What is the quickest way to warm up during the winter? How about with a hot cup of tea amid the royal splendor of Versailles? Or by stocking up on layers at some of the hottest Parisian boutiques? And if that’s not enough to get the fire going, a camel ride through the Agafay Desert or a heartwarming visit to a Berber village in the Atlas Mountains should certainly do the trick. Whichever it is, this lavish escape to Paris and charming extension to Morocco promise to turn up the heat and chase away even the deepest hues of winter blues!

• 3 Nights in Paris
• 1 Night in Versailles 
• 5 Nights in Marrakech (Optional Extension)
• Private Transfer
• Private Tours

Day 1 | Welcome to the City of Light

Enjoy the warmest of Parisian welcomes at Charles de Gaulle Airport, where a VIP meet-and-greet shall ensure that you ease into the glow of the City of Light with the greatest of ease. Let your private driver escort you into Paris’ luminous heart, where the Mandarin Oriental Paris stands as a beacon of luxury and hospitality. Settle into its refined embrace before having the sweet notes of chef Julien Dugourd’s signature pastries set the tone for the crispiest of winter escapes.

Day 2 | Paris — Art, Elegance & Indulgence

Awaken to a crisp Parisian morning and experience the city at its most intimate as it lets down its guard amid winter slumber. Have a panoramic tour unveil its most iconic landmarks wrapped in the silvery hush of the season. Pause at the renowned Musée d’Orsay and see its world-renowned masterpieces unabashed by the summer crowds. Then, have the rich flavors of a prestigious caviar house melt in your mouth accompanied by the sparkling effervescence of Champagne, igniting both your taste buds and your spirit.

Day 3 | Hidden Paris & a Night on the Seine

Step out into the cool Parisian air and slip into the city’s hidden covered passages, where glass ceilings shelter Belle Époque boutiques, antique bookstores tell stories of old, and charming cafés serve the perfect cup of café au lait to pair with your obligatory croissant. Then, make sure you’re dressed for the season with a private shopping experience at La Samaritaine, Paris’s reimagined temple of fashion and design, where tailored attention ensures no stylistic thread is left unpulled. As evening falls, trade the city lights for their shimmering reflection as you savor a fine dinner cruise on the Seine.

Day 4 | Versailles — Royal Grandeur & Winter Warmth

Try the crown on for size by stepping into the grandeur of Versailles and embracing the lifestyle of kings and queens among gilded halls and frosted gardens. Wave to passersby as you discover your kingdom’s storied streets wrapped in the stylish comforts of rare classic automobile. Follow in Marie-Antoinette’s footsteps and indulge in afternoon tea paired with exquisite pastries and sweet delicacies crafted by Alain Ducasse. Then, as dusk settles, retreat for a winter’s night worthy of nobility at the glorious Hôtel Les Lumières, where modern refinement meets royal tradition.

Day 5 | From Parisian Flurries onto Moroccan Sands

It’s time to put down the scepter and bid adieu to Paris. Whether you’re heading home or chasing the winter’s glow to Marrakech, a VIP meet-and-greet at Charles de Gaulle Airport will ensure a seamless passage to your departure. For those who’ve decided to find some more wintery dreams among the palm-shaded courtyards of Morocco, the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech will be waiting just ten minutes away from the city’s bustling medina. Following your meet-and-greet and transfer from Marrakech Airport, settle in among 20 hectares of olive groves and landscaped gardens, and let a glass of mint tea be your introduction to warm charms that lie ahead.

Day 6 | Marrakech — A Living Tapestry of History

Even in the midst of winter Marrakech is a city whose heart resonates with warmth. Discover its iconic beat by basking in the serene majesty of the Koutoubia Mosque. Trace its imperial lineage at the ornate Saadian Tombs and the resplendent Bahia and Badii Palaces. Embrace its diverse history as you wander through the Jewish Quarter and synagogue. And feel a warm spiritual welcome in the intricate courtyards of Medersa Ben Youssef, where Islamic artistry whispers of timeless devotion. As the day wanes, dive into the labyrinthine souks and the ever-vivid Jemaa El Fna Square, where the fire of Marrakech’s living culture burns brighter than any winter sun.

Day 7 | Marrakech — A Winter’s Feast

Handle the heat like a true Moroccan chef with a hands-on cooking class at the legendary La Maison Arabe. Start at the spice market, where the cool winter air carries a fragrant symphony of saffron, cumin, and cinnamon. Then, bring it to a delicious crescendo under the guidance of a seasoned local chef, crafting and tasting time-honed Moroccan recipes passed down through generations. Come evening, continue your journey through Morocco’s kingdom of flavor in the medina, where sizzling grills, sweet confections, and steaming tagines fill the heart and the stomach.

Insider tip: Don’t miss the “Tangia,” a slow-cooked Marrakech specialty unique to the city.

Day 8 | High Atlas — A Day with the Berbers

Venture into the brisk air of the High Atlas Mountains and embrace the warmth of Moroccan hospitality at its most authentic with a one-of-a-kind experience in a traditional Berber village. Knead dough for bread baked in clay ovens, learn the ancient arts of weaving and pottery, and share stories over steaming glasses of mint tea. With the welcome of your hosts providing a comfort warmer than any fire, this day promises to leave you with memories as enduring as the peaks above.

Insider tip: Bring small gifts, like school supplies, for the preschool children, as they are always warmly received.

Day 9 | Marrakech — Desert Dreams Under Winter Skies

Ignite your trailblazing spirit by embarking on one of Morocco’s most unforgettable and exotic adventures in the Agafay Desert, a rocky expanse just beyond Marrakech. Find yourself cocooned in the luxury of White Camel Camp, where a traditional hammam and spa treatments melt away any lingering chill. Rejuvenated, unleash your inner maverick with camel and ATV rides across golden ridges, watching as twilight drapes the horizon in shades of fire and rose. As night falls, gather beneath a canopy of stars for dinner in the stillness of the desert, before retreating to your upscale tent for a night unlike any other.

Insider tip: Pack a light jacket, as evenings in Agafay can be surprisingly cool.

Day 10 | Departure

As your journey draws to a close, let the spirit of this winter escape linger like the final embers of a glowing fire. Whether it was the crisp hush of Parisian mornings, the royal embrace of Versailles, or the sunlit pulse of Marrakech and its desert horizons, each moment has kindled a warmth that defies the season. With departure assistance at Marrakech Airport, your passage home will be seamless, while the memories, rich with discovery and connection, will continue to glow long after winter fades.

The post The Warmest Welcome: A Luxury Winter Getaway to France & Morocco appeared first on Blog | Travelive.