Itinerary, part ii

In less than 35 hours, we will be boarding our flight to make our way to London! Until then we both have packing to do. I feel like I have a few loose ends to tie up before we head to the airport. I can't help but be a ball of excitement and nerves mixed together!

For now though, I'll share our itinerary for when we're in Paris. I should mention that our plans for this Saturday (April 6th) have changed a bit since we won't be meeting up with my friend Jenny. Instead we'll have one day to relax which will incredibly nice since the rest of the trip will be packed as we try to see & do as much as possible! I don't want to miss one second of my chance to explore both cities.

Again, I am snagging our itinerary information from Go Ahead Tours. I'm looking forward to discussing everything that we do first-hand once I do experience it.

[day 6] DIVE BELOW THE ENGLISH CHANNEL AND SURFACE IN THE CITY OF LIGHT

This morning, transfer to St. Pancras Station. Here, you’ll board the Eurostar, Europe’s quarter-mile-long, high-speed train that whisks passengers below the English Channel and resurfaces in France. Relax aboard comfortable, state-of-the-art transportation, arriving at Gare du Nord in Paris just three hours later. Upon arrival, a Go Ahead representative greets you and oversees check-in at your Paris hotel.

[day 7] HIGH STYLE WITH LOTS OF HIGH NOTES, YOUR FIRST DAY IS TRES PARISIAN

Set out on a panoramic sightseeing tour of the City of Light this morning, taking in Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and much more.
[optional excursion] Versailles: The reign of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards for decadence among the crowned heads of Europe. It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles, once a small hunting lodge, into the most magnificent château in all of France and the envy of royalty worldwide. On this excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Then stroll through the lavish gardens with their fine statuary, splendid fountains and colorful flowerbeds.

[day 8] LET THOSE DAYDREAMS OF CAFES, CABARETS AND GARDEN STROLLS COME TO LIFE

Paris is one of Europe’s most romantic and elegant capitals. Take a stroll along the Champs-Élysées, perhaps the world’s most famous avenue. Enter a milieu of haute couture in the chic boutiques of the Opéra district. Paris’ department stores and outdoor markets are world-renowned, and there’s no place better than the Left Bank to browse for antique books. Explore the vibrant Latin Quarter, home to the Sorbonne, and then stop at the Luxembourg Gardens, where Hemingway was inspired to write A Moveable Feast. Paris also has a wide range of excellent art museums. First choice is usually the Louvre. After that, try the Picasso Museum in the quiet Marais district or consider a climb to Montmartre, where you can watch streetside artists painting the scenes of today. Leave time for a relaxing stop at an intimate café to sip café au lait and watch the world go by—one of Paris’ most celebrated traditions. At night, savor the best of Paris’ gourmet tradition, and take in some world-class entertainment at the cabaret. Consider an optional excursion to Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny (seasonal) and our Evening in Paris excursion, featuring dinner at a local restaurant followed by a Seine cruise. Your Tour Director will have additional suggestions during your stay.
[optional excursion] Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny: The village of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. On a visit to Monet's home and gardens, discover the subtle palette of colors that inspired his Water Lilies series and gave rise to a new way of seeing.
[optional excursion] Evening in Paris: Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks.

[day 9] PARDON—SORRY TO INTERRUPT, BUT IT’S TIME TO PART WITH PARIS

A Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home.

Although our trip ends on day 9, we're arriving a day early on "Day 0" making this trip a ten day travel. Next time I post, it may very well be from London. Huzzah!!

Until then, au revoir!