DAY 1 | May 26. In Transit
Depart for Paris, France.
DAY 2 | May 27. Paris
Upon arrival in Paris, transferA to the Adagio Bercy, located in the Bercy Village near the Seine, Parc de Bercy and the convenient Cour Saint-Emilion Métro station.
Become acquainted with the easy-to-use Paris Métro system this afternoon before taking a walking tour of the Bercy neighborhood. This evening, gather for a Welcome Reception and Dinner.
(D)
DAY 3 | May 28. Paris
Educational Focus: The History of Paris. Enjoy a historic perspective before venturing into the city.
Excursion: Le Marais. Marais means “marsh,” but this neighborhood is much more elegant than its name. Explore the heart of artistic and cultural life in Paris on a walking tour of this intimate neighborhood, once the nucleus of Jewish life.
(B)
DAY 4 | May 29. Paris
Excursion: The French Revolution. Learn about the French Revolution as you explore the Latin Quarter with a guide. Named for the scholars who spoke Latin in this intellectual hub, the quarter is filled with history. See the hall where Danton and the radical Cordeliers’ club held their debates, visit the oldest café in Paris and hear about the guillotine and the death of Marat.
Excursion: Paris by Boat. This morning, board a river boat and cruise the Seine. Glide past the Tuileries Gardens, Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame and Île Saint-Louis, and see the iconic Eiffel Tower.
(B)
DAY 5 | May 30. Paris
Educational Focus: The Treasures of the Louvre. Constructed as a fortress in the 12th century and rebuilt as a royal residence in the 16th century, the Louvre is home to arguably the world’s greatest art collection. Learn about the museum and the best way for you to approach it during this valuable lecture.
Independent Exploration: The rest of the day is at leisure. Using your Paris Museum Pass, visit the Louvre and see its iconic masterpieces. Afterward, stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries or sneak away to Palais-Royal, one of Paris’ most romantic gardens.
(B)
DAY 6 | May 31. Paris
Educational Focus: The Treasures of D’Orsay. The famous Musée d’Orsay showcases French art of the 1800s and early 1900s, including works by Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin. Enjoy an expert overview of the museum and the impressionist movement.
Independent Exploration: The rest of the day is at leisure. Enter the Musée d’Orsay with insider insights and your Paris Museum Pass. Admire the impressionist masterpieces at your leisure. After, stroll along the Seine and see the Palais Bourbon, the home of the French National Assembly.
(B)
DAY 7 | June 1. Dijon
Excursion: Bourgogne. Travel on the TGV, France’s high-speed train, to Dijon, capital of Burgundy, to discover the town’s landmarks, including stately stone mansions, a trio of churches and half-timbered homes from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Local Flavor: Take a break for lunch at a historic home in Dijon.
Independent Exploration: Enjoy some time at leisure before returning to Paris.
(B,L)
DAY 8 | June 2. Paris
Independent Exploration: The day is at leisure. Enjoy exploring on your own. Visit one or two of the city’s museums or explore more of the city’s many gardens and parks. Spend some time browsing through Paris’ famous department stores and boutiques.
(B)
DAY 9 | June 3. Rouen
Excursion: Rouen. Journey to the ancient city of Rouen, the capital of Normandy, aboard the regional train. An expert guide leads us past half-timbered houses along medieval Rue du Gros-Horloge and to Cathédrale Notre-Dame, painted repeatedly by Claude Monet, who was fascinated by the play of light on its towering façade. Hear the haunting story of Joan of Arc, who was burned at the stake in Rouen’s central square in 1431.
Local Flavor: Enjoy a dinner of French cuisine at a restaurant in Paris.
(B,D)
DAY 10 | June 4. Paris
Educational Focus: Contemporary France. Learn about issues and events shaping modern France.
Excursion: World War II Paris. Learn about occupied Paris during World War II. Take a walking tour of the city’s historic sites, and discover how Parisians lived under the watch of the Gestapo and German military. Hear about the people who formed the Resistance and stories of their fight to free France from German control.
Independent Exploration: Make the most of an afternoon at leisure.
(B)
DAY 11 | June 5. Versailles
Excursion: Versailles. Explore France’s grandest palace, including the Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed. The baroque chateau was the seat of the royal court from 1682 until 1789. A headset rental is included so that you can explore at your own pace. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception and Dinner.
(B,D)
DAY 12 | June 6.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey home.
Note: Due to operational conditions, the order of events in this itinerary will vary depending upon your travel dates. A date specific itinerary will be sent to you prior to departure.
(B)
