Embark on an unforgettable French odyssey where romance, refinement, and royal grandeur come together in perfect harmony. This exquisitely curated Paris & Versailles escape invites you to savor the soul of France, from the glowing boulevards of the City of Light to the gilded splendor of its legendary palace. Designed for the discerning traveler, every moment blends effortless elegance with immersive cultural discovery, ensuring an experience as timeless as Paris itself.
DAY 1: Welcome to Paris: Your Elegant Opéra District Arrival
Welcome to Paris, the City of Light, romance, and timeless elegance. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by your professional assistant and driver for a seamless private transfer to your hotel, the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra or similar. This historic five-star landmark, once the gathering place of writers and artists, blends Parisian chic with modern sophistication. Located in the prestigious 9th arrondissement, just steps from the Opéra Garnier, Galeries Lafayette, and Place Vendôme, it’s the perfect base for your Parisian debut.
After check-in, take time to relax or begin your own discovery of the neighborhood’s charm, stroll along the grand boulevards, browse luxury boutiques, or savor your first café crème at a classic Parisian café. As evening falls, immerse yourself in the city’s glittering atmosphere, whether it’s a walk to the nearby Tuileries Gardens or dinner in the elegant Opéra district, the magic of Paris awaits right outside your door.
Hotel check-in is at 3:00 p.m.
Luggage storage will be available prior to check-in, should your room not yet be ready upon arrival.
The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own leisure.
Meals are not included today, so you are free to explore local dining options at your convenience.
Overnight at the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra or similar.
DAY 2: Paris at a Glance & Bohemian Montmartre
Awaken to the charm of Paris as you enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your expert guide for a panoramic tour of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Capture the beauty of Notre-Dame Cathedral, admire the Eiffel Tower from the elegant Palais de Chaillot, and glide along the Champs-Élysées past the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde, a showcase of Parisian grandeur at every turn. Then ascend to Montmartre, the city’s bohemian heart, where the white domes of Sacré-Cœur overlook a sea of rooftops and artists fill the charming Place du Tertre with color and life.
Savor a three-course French lunch with wine at a local restaurant before returning to the city center for a leisurely afternoon at your own pace. Whether you explore hidden boutiques, wander along the Seine, or simply enjoy people-watching from a Parisian café, the afternoon is yours to experience Paris as the Parisians do.
Overnight at the Sofitel Le Scribe or similar.
DAY 3: Royal Splendor at the Palace of Versailles
After breakfast, set out on a royal journey to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, the crowning glory of France’s royal heritage. Accompanied by your expert guide, step into the opulent world of Louis XIV as you wander through the glittering Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Apartments, and grand salons adorned with exquisite baroque artistry. Every corridor reveals a story of power, beauty, and the golden age of French culture.
Enjoy a three-course lunch with wine at a charming local restaurant before continuing your exploration of the Gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece of symmetry and design. Stroll among dancing fountains and hidden groves, then discover the intimate charm of the Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, where the queen once escaped courtly life to find rustic tranquility.
Return to Paris for a relaxing evening at leisure perhaps dine al fresco, enjoy a night cruise on the Seine, or simply savor the soft glow of the city’s evening lights.
Overnight at Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra or similar.
DAY 4: Farewell to Paris & Scenic Drive to Le Havre / Honfleur
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before bidding farewell to Paris, a city that has undoubtedly captured your heart. Drive through the picturesque French countryside to the port of Le Havre or Honfleur, where your next journey begins. Upon arrival, meet your local assistant for smooth embarkation and personalized assistance at the port.
As you leave behind the elegant boulevards and golden palaces of Paris, carry with you the memories of art, romance, and timeless beauty that make France forever unforgettable.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space may be released.
Meet and Greet & Transfer Information
• Final cruise documents will be sent via email 21 days prior to departure. These documents will include the local ground operator’s contact number on page 1, which can be used if you’re unable to locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Please note that the representative may be assisting other guests and might not be immediately visible when you exit Customs, and the baggage claim area.
• Upon arrival, look for a representative holding a sign with the cruise line’s logo, and possibly your name. If you’re uncertain or unable to locate them, airport staff can assist by directing you to the designated meeting point for cruise transfers or by paging the representative.
• Meet and greeting services and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of the land program, or for those who have booked pre-cruise accommodations through the cruise line. These arrangements are based on flight details provided at least 14 days prior to sailing.
• Guests arriving independently or before the official start date of the land program will not have transfers included. If we have not received your flight information, or if your flight details change and the Destination Services Land Team has not been informed, a transfer cannot be guaranteed. In such cases, guests will need to arrange and cover their own transportation to the land program hotel.
• For any flight updates or changes, please contact our Reservations Department as soon as possible, prior to departure.
DAY 1:
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
Arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Check-in at 3:00pm.
Meals are on your own today
Overnight at the Grand Hotel Palace or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
You will be met and transferred to your hotel where you will spend the evening
Check in at 3:00pm
Meals are on your own today
Overnight at the Sofitel Le Scribe
DAY 2:
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
7:00am Breakfast at your hotel and check-out
8:30am Guided tour of Paris, including Eiffel Tower (photo stop), Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior visit), Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
12:30pm Lunch at a local Parisian bistro
2:30pm Return to the hotel; remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure
Dinner on your own
Overnight at the Sofitel Le Scribe
DAY 3:
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
7:00am Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Depart for Versailles
9:30am Guided tour of the Palace of Versailles (Royal Apartments and Hall of Mirrors)
12:30pm Lunch at La Petite Venise or another restaurant within the Versailles grounds
2:00pm Guided walk through the Gardens of Versailles, including the fountains and groves
3:30pm Visit the Trianon Palaces and Queen’s Hamlet
5:00pm Return to Paris
Evening at leisure
Overnight at the Sofitel Le Scribe or similar
DAY 4:
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
9:00am Breakfast at your hotel and check-out
12:00noon Transfer to the port for cruise embarkation
General Information
Electricity:
France uses plug types C and E (two round pins). The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. Travelers from North America will need a plug adapter and, in some cases, a voltage converter for certain appliances. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for your electronic devices.
Expected Weather:
In May and September, Paris and Versailles enjoy mild, pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing:
May: 50–70°F (10–21°C) – spring blooms and long daylight hours
September: 55–73°F (13–23°C) – comfortably warm with crisp evenings
What to Bring:
Pack comfortable walking shoes, light layers, and a smart-casual outfit for dining or evening activities. A light jacket or sweater, umbrella, and sunscreen are also advised. Don’t forget your camera, as photo opportunities abound throughout Paris and Versailles.
Currency:
The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is recommended to carry some small cash for cafés, markets, and tipping.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport valid for at least 6 months after travel is required. Guests are responsible for checking any visa requirements for their nationality for entry into France and for obtaining any necessary visas in advance. Please contact your local embassy or consulate for the latest entry requirements and application procedures.
Hotel Address & Contact:
Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra
1 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 44 71 24 24
Please Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, an alternative hotel may be arranged. Any substitute accommodation will match the original in both rating and quality. You will be informed of any changes prior to your departure. If no such notification is provided, your stay will proceed at the hotel specified in this program.
Program Includes:
•3 nights at the Sofitel Le Scribe Hotel (Deluxe Room)
•Meals as per itinerary
•Transfers as per itinerary
•English-speaking assistants and guides as per itinerary
•Versailles entrance (including the Musical Fountain Show and the Royal Serenade of The Hall of Mirrors)
Program Excludes:
•Any other meals or beverages not listed above
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry
•Visa if required
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Hints & Restrictions
•Walking is on cobblestone streets with uneven surfaces and gentle inclines. While no extended stair climbing is required, sites visited may present challenges for guests with limited mobility. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters may have restricted access in certain narrow streets and historic areas.
•This program includes periods of extended walking and standing. Guests must be able to independently board and disembark coaches, ferries, and other modes of transport. Those requiring assistance should travel with a companion.
•Weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable flat walking shoes are strongly recommended.
•A visit to the Louvre Museum is not included in this program. Guests may choose to visit independently during leisure time, at their own expense, subject to ticket availability and museum opening hours. Guests wishing to spend additional time at the Louvre may consider arranging an additional night in Paris to allow for a full day dedicated to an independent visit.
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. This program is not recommended for guests who require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooters. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to carefully assess their personal physical capabilities and stamina. Participants must be able to independently board and disembark from transportation, including motor coaches, and should be accompanied by an able-bodied companion if assistance is needed. Guests who choose to use independent transportation or wheelchair services provided by third-party companies may do so at their own risk and responsibility. We encourage guests to contact the cruise line in advance to discuss any specific mobility-related questions or concerns before booking this program. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Booking, Pricing & Cancelation:
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, missed transfers, accommodations, guided tours, meals, or activities. All venues, hotel stays, tour guides, and logistical services are secured and pre-paid well in advance to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
