Day 19
We loaded onto the bus knowing that the end was near. From Beaune to Paris is only about a three hour drive, so we made a stop about halfway and it was there that we had to say goodbye to Ben. I always thought it was funny how much people said their driver became part of the tour, but after so long with him, I can say I felt the same way! It was sad to know Ben wouldn't be at our fairwell dinner, so we had a small goodbye ceremony at our rest stop.
Once we got closer to Paris, the traffic was intense, amplified by the fact that we all just wanted to see Paris. We finally made our way into the city around lunch time.Our hotel was only a five-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower, so we stopped at a local market, grabbed a baguette, cheese, deli-meat, and a Coca-Cola Light, and made our way over. Even though it was one of the most low key lunches, it was amazing to sit and take in the local scenery, with a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower dead center.
We loaded onto the bus knowing that the end was near. From Beaune to Paris is only about a three hour drive, so we made a stop about halfway and it was there that we had to say goodbye to Ben. I always thought it was funny how much people said their driver became part of the tour, but after so long with him, I can say I felt the same way! It was sad to know Ben wouldn't be at our fairwell dinner, so we had a small goodbye ceremony at our rest stop.
Once we got closer to Paris, the traffic was intense, amplified by the fact that we all just wanted to see Paris. We finally made our way into the city around lunch time.Our hotel was only a five-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower, so we stopped at a local market, grabbed a baguette, cheese, deli-meat, and a Coca-Cola Light, and made our way over. Even though it was one of the most low key lunches, it was amazing to sit and take in the local scenery, with a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower dead center.
After lunch, we met with our group to take a walking tour with Daniela, where we made our way via subway to Sainte-Chapelle. Before we entered, Daniela shared some history and demonstrated a flying buttress with some great group participants (see the picture to the right)! Sainte-Chapelle is another place where you just keep looking up to take in the vibrancy and glow of the stained glass. Afterwards, we walked to Notre Dame and made our way through the church at a leisurely pace. David and I thought it would be a great time to see the Arc de Triomphe during sunset--which was a perfect time because there were fewer people around when we got there.
Day 20
Because it was a work day and we were taking public transportation, we left extra early to make our way to the Louvre. On the way, we stopped at Hôtel de Sully. Afterwards, it was time for a mid-morning treat and we grabbed a delicious maple eclair from a local bakery...which you can find on every corner! The Louvre was very busy, reminiscent of the crowds at the Vatican, but we were able to see some great works of art! Even though others had told us, we were amazed by the small size of the Mona Lisa. After our tour finished, we grabbed lunch inside the Louvre and decided to walk the gardens. Then, we made our way to the Eiffel Tower for an up close view. There was a giant viewing party for The French Open, and David, being an avid tennis fan, insisted we stop and watch a few games--not a bad view with the giant screens and the Eiffel Tower back drop. We didn't have tickets for the Eiffel Tower, but we still made our way to the base.
That night was our farewell group dinner, where the laughs and the wine kept flowing. As we all made our way out of the restuarant, there were hugs, smiles, and a few misty eyes. I expected that Rick Steves' itinerary would be great, but I never expected that a group of 26 strangers could grow so close in 21 days. Dinner ended just in time for us to make our way over to watch the Eiffle Tower sparkle. A perfect way to end a wonderful trip.
Day 20
Because it was a work day and we were taking public transportation, we left extra early to make our way to the Louvre. On the way, we stopped at Hôtel de Sully. Afterwards, it was time for a mid-morning treat and we grabbed a delicious maple eclair from a local bakery...which you can find on every corner! The Louvre was very busy, reminiscent of the crowds at the Vatican, but we were able to see some great works of art! Even though others had told us, we were amazed by the small size of the Mona Lisa. After our tour finished, we grabbed lunch inside the Louvre and decided to walk the gardens. Then, we made our way to the Eiffel Tower for an up close view. There was a giant viewing party for The French Open, and David, being an avid tennis fan, insisted we stop and watch a few games--not a bad view with the giant screens and the Eiffel Tower back drop. We didn't have tickets for the Eiffel Tower, but we still made our way to the base.
That night was our farewell group dinner, where the laughs and the wine kept flowing. As we all made our way out of the restuarant, there were hugs, smiles, and a few misty eyes. I expected that Rick Steves' itinerary would be great, but I never expected that a group of 26 strangers could grow so close in 21 days. Dinner ended just in time for us to make our way over to watch the Eiffle Tower sparkle. A perfect way to end a wonderful trip.
Day 21
We woke up bright and early to make our way to the airport. Daniela helped us all organize what time everyone was leaving, and if there were groups of people that could share a taxi. We ended up leaving about 3 hours early for the airport, and shared a taxi with three other group mates. Our trip through security was quick, and we spent our last few hours relaxing in the airport, sad to go, but also excited to get home.
We woke up bright and early to make our way to the airport. Daniela helped us all organize what time everyone was leaving, and if there were groups of people that could share a taxi. We ended up leaving about 3 hours early for the airport, and shared a taxi with three other group mates. Our trip through security was quick, and we spent our last few hours relaxing in the airport, sad to go, but also excited to get home.