What’s at stake? A trip to Paris with none other than mystery author Cara Black as your tour guide,
that’s what. Stalk the same streets, shop the same boutique thrift stores and tour the same museums as
Cara’s famous Parisian P.I., the incomparable Aimeé Leduc.
International intrigue and murder mysteries not included. You’ll have to uncover that yourself.
Economy airfare and the Tea Garden Travel package described below are included for the “Win a Killer
Trip to Paris” prize winner. For specific details of the prize won and eligibility involved in the “Win a
Killer Trip to Paris” please take a look at the Official Contest Rules. For an outline of the trip please look
at the below itinerary supplied by Tea Garden Travel.
Want to pay your own way? There are still spots on Tea Garden Travel’s inaugural “Cara Black and
Aimee Leduc in Paris” travel. Spots are limited, so sign up soon.
Tuesday, October 15
Independent arrival in Paris, you will be met at the airport or rail station by privatecar and taken
directly to our elegant Paris hotel. Join Cara Black for a welcome lunch in one of her favorite
cafes to introduce you to Aimeé Leduc and her next case in Paris. The afternoon will includes a
walking tour of Aimeé’s neighborhood. Explore the quays and charm of the Ile St. Louis. Your
evening is on your own to get settled and anticipate the mysteries and discoveries that lie ahead.
Wednesday, October 16
Enjoy breakfast at our hotel each morning. Cara will share her insights of Aimeé Leduc and her
Parisian adventures with great walking tours. Today we will visit the Duluc Detective Agency
on rue du Louvre and rue Vielle du Temple, site of the Café Rue Temple, were Aimeé met Abe
Stein. Cara will join us to explore the Place des Vosges and the Marais. Visit the courtyard
alleys of the woodworkers, Cour du Bel Air and Cour de l’Etoile d’or described in Murder in
the Bastille. We will dine at the historic Brasserie Bofinger in the very center of the Bastille.
Capture the essence of the chilling events confronting Aimeé. This evening we will be a part
of our very own mystery; a Treasure Hunt in the Louvre! We will have teams, treasure maps
and a prize for solving the puzzle. Then off to a Parisian Jazz Club in a cave for the true spirit of
Aimeé Leduc.
Thursday, October 17
We are off to the Left Bank and Montparnasse; the writer’s village and the site of
Murder Below Montparnasse, the latest tome with Aimeé and friends. Lunch at La Coupole,
and revel in the spirits of Paris in the twenties. Visit the Latin Quarter, Rue Mouffetard, and
the haunts of countless villains and hero’s. Walk in her footsteps as Aimeé Leduc finds clues
below Montparnasse. Shop for first editions at the les bouquinistes stalls along the River Seine.
This evening you may choose to attend a candle light concert at St. Chapelle, and then indulge
in a decadent crepe dessert. B/L
Friday, October 18
Begin the day with a cruise on the Canal Saint Martin, explore Belleville site of one of Aimeé’s
more exciting crimes, Murder in Belleville. Explore Pere Lachaise Cemetery, the final resting
place of many infamous characters. Lunch with Cara at Hotel du Nord, a place of historic
proportion in French literary circles to meet and discuss the importance of the printed word
over the decades. The soles of your feet may say no more, but the evening in Paris is filled with
possibilities.
Saturday, October 19
We will join Cara at Café Croissant, the site of a meeting with Morbier for our café au lait
and croissant before dashing off to the Rue Montorgueil Market; site of Murder in the Sentier.
Meet our private coach for a day out of Paris to visit Vaux le Vicomte and Barbizon. Vaux
le Vicomte was designed by the same architect that built Versailles and many other properties
for the French nobility. The interior is a stunning, a Louis XIV setting creating the aura of a
time long ago. Explore the chateau, the gardens and out buildings before lunch in the exquisite
restaurant. Barbizon is a quaint nineteenth century village that was home to many of the most
well-known Impressionist painter’s with works on display in the Musee d’Orsay. You can
choose from myriad restaurants, bistros and jazz clubs to entertain you on a Saturday evening in
Paris.
Sunday, October 20
Sunday in Paris is for the Marche au Puces, the flea market. Aimeé chooses her wardrobe
carefully and creates her stylish look with designer and haute couture accessories bought from
Depot Vente’s and flea market dealers. We will have our very own private guide for vintage
shopping at Clingancourt, the most famous of the Paris flea markets. Imagine your own Chanel
or Hermes piece to complete the perfect Parisian outfit, a la Aimeé Leduc. In the late afternoon
we will venture up to Montmartre to enjoy the artists and small museums. Sunday evening in
Paris, enjoy a stylish dinner with Cara and the spirit of Aimeé. You will experience an historic
site complete with the ghosts of 19th Paris.
Monday, October 21
Today is a day for individual exploration of Paris. Should you wish, we will create a Dream
Day just for you. Some thoughts; a Chocolate Walk, personal pampering, shopping for shoes a la
Aimeé, or just be a flaner… Tonight a festive farewell dinner to celebrate your new friends and
Paris memories.
Tuesday, October 22
After breakfast at the hotel you will have a private transfer to the airport or rail station for your
departure.
Cost: $3895.00 per person sharing
$800.00 single supplement
Limited to 15 persons
Seven nights first class hotel with en suite bath
Round trip private transfers airport/hotel/airport
Breakfast daily
Five lunches
Two Dinners
One cocktail evening
One special breakfast out
Private tour of Vaux le Vicomte, private transportation round trip and lunch
Three walking tours with Cara black in Paris
Five day all zone Paris Metro Pass
Two day Paris Museum Pass
Canal Saint Martin Cruise
Treasure Hunt in the Louvre Museum
Evening at a Jazz Club
Vintage clothing shopping guide at Clingancourt
Entrance to Hotel Lauzen (to be determined)
Fully escorted by Michele Abrate, CTC Paris expert
Paris map, current book and pre trip planning
All taxes and service for included features
*Ghost metro tour, cost to be determined and see if we can get reservations. Not Included
yet.
How many people are on a typical tour?
Tea Garden Travel likes to limit programs to 15
persons. Custom programs are determined by the group organizer.
Is travel insurance offered?
Tea Garden Travel offers travel insurance with every group
departure. Their carrier is Travelex; you may visit their web site to inquire about the type of
coverage offered. Tea Garden Travel always recommends travel insurance for all the products
they sell; these are uncertain times for everyone.
Will I need a passport?
A passport is required for travel to every destination outside of the 50
United States. Visa may be required and you will be informed with your confirmation packet.
Do you allow smoking?
Smoking is not allowed on any form of transportation including
coaches, trains or planes. Smoking is not allowed in most hotel rooms around the globe.
Restaurants in some countries still permit smoking; however we do all possible to be seated
away from these sections.
Will I know my fellow travelers before departure?
Included in your final documents is a
complete guest list including email addresses for you to make contact in advance of travel if you
choose.
When will I meet our escort?
You will be personally met upon your arrival at the airport or
your first hotel on your itinerary
I have never taken a group tour, how will I fit in?
Tea Garden Travel’s distinct itinerary
planning and personal attention will make you feel like you are traveling with new best friends.
Fellow travelers are very quick to make new friends and make you feel included. Your escort
will make time to spend with each tour participant away from the group. Free time allows you to
explore on your own, or with other guests, if you choose.
What meals do you include?
A full buffet breakfast is always included each day. The itinerary
will specify included lunches and dinners. Typically Tea Garden Travel includes wine with
dinner. The taxes and gratuities are included for these meals. They can always recommend
cafes, bistros or restaurants. The concierge can assist with reservations as well. This allows for
everyone to choose the style of dining that suits them, their diet and pocketbook.
How much luggage can I bring?
First, you need to be able to claim your own luggage at
the airports. Most carriers allow one piece of checked luggage and one piece of carry-on that
fits in the overhead compartment. Often International regulations are different. Tea Garden
Travel includes the cost of one (1) piece to be handled by the hotel porters. Complete packing
guidelines, weight limits and restrictions are given prior to departure. All overweight luggage is
guest responsibility.
