This was my first tour with Adventures with Sarah, which was inspired by watching the 2024 Olympics in Paris. I had been twice before, with a stay in the ‘90s with family, and thought I was done. I has never seen Paris at Christmas, and was eager to see the city at its finest after the preparations for the Olympics. As the trip neared, it was announced the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral would occur the week prior to our visit. The city was beautiful, the Cathedral was breathtaking and a true miracle of reconstruction. The hotel location and accommodations were excellent. The itinerary allowed ample free time and some flexibility in the Christmas markets visited. Sarah’s son Lucca led the tour with some assistance from Sarah. He and Sarah both provided insights from the architectural and city planning perspectives of Paris that were interesting to learn about, and they are both just enjoyable to be with. I enjoyed meeting everyone on our tour, and the group size was perfect. The trip left me wanting to see more of Paris, which I did not expect. Hopefully, I will be able to support Sarah and her company by traveling with them again.
From the perfectly located boutique hotel to the carefully curated itinerary this trip was an absolute dream for my first trip to Paris. There was a just right blend of group activities vs free time (with Sarah and Lucca providing expert advice and suggestions based on our individual "free time" interests). Our merry band of travelers arrived as strangers, but left as friends.
What a trip. First, the location and charm of our accommodations were perfect. Breakfasts were plentiful: pain au chocolat, cheeses, omelettes, fresh fruit. And coffee and bakery in the afternoons. A luncheon cruise on the Seine. Walking tour of medieval Paris with a hilarious guide. A Christmas concert in a magnificent church. Shopping at markets for fresh ingredients for cooking lessons and savoring the sea bass in pastry and chocolate yule logs. These were just some of the highlights of the careful planning of Sarah and Lukka. Lovely.
AWS provided the best, cozy, centrally located accommodations and a solid introduction to Paris: food, metro, museums, a history-oriented walk, and Christmas markets! We were so fortunate in being able to visit Notre Dame shortly after it re-opened. We ate very well. We even visited the country-side, or at least a small city with a Flemish Christmas market. What is not to love? When I return to Paris, I will come with the knowledge of places I really want to re-visit or explore for the first time. I may choose a somewhat quieter time – if there is such a time! Thanks, AWS.