Overview
Experience the essence of Paris — a city where art, fashion, cuisine, and culture blend effortlessly. On this 7-day journey, your expert Rick Steves guide will lead you through the highlights of the City of Light: from world-renowned treasures at the Louvre and Orsay museums to the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Cathedral, the dazzling stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle, and the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles. Stroll through the city’s storied neighborhoods, discover hidden gems, and take time to unwind in cozy cafés and vibrant markets. Embrace the rhythm and romance of Paris with us — it’s the Best of Paris in 7 Days.
Highlights
- Guidance to locations
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodations* (bed & breakfast)
- All government taxes
- All travel expenses are covered, including highway tolls, fuel, and parking
Itinerary
We'll gather at our hotel in Paris at 4 p.m. for a short meeting and orientation stroll around our neighborhood. Then we'll get acquainted with one another over a delicious "Welcome to Paris" dinner together.
Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. Sleep in Paris.
Day 3:
Day 4:
Day 5:
Day 6:
Day 7:
Let's begin where Paris did, on the Ile de la Cité. Your guide will lead a walking tour of the city's early history, including a pair of the world's most significant medieval Gothic churches: the resilient and legendary Notre-Dame (exterior) and the exquisite Sainte-Chapelle. Next we'll stroll through the bohemian Latin Quarter, named for the language you'd have heard on these streets if you'd walked them in the Middle Ages. Then you'll be set free for the afternoon to explore more of the city.
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Paris.
This morning we'll hop on the Métro, then hike up Montmartre to tour the colorful neighborhood that was the haunt of artistic geniuses a century ago — including Van Gogh, Picasso, and Renoir — and generations of hopeful artists since. We'll end our walk with spectacular views of Paris from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. After free time for lunch and exploration, we'll regroup this evening to enjoy dinner together before embarking on a dreamy Seine River cruise.
Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. No bus. Boat: 1 hour. Sleep in Paris.
Visit the Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya in the morning, where a stunning collection of plants and flowers awaits. Appreciate the botanical diversity in this picturesque setting.
Proceed to Nuwara Eliya, stopping at a Tea Factory and Plantation. Gain insights into the art of Ceylon Tea production and savor a cup of top-branded tea. Continue to Ramboda Falls and enjoy the scenic beauty of this natural wonder.
Explore Nuwara Eliya during a city tour, including visits to Gregory Lake and the park, Victoria Park, the traditional market place, and the old English post office. Optionally, indulge in an evening horse ride to enhance your experience.
Day 4 attractions of the Sri Lanka 7 day itinerary:
- Royal Botanical Garden
- Tea Factory and Plantation
- Ramboda Waterfalls
- Nuwara Eliya City Tour
- Evening Horse Ride
Today we'll explore the elaborate palace that Louis XIV, XV, and XVI called home. We'll make the 30-minute train trip to Versailles, where we'll have a guided tour of the dazzling Hall of Mirrors and other sumptuous rooms of the palace. You'll then have free time to wander through the expansive gardens and visit the farm animals at Marie Antoinette's hamlet, or to zip back to Paris early via one of the frequent trains.
Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. No bus. Train: 1 hour. Sleep in Paris.
This morning we'll tour the Orsay Museum, home to the world's greatest collection of Impressionist art with works from Monet and Degas to Cézanne and Gauguin and beyond. Then you'll be free to visit the nearby Orangerie Museum, featuring Monet's magnificent water lilies and other fine works by Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, and more. Tonight we'll enjoy a farewell feast together, sharing travel memories and toasting new friends. Santé!
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Paris.
Make a stop at Ravana Falls, one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Continue your journey with a visit to the ancient rock carvings of Buduruwagala Temple, a site rich in historical and cultural significance.
Tissamaharama marks the beginning of your wildlife adventure with a visit to Yala National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Tissamaharama.
Day 6 attractions of the Sri Lanka 7 day itinerary:
- Little Adam’s Peak
- Nine Arches Bridge
- Ravana Falls
- Buduruwagala Ancient Buddhist Temple
- Yala National Park
Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. It's a breeze to reach Paris' airports by taxi, shuttle, or public transportation. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Merci et au revoir!
(This tour does not include the Eiffel Tower. To avoid its long lines, we recommend booking tickets several weeks in advance. For details, see our Eiffel Tower ticket tips for tour members.)
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Transportation to and from!!
- Transportation, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
The Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Breakfast food only
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
FAQs
Yes. We accept payments in EUR, USD, GBP, and LKR. You can pay via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or PayPal. Payment plans are available — split before and after arrival.
No. Most European citizens No need an Visa
- A small, friendly group of 24–28 people — half the size of most tour groups
While not mandatory, we strongly recommend having travel insurance that covers medical, cancellations, and travel delays — especially for safaris and outdoor activities.
Yes. We only partner with verified, clean, and guest-rated accommodations — from 3★ to Hotels. You can choose hotels based on your preference: standard, premium
Most hotels provide free Wi-Fi, and your vehicle can include a mobile hotspot on request. We also help you buy a local SIM card if needed.
Yes. Your English-speaking driver is also your guide and will assist with tickets, history, photo stops, and hidden gems.
Yes — Colombo airport pick-up and drop-off is included in every package. We also support flexible start/end points (Colombo, Negombo, Galle, etc.).