Paris-Normandy Grayline One Day Bus Tour - I am helping my sister and DH (621 yrs. and 72 yrs.) who have never been to Europe plan a trip for late August. They will have 3 or 4 days in Paris. They do not want to drive and want to see Normandy D-Day
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Paris-Normandy Grayline One Day Bus Tour - I am helping my sister and DH (621 yrs. and 72 yrs.) who have never been to Europe plan a trip for late August. They will have 3 or 4 days in Paris. They do not want to drive and want to see Normandy D-Day
See above, I put all the post in title by mistake. She is 61 yrs. not 621 years, now that would make history! Any advice much appreciated. Thanks.
#2
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Look at (or have them look at) the sights that the tour goes to. It is probably better to put up with the fourteen hours then to omit the invasion area. On the plus side, you might be able to arrange pick up and drop off at their hotel (through Grayline).
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry about the sarcasm above...
Most people on this site seem to agree that if you only have 3 or 4 days in Paris, stay there the entire time. There is so much to do they could never run out of things to see by concentrating on Paris this time and perhaps exploring outside the city another time.
We were in Normandy last summer for 5 days, spending 2 1/2 days exploring the DDay area. I think others on this site have taken a bus or train to Bayeux for the day...hopefully they will post.
Most people on this site seem to agree that if you only have 3 or 4 days in Paris, stay there the entire time. There is so much to do they could never run out of things to see by concentrating on Paris this time and perhaps exploring outside the city another time.
We were in Normandy last summer for 5 days, spending 2 1/2 days exploring the DDay area. I think others on this site have taken a bus or train to Bayeux for the day...hopefully they will post.
#8
Where else are they going on the trip and for how long?
Give us a whole picture and we can maybe give you better advice.
Just as a for instance -- if they are going to the UK they might be able to visit Normandy for a day or two enroute to Paris. That sort of thing.
But about the 1-day tours - hundreds of people take them every day.. Long and expensive - but the most practical way to do it from the Paris end.
Give us a whole picture and we can maybe give you better advice.
Just as a for instance -- if they are going to the UK they might be able to visit Normandy for a day or two enroute to Paris. That sort of thing.
But about the 1-day tours - hundreds of people take them every day.. Long and expensive - but the most practical way to do it from the Paris end.
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wren, I think your comment about her age is very funny. Fortunately she does not read this site. They are NOT museum people. This is their first trip out of the US. Not for me and DH, but their priorities are Princess Diana's gravesite and Normandy. Obviously we don't travel together. Thanks everyone for your input. Sorry about the long title. It was an error and I couldn't figure out how to correct it. I have to get this trip planned for her today and I'm a novice.
#12
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,396
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another option is to have them take the train to Bayeux and meet their tour guide there.
We used Victory Tours and we met him at the train station at Bayeux - there was, in fact, a family who had just taken the train from Paris and were going back that evening.
Of course, that may require more 'logistics' - getting to the train station, buying a ticket, getting on the right train and return. The 'easiest' option may be the bus tour even though it is a very long day.
We used Victory Tours and we met him at the train station at Bayeux - there was, in fact, a family who had just taken the train from Paris and were going back that evening.
Of course, that may require more 'logistics' - getting to the train station, buying a ticket, getting on the right train and return. The 'easiest' option may be the bus tour even though it is a very long day.
#15
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We took this tour last year. Naturally we would hasve loved to hav more time in Normandy but we did enjoy the tour. It was a long day but we dozed on the bus both coming and going. We liked having a stress free day. We went to the museum first and had a good lunch there before going to see the beaches and the bunkers. It was really quite amazing. then we went to the cemetary which was awsome.
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My thoughts would be to consider renting a car and driver to take them there. They would get there much quicker , be much more comfortable, and probably thank you for your idea. You'd be surprised cause I doubt the price would be much higher than $350 to $400.
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone. Mission accomplished. My sister was overwelmed about making her plans for Ireland, England, France. So in an intense 24 hours and with your help, we got it set up. Her daughter and I have benefitted from Fodorites advice so today we made all the reservations for her Aug. 25 trip. BTW, she bought all the clothes several months ago but was so overwhelmed by the planning that yesterday I realized I had to do it today and thanks to all your help was able to do it. Goodnight.