Okay I think we are done... a few loose ends to finish up but I feel a little more in control then 48 hours ago.
Thanks for all the replies as well as the hundreds of wonderful thread already in place that I could research!
Here we go:

June 28 - Depart LAX to Paris

June 29 - arrival Paris
Van arranged through hotel picking us up
Hotel: HOTEL DU LOUVRE - have two connecting rooms - special 1/2 off second room
That evening we are dining with friends from the states who happen to be there when we are to celebrate their 20 year anniversary - am sure we will be fighting to stay awake!

Sat. June 30: Meeting our tour guide in the lobby at 9:30. Found him through the AOL message boards - his name is Micheal - but he was busy so his partnter Scott will be showing us about - would like to try to see a part of the Louvre early in the am - I know it is horrid on the weekends but timing is as such...
Sat night - we are on our own

July 1 Sunday - open - my 13 year old has shown an interest in the catacombs - I have to finish researching it - would like to take the boats on the river sienne - hop on hop off... see the city that way. Shop a little I am sure and stroll.

Monday July 2 - Train to Montreux -
Arrive evening (5:40) check into Grand Hôtel Suisse-Majestic

Tuesday July 3 - Montreux - need to make arrangements

Wed. July 4 - Happy Independence Day USA - Not sad NOT to be home - need to make arrangments
Have another thread bookmarked with amazing information!

Thursday July 5 - Montreux to Florence - arrive into Florence at 6:45 pm

In Florence till Monday July 9 - am still reasearching this part of the trip as well.
Staying here:
http://www.italyperfect.com/Florence...i/Strozzi.html


Monday July 9 - Leave for Rome

Staying at http://www.sleepinitaly.com/files/apt_greci.html

Tuesday July 10:
01:00 PM Vatican City Private Tour with Presto Tours

Wed July 11: open at this time

Thursday July 12: Private tour: Ancient Rome Adventure (Roma Antica for Kids)
Confirmed date: Jul-12-2007 at 8:45 am
Docent: Patrizia Sfligiotti

Friday July 13: Back to LAX...

Would love as always to hear any suggestions!
Thank you all SO much for everything!!!!!

Lucky , lucky you , having either Michael or Scott for your first days tour! They are both wonderful with kids. And both are charming and easy!!

Jody - really??? that is AWESOME to hear! I have heard literally NOTHING but glowing reports - It should make for a fantastic introduction to Paris!

adding to the trip - I booked a tour with Context in Florence - something a little different -

Food and gastronomy have always played an integral part of the Florentine culture. In fact, the Tuscan cuisine has become famous all over the world. The city’s recent increase in visitors, however, has made genuine Tuscan-style locales harder and harder to encounter. During our time together, we’ll uncover some of the authentic and historical establishments that still celebrate Florence’s gastronomic peculiarities. Emily Wise Miller, author of The Food Lover’s Guide to Florence will lead us to some of her favorite places to sample the city’s best snacks and sweets.

The afternoon’s walk through the center will feature specialties from tartufo panini to Tuscan salumis to foccacia to caffe’ and pastries and finally, gelato! All the while, we’ll discuss local agricultural products, their background and how they differ from foods in other parts of Italy. We’ll also discuss the current restaurant scene in Florence.

ttt

Not sure where you will be going on your tour of Paris. At Notre dame, it is well worth climbing the tower to see the gargoyles, the bell and a great view of Paris.

If the interest in catacombs holds over from Paris to Rome, the hop on/hop off archeo bus is a good way to get to some of the major catacombs in Rome and to other sights along the Via Appia Antica. I am not sure whether the Museo della Mura which allows access to a portion of the Aurelean Walls is open.

traveler,
I am not 100% sure on Sat. in Paris - we are starting at the Louvre and I want to see how crowded (I know Sat in June) and how interested our girls are - I have heard Scott is wonderful and engaging with children.

Friday night we now have dinner reservations at:Georges” located at the top of the Art Modern Museum - any feedback?

Sat. night I want to do the Bateaux Les Vedettes du Pont-Neuf river cruise...
or maybe to finish our trip on Sunday night - not sure...