New Year in Paris
Number of days: 7 Days
Departs from: Luzern
Avg distance travelled / day: 174km
Hospices de Beaune
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: 28 December - Luzern
This ‘New Year in Paris’ tour has been specially designed to start in Luzern as your Christmas Tour ends. The day is free in this delightful town with lakeside promenades, covered bridges and cobbled stone streets. Early evening we have provided a welcome drink for you in the hotel bar. Why not take this chance to meet your Tour Director and the rest of your fellow travellers. Dine in style this evening at the Hotel Schweizerhof.
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Your Luzern Hotel - Hotel Schweizerhof
The Schweizerhof is distinguished by five generations of family tradition, a historical building with historical decor. This 5 star hotel located on the banks of the Lake, in the heart of Luzern's old town, is one of Switzerland's finest hotels featuring grand ballrooms, columns and colonnades and ornate ceilings. The stunning interior reflects the brilliance of the grand era of the 19th Century. Hotel Schweizerhof has played host to Emperors and Kings alike and was the meeting place of the famous composer Wagner & King Ludwig II. You will be charmed by the rooms which are discreetly elegant whilst being equipped with all the modern facilities required to ensure your comfort and enjoyment.
Day 2: 29 December - Beaune in Burgundy
Travelling north past Basle we enter France to reach Burgundy and the old town of Beaune - capital of the Burgundian Wine Industry. This afternoon we visit the fascinating Hospices de Beaune (entrance included). Covered with multicoloured glazed roof tiles the ‘Hotel Dieu’ was built over 550 years ago to help the town's folk in a time of poverty and famine.
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Your Beaune Hotel – The Hostellerie le Cedre
This charming hotel is located by the city walls in a park within walking distance to the old centre and Hospices de Beaune. This 19th century wine grower’s house has old vaulted cellars, a delightful restaurant and only 40 spacious and tastefully decorated rooms.
Day 3: 30 December - Paris
This morning we travel towards Paris via the Forest and Chateau of Fontainebleau. Dating back 800 years this wonderful Chateau has been remodelled by various French Kings throughout the centuries in both Roman and Florentine styles. The grand apartments of this royal residence (entrance included) are truly splendid. This afternoon we arrive in Paris where we stay for the next two exciting nights. Dinner tonight is included at your hotel. Later, we have included a ‘Paris by Night’ illuminations tour. In addition to all the Christmas street decorations, you will be enchanted by the grand monuments and boulevards, from the Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower, bathed in glorious light. As a finale we have included a relaxing cruise on the River Seine. C'est Magnifique!
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Your Paris Hotel - The Marriott Rive Gauche
Located on the Left Bank of the Seine River near the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Pres, the Marriott Rive Gauche offers all the facilities and style you expect from a modern, superior first class hotel.
Day 4: 31 December - Paris
This morning we will take a panoramic tour of the city covering all the sensational sights from the Arc de Triomphe and Opera, to the Place de la Concorde and more. The afternoon is free amongst the broad boulevards and the myriad of shops and museums. Perhaps take time to recharge your batteries for the wonderful evening ahead. Dinner tonight is included in a local restaurant. Late evening you will have the opportunity (if you choose) to join the ‘street party’ along the Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomphe. Access back to the hotel is so quick and easy by Metro. For the New Year celebrations it will be wonderful, organised Parisian chaos!
(Note: normally there are no fireworks displays in Paris on New Year’s Eve).
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Day 5: 1 January - Ypres
A leisurely start as we depart late morning to reach the Somme Battlefields and pay our respects at the Australian National Memorial on the outskirts of the village of Villers Bretonneux. Devoted to thousands of ANZACs who lost their lives in WW1, the lines of white stoned graves sadly lay testament to this generation lost. Continuing across Flanders we enter Belgium and the gothic town of Ypres. After dinner in your hotel we will join the gathering at the Menin Gate Memorial for the sounding of the Last Post. Constructed as a tribute to the 53,000 British Empire Forces missing from the battles around Ypres, this nightly commemoration is very moving.
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Your Ypres Hotel - the Novotel Ieper Centrum
Located by the main square in the heart of the old town and only 200 metres from the Menin Gate. The fabulous location of this hotel has always been a great hit with our clients.
Day 6: 2 January - London
This morning we visit the Sanctuary Wood Museum before heading to Hill 60, and Tyne Cot Cemetery, where so many Australian and New Zealand soldiers are buried. We then take the Ferry from Calais to the white cliffs of Dover and drive on to London. Tonight we have included a Farewell Meal in your hotel.
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Your London Hotel - the Hilton London Paddington
“London's Best Connected Hotel”. Restored, reopened, resplendent. One of Victorian London's grandest hotels, the Great Western Royal hotel, originally built in 1854, has received a $150 million 21st century makeover and been reborn as the Hilton London Paddington. This 4 star deluxe property is connected by an escalator directly to Paddington Station, the Heathrow Express rail services and has easy access to London's extensive underground system.
Day 7: 3 January - London
Europe is at your feet. Sadly your special New Year Tour is complete after a sumptuous breakfast. Wish to stay longer in London? No problem! We can arrange extra nights at the Hilton at excellent rates.
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As a special note… Albatross have handled Special New Year festive programmes to Paris over the last 17 years. We have experience with the spontaneity of this remarkable city and have built in flexibility to achieve the best the city will offer and take in the vibrant exuberance that is… ‘Paris alive’.
Come share our love of Europe
