Your 5-hour tour of Versailles begins with an early afternoon departure from Paris by bus. Relax on the 30-minute journey southwest of Paris.

After arriving in the town, head straight to Queen Marie-Antoinette’s idyllic hamlet. In 1682, the grounds were declared the official royal residence and Louis XIV eventually set up separate quarters for his wife, Queen Marie-Antoinette. Attesting to his elaborate tastes, her home resembles a fairytale village. You’ll have approximately an hour and fifteen minutes to explore the hamlet and farmhouse and visit Le Petit Trianon, her handsome personal palace.

Meet back at the bus and drive to the Palace of Versailles. Founded in the early 17th century, the showstopping palace was officially built as a royal hunting lodge for King Louis XIII. During Louis XIV’s reign, lavish wraparound gardens and a succession of extravagant additions to the lodge were added, transforming it into one of the world’s most decadent palaces. The sprawling Baroque chateau is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site with centuries of history to match its grandeur. Walk past the palace’s long entrance lines with your skip-the-line ticket and head inside for your walking tour. Explore public rooms like the chapel, the King’s Grand Apartments, and Hall of Mirrors – where crystal chandeliers hang from frescoed ceilings and the walls are covered with gilded mirrors.

Gaze at the plush interiors, and then head outside the palace to explore Versailles Gardens at leisure. Having strolled the gardens, meet your guide and travel back to central Paris where your tour finishes with a drop-off in the early evening.