Highlights
- See Paris in style as you dine on board a cruise of the Seine
- Delight in the fairy-tale magic of Disneyland
- Explore picturesque medieval villages and gorgeous vineyards
- Taste the finest Parisian and regional specialties
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Paris, Eiffel Tower | Paris |
| Day 2 | Private Picnic Cruise on the Seine | Paris |
| Day 3 | Disneyland Paris & Walt Disney Studios | Paris |
| Day 4 | Train to Dijon & Explore the City | Dijon |
| Day 5 | Villages of the Burgundy Countryside | Dijon |
| Day 6 | The Best of Lyon | Lyon |
| Day 7 | Authentic Cheese & Wine in Beaujolais | Lyon |
| Day 8 | Food Tour in Lyon Old Town | Lyon |
| Day 9 | Train to Paris, Pastry & Chocolate Tour, Explore Le Marais | Paris |
| Day 10 | Depart Paris |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Eiffel Tower
Welcome to Paris, the City of Lights! Settle into your hotel and then take the family out to explore the streets of this elegant capital steeped in centuries of history, art, fashion, and, of course, romance. Filled with fine food, shopping, museums, and monuments, this thriving city has something for every family member. For outdoor fun, try Le Jardin du Luxembourg, where the kids can sail a boat, ride on a carousel, or try out the real thing with a pony ride.
Day 2: Private Picnic Cruise on the Seine
An enduringly popular way to see the most beautiful monuments and bridges of Paris, a relaxing cruise along the Seine is a must for all age groups. For the ultimate river voyage, book a private boat tour and enjoy a traditional French picnic on the water. With the help of your skipper, you and the kids can see the highlights of Paris while enjoying the finest baguette, cheese, hams, and pastries—and, for the adults, a glass of wine.
Day 3: Disneyland Paris & Walt Disney Studios
A highlight for the kids, today, you'll experience a modern fairy tale full of magic, castles, princes, and princesses with just a short trip out of the city. At Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park, you will see your favorite Disney, Pixel, Marvel, and Star Wars characters come to life before your eyes. Europe's most popular theme park offers over 50 attractions, so prepare for an entertaining day—your biggest problem is going to be deciding what to do next!
When it's time for a break, head to one of the many restaurants and cafés catering to almost every cuisine (and even cinematic) preference. Once you're ready to go again, choose from the multitude of shows, parades, and special performances—be sure to keep an eye out for any seasonal specials, such as the extremely popular Christmas Wonderland. If you like, stop at one of the souvenir shops for a memento before you go.
Day 4: Train to Dijon, Explore the City
This morning, take an easy 1.5-hour train ride to Dijon. Once you have arrived and settled into your accommodation, head back out to explore one of France's prettiest cities. Enjoy the picturesque medieval and Renaissance architecture and the traditional patterned tile roofs while you let the kids follow the "Owl Trail," a series of engraved owls that are the symbol of the town. When they reach the owl at Notre-Dame, they can reach up and make a wish like thousands before them—but don't look up at the black cat, or it may not come true!
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Villages of the Burgundy Countryside
Experience the charm of Burgundy today with a day-long excursion along its scenic roads, stopping off in its quaintest villages along the way. Explore Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, one of the most picturesque villages in France, and let the kids pretend to be knights in armor as you stop for lunch in Semur-en-Auxois, a town that has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages.
Your first stop in the afternoon is Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, a village made famous by the movie "Chocolat." Take the kids to the ancient abbey (founded in 719 CE) and learn how the famous candy, Anis de Flavigny, is manufactured—perhaps even sample a little. From here, you'll go to historic Alesia to see Roman ruins and tour the oldest existing Cistercian abbey, Fontenay—a UNESCO world heritage site with beautiful gardens for the kids to play in.
Day 6: Train to Lyon, Guided Tour
Start your day with the short train ride to Lyon, then gear up for today's four-hour Best of Lyon tour, the speediest way to learn about this 2,000-year-old city's architecture, history, silk factories, and gastronomy. Meet up with your guide, like a local, at Bellecour Square, before heading to the Old Town via the Bonaparte Bridge. The kids will love taking the ficelle (cable car) to the top of the hill, where you can visit the astonishing basilica, Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and enjoy fantastic views of the city.
Continue exploring the Old Town, stopping in Saint John's Square, the oldest square in Lyon. Here you'll find a historic neighborhood full of Renaissance architecture. Your guide will also lead you through secret passages—traboules—to hidden courtyards. Needless to say, this part of the tour is lots of fun for the kids! You'll also visit a silk workshop and be sustained along the way by tastings of the local specialties.
Day 7: Authentic Cheese & Wine in Beaujolais
Today your family is set to learn about traditional Beaujolais wine and cheese-making. Begin with a tour of a typical farm of the region—the kids will love meeting the goats and cattle and learning how to make cheese the traditional way, by hand. They won't look at a supermarket shelf the same way again! You'll all get a chance to sample some of the farm's delicious produce, of course.
Afterward, you'll be taken to a nearby wine estate, where the winemaker himself will welcome you and talk to you about the wines you will be served. The kids will be interested to see how wine is made, and you will get the chance to learn what is special about wines from this region. Each wine will be paired with a local cheese for the full Beaujolais experience. À votre santé!
Day 8: Food Tour in Lyon Old Town
Carrying on the gastronomical theme, today is your chance to get to know Lyon from its culinary side—and it is a very flattering angle. Lyon is one of Europe's most renowned gastronomic destinations. Your passionate foodie guide will take your family to the best local food artisans, vendors, and purveyors who can give you first-hand insights into their profession. Taste the delicious products for yourselves in the setting of the beautiful UNESCO-listed Old Town.
If you find yourselves with some free time afterward, consider visiting the Parc de la Tête d'Or to let the kids run off that energy—there's also a petting zoo—or popping into one of the family-friendly museums. The Lugdunum Museum has an archaeological flair and a special area for kids (they can even play dress up as Romans), or try the impressive-looking Musée des Confluences with its focus on interactive science.
Day 9: Train to Paris, Pastry & Chocolate Tour, Explore Le Marais
Eating pastries and enjoying art is synonymous with French culture, and you'll get to do plenty of both today. Take the family on a tour through the best cafés and baked goods in the city, guided by a local. Once the headquarters of the Knights Templar, Le Marais is now one of the trendiest Parisian neighborhoods, home to many bars, boutiques, gardens, and museums. For now, though, focus on the important work of sampling macarons, pastries, and chocolates!
Once your tour has finished, continue to explore Le Marais at your own pace. Beginning at the imposing Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), the whole family will be enchanted by the medieval ramparts, cobblestoned streets, and original wood-framed medieval architecture. See the mansions on Place des Vosges, home to celebrities both present and past, before you pop into one or two of the galleries and museums, visit a few boutiques, and relax in the secluded garden on the Rue des Rosiers.
Day 10: Depart Paris
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