as you marvel at masters such as da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Delacroix. Stroll the adjacent Jardin des Tuileries for some fresh air after your tour.
Tonight, you'll experience exceptional fine dining at Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. You'll dine on the restaurant's tasting menu, accompanied by a carefully selected wine flight, all set against the romantic backdrop of the city lights.
Day 3: Breakfast Tour of Marais, Cheese & Wine in Le Marais
Step back to the times of kings and queens today on a special visit to the Palace and Park of Versailles. This former royal residence, once the hunting pavilion of Louis XIII, was transformed into an opulent and decadent testament to France's "Le Grand Siècle" (The Great Century) by Louis XIV. You'll have the opportunity to see some of the 2,300 rooms that make up the palace, as well as the surrounding gardens.
Meet your private guide and take a quick train ride to Versailles, where you'll exit the station and walk to the palace. Before your tour, start with breakfast at Ore, a chic Alain Ducasse-led eatery located in the palace's Dufour pavilion. Dine on a traditional French breakfast, then your guide will whisk you past the waiting queues for an exclusive private tour that showcases the grandeur of the king and queen's apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Gallery of Great Battles, and the garden's endless fountains and groves.
Return to Paris in time for a food and walking tour of the Marais district, an important part of French history since the 13th century. Stroll to the Haut-Marais (Upper Marais), once the site of working-class factories and now a locale for chic shops and galleries. Stop to sample buttery croissants and baguettes from an award-winning baker, then visit one of the city's best chocolate shops to taste ganaches (bonbons) and other creations. End at a 17th-century cheese cellar, where an expert cheesemaker will show you the ins and outs of artisanal cheese, and you can try different cheeses with local wines.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Train to Dijon, Transfer to Beaune, Tour the Historic Burgundy City
You're off to the city of Beaune today, a charming walled town located in the center of the Burgundy winemaking region. Check out of your Paris hotel and board a train for the scenic, 90-minute journey to Dijon, then meet your driver on arrival for the 40-minute transfer to your Beaune hotel. You'll stay at the Hostellerie Cèdre, an elegant space with classic decor, luxury linens, and beautiful city views.
After check-in, get better acquainted with the city on a private tour. Start with a walk inside the medieval ramparts, learning more about the region's Roman origins, the golden age of the Dukes of Burgundy, and the great wine merchants who made Beaune the capital of Burgundy wines. Then, visit the Hospices de Beaune, founded in the 1400s as a hospital for the poor. Now serving as a museum and wine estate, the building is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. This is also the site of a wine auction attended by connoisseurs worldwide.
If you'd like to see more of the city's historic sites on your own this afternoon, consider visiting the Moutarderie Fallot. This traditional mustard mill is one of the last remaining mills of its kind in Burgundy, with a long history of producing high-quality mustards. Tour the mill and learn about the methods and craftsmanship that go into making the mustard, then enjoy a tasting session where you can sample a variety of different flavors.
Day 5: Côte de Beaune & Côte de Nuits Wine Tasting Excursion
The Burgundy region is famous for its legendary winemaking, and today, you'll have the opportunity to explore the region's greatest wines and those who make them. Together with your private guide, you'll travel along the Route des Grands Crus of Côte de Nuits, stopping at a renowned winery for a tour and tasting. Stroll through the vineyards as the winemakers share the secrets of Burgundy's rich winemaking heritage, exploring how these elements combine to produce world-class wines.
After a locally sourced lunch at a picturesque estate bordering the vineyards, continue to the Côte de Beaune region, where you'll visit three more wineries, touring their cellars, learning about cultivation techniques, and understanding how each winemaker creates their unique varietals. Taste supple reds and refined whites, all while discovering the art, craft, and history of enology (the study of wines). Return to Beaune in the late afternoon, where the rest of your day is free.
Day 6: Transfer to Dijon, Train to Paris, Cabaret Show & Dinner at Moulin Rouge
It's back to Paris today as you transfer to Dijon and catch a train to the capital. Your private driver will drop you at your accommodations, the Hôtel 9Confidentiel, a charming 4-star hotel located in the always-hip Marais district. Here, you'll find tastefully appointed rooms with luxury linens, rain showers, and options for rooftop views. Relax and unwind, perhaps enjoying an aperitif at their on-site bar. Then, this evening, you're off to make the most of your last night in France with a show and dinner at the Moulin Rouge.
This legendary cabaret, known for being the birthplace of the cancan dance, showcases a talented troupe of dancers, the Doriss girls, named after Mademoiselle Doriss, a German choreographer who formed the group in 1957. Listen to upbeat music as you witness a visual spectacle of stunning costumes, dance, and showmanship. Savor delectable cuisine, raise your glass to the dancers, and experience an evening of sensory delights.
Day 7: Depart Paris
Your luxury tour of France ends today. At the designated time, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport where your departing flight awaits. Au revoir!
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