Holiday Sale: Paris & Amsterdam Private Journey

Arrive in Paris, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, set out to discover the sparkling City of Light by night in a Citroen 2CV, one of France’s most iconic cars, affectionately nicknamed the deux-chevaux (two horses). Watch as your driver shows you the classic sights of Paris in a fun-filled manner, exploring the city’s most famous monuments and fountains, and stopping along the way to savor a glass of Champagne.

Today, explore the spectacular Louvre, one of the world’s greatest museums, accompanied by an expert guide. View the stunning Venus de Milo and Da Vinci’s incomparable Mona Lisa as you browse collections of art and sculpture dating from antiquity through the 19th century. Before you go, admire the glass pyramid at the main entrance to the museum, designed by renowned Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei. At first met with controversy, it is now appreciated as a renowned emblem of Paris.

Choose from two excursions that reveal the artist’s life in historic Paris. You may explore Montmartre, forever associated with the bohemian lifestyles of the late 19th century. Join your guide for a stroll along the winding back streets leading to the Place du Tertre, where you witness artists painting quick-fire portraits. Walk up to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica for spectacular views over the city, before continuing past the intimate Moulin Rouge cabaret theater, immortalized in the works of Toulouse-Lautrec, and the 12th-century Church of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, noted for its Romanesque architecture. Next, head to the Montmartre Museum, where Renoir painted his roundly hailed Bal du moulin de la Galette. Finally, capture the spirit of the Impressionist era as you enter the studio of the painter Suzanne Valadon, who lived and worked here with her son, artist Maurice Utrillo. Alternatively, discover Paris’ bohemian Left Bank with an excursion through the Latin Quarter, so called due to its proximity to the Sorbonne, one of the oldest universities in the world. It was here, several centuries ago, that scholars spoke only in Latin. Explore the narrow alleyways and winding streets on foot with your guide as you learn about the evolution of Paris’ architecture, from these chaotic avenues to the order and grandeur of those on the Right Bank. Stop to sample the wares of a traditional chocolatier or, if you prefer, a macaron. Continue to the Pantheon, resting place of some of France’s most notable citizens, including radiation-science pioneer Marie Curie. After your chosen morning activity, enjoy the afternoon at leisure, free to relax or explore this fabulous city on your own.

Today, transfer to the Paris rail station and board a train to Amsterdam, where you are met upon arrival and transferred to your luxurious hotel set in the heart of the city, overlooking the beautiful Amstel River.

Embark on a private cruise of the city’s elegant canals for a unique perspective on life in charming Amsterdam. Back on land, wander along streets and alleys until you reach Dam Square, a hub of vibrant activity bordered by the Royal Palace. Next, take in the fine views of the canals and gabled houses of the Canal Ring district before visiting the house in which Anne Frank wrote her poignant diary. Learn of the fear, desperation and solidarity of its occupants while they were in hiding during World War II. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Join your local expert guide for a revealing exploration of two of the world’s most-respected art galleries. Begin with the beautifully restored Rijksmuseum, admiring the stunning collection of masterpieces from the 17th-century Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Proceed to the wonderful Van Gogh Museum, to view some of the finest examples from its astounding collection of the famous artist’s works — the largest in the world — as well as those of other Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.

After breakfast, privately transfer to the airport for your departing flight.