Esprit de France Trip Report: Day 7

[tsgirl]

I can't believe the trip is ending. We had almost the whole day in Paris on our own. ABD gave us passes to most museums and attractions and a 2 day pass to the on/off sightseeing bus. In addition, this morning, they offered to escort anyone interested to the Eiffel Tower. This included an unlimited Metro pass. ABD supplies everything needed to make the free day in Paris easy. We started the day with a visit to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, a short walk from the hotel. Not only does your pass get you in for free, but it takes you to a tiny line. It is like a Fast Pass!

They have created a beach along the side of the Seine!

At 5:30pm, we all met in the lobby for our farewell dinner. The bus brought us to the Louvre, where we were expertly led to view Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and Mona Lisa.

It was easy and effortless with our guides leading the way. The whole week has felt this way. We didn't need to worry about anything because we truly trusted Jason and Clementine to take care of everything. Our dinner was catered in a private room inside the Louvre, with a spectacular terrace to enjoy another beautiful view of Paris. There was champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

The guides provided an empty frame for photos. Here are 2 out of 3 of our own works of art: our daughters Danielle and Deanna!

Following dinner, we were treated to 2 surprises. The first was a pin commemorating the number of ABD trips we have taken. The second was a phenomenal treat. We each got a personalized ABD identification pin which is identical to those that cast members wear. How incredible. We were told this was a "one time thing." Perhaps it was in honor of Jason's last trip as a guide with ABD. We were saddened to be told that he will no longer be a guide with ABD, but he is looking forward to new doors opening in his voice over and performing career.

Even though I have felt there were improvements to be made in The Esprit de France trip, this experience has been really wonderful. In addition to a fun and cohesive group of guests, the guides, as I have mentioned, have gone above and beyond. They "hung out" with the kids when they didn't have to. Jason entertained us on the bus with hilarious stories, showcasing his many accents and voices. Clementine has maintained a calm, grace, and beautiful sense of control. We always felt they were both there to make everything perfect. As I said, the trip just needs to be longer, even just a day or two. This will allow some more magic to be incorporated. As always, ABD leaves us wanting more.

 

[sayhello]

I can't believe the trip is ending. We had almost the whole day in Paris on our own. ABD gave us passes to most museums and attractions and a 2 day pass to the on/off sightseeing bus. In addition, this morning, they offered to escort anyone interested to the Eiffel Tower. This included an unlimited Metro pass. ABD supplies everything needed to make the free day in Paris easy. At 5:30pm, we all met in the lobby for our farewell dinner. The bus brought us to the Louvre, where we were expertly led to view Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and Mona Lisa. It was easy and effortless with our guides leading the way. The whole week has felt this way. We didn't need to worry about anything because we truly trusted Jason and Clementine to take care of everything. Our dinner was catered in a private room inside the Louvre, with a spectacular terrace to enjoy another beautiful view of Paris. There was champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Following dinner, we were treated to 2 surprises. The first was a pin commemorating the number of ABD trips we have taken. The second was a phenomenal treat. We each got a personalized ABD identification pin which is identical to those that cast members wear. How incredible. We were told this was a "one time thing." Perhaps it was in honor of Jason's last trip as a guide with ABD. We were saddened to be told that he will no longer be a guide with ABD, but he is looking forward to new doors opening in his voice over and performing career.

Even though I have felt there were improvements to be made in The Esprit de France trip, this experience has been really wonderful. In addition to a fun and cohesive group of guests, the guides, as I have mentioned, have gone above and beyond. They "hung out" with the kids when they didn't have to. Jason entertained us on the bus with hilarious stories, showcasing his many accents and voices. Clementine has maintained a calm, grace, and beautiful sense of control. We always felt they were both there to make everything perfect. As I said, the trip just needs to be longer, even just a day or two. This will allow some more magic to be incorporated. As always, ABD leaves us wanting more.

Sounds wonderful! A great last day. And I'm very jealous of the special pins you got!

What did you think of the Mona Lisa?

Sayhello

 

[Aburns8]

Sounds like a wonderful trip and the farewell dinner sounds like a nice touch. Thank you for sharing your trip!

 

[tufbuf]

What a great report, tsgirl! Is this the first Esprit de France trip? We did the first family ABD trip and a number of us thought a few things can be tweaked as well. We have not heard from subsequent travelers so we don't know whether these changes were made. We did the Alpine Magic right after which is a more established trip and I thought they offer more little surprises along the way. We figured we will let a trip settle first before doing it.

Anyway, on the pins, did they say they were going to send the other number pins? I thought our guides mentioned that but we have not received them yet. The sights are so stunning, definitely in our list!

 

[tsgirl]

Hi Tufbuf! Yes, they said they would send us the pins for our previous trips. I guess if we don't see them in a few months, we can follow up. We did the Alpine Magic trip too, and could not help but compare. I'm sure they will iron out the Esprit de France issues and it will be just as "magic".

 

[tufbuf]

Hi Tufbuf! Yes, they said they would send us the pins for our previous trips. I guess if we don't see them in a few months, we can follow up. We did the Alpine Magic trip too, and could not help but compare. I'm sure they will iron out the Esprit de France issues and it will be just as "magic".

Thanks! I thought I heard they will and I'm glad I heard right. I guess I will follow it up within the coming week.

 

[WeLoveABD]

Thanks! I thought I heard they will and I'm glad I heard right. I guess I will follow it up within the coming week.

Hey tufbuf! We haven't seen the "repeat" pins yet either. Nor have I seen anything yet from anyone re tweaks to the Greece trip--I'd love to know what changed, if anything. How was the New York sail?

 

[tufbuf]

Hey tufbuf! We haven't seen the "repeat" pins yet either. Nor have I seen anything yet from anyone re tweaks to the Greece trip--I'd love to know what changed, if anything. How was the New York sail?

Hey there! It was great to be back in NY! Still hectic and vibrant, nonetheless it what makes the city. Both Halifax and St. John are quaint little cities. It was raining when we were in Halifax and we did a walking tour!!! Anyways, I am still waiting for some Greek Odyssey updates as well. Hope someone will post!

I'll call ABD in a week and find out about those pins.

 

[sayhello]

Hey there! It was great to be back in NY! Still hectic and vibrant, nonetheless it what makes the city. Both Halifax and St. John are quaint little cities. It was raining when we were in Halifax and we did a walking tour!!! Anyways, I am still waiting for some Greek Odyssey updates as well. Hope someone will post!

I'll call ABD in a week and find out about those pins.

I sure hope they're still doing the pins next year. I'd hate to miss out on mine!

Sayhello

 

[tufbuf]

Called ABD, re: the pins and they said they should come out this month. So I guess we just have to wait and see...