European Grandeur start Paris

Welcome to Paris, enjoy time at leisure to settle into your hotel. During your time here you will see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a fabulous welcome dinner at a local brasserie.

Your Travel Director will introduce you to Paris with an orientation, taking in the Arc de Triomphe, the tree-lined Champs-Élysées and the grand Place de la Concorde. The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps linger over a cafe crème at a sidewalk bistro, browse the boutiques of the Marais or stroll through the Tuileries Gardens towards the Louvre’s glass pyramid. Art lovers may wish to step inside to admire masterpieces from the Mona Lisa to the Winged Victory of Samothrace, while others might cross the Seine to the literary heart of the Left Bank. As evening falls, there’s the opportunity to join an Optional Experience at one of Paris’ celebrated cabarets, combining dazzling costumes, live music and a sumptuous dinner.

Head southwards towards Châteaux Country. Take a scenic drive along the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is known as the Jardins de France for the beautifully maintained gardens created on vast estates as outdoor living areas. Visit the majestic Chenonceau Castle, an elegant French château spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling in-land port of Bordeaux with its unique 18th-century character.

Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of France's best 18th-century architecture. The facades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all contributed to Bordeaux earning inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Next, continue to picturesque San Sebastián where you will have the chance to dine with the locals in the evening. In small groups, wander through the Old Town for a progressive dinner, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats to make your meal and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine.