Private Tour, Eiffel Tower Lunch, Summit & Seine Cruise Options

Exploring Paris with this private tour offers a rare combination of iconic sights, intimate guidance, and indulgent experiences. For $354.80 per person, you get about two hours of guided sightseeing, topped with the chance to enjoy a reserved Eiffel Tower elevator ride to the second floor, a gourmet lunch at Madame Brasserie, and a cruise along the Seine River—with optional upgrades like a visit to the summit of the Eiffel Tower.

What really makes this tour shine are two key features: first, the personalized attention from a dedicated English-speaking guide—something you rarely get when visiting such crowded landmarks—and second, the opportunity to combine sightseeing with a luxurious Seine cruise, complete with Champagne. These elements create a well-rounded, immersive Parisian experience that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and fine dining.

One consideration to keep in mind is the timing flexibility. Lunch is scheduled for either 11:30 am or 1 pm, and if you opt for the Seine cruise or summit visit, you’ll need to coordinate your schedule carefully. Also, note that transportation to and from the Eiffel Tower isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan your arrival accordingly.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want more than just fleeting glimpses of Paris. It’s ideal for those eager to learn about the city from knowledgeable guides, enjoy spectacular views, and indulge in some French luxury—all in a manageable two-hour session. It suits visitors who appreciate authentic experiences and are comfortable with a moderately structured schedule.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private guide ensures tailored insights during the Eiffel Tower tour.
• Luxurious Add-ons: Options for Champagne on the Seine and the Eiffel Tower summit elevate the experience.
• Flexible Scheduling: Cruise and summit visits can be arranged before or after lunch depending on your preference.
• No Hotel Transfers: You’ll need to arrive prepared—public transit nearby makes this manageable.
• Value for Money: Combines multiple iconic sights and experiences into one well-priced package.
• Authentic Parisian Vibe: Authentic guide, gourmet lunch, and scenic cruise create a true taste of Paris.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The Eiffel Tower Experience

Your day begins with skip-the-line reserved tickets to the Eiffel Tower’s first floor, where a private guided tour begins. The guide—like Arnie or Yemisi—brings a wealth of knowledge, making what could be just another sightseeing stop into a personal history lesson about Paris’s most recognizable monument. Reaching the second floor, you’ll find yourself immersed in breathtaking panoramic views of Paris’s skyline, with landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Louvre laid out before you.

The ground-floor tour is also included, providing a more intimate look at the Tower itself. This focus on the Eiffel’s engineering marvels adds depth to the visit and allows for personal questions and engaging stories. Some reviews highlight guides like Obinna, who make the experience memorable by blending helpful commentary with a friendly demeanor.

Dining at Madame Brasserie

Next, your tour includes a lunch reservation at Madame Brasserie, located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. This is a highlight for many—combining gourmet French cuisine with stunning views. The choice of a 11:30 am or 1 pm reservation offers flexibility, especially if you want to fit in a Seine cruise beforehand or afterward.

The restaurant serves classic dishes in a setting that’s both elegant and relaxed, perfect for a leisurely meal after ascending the tower. With the reserved seating, you skip the line and avoid the fuss of waiting—important in a popular spot like this.

Seine River Cruise & Champagne

The Seine cruise is where the tour becomes truly special. You’ll glide past notable landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Conciergerie, and the bridges of Paris, with Champagne in hand (if you chose the upgrade). The cruise lasts about an hour, and some reviews mention how knowing what you’re looking at makes the experience more meaningful, which is why the audio commentary is a plus for many.

Travelers have praised the scenic beauty of the river at night, especially with the Eiffel Tower’s light show adding sparkle to the horizon. Whether you take the cruise before or after lunch, the flexibility adds to the overall enjoyment, depending on your personal pace.

Optional Summit Visit

Adding the Eiffel Tower summit gives you access to the very top of the monument, offering even more spectacular views. It’s an optional upgrade but one that many find worthwhile, especially for that unforgettable panoramic perspective. Keep in mind, this part of the tour can be scheduled after lunch, giving you a layered experience of the Eiffel Tower.

What Travelers Say

Feedback from previous guests offers honest insights. Several reviewers mention their guides made the experience memorable, highlighting guides like Yemisi and Obinna as knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. One reviewer noted, “The guide was very knowledgeable of the area and made the experience enjoyable,” reflecting how significant a good guide can be.

However, not all reviews are perfect. One traveler experienced a disappointment when the boat wasn’t running, and their trip was canceled—an important reminder to check weather or operational updates when booking. The review also pointed out that refund or rescheduling support can vary, so booking through a reliable operator is essential.

The value of the experience is also praised; many find that combining the sights, luxury dining, and cruise for just over $350 is a good deal considering the quality and exclusivity of the experience. The inclusion of insider tips and a guidebook adds extra value, helping travelers continue exploring on their own.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is rich with experiences, there are a few logistical points to keep in mind. Since transportation isn’t included, plan to arrive at the Eiffel Tower independently—many people take the metro, which is close by. The timing of the lunch and cruise requires some planning, especially if you’d like to do both the cruise and summit visit—your guide can help coordinate the schedule.

The duration of about two hours means you’ll need to be prepared for a fairly quick-paced experience, but it’s enough to soak in key sights without feeling rushed. The private guide makes a world of difference in maximizing your time and tailoring the experience to your interests.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want an authentic, guided visit to Paris’s most famous landmarks combined with a touch of luxury. If you appreciate learning from knowledgeable guides, enjoy gourmet dining, and want to see the city from multiple perspectives—on land, water, and sky—this tour offers fantastic value.

It’s also ideal for those who value flexibility, as you can adjust the cruise and summit timings according to your preferences. While a bit pricier than simpler sightseeing options, the combination of guided insight, fine food, and scenic cruise justifies the cost for many seeking a memorable, hassle-free day in Paris.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is transportation to the Eiffel Tower included? No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get there, usually via public transit nearby.
• What are the lunch times available? The tour offers reservations at either 11:30 am or 1 pm, giving you some flexibility depending on your schedule.
• Can I add the Eiffel Tower summit? Yes, the summit is an optional upgrade that is scheduled after lunch, providing a breathtaking view from the very top.
• Is the Seine cruise guided? No, the cruise has a multilingual audio commentary, but not a live guide—though some reviews mention that knowing what you’re seeing makes a difference.
• Can I do the cruise before or after lunch? Yes, the schedule is flexible enough to accommodate either, depending on your preference.
• How much does the tour cost? The standard price is $354.80 per person, which includes the guided tour, lunch, and the cruise (if added).
• Are there any reviews about the guide? Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness, with specific mentions of guides like Arnie, Yemisi, and Obinna making the experience memorable.

Final Thoughts

This private tour offers a well-rounded, luxurious taste of Paris. It combines guided expert insight, gourmet French cuisine, and scenic water views—all in just a couple of hours. It’s perfect for travelers who want a personalized experience that goes beyond the typical quick visit, offering a deeper understanding of Paris’s most iconic sights.

The carefully curated schedule, the quality of guides, and the option to upgrade the experience make it a strong choice for visitors looking to indulge in a memorable day. While it’s a bit of an investment, many find the value and authenticity well worth the price.

If you’re after a combination of learning, luxury, and scenic beauty, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for those who want to enjoy Paris comfortably, with a small group or private attention, and leave with stories to tell long after the trip ends.