Best of Paris in 7 Days Tour

Day 1: Welcome to Paris

We'll gather at our hotel in Paris at 3 p.m. for a short meeting and orientation stroll around our neighborhood, followed by a panoramic tour of the City of Light aboard a private bus. Then we'll get acquainted with one another over dinner together. Bus: 2 hr. Walking: light.

Day 2: The Historic Heart of Paris

Let's begin where Paris did, on the Ile de la Cité. Your guide will lead a walking tour of the city's early history, including visits to a pair of the world's most significant medieval Gothic churches: the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral and the exquisite Sainte-Chapelle. Then we'll take a stroll through the bohemian Latin Quarter, with free time for lunch on your own. We'll end our afternoon with a tour of the Cluny National Museum of the Middle Ages, home to the sublime Lady and the Unicorn tapestry and a rare, up-close look at the artistry of original stained glass windows from Sainte-Chapelle. Walking: moderate.

Day 3: Montmartre

This morning we'll hop on the Métro, then hike up Montmartre to tour the colorful neighborhood which was the haunt of artistic geniuses a century ago — including Van Gogh, Picasso, and Renoir — and generations of hopeful artists since. We'll end our walk with spectacular views of Paris from the Sacré Coeur church. You'll be free for lunch and have time to explore more of the city on your own this afternoon. We'll regroup this evening to enjoy a wine tasting and dinner together before embarking on a dreamy Seine River cruise. Walking: strenuous.

Day 4: The Marais District and Louvre

We'll begin our day with a walking tour through Paris' diverse, history-layered Marais district. We'll learn about the Revolution at the site of the infamous Bastille, enlightened urban planning at the beautiful Place des Voges, cultural roots and anti-semitism in the Jewish Quarter — and an easy-to-absorb cavalcade of Parisian history at the Carnavalet Museum. This evening Europe's greatest museum — The Louvre — is open late and we'll take advantage. Our pre-dinner hours will be spent touring its great masterpieces. You'll come face-to-face with the works of Rafael, Delacroix and Leonardo, and timeless treasures that include Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo and hundreds more. Walking: strenuous.

Day 5: All Day at Château de Versailles

Today we'll explore the elaborate palace that Louis XIV, XV, and XVI called home. We'll make the 30-minute train trip to Versailles, where we'll have a guided tour of the dazzling Hall of Mirrors and key rooms of the palace. You'll then have free time to wander through the expansive grounds and Marie Antoinette's hamlet — or zip back to Paris early via one of the frequent trains. Train: 1 hr. Walking: strenuous.

Day 6: Masterpieces of the Orsay Museum

This morning we'll tour the world's greatest collection of Impressionist art — from Monet and Degas to Cézanne and Gauguin and more — at the Orsay Museum. You'll be free to spend your afternoon here in a happy daze. Or visit nearby places covered by your included 6-Day Paris Museum Pass, such as the Rodin Museum, the Orangerie Museum or the military museum of Les Invalides. Tonight we'll enjoy a farewell feast together, sharing travel memories and toasting new friends. Salut! Walking: moderate.

Day 7: Tour Over After Breakfast

It's a breeze to reach Paris' airports by taxi, shuttle or public transportation. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Merci et au revoir!