from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Equi Tours Sweden, a major European travel organizer that specializes in equestrian events and activities, is offering a five-day tour to Paris, France and the Prix d’Amérique from Thursday (Jan. 28) through Monday (Feb. 1).

The tour will also include sightseeing in Paris, a visit to the Grosbois training center, the choice of a trade fair at Vincennes Racecourse or a show at Moulin Rouge and an International Trotting Cocktail Party at Terrass Hotel following the races. Extended tours are also available.

Participants are responsible for their own airfare to Paris.

Following is the daily agenda for the tour:

Thursday, Jan. 28 – Arrival, Sightseeing and Welcome Dinner

Guests should plan to arrive in Paris in the morning to have time to walk the streets of the city’s famed arts district Montmartre, where Picasso and so many others created their masterpieces.

During the afternoon, there will be a sightseeing bus tour of Paris that will include visiting the Arch of Triumph, Place de la Concorde and Eiffel Tower (about 3.5 hours including photo-stop) followed by a “welcome three-course French dinner” accompanied by French wine and coffee
(this dinner is included in the tour).

Friday, Jan. 29 – Vincennes Fair and Moulin Rouge

There will be free time in the morning to visit the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, which stands guard over the city and affords visitors with a unique view of Paris spread out below, as well as other sights of the city.

Visitors then have a choice between an afternoon bus trip to Vincennes Racecourse for a trade fair with vendors selling artwork, jewelry, clothing, equine accessories and much more or an evening show at Moulin Rouge with the choice of dinner and champagne at 7 p.m. or just champagne at 9 p.m. with the show.

Those attending the trade fair in the afternoon will have the evening open to explore Paris on their own.

Saturday, Jan. 30 – Grosbois Training Center and Cocktail Party

The weekend begins with a visit to the nearby Grosbois Training Centre with a tour of the facilities and opportunity to meet and talk to French trainers with the possibility of seeing one of the horses that will race in the Prix d’Amerique the next day. On the return trip to the hotel, the bus will stop at Vincennes Racecourse for anyone who would like to attend the races that afternoon. There are a variety of accommodations available at the track.

Saturday evening features the International Trotting Cocktail Party at Terrass Hotel with Scandinavians in attendance who have come to cheer on their favorites in the Prix d’Amerique.

Sunday, Jan. 31 – Prix d’Amérique

Sunday is Prix d’Amerique Day, when everyone will attend one of the greatest trotting races in the world. The bus will arrive at Vincennes Racecourse for the historic 1-5/8th mile race. At the track, there are restaurant options available (for an additional cost) in either the Paddock or Sulky restaurants.

Monday, Feb. 1 – Departure

Monday concludes the five-day tour, but there is an option to extend the trip with a visit to Normandy, including the D-Day beaches and stud farms, on Feb. 1 and 2.

Hotels in Paris

There is a choice of two hotels in Paris. Accommodations are in a shared double room (single room available at additional cost). Buffet breakfast is included.

Hôtel Mercure Paris Montmartre (4-star)
For more information, visit www.montmartrenet.com

Hôtel Terrass (4-star+, recently renovated)
For more information, visit www.terrass-hotel.com

For prices and complete information, visit the Equi Tours Sweden website at www.equitours.se/en-us/.

For reservations, questions or special requests, contact:

Equi Tours – info@equitours.se or Dean Hoffman at deanahoffman49@gmail.com

The deadline for reservations is Dec. 15, 2015.