French Open, 2012

Itinerary

• France

  France is ranked as the first tourist destination in the world by volume of visitors. The most popular sights are; Paris (Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Musée d'Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Centre Pompidou, Sainte-Chapelle, Musée Picasso), nearby Palace of Versailles, the Loire valley with its extravagant chateaux (Château de Chambord, Chenonceau), the Riviera or Cote d'Azur, Alsace (Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg), Provence (Aix en Provence), Normandy (Mont-Saint-Michel, Carcassonne)... the list seems endless.  A country renowned for its history, architecture, cuisine, culture, style, weather, France's reputation is well deserved.

• Paris

  Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

• • Paris
  • L`Empire Paris Hotel

  Day 1: Paris

  You will receive a welcome package with your vouchers, and itinerary, city map(s) and train tickets (where relevant) upon your hotel arrival.

  Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

  Accommodation: L`Empire (4*)

  L'Empire Paris Hotel (4*) located in the First District of Paris, is an invitation to luxury, exquisite design and well-being. This magnificent 18th Century Hotel nestled between the Louvre Museum and the infamous St Honore Street, is simply a perfect location for business or leisure. Entirely renovated, the boutique hotel opens its doors to a living space that combines the elegant 'Empire' style with subdued contemporary design all in harmony. Immerse yourself in the quiet and intimate atmosphere of a traditional lounge, The Petit Salon Fumoir. This rare space reminds the senses of an old smoking lounge brought to live in today's world. It's a perfect spot for business lunches or simply enjoying a latte next to the oversized fire place. L'Empire Paris Hotel also has an astonishing bar lounge where sophisticated cocktails are served within a contrasted environment of sleek design and modern decor.

• • Walking in Paris

  Day 2: Paris

  Today, enjoy a guided stroll through the surrounding district of the Marais, one of those rare Parisian neighbourhoods that combine excellent museums, boutiques, dining, and nightlife in a postcard-perfect historic setting. Highlights of our walk include the Musée National Picasso (in an old house in the Marais, and full of the art works Pablo couldn’t bear to part with); the eternally elegant Place des Vosges and a tea tasting at the atmospheric Mariage Frères tea house, one of the city’s finest tea sellers.

  Accommodation: L`Empire (4*)
• • French Open, Men's Single

  Day 3: Paris - Roland Garros

  Enjoy a private Roland-Garros transfer with vehicle and driver.

  Upon arrival set out for your seats at centre court of the Tournoi de Roland-Garros, one of the most beautiful tennis venues in the world. The French Open is renowned for its clay courts and the havoc they cause the top players. In 2010 Spanish sensation Rafael Nadal and took home the glory for an incredible 5th time. Enjoy the superb calibre of play, take in the chic Parisian crowd, and enjoy a Kir Royale at the hospitality bar located at the prestigious Roland-Garros Country Club“Village. Whether on the courts or behind the scenes, there are lots of new and exciting changes promised to the French Open spectators this year. A welcome reception with champagne and appetizers and an open - bar will be at your disposal for the whole afternoon.

  Enjoy a private Roland-Garros transfer with vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: L`Empire (4*)

• Day 4: Paris

  Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Epic Wines

  Pinot Noir found its fame in Burgundy, where it is the primary grape used for red wines, but it is also a major component in the production of most fine quality Champagne and California sparkling wines. Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult grapes to grow, but it is also one of the very best when it is done properly. It has very specific needs for its growing conditions - if it receives too little heat in the growing season, its wines are thin and pale, but if the growing season is too warm, the wines have an overripe, cooked flavour.

• City Walks

  Stroll the vibrant cobbled streets and romantic corners of the Marais district, a place where austere walls camouflage grandiose palaces and lush gardens amidst the bustle of contemporary life. One of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods and home to such infamous characters as Victor Hugo, make sure to peek though doorways into elaborate ancient courtyards for a step back in time. Explore the unique shops, peruse the contemporary art galleries and sip a leisurely café au lait in the perfect beauty of the Place des Vosge.

• Foodie Haven

  Every region in France is known for special dishes -- Burgundy for its escargots plucked off the grapevines; Périgord for its truffles and foie gras; Normandy for its soft, rich cheeses, Calvados, and cream sauces; Brittany for its fresh seafood and oysters; and Alsace for its sauerkraut and wines. Today, Parisian restaurants represent almost every region of France. You can go on a complete culinary tour of the country without leaving the city.

• • L`Empire Paris Hotel
  • L`Empire Paris Hotel

  L`Empire (4*)

  L'Empire Paris Hotel (4*) located in the First District of Paris, is an invitation to luxury, exquisite design and well-being. This magnificent 18th Century Hotel nestled between the Louvre Museum and the infamous St Honore Street, is simply a perfect location for business or leisure. Entirely renovated, the boutique hotel opens its doors to a living space that combines the elegant 'Empire' style with subdued contemporary design all in harmony. Immerse yourself in the quiet and intimate atmosphere of a traditional lounge, The Petit Salon Fumoir. This rare space reminds the senses of an old smoking lounge brought to live in today's world. It's a perfect spot for business lunches or simply enjoying a latte next to the oversized fire place. L'Empire Paris Hotel also has an astonishing bar lounge where sophisticated cocktails are served within a contrasted environment of sleek design and modern decor.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Airport Transfers, Roland Garros Transfers, French Open tickets as indicated in itinerary, Meals only where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialized and personalized services.

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Meals, Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your non-refundable deposit is due immediately on booking (50% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 120 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 120 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations 120 days or more prior to departure will be loss of deposit. 0-119 days will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at http://horizon-co.com/Terms-and-Conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.*

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