Spend a wonderful week in London and Paris with your family! Start in London and discover this magnificent city with a Local Guide on a memorable and fun day. See the major sites like Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and the Changing of the Guard, if held. Meet the Beefeaters at the Tower of London, then take a short journey on the Thames River to the London Eye, the world’s tallest observation wheel, for a “flight” over the city. There is also plenty of time for independent sightseeing—why not take in one of London’s West End theater shows, visit Madame Tussauds, or join an optional excursion to Windsor Castle or the Tower of London? Next, an exciting ride on the high-speed Eurostar train to Paris. Upon arrival, ride the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Sghtseeing with a Local Guide features all major sites: the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Opéra, and a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral. Again, there is plenty of time for other activities, and optional excursions are available to the Louvre Museum, the Palace of Versailles, and more. On the last evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant to celebrate the perfect vacation!
Itinerary:
Day #1 Cheers, London! Welcome to jolly old England! Enjoy free time today to rest before your adventure begins, or you may choose to set out on your own to discover London. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and fellow traveling companions for a WELCOME PARTY & DINNER at your hotel. (D)
Day #2 Ride a DOUBLE-DECKER BUS & Fly over the City on the London Eye. Hop aboard a [LF] traditional LONDON DOUBLE-DECKER BUS for a memorable morning of sightseeing that includes all the famous landmarks: Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Prime Minister’s home and office at Number 10 Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and also the colorful Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace (if held). A pizza lunch is next on the menu, then you will meet the Beefeaters, the guardians of the 900-year-old TOWER OF LONDON. After that, board a river boat, which brings you to the [LF] LONDON EYE, for a ride on Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel. This afternoon, you will have tome to explore London further on your own. (B,L)
Day #3 Explore London. The whole day is free for independent sightseeing. Consider visiting Windsor Castle, the Queen’s favorite residence and the largest inhabited castle in the world; walk through the opulently decorated State Apartments and see St. George’s Hall, often used for banquets with as many as 160 people. Or you might want to spend some time at Madame Tussauds celebrity wax figure exhibition and mingle with some of Hollywood’s finest stars, sporting heroes, music megastars, and world leaders. And how about dinner followed by a relaxed nighttime illumination cruise on the River Thames this evening? (B)
Day #4 Travel the “Chunnel” & See Paris From Atop the Eiffel Tower. All aboard the high-speed EUROSTAR TRAIN today! You’ll zoom up to 150 miles per hour, traveling through the undersea Channel Tunnel (Chunnel) and arriving in just over two hours in fabulous Paris, the “City of Light.” Later, take the elevator to the TOP OF THE EIFFEL TOWER, the tallest structure in Paris, for an unforgettable experience overlooking the city. (B)
Day #5 Visit a Cathedral & try a Crêpe. This morning, your Local Guide shows you what makes Paris so captivating. Admire the most famous sights: the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and visit NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL, setting for The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Try counting the many gargoyles, or marvel at its beautiful stained-glass Rose Window. Later, sample one of France’s specialties—a [LF] freshly made CRÊPE. (B)
Day #6 Lunch like a Parisian & Seine River Cruise. Today, enjoy lunch like a Parisian! Munch on a baguette at a [LF] PICNIC LUNCH in beautiful Luxembourg Gardens (weather permitting). Relax in the shade, watch the chess and Jeux de Boules (lawn bowling) players, or explore this popular park with its puppet shows, pony rides, carousel, playground, statues, and lush green lawns. This evening, [LF] CRUISE ON THE RIVER SEINE, then enjoy a SEND-OFF CELEBRATION DINNER at a local restaurant to celebrate the success of your unforgettable vacation. (B,L,D)
Day #7 Paris. Au revoir. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Hotels:
LONDON Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (SF)
PARIS Pullman Paris Bercy (SF)