See the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) as French kings once did – with this small-group tour that includes a once-in-a-lifetime private viewing of the palace’s Royal Quarters. This exclusive tour gives you priority entrance to Versailles through a reserved door and provides you with unprecedented access to magnificent private rooms – such as Louis XVI’s library – which are normally off-limits to the general public, allowing you to see a side of the UNESCO World-Heritage-listed Palace of Versailles that most never will.
This VIP experience also includes a tour of two rooms in the State Apartments and the famous Hall of Mirrors as soon as the palace opens, before the majority of the crowd arrives. Your priority entrance ticket allows you to go straight inside the palace with your small group (maximum 16 people), beating most of the public to these rooms.
Highlights
Informative, friendly and professional guide
Perfect introduction for first-time visitors
Pickup from a centrally located meeting point
Skip the line
Small-group tour
Your VIP experience begins as you board a luxurious, air-conditioned minivan in central Paris and head west to the Palace of Versailles. When you arrive, meet your knowledgeable guide at the palace’s reserved entrance, and go straight inside with your priority access ticket.
Follow your guide to the State Apartments, where you’ll see two of the 17 rooms – the King’s Chamber and the Council Study. Then head to the fabulous Hall of Mirrors. Your group will be among the first of the general public to arrive at this famous room so you can enjoy the sumptuous setting in all its glory. Walk down the spectacular hall, lined with 357 mirrors that reflect the windows on the opposite wall.
Next, the exclusive part of your tour truly begins as you leave the crowd behind and pass through the velvet ropes into the palace’s restricted area. See the following Royal Quarters of Louis XV and Louis XVI:
The library of Louis XVI, said to be one of his favorite rooms
The dining room where Louis XV held dinners for lords and ladies
The clock room with its clock that has a crystal globe showing the planets revolving around the sun
The ‘corner room,’ which contains a cylinder desk belonging to Louis XV that is considered one of the most outstanding pieces of furniture in the world
You will then visit one of two additional royal sites, depending on daily availability: the Royal Opera House, built in 1770 to celebrate the wedding of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, or the Royal Chapel, where a series of paintings and sculptures depicts the notion that kings were chosen by God.
The guided portion of your tour now ends, and your friendly guide will answer any questions you have. From here, you have a few options to complete your Versailles experience. You can explore the other 15 rooms that make up the public State Apartments independently. You can enjoy lunch at Angelina’s restaurant located inside the palace (own expense). Or you can head outside and enjoy the beautiful Gardens of Versailles – a 1,977-acre (800-hectare) oasis of groves, sculptures, labyrinths and fountains. Depending on the day of the week that you are at the palace, you may catch one of the summer musical events – either the Musical Gardens or the Musical Fountains Show (known as the Grandes Eaux musicales), both of which bring the gardens to live with classical music; see the Itinerary section below for more details.
The gardens are also home to La Petite Venise, a popular restaurant with a lovely terrace, located in the former stables by the Grand Canal. It is your choice if you’d like to eat here, but you must make your way here to meet your guide for the drive back to Paris.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Dubai Hotel Rates Rise Amid Strong
"The strong demand has allowed hoteliers to be aggressive on average rates which rose 8.5 percent in September and with the high season almost upon us, we project the continuation of strong growth for the remainder of 2013." Elsewhere in the Gulf's tourism sector, Doha hotels recorded mix results in September with ARR and Occupancy experiencing lower performance levels compared to the same period last year. ARR was down 0.3 percent to $229.49 and continues the trend in 2013 in which rates have fallen 2.1 percent compared to 2012. Occupancy fell 1.1 percent in September to 61.7 percent. The fall in top line performance resulted in RevPAR falling 2.1 percent. Goddard added: "In the past two years Doha has witnessed a sudden influx of new hotels entering the market which put immense pressure on the performance of existing hotels, especially average rate. "The results for 2013 indicate that the market is starting to show signs of recovery in occupancy levels which is attributed to a growing leisure market and continued economic strength of the city. However due to the markets heavy reliance on corporate demand, average rates continue to decline as new hotels penetrate the market with attractive offers, forcing existing hotels to compete on price.
" Riyadh hotels witnessed a marginal decrease in room performance in September with occupancy and ARR falling 0.4 percent and 0.8 percent respectively to 61.3 percent and $240.80. This saw RevPAR performance drop 1.4 percent to $147.60. The Riyadh market continues to experience intensive competition in 2013 as a wave of new hotels enter the city, especially in the midmarket segment. This has put pressure on occupancy and average rate as new supply outweighs demand and new hotels launch aggressive sales and marketing campaigns in order to establish a position in the market, Goddard said. "With a strong future supply pipeline in the Saudi capital, the market is expected to witness a further pressure on performance levels as new hotels penetrate the market with discounted rates," he added.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Flics Dubai ajouter d'autres supercars à la flotte
Après dévoilements récents d'une Ferrari FF et une Lamborghini, la force a montré hors de nouvelles voitures de luxe britannique Aston Martin constructeur automobile, Bentley et Mercedes.
L'Aston Martin One-77, Bentley Continental GT et Mercedes SLS ont été lancés à l'Arabian Travel Market.
Le mois dernier, le chef de la police de Dubaï a déclaré qu'un certain nombre de Ferraris d'être présenté à la force sera pilotée par des femmes.
Dahi Khalfan lieutenant-général a tweeté qu'il s'attendait à voir les recrues féminines de la police de Dubaï se mettre derrière les roues de la Ferrari FF supercar, qui coûte environ $ 500,000 et a une vitesse de pointe de 335 kmph.
Plus tôt, la police de Dubaï a également révélé sa nouvelle AED2m (500.000 $) Lamborghini qui peut atteindre des vitesses allant jusqu'à 350 kmph.
La flotte de la police de Dubaï comprend également le Toyota Land Cruiser et la Kia Mohave.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Skip-the-Line Eiffel Tower Ticket in Paris
Skip the line at the Eiffel Tower in Paris with this fast-track entrance ticket, and explore the different levels at leisure! After meeting a host to hear some fun facts and history about the tower, walk to the priority entranceway and then head straight up the elevator independently. Skip-the-line access to the attraction’s 1st and 2nd levels is included, as well as standard access to the Eiffel Tower’s summit.
Highlights
Choice of several departures throughout the day
Enjoy fantastic aerial views
Skip the line
Meet your host near the Eiffel Tower and listen to a brief introduction about this fascinating landmark– its history, architecture and views – before heading to the base of the tower with your skip-the-line ticket and fact sheet. Queues in the peak summer months can sometimes last up to two hours; fortunately, you’ll bypass those lines by heading through the priority entranceway and then up the elevator independently.
Your ticket includes entry to the tower’s 1st and 2nd levels, as well as its summit, and you can spend as little or as long as you like at each point. Walk around independently, soaking up unforgettable views from this iconic architectural marvel, and reading about the tower’s history from your fact sheet. Completed in 1889, the Eiffel Tower took precisely two years, two months and five days to make. While it wasn’t loved by the locals originally, it wasn’t long before it won over the hearts of Parisians and visitors alike.
On the 1st level, look down at the pin-like people lined up below you, and gaze at the Champ des Mars -- Paris’ famous green park -- stretching out toward Montparnasse Tower. The best vistas are arguably seen from the 2nd level, where you’re high enough to soak up the city skyline, but still close enough to see famous landmarks (like Notre Dame Cathedral) without needing a map.
For jaw-dropping views, continue to the summit! The skip-the-line access you get for the first two levels does not include the 3rd level; everyone must wait for one elevator, but the line doesn't usually last longer than 30 minutes – a short time to wait to stand at the top of the Eiffel Tower!
Highlights
Choice of several departures throughout the day
Enjoy fantastic aerial views
Skip the line
Meet your host near the Eiffel Tower and listen to a brief introduction about this fascinating landmark– its history, architecture and views – before heading to the base of the tower with your skip-the-line ticket and fact sheet. Queues in the peak summer months can sometimes last up to two hours; fortunately, you’ll bypass those lines by heading through the priority entranceway and then up the elevator independently.
Your ticket includes entry to the tower’s 1st and 2nd levels, as well as its summit, and you can spend as little or as long as you like at each point. Walk around independently, soaking up unforgettable views from this iconic architectural marvel, and reading about the tower’s history from your fact sheet. Completed in 1889, the Eiffel Tower took precisely two years, two months and five days to make. While it wasn’t loved by the locals originally, it wasn’t long before it won over the hearts of Parisians and visitors alike.
On the 1st level, look down at the pin-like people lined up below you, and gaze at the Champ des Mars -- Paris’ famous green park -- stretching out toward Montparnasse Tower. The best vistas are arguably seen from the 2nd level, where you’re high enough to soak up the city skyline, but still close enough to see famous landmarks (like Notre Dame Cathedral) without needing a map.
For jaw-dropping views, continue to the summit! The skip-the-line access you get for the first two levels does not include the 3rd level; everyone must wait for one elevator, but the line doesn't usually last longer than 30 minutes – a short time to wait to stand at the top of the Eiffel Tower!
Normandy D-Day Battlefields and Beaches Day Trip
Take a poignant, memorable day trip from Paris to visit the Normandy battlefields and landing beaches of World War II. You'll visit famous wartime sites and the American cemetery, spend time on the historic beaches and gain invaluable insights into the wartime experience of the Allied soldiers and the French citizens they liberated.
Highlights:Fully narrated tour Comprehensive tour by bus/coach...All entrance fees included.Lunch included,Your drive through the picturesque Normandy countryside takes you to the Caen Memorial, devoted to illustrations and films about the Second World War and the Normandy landings of June 1944.
After lunch at the Memorial, visit the Pointe du Hoc, a German defense position that was heroically taken by US soldiers during World War II. Continue to the American cemetery of Saint-Laurent, the final resting place of almost 10,000 soldiers. You will also have free time at Omaha Beach to reflect on the site's moving history and visit the Omaha Beach Visitor Center, which describes the American soldiers' operations on the famous beach in June 1944.
Before returning to Paris, stop at the Canadian Memorial at Juno beach and Arromanches to see the remains of the artificial landing harbor that was built by the Allies in less than 15 days.
Highlights:Fully narrated tour Comprehensive tour by bus/coach...All entrance fees included.Lunch included,Your drive through the picturesque Normandy countryside takes you to the Caen Memorial, devoted to illustrations and films about the Second World War and the Normandy landings of June 1944.
After lunch at the Memorial, visit the Pointe du Hoc, a German defense position that was heroically taken by US soldiers during World War II. Continue to the American cemetery of Saint-Laurent, the final resting place of almost 10,000 soldiers. You will also have free time at Omaha Beach to reflect on the site's moving history and visit the Omaha Beach Visitor Center, which describes the American soldiers' operations on the famous beach in June 1944.
Before returning to Paris, stop at the Canadian Memorial at Juno beach and Arromanches to see the remains of the artificial landing harbor that was built by the Allies in less than 15 days.
News Travel Guides: Versailles Small Group Day Trip from Paris
Experience the grandeur of Versailles Palace and Gardens on a small group tour from Paris. With a maximum of only eight per group, this small group trip to Versailles ensures a more intimate experience. Hotel pickup from centrally located Paris hotels is included, taking all the guess work out of your trip. You can choose from a half-day tour (independent tour), either in the morning or afternoon, or a full-day tour (guided tour). On both the half-day and full-day tours you'll also be able to wander around the garden's groves and pools. If you visit Versailles on a Saturday or Sunday during April to October, you can see the famous fountain show in the gardens. The display is accompanied by music composed at the time of Louis XIV's court. Highlights Free hotel pickup and drop-off included Small-group tour by minibus Choice of morning or afternoon departure Recorded commentary by audio headphones All entrance fees included Half-day: Choose from a morning or afternoon departure from Paris. Your hostess will provide advice to help you plan your time at Versailles. An audio guide is available in 8 languages. Your tour of the Palace of Versailles will be independent without a tour guide. It includes free time to explore Louis XIV's fabulous suite of rooms, the grand Hall of Mirrors and the apartments of the Dauphin and Dauphine. Full-day: Your full day tour begins with a fully-guided tour of Versailles (1-hour) including the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Queen's Bedroom and the Gallery of Battles. Enjoy lunch at La Petite Venise Restaurant. After lunch, it's time to explore the palace gardens and take a visit to the Queen's Hamlet, where Marie-Antoinette played at being a shepherdess in the 1780s. You'll then take a guided tour of the Grand Trianon (1 hour), a mini palace where Louis XV and Louis XVI liked to lead a quiet life outside the court of Versailles.
Skip the Line: Eiffel Tower Tickets and Small-Group Tour
Book your skip-the-line ticket to the Eiffel Tower and leave the long queues behind! This is a fully escorted tour by an English-speaking expert guide, who will lead you to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower. Before exploring, your guide will entertain you with interesting anecdotes and facts about the tower and its architecture, including stories about the various wedding proposals and publicity stunts the tower has hosted over the years.
With a choice of departure times during the day as well as a unique sunset viewing, your skip-the-line tour offers the most flexible and enjoyable way to visit this must-see Paris landmark. You will have time to walk around the levels at leisure, taking in the breathtaking Paris cityscape from this unique vantage point! Numbers are limited to 20 people on this small-group walking tour of the Eiffel Tower, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your guide.
Highlights
All entrance fees included
Choice of morning or afternoon departure
Choice of several departures throughout the day
Enjoy fantastic aerial views
Ideal choice for families
Meet at the Eiffel Tower and avoid waiting in a queue that often takes at least two hours during the summer months! A pre-booked, skip-the-line ticket grants priority access to the Eiffel Tower elevator, so you'll go straight up to the second level after learning about the building's fascinating history.
Hear the story of the man behind the Tower, Gustave Eiffel, and learn about the wonders behind this architectural and engineering feat as you view it up close. Hear the details of the World’s Fair of 1889, the year the tower was built. The first level offers a great cinematic theater where you can see exclusive video of the tower’s storied 120-plus-year history. It also features one of the original spiral staircases that Gustave himself used daily to reach his office on the top level.
Eiffel Tower 2nd Level
On the second level, your guide will allow ample time to take in the best views that Paris has to offer. With two tiers on the second level, there is plenty of space to hear your tour guide explain the countless stunts and anecdotes from the tower’s past. You’ll be entertained with stories about crazy exploits (like planes flying underneath the tower) and the tower’s role in everything from world wars to Hollywood movies.
Eiffel Tower 1st Level and the Eiffel Tower Summit (3rd Level)
Upon the conclusion of the tour, your time on the Eiffel Tower doesn’t have to end; the price includes tickets to the first level and the summit of the tower too. At the summit, purchase a glass of Champagne to enjoy while you stare out over the City of Light. The skip-the-line access you receive for the first two levels does not include the 3rd level; everyone must wait for one elevator, but the line doesn't usually last longer than 30 minutes – a short time to wait to stand at the top of the Eiffel Tower!
With a choice of departure times during the day as well as a unique sunset viewing, your skip-the-line tour offers the most flexible and enjoyable way to visit this must-see Paris landmark. You will have time to walk around the levels at leisure, taking in the breathtaking Paris cityscape from this unique vantage point! Numbers are limited to 20 people on this small-group walking tour of the Eiffel Tower, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your guide.
Highlights
All entrance fees included
Choice of morning or afternoon departure
Choice of several departures throughout the day
Enjoy fantastic aerial views
Ideal choice for families
Meet at the Eiffel Tower and avoid waiting in a queue that often takes at least two hours during the summer months! A pre-booked, skip-the-line ticket grants priority access to the Eiffel Tower elevator, so you'll go straight up to the second level after learning about the building's fascinating history.
Hear the story of the man behind the Tower, Gustave Eiffel, and learn about the wonders behind this architectural and engineering feat as you view it up close. Hear the details of the World’s Fair of 1889, the year the tower was built. The first level offers a great cinematic theater where you can see exclusive video of the tower’s storied 120-plus-year history. It also features one of the original spiral staircases that Gustave himself used daily to reach his office on the top level.
Eiffel Tower 2nd Level
On the second level, your guide will allow ample time to take in the best views that Paris has to offer. With two tiers on the second level, there is plenty of space to hear your tour guide explain the countless stunts and anecdotes from the tower’s past. You’ll be entertained with stories about crazy exploits (like planes flying underneath the tower) and the tower’s role in everything from world wars to Hollywood movies.
Eiffel Tower 1st Level and the Eiffel Tower Summit (3rd Level)
Upon the conclusion of the tour, your time on the Eiffel Tower doesn’t have to end; the price includes tickets to the first level and the summit of the tower too. At the summit, purchase a glass of Champagne to enjoy while you stare out over the City of Light. The skip-the-line access you receive for the first two levels does not include the 3rd level; everyone must wait for one elevator, but the line doesn't usually last longer than 30 minutes – a short time to wait to stand at the top of the Eiffel Tower!
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