Paris by Coach
Please be aware that this tour runs in the winter months only. For details of our Paris by Eurostar trip, which is available every month, please see the following link - https://www.internationalfriends.co.uk/paris-by-high-speed-eurostar.html
Take a cruise on the River Seine, see the Eiffel Tower, walk along the Champs Elysées, see the Arc de Triomphe, visit Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, take a photo of the Moulin Rouge (the home of the cancan) and explore the Louvre Museum!
Day 1
We start our 3 day tour from your chosen UK departure point. We travel to Paris by modern executive coach with one of our friendly drivers and our experienced Paris guide. Our journey includes a short sea crossing, from where you can usually see the famous White Cliffs and Dover Castle, as we sail towards France.
On arrival in Paris we drive straight to the Eiffel Tower and begin our tour with a boat cruise on the spectacular river Seine which starts and ends at the Eiffel Tower (where we have time for a photo).
We then rejoin the coach for a guided coach panoramic tour of Paris. At the end of the coach tour our driver will take us directly to our 3 star hotel right in the centre of Paris.
On the coach tour we drive past the Arc de Triomphe and down the Champs Elysées to Place de la Concorde. The coach then takes you to see La Madeleine (the church dedicated to Mary Magdalene) before driving by the stunning Opera Garnier and on to the world famous Louvre Museum passing by the pyramids. We then drive along the Seine passing Hotel de Ville before arriving at the hotel. Photo stops will be planned by the guide where possible.
During the evening, you will have the option to join your guide for dinner in a nearby local restaurant. This is a great opportunity to try the local food, whilst getting to know your fellow travellers (food and drink is extra).
Day 2
After breakfast, meet the guide at 9am for a full day of sightseeing. The first stop is Montmartre for the Sacre Coeur, Place du Tertre and Moulin Rouge. Then on to Ile de la Cite, with time for lunch and shopping on the banks of the Seine. In the afternoon you can join the optional Half day trip to Versailles or alternatively, you may wish to do your own sightseeing. The Ibis Styles Paris Bercy is so central, sightseeing on your own is a very simple option. Free time for shopping in Opera in the department stores Galeries Lafayette or Printemps, see the Opera Garnier (entrance charge), visit the food shops Hediard or Fauchon, or maybe enjoy tea and macaroons at La Duree. Or perhaps return to the Eiffel Tower and climb to the top for a stunning view of this beautiful city.
Optional Half day trip to the Palace of Versailles - £45
A fully guided half day coach tour to the stunning Palace of Versailles. Built in the 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV to project the absolute power of the French monarchy, it served as the political capital and royal court for over 100 hundred years, until in 1789 the revolutionary mobs massacred the Palace Guard and dragged Louis XVI and Marie-Antionette to Paris to cut off their heads! Undoubtedly the grandest and most famous chateau in France. Price includes coach and entry to the Palace. Access to the gardens of Versalles is also included, except for Fountain Show and Musical Gardens days (from April to October). For all customers who choose this option the coach will stop at the Eiffel Tower on the return to Paris from Versailles. You will then have free time to climb the Tower in the evening before returning to the hotel by metro.
Evening free to enjoy the Paris nightlife. From our hotel Bercy metro station is a short walk, and all areas of Paris City centre are easily accessible in minutes by metro.
Day 3
A morning excursion to the Louvre Museum, and your chance to see the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, Michelangelo's Dying Slave or to follow the trail of the Da Vinci Code! Please note that entry to the Louvre is not included and we would strongly recommend pre-booking. We would recommend booking slots no earlier than 10.00am. Please click here to book. We depart Paris after lunch for the journey to Calais for our return ferry. We arrive back in Dover early evening 19:30-20:00, Kent drop offs between 20:00-20:30, in London 21:00-21:45 and Cambridge by 23:00/23:30.
Christmas in Paris - 24th to 27th December 2019 - Over Christmas we operate a 4 day tour which includes all of the above and one extra day in Paris. There is an option to join our day trip to Disneyland Paris (£89 extra), or simply enjoy a free day in this stunning city. Click here for details.
Please ensure you arrive at your allocated departure point at least 15 minutes before departure time.
You can join this tour from the following locations
- 04.15am Cambridge from outside Police Station, Parkside
- 05.45am London, Hammersmith tube station
- 06.05am London, Great Portland Street tube station
- 06.20am London, Embankment tube station
- 06.55am London, Lewisham High Street (outside Police Station)
- 07.05am Ramsgate Train Station
- 07.45am Canterbury East Train Station
- 08:30am Dover Eastern Docks Bookings Hall
On the final day, this tour normally ends by 10pm in London, or 9pm in Canterbury/Ramsgate. If you are travelling onwards to Cambridge the final arrival time will vary, as the feeder service that we provide links in with our other tours. If we are unable to transfer you by our own transportation, we will provide free rail or coach transfers to Cambridge. In the event that public transport (rail or coach) does not offer a practical and convenient service, International Friends will provide travel by taxi, minibus or coach.
FAQ'S
Do I need a passport for this tour?
Yes, you will need to be in possession of a vaild passport in order to travel to France for this tour
I have a Visa for the UK already, can I travel to France?
International Friends cannot give immigration advice to our guests so we strongly suggest you check with the nearest French Consulate for more information about your visa requirement (if there is any)
How much luggage I can bring with me?
Your bags will be stored in the locker compartment on your bus and each person can bring maximum of two suitcases.
Will I have to pay for any additional travel in Paris?
All of the touring and sightseeing mentioed in the itinerary is incuded in the cost of the tour. Travel during your free time is not. We reccommend Travel by metro for which you can buy a 'carnet' of metro tickets. This allows 10 journeys in Paris by metro, and costs approximately £12. Your guide will assist you when buying the carnet in Paris.
Hotel accommodation for this tour is provided in good quality, centrally located 3 star hotels. All rooms are en suite and breakfast is included. An example of one of our regular hotels is the Ibis Styles Paris Bercy.
The price you pay is based on 2 people sharing a twin or double bedded room. If you would like a single room for 1 person we offer an upgrade for an additional £45 per night. Single travellers who do not choose to upgrade to a single room at time of booking will be allocated to a twin room with another member of the group (of the same sex).