Description of tour
A Parisian Makeover is an eight-day escorted land tour of Paris designed with a Parisian style consultant around fashion, beauty and shopping. Group attendance is limited to eight (8) ladies-only (21 years or older), with a minimum of six (6) for tour viability.
Tour starts with group welcome by GBT tour director at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport on Sunday morning, followed by private transportation transfer to four-star deluxe hotel in the Rive Gauche (Left Bank). A tour director, a fashion stylist and a private chauffeured mini van will accompany the group during scheduled activities.
Tour ends on the following Sunday with transfer from hotel to Charles de Gaulle Airport for departures.
Getting to Paris
Most US airlines fly non stop to Paris from New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other major cities.
Travel documents
Passport and visas for international travel:
For travel outside the 50 United States, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, all US citizens are required to have a valid US passport to return to the US. Driver licenses and birth certificates are no longer accepted as proof of citizenship for international travel.
Information on passport applications, where to apply, forms, fees, requirements and last minute application services are available in the US State Department travel website www.travel.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778. The website also brings contact information for consulates by country about entry and tourist visa requirements. Please allow a minimum of 10 weeks for processing a passport application, and possibly more during busy travel seasons. Check the website www.travel.state.org/passport for current processing times.
Non-US citizens, including permanent residentes with 'green cards', must verify entry and visa requirements with the nearest consulate of a destination's country.
Travelers are responsible for obtaining the correct documents for entry into the country on the itinerary, as well as for those required for re-entry into the United States.
Climate/clothing
Average temperatures in Paris during tour week will be provided when you book the tour. Bring comfortable clothes, and one dressy outfit for your evenings. Bermudas and shorts are not accepted in most places.
Luggage restrictions
Airlines usually have restrictions on the weight of your luggage as well as on the number of volumes you are allowed to carry. Check with your airline before packing, to avoid penalty fees.
Money
The currency in France - and in the European Community - is the Euro, which fluctuates against the US Dollar. For up-to-the-minute exchange rates check www.xe.com/ucc. All banks charge a fee every time you use an ATM machine abroad, check with your bank what their fees are.
Major credit cards and ATM cards are becoming more and more accepted worldwide. As replacing lost or demagnetized cards takes time, be sure to diversify your travel funds with cash. Leave excess credit cards and store cards at home and always have some small denomitation of bills handy for use along the way.
Electricity
The French electrical system runs on 220 volts. You may need adaptors to convert the voltage as well as fit sockets, and they are easier to purchase in the US. Hair dryers are provided in the hotel.
Cell phones
Not all American cell phones work in France. If yours does, check with your provider about roaming charges in Paris.
Gratuities
Gratuities (tips) are included in the tour price during scheduled activities, but extra tipping is always allowed if you feel the service was up to your standards.
Language
In Paris and in the rest of France the official language is French, but English is widely understood and spoken. It is a good idea to bring a pocket-size phrase book to use in your free-time, just in case.
VAT
VAT, or Valued Added Tax, is the French equivalent of sales tax. If you do not live in the European Community, you will get it as a refund (usually around 18% on any purchase over 175 Euros) upon leaving the country. We will help you get this refund at the airport prior to your departure.
