Day 1 Morning departure for the journey to Dover and the sea crossing to Calais and travel to Paris to join the ship at 18.00 hours. After settling in get ready to enjoy dinner and enjoy a quintessential evening of French Titi Parisien entertainment—straight out of novels by Dumas or Hugo.
Day 2 PARIS and its legendary landmarks: the department stores –
LA DEFENSE. Included excursion: A panoramic tour of France's capital bringing you to the must-see historical monuments and the famous large department stores such as Galleries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann.
Each year since 1909, famous decorators show off their talents at Paris' largest department stores. Voyage through the magic surrounding Christmas with animated figures in captivating settings. Your tour guide will explain the fascinating history of these large department stores and their magnificent art deco embellishments, which have themselves become must-see sites in the city. Their architectural features- combining art nouveau, contemporary, and art deco styles-are considered museum-level masterpieces. Domes, glass ceilings, majestic staircases, and mosaics give extraordinary grandeur to these shop-until you- drop havens. Enjoy an afternoon on your own exploring the magnificent metropolis and taking in the holiday atmosphere. Browse the boutiques to find the perfect gift for your loved ones. Small shops, gourmet stores, renowned candymakers, and top bakers sell the best holiday treats available from France and abroad. Tonight is festive gala evening, and the ship will cruise to La Défense. In the 1960s, then- president Charles de Gaulle helped develop the impressive futuristic business district known as La Défense. The imposing glass and steel structures form the largest business district in Europe. You will then return to the Quai de Grenelle.
Day 3 PARIS The old Montmartre and its Christmas market
Included excursion: Guided tour of old-time Montmartre and a stroll through its charming Christmas market.
The Sacré-Coeur Basilica provides a breathtaking view of the city and the quaint quarter that remains a favourite hangout for modern-day painters, sculptors, and poets. Montmartre—with its cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafés, and cabarets—is authentic Paris straight out of the 19th century. In December, the Place des Abbesses transforms into a marvellous Christmas market decked out with lights and decorations to the highest degree. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon. Just a few steps away: Roam the Eiffel Tower area, stroll through the Trocadéro, and visit Les Invalides. This is the time to find original gifts, drink a hot chocolate, enjoy some authentic gingerbread, and just let yourself bask in the approaching holiday ambiance. You will return on board the ship and set out on a night-time cruise through the most famous capital in the world. See the city's beautiful monuments bathed in superb lights, one after the other. A stunning spectacular.
Day 4 After breakfast on board, disembark at 09.00 hours to join the coach and commence the homeward journey.