New Year in Paris

Had a few misgivings with this tour: The hotel in Paris is in a "ghetto" (the words of our tour manager, not mine). There were nightly gatherings of hundreds of what he referred to as "gypsies" outside the hotel every night. We were made to pay for what was supposed to be our included meal (duck, escargot, etc), and then given dry chicken as our "included dinner" instead. New Year's Eve in Paris is very dangerous. Contiki will not provide transportation on that night (not surprising because it's impossible for traffic to move with literally thousands of drunk people clogging the streets like a mob). There are no fireworks at Eiffel Tower, just the sparkle lights that happen every night, on the hour. Don't expect to be able to get back to the hotel before 4 AM. Two drunk men harassed our entire floor in my hotel until early morning hours by screaming and trying to open all the doors. There was no phone in the room with which to call the front desk; very scary.

This tour was amazing. Even though it was very short, we got a lot for our money! the hotel we stayed in was nice and the food that was included was wonderful. our tour guide and bus driver was fantastic. they answered any questions we had and after doing some of the schelduled tours they dropped us off exactly where we wanted to go. then on new years after dropping us off at a pub which was fantastic our bus driver left early, had a sleep and then battled the traffic to pick us all back up which was something he didnt have to do. definitely something i would recommend for anyone. we also had plenty of time to ourselves to do what ever we wanted. I would love to go again!

I had just moved to London before Christmas when this little gem of a trip came up, and I and so glad it did. I had travelled through France a few years prior and this trip is incredible value for money! Your accommodation isn't great, but your in Paris for new years! Tour manager pointed out all the places to see and what to do, which was great as you really feel you see everything. Night tour was beautiful especially at such a festive time of year. For anyone not too sure what your doing for new years, put this in your diary now! You won't regret it!

New year in Paris was amazing! My friends and I met some amazing people who we will stay in touch with and Paris was a beautiful city! Our tour guide Jake was hilarious and our driver Artur was brilliant. Already booked my next trip to Amsterdam for my Birthday!

Arrived into Paris December 30, 2011. Contiki changed our Hotel - Suite Home. dropped off our luggage and right back on the bus we drove around Paris. Ben got us good. As we were driving he told us to look left and get cameras ready, and look for the candle stick in the third floor window, everyone was looking, Ben would be like have you found it yet? Just as we pulled up, Ben goes okay look right.. and there it was - the Eiffel Tower!! Gorgeous! He got us good!! Got to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle that was very cool. Couldn't take great pictures from the bus because 1. it was TOO dark and 2. it was raining. But that is alright. The Bus let us out to grab a quick dinner and about half of the group stayed out and the other half decided to catch the bus back to the hotel for the night. After we got back on the bus, and driving onwards to the hotel - we saw someone trying to steal someones fanny bag. It was quite a uproar. December 31, 20117am, had a quick bite to eat. Doug, Carlos, Erin and I left and took the metro into Paris to the Louvre. Recommend getting to the Louvre early so you can guarantee you get in, as the line up gets very long. Went straight to the Mona Lisa, then we browsed the rest. Erin and I lost Doug and Carlos. Good thing we had a planned internary. TIP: stay close to your friends in the Louvre if you do not want to get lost. It is a very easy place to get lost in. Next, Notre Dame, Free entrance. Lost Erin in it but instead of walking around I went to the Exit and she did the same thing, so we found each other. TIP: always have a plan if you get separated from your group, like meet at the Exit. Next stop, took the Metro to the Ugly Tower. We got in the line. Ben walks up, he had bought the groups tickets already, so we just bought our tickets from him (6 euros). Great timing Ben ;) thanks. Now this is a place where you can see the ENTIRE city of Paris. Gorgeous. Next, back onto the Metro to the Eiffel Tower. So cool being able to stand under it, so surreal. Line up was HUGE so make sure you have all the time in the world to wait, to go up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I'd love to go back to do so! Next, Arc De Triomphe - You can walk around in circles for hours, but take the stairs that brings you to the middle. stood underneath the Arc De Triomphe. Next, Champ de elysees - now this is where all the fabulous shopping is, Stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton (every girls dream!!). Oh and the McDonald's where we had a late lunch; Big Mac with Beer. continued walking Champ de elysees to where we had to meet the bus to take us back to the hotel to get ready for the New Years Fun to begin at Sullies. Free champagne at midnight. Lots of dancing and Picture ops. Great times all together. There were 5 other Contiki groups there. New Years Day Perfum de musee and the Ugly Tower. Moulin Rouge - amazing show. If your in Paris... Go to the show! Afterwards go to the aussie pub across the street for drinks with your tour mates, celebrating the New Year and end of tour drinks. Only downfall I have to mention is, not enough time in Paris. But other than that, great times, great place to ring in the New Year.