Champagne, Alsace and Paris
Trip Itinerary
Sunday, July 23, 2023 to Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Day One
Paris to Reims
From the airport, we will head straight to the beautiful city of Reims. After checking into our hotel, we will take a leisurely stroll through central Reims to marvel at its many architectural gems and browse in the shops before enjoying our first terrasse dinner in France at the lively Place Drouet-d’Erlon.
Day Two
Visit of Veuve-Clicquot and Champagne vineyard
After a good night’s rest, we will visit the stunning Reims cathedral in the morning. It is in this cathedral that nearly all the kings of France were crowned, so it is worth taking our time to understand its history and take in its amazing variety of stained glass windows dating from the 13th century to the 21st. Next, we will head to the champagne vineyards for a tour and lunch among the vines, followed by visits to the famed champagne house of Veuve Clicquot in Reims proper. Our evening will be spent sharing a scrumptious meal in a perfect setting and taking in a seasonal light show.
Day Three
Reims to Strasbourg
Today we set out for Alsace, one of the most picturesque parts of France. Our first destination is Strasbourg, a gorgeous city with noticeable French and German influences. Famous for its single-spired cathedral and quaint medieval quarter called la Petite France, Strasbourg is also home to the Council of Europe and Court of Human Rights, and its proximity to Germany (just across the Rhine river) makes it a truly international city. After arriving at our hotel, we will explore this beautiful city on foot and take a boat ride on the Ill River. Using the ultra-modern tramway, we will also make a stop at the peaceful Orangerie park and see the beloved storks in their nests perched atop buildings and poles. We will end our day with a traditional Alsatian dinner and a relaxing stroll home in order to view this breathtaking city by night.
Day Four
Colmar
Not far from Strasbourg is one of the best-loved cities in all of Alsace: Colmar. Filled with pedestrian areas, quaint shops, and half-timbered houses, Colmar is a delight for the eyes – and the stomach! This is a city that was meant for walking, so we will spend our day exploring on foot, stopping to shop, eat, and visit a museum or two (if the group so desires). Like Strasbourg, Colmar’s most popular quarter is built along a waterway (the Lauch river) and with homes and restaurants lining the river, it is easy to see how this part of the city got its name: “la petite Venise”. After spending the day taking in this lovely town, we will return to Strasbourg for a not-very-seasonal but not-to-be-missed fondue and raclette dinner.
Day Five
Haut Koenigsbourg
This morning we will say goodbye to Strasbourg as we begin our tour of the fairy-tale villages that make up the Alsatian “route du vin”. First, however, we will get a breathtaking look at the countryside from the hilltop that is home to the incredibly restored medieval castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg. Following our visit to the castle, we will head to the lovely little town of Obernai and our spa hotel, where we will all appreciate the chance to relax and rejuvenate at the midpoint of our trip. At day’s end, we will enjoy a convivial dinner of the region’s specialty – “tarte flambée” (thin pizza-like crust topped with cream, cheese, and your choice of meat or veggie toppings baked in a wood-fired oven) – followed by a delectable array of dessert choices.
Day Six
Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim and Obernai spa
In the morning, you can relax in the pool, shop in Obernai, or take advantage of the spa’s many services. After a light lunch, we will head to two villages voted “most beautiful in France”: Ribeauvillé and Eguisheim. Strolling through these delightful towns surrounded by vineyards is like walking through a real-life fairy tale. With their half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, lovely artisan shops, and delicious sweet treats, you may never want to leave. After a delicious dinner, we will return to Obernai for our last night in Alsace.
Day Seven
Kaysersberg to Paris
With all of those beautiful vineyards, it would be a shame to leave without learning a bit about the wines of the region, so our last stop in Alsace will be the village of Kaysersberg, where we will bask in the picturesque views, enjoy a light lunch together, and visit a local winery. Then it is off to Paris! After checking into our comfy Paris hotel near the Champs-Elysées, we will take a walk through the area before enjoying a delicious dinner and taking a night cruise on the River Seine.
Day Eight
Paris
As many of you may have visited Paris before, our itinerary will largely depend on your wishes. Some favorites of mine include the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Latin Quarter; the Canal St. Martin area; the Marais; the flagship department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps; and the Opéra Garnier. Whether it is museums or shopping or taking in the sights, we will spend our day getting to know Paris in a way you have not seen it before. After an early dinner, we will head to Versailles for the evening to attend the magical Grandes Eaux Nocturnes in the gardens.
Day Nine
Paris, je t’aime!
Our last day in Paris will give us the chance to see some of the city’s hidden gems, including the best ice cream shop in the city, a lavish Starbucks unlike any you’ve ever seen, and Roman ruins hiding in plain sight. We’ll get to know the Ile St Louis near Notre Dame, do some bargain-hunting at a flea market, and if high-end fashion is your thing, we can take a walk on the Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré for a look at Chanel, Hermès, and others. Two distinct but equally breathtaking views of Paris can be found in the hilltop village of Montmartre and from the top of the ultra-modern Tour Montparnasse. Paris has something for everyone, so today will be tailored to the group’s interests and desires. After a day of soaking up Parisian culture, it is time to head to our hotel at the airport where we will spend our last night together before heading home.
Day Ten
Depart for home
Au revoir! Head home from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.