Participants can prepare for the trip by reading Alistair Horne, Seven Ages of Paris.
August 26, 2011
- Depart Chicago/O'Hare for non-stop flight to Paris/Charles DeGaulle
August 27
- Arrive early morning at Paris/Charles DeGaulle
- Visit the Eiffel Tower and take an optional dinner cruise on the Seine
August 28
- Ancient and medieval Paris with stops at the Roman baths, the arena (coliseum), the crypt, and Notre Dame (optional evening concert)
August 29
- The Paris of the Absolutist Kings: Louvre, Place Dauphine, and Palais Royal (Free time to explore the Louvre further or explore Paris)
August 30
- Day trip to Versailles
August 31
- Day trip to the Loire Valley via a charter bus to see two spectacular châteaux: Blois and Chambord
September 1
- Revolution and Paris Capital of the 19th Century: the rebuilding of Paris-the Place de la Concorde and the Opéra; the Musée d'Orsay-home of the Impressionists
September 2
- (TGV) Day trip to Metz to view one of the most exciting contemporary architectural projects in Europe, the Metz Pompidou, and see the spectacular stained glass of the Metz cathedral
September 3
- Explore Paris and its environs on your own. Group farewell dinner.
September 4
- Depart Paris/DeGaulle for non-stop flight to Chicago/O'Hare
