Paris and Brussels: Hidden Gems and Culinary Delights

To Be Determined — Airport Taxi Pick-Up

Upon arrival at one of Paris's Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airports, it's fairly easy to catch a taxi from outside the main terminal building to your hotel. This is cheaper than a pre-arranged private transfer, although that option is also available if you wish - just ask your consultant. Parisien taxi drivers are generally reliable and honest, but we will provide you with instructions on how to avoid possible scammers and charlatans. If you want to save money, and often quite a lot of time as well, we will also give you alternative instructions on taking public transport into the city center. Details are contained in the full itinerary and mobile app available to our travelers. If on the other hand, you are arriving at Paris's third airport, Beauvais Airport (BVA), then you should always take the shuttle bus. The taxi fare might cost more than the flight - it's  nearly 50 miles (75km) outside the city.

Mid-Day/Afternoon — Tuileries Gardens & Nearby Museums

Stroll in the Tuileries and attend one of the nearby museums, a classic way to spend your free hours in Paris. Originally cultivated in 1564 as the grounds for the Tuileries Palace, the gardens are the oldest in Paris. Its succession of royal owners ended and the garden became a public park in the 19th century; Parisians congregated to relax and socialize beside the fountains and leafy horse chestnut trees - they still do today. The Musée de l'Orangerie, in the Western corner of the gardens, exhibits many Impressionist and 20th-century artworks, including Claude Monet’s famous water lilies.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Hôtel des Invalides

The Eglise du Dome Church close to the Eiffel Tower is where you observe the gilded tomb of the historic French General and Emperor, Napoleon, but his bones are just a miniscule part of the gigantic Hôtel des Invalides housing the French National Army Museum. Spend some time learning about French warfare from the earliest times to the wax and wane of the Napoloenic Wars and on to the modern French army and a new section dedicated to the life of General Charles de Gaulle.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM — Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon — Île de la Cité

Discover the origins of Paris on the Ile de la Cité, it's glorious heart. The original settlement from which Paris grew overwhelms with the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Revolutionary history of the Conciergerie, the numinous kaleidoscope of Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass, and a plethora of other interesting sights. This island is a captivating blend of Parisian history and beauty, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn. A visit here traverses the river Seine and centuries, perfect for capturing the spirit of Paris.

Early Evening/Evening — Eiffel Tower

Maybe the most recognized landmark in the world, the Eiffel Tower never fails to impress and inspire.  Its elegance has always drawn crowds, and it demands a little logistical planning in order to expedite the security checks and avoid the crowds. We'll provide you with very detailed information on how to do this in the Full Itinerary, along with how to purchase tickets to speed up your visit. Let your consultant know if you wish to have your Eiffel Tower tickets purchased for you - they require a very specific time slot. We will also provide you with information on the other grand sights to visit nearby, including the famous Museum of Man across the river at Trocadero, and the Quai Branly Museum.

Early Morning to Afternoon — Palace of Versailles

The Château of Versailles, a symbol of the grandeur of French monarchy, invites visitors to explore its lavish history and architectural majesty. From the spellbinding elegance of the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, to the vast, meticulously manicured Gardens the pinnacle of French garden design, every corner tells a story of opulence and power. Discover the intimate escapes of royalty at the Grand and Petit Trianon, and marvel at the divine beauty of the Royal Chapel, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

2:30 PM - 6:00 PM — Montmartre Food Tour

Embark on a three-hour discovery of Parisian gastronomy. A professional guide will lead you to quintessential French offerings, and you will leave this tour satiated and a little bit more the connoisseur, not just of the food and wine, but also of Montmartre. Thanks to its bohemian past, the restaurants of Montmartre offer a special ambiance both charming and historical. In the past, windmills, farming areas and art studios were prominent features of the Montmartre landscape, but now the area is full of first-class wine bars, fine-dining restaurants and rare shops, all adding to its appeal as one of the best and most pleasurable food destinations in the world.

Early Evening/Evening — Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is an enduring icon of Paris and offers a spectacular view across the city. In fact, some people say the best view of Paris is from the Arc de Triomphe, as the sweeping vista found at the top includes the Eiffel Tower. 'De l'Étoile' or 'star' refers to the junction on which the Arc de Triomphe stands. This is the meeting point of 12 straight avenues including the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, famous for its theatres, cafés, and luxury shops, and the inspiration for the catchy, eponymous song by Joe Dassin. Although this area of Paris bustles with shoppers, tourists, and commercial enterprises there is still much to explore, see, and do here, and some secret places to be found away from the crowds.

Early Morning to Mid-Day — Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

To Be Determined — Rail Drop-Off by Taxi

16:53 - 19:18 — Train to Brussels

Tickets and seat reservations for this approximately 1h22min rail journey from Paris to Brussels are included in the purchase of the itinerary package. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easy and stress-free are also included in the Full Itinerary.

7:18 PM — Taxi Pickup from Rail Station

Brussels taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Detailed information on navigating your way around the station and finding a taxi can be found in the Full Itinerary.

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM — Highlights Walking Tour

Discover the history of Brussels and its highlights on this 3-hour tour. Walk through the old town to see the famous Grand-Place, which Victor Hugo called, “the most beautiful square in the world. Nearby you will discover the unofficial symbol of Brussels – Manneken-pis. The tour also includes the halls Saint Géry, the serene royal palace, the Justice Palace, and more.  By tour's end you will feel ready to explore Brussels on your own, or prepared for a delicious waffle!

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon — Royal Museum of Fine Arts

Get up close to some of the greatest works of the Flemish Renaissance and Baroque period in the Musée Oldmasters and find out why Bruegel's peasants were so revolutionary while just sitting there drinking beer.  Go with a friend to the Musée Fin-de-Siècle and and give expressions of your impressions to them about this hoarde of mid-19th century to early 20th century art.  Afterwards, contemplate the surreality of it all at the Musée Magritte, housing the works of René Magritte.

Early Evening/Evening — Dining Out in Brussels

Waffles, fries, chocolate, beer…these are the culinary items that immediately leap to mind when you think of Belgium, but Belgium is home to some of the best chefs of Europe. Wander the side streets of the Old Town and try one or two of the excellent restaurants, cafes, and pubs that we recommend for you. Great traditional meals include Waterzooi, a creamy fish stew using eggs and butter, Stoverij, a hearty beef casserole, or eel in green sauce, called Paling in't Groen.  Ever the cosmopolitain country, the major cities will offer copious fine-dining as well.

Morning/Mid-Day — Chocolate or Waffle Workshop

Both Chocolate and Waffles have found a unique identity within Belgium. A two-and-a-half hour waffle-making workshop or a 90 minute chocolate-making workshop gives you a hands-on experience for two of Belgium's most iconic foodstuffs.  Back home, friends and family will appreciate your new-found talents. Please choose which workshop you'd prefer from the information contained in the Full Itinerary.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon — Atomium & Mini-Europe

Journey to the Atomic Age with a visit to the Atomium, an architectural wonder symbolizing mid-century innovation.  This unique structure, built for the 1958 World's Fair, features nine interconnected spheres that offer captivating exhibitions on science, design, and history. Ascend to the top sphere for spectacular views of Brussels, making your visit a memorable experience. The Atomium is not just a sight to behold; it's an invitation to explore the fusion of art and science in an iconic setting.

4:00 PM - 8:30 PM — Private Beer and Chocolate Tour

On this 4,5h private beer and chocolate tour you will have a chance to learn a lot about two treasures of Belgium - chocolate and beer. At the beginning you will visit several chocolate shops owned by most exclusive chocolate makers of Brussels, where you will try many different types of pralines. What is unique, the chocolate makers in Brussels always try new combinations of flavors, textures or cocoa bean type. The second part of the tour will take place in several local taverns and pubs. Not only you will try different types of beer but also you will learn a lot about the brewing traditions of Belgium. During the tour, you will also learn about the city's history, discover hidden corners and wander off the beaten path.

To Be Determined — Taxi Dropoff at Airport

Brussels taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 3 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over two hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so.