Amsterdam and Paris: European Romance

Explore the best of Dutch art and culture with a personalized visit to the famous Rijksmuseum. Meet your guide at your centrally located hotel and begin your walk towards the museum. You will pass through Museum Square, a leafy public space home to not just the Rijksmuseum but also the Van Gogh and Stedelijk Museums. At the Rijksmuseum, take in the supreme artistic achievements of Dutch Masters like Vermeer, Frans Hals, and Rembrandt, especially the ‘Night Watch’ that remains one of the most popular attractions. Besides art, this national museum is home to precious Delftware, sculptures, archaeological artifacts, ancient prints, maritime objects, all of which showcase the history of the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to modern times. (Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness level: easy; English-speaking guide & Rijksmuseum entrance included; please note a car transfer from the hotel can be arranged for an additional charge)

Explore the lively pubs and restaurants of Amsterdam on foot with a local by your side! Start by walking around the historic city center, or any area you like, while your guide tells you about the daily life of the Dutch people and the history of Amsterdam. Visit a charming pub that is tucked away from the tourist crowds to get the authentic pub culture experience. If time allows, you can pop into one more! Have a drink or two and make merry while you hear about the history of Dutch beer and the local favorite Jenever (Dutch Gin). Head to the popular restaurant Grand Cafe 1884 which is located right next to Amsterdam Central Train station and enjoy a delicious three-course dinner. End the tour with a lovely evening stroll along the many canals of the city. (Evening Activity; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & One-way Transfer; Return Transfer not included; Fitness Level: Easy; Dinner excluding drinks included; Please wear comfortable shoes. Please note that the private guide will pick you up from the hotel lobby if you are staying in the city center. If you are staying in a hotel outside this area or in the Amsterdam suburbs, please meet your guide at Restaurant Grand Cafe 1884, De Ruyterkade 105, from where your tour will commence.)

Discover the colorful beauty of the famed tulips in the Netherlands! Set out early in the morning with your private guide to Aalsmeer Town, known as the flower capital of the world, and also home to the largest flower auction in the world. Experience the hustle and bustle of the auction floor and be a witness to traders bidding for the most exquisite flowers from more than ten countries. Head to Keukenhof, the ‘Garden of Europe’ and the biggest flower garden in the world. Stroll through the scenic garden paths and marvel at magnificent tulips, daffodils, lilies, roses, and a variety of other flowers arranged according to a specific theme that changes every year. (Half Day; Tour Starts at 0645 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch Not Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses and sunhat. Don’t forget your camera. Please note that the tour runs from 21 March to 10 May 2020, only on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (Flower Auction open from 0700 – 1100 hrs) and on Thursday (Flower Auction open from 070 – 0900 hrs))

Get picked up from your centrally located hotel at a convenient time on this exciting exploration of the City of Lights. Accompany your driver guide on a private tour of iconic landmarks such as the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, and the famous opera district. Get a glimpse of the courtyard of the renowned Louvre Museum and watch the Seine river as it flows gently by. Stop frequently to capture stunning images of all the prominent attractions and many others while you listen to interesting anecdotes and historical facts narrated by your guide. Return to your hotel with cherished memories of your time. (Half Day; Time: 0900/1400 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Set off on this tour of the famous Champagne wine region of France. Get picked up from your hotel in the Paris city center and drive to Epernay, renowned as the capital of Champagne. Pass by the UNESCO World Heritage site of Champagne Avenue, home to the headquarters of brands such as Mercier, Pol Roger, and Moet & Chandon. Learn about the serpentine cellars under the street that store millions of bottles of champagne at a steady temperature in total darkness from your driver guide. Explore one such cellar before you sample a glass of excellent local champagne. Afterward, travel on to the historic city of Reims that is home to a 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Step into a champagne house and accompany the house ambassador on a fascinating tour of the facility as you learn all about the nuances of distilling excellent champagne! (Full Day; Time: 0800 hrs; One Glass of Moet Imperial and one glass of Mercier Brut for Tasting Included; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. Please wear comfortable and sturdy shoes to walk down slippery steps to reach the underground cellars. Included: Mercier, Founder’s Tour Shared & Möet & Chandon, The Iconic Tour Shared )

Head out at a convenient time on this self-guided tour to unravel the delights of this magnificent city. With the entire day at your disposal, start as early or as late as you wish. Take your pick of historical landmarks and monuments to visit such as the Place Vendome, Eiffel Tower, Palais Garnier, Arc de Triomphe, the Pantheon, and Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur among others. Or, you could stroll around the numerous museums that the city is famed for including the world-famous Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Rodin Museum, the Army Museum, and the National Museum of Modern Art to name a few. Rest a while as you enjoy authentic French cuisine for lunch at one of the charming bistros that dot the city. Or, take along a picnic lunch to relish in the serene environs of Jardin des Tuileries or Parc de la Villette, counted among the largest parks in the city. Afterward, browse around the iconic shopping street of Champs-Elysees with its luxury brand stores, jewelry and watch establishments, charming boutiques, affordable ready-to-wear brands, and fragrant patisseries. You could also step into a comfortable boat and settle in for a leisurely cruise down the Seine river to enjoy the city from the water. For the perfect ending to the day, enjoy a typical Parisian cabaret show at the famous Lido theater or unwind at one of the hip clubs that the city of lights is synonymous with. (Full Day; Self-guided Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; Fitness Level: Easy. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes as there may be a fair bit of walking involved.)

Head to the pier situated minutes from the Eiffel Tower exit to board an all-glass boat for your pleasurable dinner cruise on the Seine river. Settle in at your table at the center of the boat and sip a refreshing glass of Kir, a French cocktail with white wine, as you set sail. Savor splendid views of iconic Parisian landmarks including the Eiffel Tower by night as you glide along the gently flowing river. Relish your choice of appetizers, main course, and dessert made from freshly sourced ingredients and served by the attentive staff as you enjoy the live musical entertainment onboard. (2-3hrs; Time: 2030 hrs; Dinner and Wine Included; Shared Activity; Meeting Point: Bateaux Parisiens, Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris; Fitness Level: Easy. Please arrive at least half an hour prior to departure time.)