Follow Us:
Paris - Like a Local
October 19 - 26, 2025
Join Staci Matthews from KS95 and Defined Destinations for an unforgettable journey to the City of Light! From sipping wine along the Seine to exploring hidden boutiques, charming cafés, and iconic landmarks, this is your chance to experience Paris like a local. With curated experiences, expert guides, and plenty of time to wander, shop, and indulge — this stylish Parisian getaway is the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and fun. Don’t miss out on this exclusive adventure with Staci and a fabulous group of fellow travelers!
Included Tour Highlights
-
6 nights at the Mercure Paris Montmartre, located near the heart of Montmartre
-
Local guides to give you an insider’s perspective and help you feel like a temporary Parisian
-
Entry to Notre Dame Cathedral, now beautifully restored and reopened
-
Elegant Seine River Dinner Cruise with views of Paris illuminated at night
-
Panoramic City Tour of Paris with views and some stops - see Notre Dame, Bastille, the Panthéon, Palais Royal, Place de la Concorde, Tuileries, and more
-
Day trip to Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny to explore the inspiration behind his iconic works
-
Perfume-Making Workshop
-
Curated Food Tour through the chic Le Marais district, featuring Parisian flavors and local tastings
-
Guided Vintage Clothing Tour of some of Paris’s most iconic secondhand and designer shops
-
Classic Cabaret Show at the legendary Nouvelle Eve
-
Welcome and Farewell Dinners to celebrate your arrival and toast to a memorable journey
-
Daily breakfast at the hotel
-
Ample leisure time to explore the city your way — stroll, sip, shop, and soak in the Parisian lifestyle
-
And so much more…
Included Transportation
-
All transportation listed in the itinerary is included in the tour price — including the city tour, food tour, and the day trip to Giverny
-
Hotel transfers are included with the airfare package (or if your flight arrives at the same time as the group).
-
Airfare Package Available – Fly roundtrip with the group to/from Paris.
Optional Flights
-
Outbound: Delta #152, Oct 19, 2025, 3:45 PM MSP $ ARRIVE ON Oct 20, 2025, 7:10 AM CDG
-
Return: Delta #153, Oct 26 2025, 10:30 AM CDG & ARRIVE AT 2:05 PM MSP
-
Want to use miles or points? No problem — just book the land-only package and arrange your own flights.
-
If you prefer upgraded seats (Comfort+, Premium Select, or Business Class), we can provide a quote — or you’re welcome to book those directly with Delta or Air France.
(Note: Group flights include standard coach seating and seats won't be assigned until 24 hours prior to the flight. We will do our best to seat you next to your travel partner - but the airlines will not guarantee these requests)
Day 1:
Fly To Europe
Today we begin our unforgettable journey to the City of Light! The group will depart Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) on a non-stop overnight flight to Paris, scheduled to leave at 3:45 PM. Pack your bags, charge your cameras, and get ready for an incredible week in Paris!
Day 2: Arrive Paris - Orientation tour City of Light
Arrive in Paris at 7:10 AM, where you’ll be greeted by your local Parisian guide for a scenic panoramic orientation tour of the city. Take in the beauty and history of iconic landmarks such as the Champs-Élysées, the Panthéon, Latin Quarter, Bastille, Saint-Germain, the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and more (museum entrances are not included). One of the highlights of the day will be our timed-entry visit to the newly reopened Notre Dame Cathedral. After years of careful restoration following the devastating fire, guests will finally have the opportunity to step inside this legendary masterpiece of Gothic architecture and witness its stunning rebirth.
Later, enjoy a guided stroll through one of Paris’ most vibrant neighborhoods — Montmartre — known for its artistic roots, charming cafés, and sweeping city views. Check-in at the Mercure Paris Montmartre will be available from 4:00 PM. This evening, join Staci for a festive welcome dinner, the perfect way to kick off your Parisian adventure and connect with fellow travelers.
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 3: Flavors of Paris
Enjoy a leisurely morning, then join our local guide for a stylish stroll through some of Paris’ most beloved vintage shopping markets. Discover why some say Paris is the fashion capital of the world as you explore boutiques and secondhand treasures tucked into charming neighborhoods — a chance to shop like a local and maybe take home a one-of-a-kind piece.
Later in the day, dive into the culinary delights of Le Marais, one of Paris' most historic and trendy districts. On this guided food tour, you’ll sample some of the city’s best bites — from cheese and charcuterie to pastries and wine — while learning about the flavors that define Parisian cuisine.
This evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether it’s a sunset stroll, café-hopping, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the City of Light is yours to explore.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Food Tour Tastings
Day 4: Monet's Garden in Giverny
This morning, leave the city behind as we journey into the French countryside to visit the enchanting village of Giverny, home of the legendary Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk in the footsteps of the artist as you explore his beautifully preserved home and the stunning gardens that inspired some of his most famous works. Stroll past the vibrant flowerbeds, weeping willows, and the iconic Japanese bridge over the lily pond — scenes immortalized in his masterpieces. This peaceful escape offers a serene contrast to the buzz of Paris and is sure to be a highlight of your time in France. After ample time to wander and enjoy, we’ll return to the city for a relaxed evening at your leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch in Giverny
Day 5: Paris Scents, Style the French Can Can
This morning, kick off your day with a Parisian vintage shopping adventure led by our fabulous local insider. We’ll explore the coolest corners of Le Marais and/or Saint-Ouen, uncovering stylish vintage boutiques and hidden flea market gems. It’s the perfect chance to score a one-of-a-kind piece and experience Paris through its timeless fashion scene.
Next, step into the world of French elegance with a visit to Maison Fragonard (or a similar historic perfumer) for a guided fragrance demonstration. In this brief but engaging experience, you’ll learn the art of perfume-making and what makes this French tradition so iconic. Not a fan of fragrance? No worries — enjoy free time nearby or head over early to our next destination.
We'll all meet at the legendary Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, home to jaw-dropping architecture, designer boutiques, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city — don’t forget your camera!
The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Maybe dive into the Latin Quarter’s cozy cafés and bookstores or stroll through the effortlessly cool streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Tonight, we’ll come together for one of the highlights of the trip — the Nouvelle Ève Cabaret Show, just steps from Montmartre. Sip champagne in a beautifully restored theater and enjoy a high-energy evening of dazzling costumes, classic music, and the legendary Can-Can.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Paris at Leisure
Today is yours to explore Paris at your own pace — a full day of leisure to dive deeper into the sights, flavors, and neighborhoods that have captured hearts for centuries.
This is the perfect opportunity to visit some of Paris’s world-renowned museums. You might choose to spend a few hours at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and thousands of other masterpieces. Just across the river, the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, offers an unforgettable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works from Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and more.
Looking for something smaller and more intimate? Don’t miss the Musée de l’Orangerie, nestled in the Tuileries Garden, where you’ll find Monet’s breathtaking Water Lilies displayed in immersive, oval rooms that feel like stepping into a dream. It’s quiet, powerful, and often a favorite hidden gem for art lovers.
While you're in the area, treat yourself to one of Paris’s sweetest indulgences — the legendary hot chocolate at a historic tea salon near the Louvre. Thick, rich, and served with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, it’s a classic Parisian experience you won’t forget.
As the day winds down, consider finding a cozy dinner spot to match your mood. You might enjoy a romantic bistro tucked along the winding streets of the Latin Quarter, or discover a trendy restaurant in the Marais, where the food scene is as creative as the neighborhood itself. For classic Parisian charm, head to Montmartre, where candlelit cafés and quiet terraces offer the perfect place to linger over a glass of wine and a delicious meal.
Wherever you dine, tonight is all about savoring the flavors of Paris your way.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Paris your Way & Seine River Dinner Cruise
Today is your final full day in Paris — a chance to explore more of the city’s charm at your own pace. For those who prefer a little guidance, our local expert will lead a relaxed exploration of Paris’s quieter, lesser-known neighborhoods, revealing hidden courtyards, secret streets, and the elegant covered passages filled with boutiques, cafés, and old-world charm.
Whether you’re shopping for last-minute treasures, sipping espresso in a quiet square, or simply wandering and soaking it all in, today is all about experiencing Paris like a true insider.
This evening, we’ll gather for a truly unforgettable finale: a Seine River Dinner Cruise. As Paris lights up around you, enjoy a gourmet meal, champagne, and breathtaking views of the city’s most iconic landmarks — including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the glittering bridges that span the Seine. It’s the perfect, picture-postcard ending to your Paris, Like a Local!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 8: Au Revoir Paris
This morning, we say goodbye to the City of Light as we depart Paris on a nonstop flight to Minneapolis (departs Paris at 10:30AM). Reflect on a week full of unforgettable experiences, new friendships, and the magic of seeing Paris like a local.
For those who wish to keep the adventure going, this is also a wonderful opportunity to extend your stay and explore more of France — from the vineyards of Burgundy to the beaches of the Côte d’Azur, or perhaps a few extra days in the French countryside.
Wherever your travels take you next, we hope your Paris Like a Local journey is just the beginning of many more adventures to come.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Trip Host - Staci Matthews
Chances are you’ve heard of the afternoon trivia game on KS95 called “Smarter Than Staci” that has been a Twin Cities favorite for 23 years!
Staci & Hutch’s Afternoon Show is like the fun house in the neighborhood where everyone is welcome and wants to hang out.
Staci loves to travel and experience new things and Defined Destinations is the perfect way to do it!
“I don’t have a partner and often my friends can’t travel when I can so I’m usually traveling solo. The amazing thing about Defined Destinations is, I may be a solo traveler but I don’t ever feel alone. And I’m meeting some incredible people! I’m going to places and doing things I never dreamed would be possible for me. I want everyone to know how this feels!” -Staci
.png)
.png)
Tour Price:
LAND ONLY
DOUBLE ROOM:
$3999
PER PERSON
(Based on 2 people sharing a room)
(Does not include airfare)
AIRFARE INCLUDED
DOUBLE ROOM:
$5698
DOUBLE RATE
(Based on 2 people sharing a room)
(Rate includes non-stop airfare on Delta Airlines)
LAND ONLY
SINGLE ROOM:
$4898
DOUBLE RATE
(Based on 1 person in a room)
(Does not include airfare)
AIRFARE INCLUDED
SINGLE ROOM:
$6599
DOUBLE RATE
(Based on 1 person in a room)
(Rate includes non-stop airfare on Delta Airlines)
GROUP AIRFARE
Group airfare is on Delta Airlines
If you choose to include group airfare, please note that seat assignments are not provided until 24 hours before departure. We will do our best to seat you with your travel partner, but the airline cannot guarantee this. If you require a specific seat assignment or have special seating requests, we recommend booking "land only," and we can provide a separate airfare quote outside of group restrictions.
DEPOSIT
A $500 deposit is non-refundable until June 21, 2025. After that date, the full cost of the trip becomes non-refundable. Your deposit will be applied to your final payment.