I am so excited to announce a new opportunity to travel with me to my favorite place in the world, at my favorite time of the year - the beautiful city of Paris in October 2023. We will immerse ourselves in this enchanting city, exploring the unique shops, amazing department stores, and quaint neighborhoods, while seeing the sights along the way. The schedule is paced to allow you to savor the beauty of the city and to relax at cafes - just like a Parisienne!
BUT before we head to Paris, we will spend four nights in the fabulous city of Amsterdam, exploring the city and the canals together. We will travel directly between the cities via high-speed train. Amsterdam is is known for its beautiful canals and quirky architecture. It's also a great place to find Dutch art and culture, and the city has a rich history that dates back to the 13th century. I can't wait to explore it together!
I think European citiies are best in the fall. The light changes to a golden glow as the leaves change color and the flowers are sumptuous with their blooms, making it my favorite time to experience the cities there. It is one stunning sight after another.
Our ten night/eleven day adventure will begin in Amsterdam on Monday, October 9, returning home from Paris on Thursday, October 19. We'll go to my favorite shops and cafes, stop into beautiful churches, and wander along picture-perfect streets. The canals of Amsterdam and the gardens of Paris are magical - we'll spend time just soaking in the beauty of each of the places. Our adventure in Amsterdam will include a visit to the Anne Frank house and a private canal tour and food tour there. In Paris we will take a fabulous food and history tour, visit Giverny and Monet's house and garden, visit the Dior museum, and go to my favorite Paris flea market. I'll be including tips for taking photos and noticing the details that make Paris so special and taking time to capture the light and shadows and magic of the season with our cameras as we explore.
My trips are designed for the semi-independent traveler. I will be there for you if you've never traveled overseas to help you feel comfortable, but there is also freedom to do your own thing sometimes, too. I like to focus on a neighborhood and really get a feel for it, rather than frantically running from one sight to another like many tourists do. I love to notice the details, stop and take photos, and take time to smell the roses - literally!
A couple things to keep in mind as you consider traveling with me on this trip...
First, Amsterdam and Paris are walking cities and there are many stairs at sights and every Metro station, so each person needs to be able to walk, climb stairs, and not have any mobility issues. Each person must be able to carry their own luggage on and off of the train. If you have followed my past trips, you know that we walk a lot and so it is important that each person can keep up with the group without any mobility issues.
Second, it is so helpful for group travel if you are friendly and up-beat, ready to make new friends, and ready for fun. Travel inevitably involves unexpected challenges, so the ability to see those things as the opportunity for an adventure is so helpful with the group.
Third, small group travel with me is unique in that we are together for most of the trip. There will be some free time scheduled when we can follow our particular interests, but the trip is best suited to those who want the companionship of a small group. We'll eat most meals together at cafes, explore the beautiful streets and shops, and really get a feel for the spirit of both cities. If you haven't traveled with me before, I'll send you a short questionnaire about your interests and travel experience.
Here are some of the important details:
The group size is four people plus me - there are two spots available for this trip.
We will meet in the morning on Monday, October 9, to begin our adventure, so you should plan to arrive early that day. (Most people will probably take an overnight flight from the US that leaves on Sunday, October 8.)
We will all be staying at the same hotels. In Amsterdam we will stay in a 4 star hotel, in the center of the historic city for four nights. In Paris, we will be staying at a 3 star hotel where I have stayed several times for six nights, in Saint Germain, steps from Notre Dame and the Saint-Michel Metro stop.
The hotel rooms are double occupancy: two people in a room with two beds. If you need a roommate, I will do my best to match you up with someone else.
Price: $3350 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $750 will hold your spot for the trip. You can mail a check or pay via Venmo at @DebraSchuh. If you would like to pay via PayPal, please add 3.5% to each payment to cover the Paypal fees.
Payment in full will be due by August 1. There is no refund of any part of the trip that has been prepaid by me for hotels and tickets. It will be necessary to obtain a refund through your travel insurance in case of emergency.
The price of the trip includes:
- hotel (double occupancy) for 10 nights
- personal guidance and itineraries from me for our time in Amsterdam and Paris - planning and coordinating the details for you as we explore both cities
- train travel from Amsterdam to Paris
- a canal tour and food tour in Amsterdam
- a visit to the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam
- A three hour food and history tour in Paris
- A visit to the Dior Museum in Paris
- Round trip train tickets to Vernon and entry tickets to Monet's house and garden in Giverny
- Shopping at my favorite flea market and hints on what to look for and how to bargain
The price of the trip does not include:
- airfare
- transportation to or from the airport
- tips
- taxis
- meals (unless specified)
- optional activities
- travel insurance or cost of travel documents
Travel insurance is strongly recommended as I cannot control the weather and other unforeseen circumstances that might affect our travel. In case of circumstances that would prevent our trip from taking place, all funds that have not been prepaid will be refunded. Travel insurance and travel health insurance policies are readily available at AAA and other agencies.
I'm so excited about the possibilities! I'd love to have you join me for a dream-come-true adventure of shopping and sight-seeing and strolling and taking in the beauty of Amsterdam and Paris in the fall. I can't wait to create many happy memories with you - I would be honored to have you travel with me. Please email me at [email protected], if you have any questions. I hope to see you there!
(All special activities are subject to availability.)