KSOF Goes to Paris

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday June 29: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 30: Paris

Your ACIS Tour Manager greets you with a warm Bienvenue à Paris! Paris is called the “City of Light” for its role as a center of education during the Age of Enlightenment (it was also one the first cities to adopt streetlights). With a carnet of Métro tickets in hand, begin to explore this enchanting city. Along the way to its famed sites, immerse yourself in local culture by practicing your French with painters and vintage book sellers along the storied Seine. Then gain a completely different perspective of the city as you enjoy a serene evening boat cruise on the river followed by an ascent to the top of the Eiffel Tower. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday July 1: Paris

Your day begins with a guided sightseeing tour that takes you past some of the most famous attractions in Paris. Your expert local guide will show you the magnificent Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, Napoleon’s final resting place at Les Invalides and the Gothic wonder of Notre Dame. Later you’ll see the soaring stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle. You’ll have some free time in the afternoon to explore Paris’ arrondissements at your own pace. In the evening a tasty cultural exchange awaits—separate into small groups and be welcomed into the homes of local Parisians to enjoy an authentic dinner and lively conversation. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday July 2: Paris

Start your day with a lesson led by local experts in the traditional French pastime of pétanque. After getting your game on, savor a guided Sweet Paris culinary walking tour around the St. Germain neighborhood that features stops at some of the city's finest “hidden” chocolate and pastry shops, which offer everything from macarons to croissants to amazing chocolate sculptures. A macaron tasting is included! Then you'll use a different sense on our tour of the Fragonard Perfume Museum. Discover the 3,000 years of history, science and art that goes into each bottle of perfume. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday July 3: Paris

This morning enjoy breakfast at Angelina before you breeze by the crowds with your timed entrance to the Louvre and discover the many famous masterpieces that call it home. Insightful commentary from your local guide highlights the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo and more as you wander through the galleries. From its beginnings as a royal fortress to its current status as the world's most visited art museum, the Louvre has long been at the center of Parisian culture and home to a collection of 35,000 works of art from around the world. This afternoon with the art of local cuisine at a French cooking lesson. Hands-on instruction teaches you to make classic Parisian dishes before you sample the delicious results. Tonight we provide restaurant vouchers and insider suggestions so you can dine with the locals at a neighborhood bistro. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday July 4: Paris

This morning board an RER commuter train to visit the ornate palace at Louis XIV's Versailles. Your visit includes the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and the breathtaking surroundings. Don’t worry if you don’t have time to cover every room of this vast palace. The best stuff is in the gardens and grounds: all 1,976-acre gardens, 200,000 trees, 50 fountains and 620 jets of water worth. After wandering about the exquisite and intensely manicured gardens on two feet, hop on two wheels and explore the palace's surroundings beyond the gardens on a Versailles by bike tour. This evening you may choose to attend our optional night at the French theater—a unique cultural experience alongside the locals made accessible with English surtitles (translations shown above the stage). (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday July 5: Paris

The morning is yours to explore any lesser-known attractions of your choice, such as the Musee Marmottan-Monet, which is home the famous artist's Impression, Sunrise, from which the Impressionist artistic movement purportedly drew its name. This evening enjoy a traditional French crêpe dinner. After your meal, be dazzled by the shops and energy of the world famous Champs-Élysées on an evening stroll, before you ascend to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for breathtaking views of Paris. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday July 6: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your European experience with a two-night extension to London via Eurostar, including a city sightseeing tour with an expert local guide, entrance to the Tower of London and an Oyster Card to help you get around.(B)