Edward671

We plan to stay in Paris for 6 or 7 nights before flying to Florence/Tuscany for 5 or 6 nights. We will not drive around ourselves and like things to be easy all around as we are not experienced travelers. What group comprehensive tours – meals, guides, hotels – does anyone recommend?
Also, if by chance we change our minds and decide to book our own hotel, does anyone have a suggestion for a good hotel – maybe 4 out of 5 stars type? And has anyone booked private tours in Paris and what would you recommend?

janisj

>>if by chance we change our minds and decide to book our own hotel<<

Why wouldn't you book your own hotel? It sounds like you want a group tour with hotel included. Bad idea IMO for Paris.

>>a suggestion for a good hotel – maybe 4 out of 5 stars type? <<

Star level doesn't really tell us much - what is your budget per night?

thursdaysd

Driving in Paris would be a bad idea, and is entirely unnecessary. There is an excellent and comprehensive bus and metro system. Familiarize yourself with this website:

http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_21879/visiting-paris/

I see no reason for a multi-day tour in Paris either. Just get yourself a couple of good guidebooks.

There are several threads on here with lists of hotels in Paris - do a search.

e.g. http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm

Edward671

thank you.. and my budget for each night would be $300 including taxes.

Envierges

Paris because of its super transportation system, the plenitude of maps available at any kiosk, available published guides of various walking tours, compactness of its tourist/ Must See Sights area in comparison to the size of the Paris metropolitan area is a perfect area for inexperienced travelers to visit on their own.

Map your plan of attack and enjoy but leave plenty of time for cafe sitting.

StCirq

Are you aware that the hotel star system in Europe is totally different from that in the USA?

Why wouldn't you book your own accommodations? Nothing could be easier on, e.g., booking.com.

A car would be a total liability in Paris.

You don't need to be hand-held around Paris on tours. You just need a map and a guidebook. There are good, cheap or free walking tours if you choose to go that route.

Leely2

Agree with others that you don't need a tour to go to Paris. Book your flights, a hotel and, if necessary or desired, some site-specific tours (walking, a museum, etc.).

As for hotels, the last time I was in Paris a couple years ago, I stayed here:

http://www.hotellesdamesdupantheon.com/

Good location, nice, snug rooms. Pleasant staff. Had never stayed in that area before and was worried I wouldn't like it, but I ended up enjoying my stay quite a bit. I booked a room with a terrace.

DebitNM

We have done different walking tours and they were all good. Some are donation only and others are about 12 euros.

https://www.discoverwalks.com/tour/c...walking-tours/

http://www.paris-walks.com/index_m.html


This is a custom tour; you have to set up in advance. Also, you need to tip well on this as this is a job for the guides:

http://www.greeters.paris/?lang=en

thursdaysd

"Also, you need to tip well on this as this is a job for the guides:"

That outfit is part of the Global Greeters Network. First I've heard of anyone tipping their volunteer greeters (for whom this is NOT a job). Pay for their transport, yes. Buy them coffee or a meal, yes. Bring a small gift, yes. Tip, no.

DebitNM

I should have said "donation" for greeters, not tip.

A gift? I have done dozens of similar tours in many cities and countries and have never heard of that; and in San Francisco, where I have taken more than 3 dozen tours with City Guides, supported by Public Library and other funding, I would never not give a donation. the same for Chicago and lots of other cities. In Marseille, we did take the guide, who spent an entire day with us, to lunch and for a drink after the tour. He would not take a cent from us, not even a donation.

http://www.greeters.paris/?page_id=17&lang=en

travelchat

As above you really don't need to be led around by the nose. Paris is to be walked and discovered in one's own special way. Research on line or check out guide books at your library (Fodor's, Frommers, Rick Steves) to see what might pique your interest, be it the myriad museums large and small, architecture, restaurants, shopping, whatever strikes your fancy.

For orientation on arrival take one of the hop on hop off bus tours.

Check out these sites for short tours which you might build an itinerary around and which would leave plenty of free time for sidewalk cafe people watching and leisurely dinners.
Paris by Mouth
Pariswalks
Paris Greeters

No Worries Paris is an excellent book of walking tours you can take along with you.

Enjoy!

thursdaysd

There is a very big difference between a tip to an individual and a donation to an organisation.

Scootoir

We will be staying at the Hotel Relais Bosquet in the 7th arrondissement this summer. We stayed there 10 years ago and are looking for known comfort, air conditioning and location this trip. We have a rate of about 250 euros with breakfast via their facebook page. We reserved a superior room for the additional space.

I stayed at the Hotel de Varenne in December 2015 and found it to have a good location although a smaller room and bathroom than the Relais Bosquet. The breakfast room was not as comfortable however there is a lovely courtyard where you could have breakfast in warm weather.

After an orientation tour you can easily make your way around Paris on your own. There are many good resources to help with planning.

Edward671

thanks everyone...you guys are great !