Exploring the Timeless Legacy of Parisian Design: The SoFA Design Tour 2025
Bonjour!
We invite you to an extraordinary experience embodying our mantra, #LiveDesign—the Paris Design Tour 2025, from May 24 to May 31, 2025.
Join us in celebrating Paris's legacy as a beacon of artistic excellence while embracing its vibrant present. This immersive and enlightening journey into joie de vivre will take you to the heart of Paris, the global capital of style and creativity. It will offer unparalleled exposure to iconic design landmarks, exclusive industry insights, and vibrant cultural experiences.
The SoFA Design Tour 2025 promises to be an enlightening journey into joie de vivre. #WeLiveDesign #SoFALovesParis
Inclusive of:
- 7 nights accommodation based on double sharing with breakfast
- Inner City Travel & Inter-city Travel (INNER City means within the City - Metro/Train from museum destinations, etc., INTERCITY means outside of Paris - so the travel to Versailles is covered)
- Tour, museum and destination entry fees & access
Exclusive of:
- Food and drinks (but it will include regular lunch during the Official SoFA Tour Days as we head to the day’s destinations)
- Airfare, Terminal Fees and Surcharges
- Travel/Personal Insurance
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ACCOMMODATION AND FLIGHT DETAILS
Confirmed Hotel: Hotel Mercure Paris 17 Batignolles (118 Rue de Tocqueville, 75017 Paris, France).
Please take note: a ccommodations will have similar amenities, locations, and standards if any changes occur.
Recommended Flight: Cathay Pacific Airways
Please take note: Airfare is not included because we would like to offer our participants the flexibility to tailor their travel arrangements according to their preferences and individual circumstances. Moreover, we recognize that some travellers may wish to extend their journey by visiting other destinations before or after our Paris trip.
PARTICIPANTS SHOULD NOT BOOK FLIGHTS UNTIL SoFA HAS GIVEN THE OFFICIAL GO-SIGNAL TO DO SO.
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TRAVEL ITINERARY
MAY 24, 2025 (Saturday) - Bonjour!
Paris Design Tour delegates will be kicking off this cultural adventure by meeting up at the Charles de Gaulle Airport from 12nn to 3 PM Paris Time. The delegation will have transfers to the hotel and the official group check-in of the SoFA Design Tour delegates. After settling into your accommodations, take a moment to relax and adjust to the Parisian rhythm. You may enjoy a leisurely evening walk along the Seine or through one of Paris’s elegant quartiers, savoring your first glimpses of the City of Lights.
MAY 25, 2025 (Sunday) - Iconic Paris Landmarks
This day is dedicated to Paris’s iconic landmarks, beginning with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Stroll down the Champs-Élysées, then continue to the Arc de Triomphe, before a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Marvel at the Gothic architecture as we continue on to the bohemian district of Montmartre, where you can wander the cobbled streets and admire the artistic history of the area.
MAY 26, 2025 (Monday) - The Louvre & Seine Cruise
Explore the world-renowned Louvre Museum: Immerse yourself in its vast collections, from the Mona Lisa to ancient Greek sculptures. In the afternoon, unwind with a scenic Seine River Cruise, gliding past some of Paris’s most famous landmarks, such as the Notre-Dame and the Musée d'Orsay. The cruise offers a unique perspective of the city, showcasing Paris’s romance and architectural grandeur.
MAY 27, 2025 (Tuesday) - French Fashion History
This day is dedicated to the heart of French fashion, beginning with the elegant Place Vendôme, known for its luxury boutiques and jewelry. Stroll down Rue de la Paix and Rue Saint-Honoré, where iconic fashion houses such as Chanel and Dior have their roots. We continue the fashionable journey along Rue de Rivoli and Rue Castiglione, before visiting two of Paris’s most celebrated fashion museums: the Musée Yves Saint Laurent and La Galerie Dior, where you can delve into the history of these legendary designers and their influence on global style.
MAY 28, 2025 (Wednesday) - Day Trip to Versailles
Take a day trip to the opulent Palace of Versailles, just outside Paris. Explore the Hall of Mirrors, the stunning gardens, and the palace’s grandiose interiors, a reflection of the royal splendor of the French monarchy. The Versailles estate offers a rare glimpse into a bygone era of luxury, power, and culture, making it an essential stop for any history or art enthusiast.
MAY 29, 2025 (Thursday) - Paris Food Tour & Marangoni Paris Talk
Indulge your senses in a culinary exploration of Paris, savoring the rich flavors of French cuisine on a guided Paris Food Tour. After enriching both mind and belly via the city’s gastronomic heritage, Let’s discover the cutting-edge world of design at the Istituto Marangoni Paris.
MAY 30, 2025 (Friday) - Musée d'Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle & Musée Rodin, Place des Vosges & Le Marais
Your final full day in Paris explores Musée d'Orsay, where you can admire masterpieces from the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist periods. On to Sainte-Chapelle, a jewel of Gothic architecture known for its stunning stained-glass windows. In the afternoon, explore the Musée Rodin, home to sculptures by the master Auguste Rodin. Later, discover the elegant Place des Vosges and explore the charming Le Marais district, a blend of historic streets, boutique shops, and vibrant cafés, a perfect culmination of the city’s creative soul.
May 31, 2025 (Saturday) - Au Revoir Paris!
Check Out & Departure: As we bid farewell to our ‘home’ in Paris, the SoFA Design Tour 2025 delegates may continue to enjoy the morning’s free time before we all bid each other Au Revoir! We will be bringing back our memories, diverse experiences, personal stories, and hopefully the spirit of travel that will continue to inspire us as #WeLiveDesign #SoFALovesParis
Please note: As we refine the itinerary to deliver the best experience to our participants, minor changes may occur and should be expected. Set day itineraries may be adjusted and/switched with another day due to weather conditions and other important factors.
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PAYMENT DETAILS
SoFA Students Rate
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Full Payment: PHP 165,000
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2-Part Installment Plan:
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1st Payment Due: PHP 84,500 (on or before March 15, 2025)
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2nd Payment Due: PHP 84,500 (on or before April 4, 2025)
Non-SoFA Students Rate
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Full Payment: PHP 182,700
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2-Part Installment Plan:
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1st Payment Due: PHP 93,350 (on or before March 15, 2025)
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2nd Payment Due: PHP 93,350 (on or before April 4, 2025)
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After making your payment via online transfer or bank deposit, please send the proof of payment to cashier@sofa.edu.ph and deniselabra@sofa.edu.ph for verification.