Enjoy a week in London and Paris in centrally located hotels and accompanied by an expert Tour Director. After your arrival in London, enjoy a traditional dining experience combined with a relaxed night-time river cruise on the Thames. Guided sightseeing includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace, and ends with a London Eye Champagne Experience—a ride on the world’s tallest observation wheel while you sip a glass of champagne. The rest of the time is free for independent activities. Then, hop aboard the high-speed Eurostar train and head for Paris, where an orientation drive shows off the city’s most famous landmarks. Ascend to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, visit Notre Dame Cathedral, sample a crepe, explore the Montmartre art district, visit Sacre Coeur Basilica, and enjoy a special lunch. This getaway is truly magnifique!
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in London, England. Welcome to London! Your Tour Director will meet you upon your arrival at the hotel, and is available to help you make the most of your stay. This evening, enjoy a unique chance to combine a traditional dining experience with a relaxed, night-time river cruise. A three-course welcome dinner with wine at a contemporary London restaurant is followed by a private, narrated CRUISE on the River Thames to admire some of the capital’s most beautiful illuminated sights, including Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. (D)
Day #2 London. After a hearty English breakfast, morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. A special highlight is the [LF] LONDON EYE CHAMPAGNE EXPERIENCE—a ride on the world’s tallest observation wheel, with stunning views of the city while you sip a glass of champagne. Free time in the afternoon for independent activities. Later, why not take in one of London’s West End theater shows? (B)
Day #3 At Leisure in London. Today offers you the opportunity to join one of our optional excursions. Consider a visit to the Tower of London, which has been guarded by the Beefeaters since the 14th century and houses the fabulous Crown Jewels; to Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world and the Queen’s favorite residence; or one of the exciting full-day excursions available for your enjoyment. (B)
Day #4 London–Paris, France. Board the high-speed EUROSTAR TRAIN for an exciting ride to Paris. On arrival, an orientation drive features the highlights of the splendid capital of chic and style, and for a bird’s-eye view, take the elevator to the second floor of Paris’ most famous landmark: the EIFFEL TOWER. This evening, you may wish to join an optional dinner at one of Paris’ fine restaurants followed by an illumination drive to see the “City of Light” by night. (B)
Day #5 Paris. Start with a guided visit of magnificent NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL with its Rose Window. Next, enjoy a CRÊPE at a local crêperie, before continuing to MONTMARTRE, the most famous Parisian artist area. [LF] Ride the little TRAIN uphill through narrow lanes, then follow your Local Guide on a walking tour to visit famous SACRE COEUR BASILICA, with the chance to take pictures of the spectacular view of Paris. End up at Place du Tertre, where artists display their art. Enjoy a special lunch in one of the many restaurants here, consisting of the traditional soupe à l’oignon (onion soup), accompanied by French baguette, and tarte tatin as dessert. In the evening, an optional dinner and show at the world-famous Moulin Rouge in the famous Pigalle area is available. (B,L)
Day #6 At Leisure in Paris. Immerse yourself in this fascinating city. You may wish to join our optional excursions to the imposing Louvre Museum to admire the Mona Lisa, or to the immense Palace and Gardens of Versailles, the most famous palace in Europe, built by the Sun King, Louis XIV. Tonight, a special farewell dinner with wine has been prepared at a local restaurant, the best way to say, “Au Revoir, Paris.” (B,D)
Day #7 Paris. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
