London & Paris Holiday

From cosmopolitan London to romantic Paris, see the best of the world's most captivating cities decorated for the holiday season. To help make the most of your getaway, unpack just once in each city. Enjoy a leisurely-paced journey with plenty of time to explore your own way.

Welcome to London at Christmastime, a metropolis filled with light, laughter and the excitement of the holiday season. Whether you’re searching the city’s many Christmas markets for handmade gifts and colorful decorations or basking in the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon, this will be a Christmas adventure you’ll never forget. This evening, get a taste of contemporary British fare as you join your fellow travelers for a meal highlighting London’s culinary renaissance.

Start your day with a local expert on a city tour. Kick it off with a walking tour of Westminster, where you will see the exteriors of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Continue to Buckingham Palace, the official office of His Majesty The King. A Christmastime visit to London wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Covent Garden, the hub of festivities for locals and visitors alike. Explore a wonderland of glorious holiday stalls and soak up the holiday cheer. After, set off to wander through more of London’s charming Christmas markets. Peruse the sea of wooden chalets offering a unique crafts, artisan goods, and local treats.

The day begins with a visit to Blenheim Palace, one of England’s most magnificent homes, that shines even brighter at Christmastime. The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, this UNESCO World Heritage site will give you a glimpse into the life of English royalty. Next, head into Oxford, home to the prestigious University of Oxford and all things Harry Potter! Enjoy a leisurely walk to admire the iconic architecture before taking some time to explore the many shops filled with Christmas gifts and goodies.

Allons-y! Today, you’re on to Paris! Hop aboard the sleek, futuristic Eurostar High Speed Train to get there in just two hours. A sophisticated metropolis of style and culture, Paris’ bustling city streets are filled with colorful history, fascinating museums, renowned monuments and grand theatres. Settle in for your 4-night stay in the “City of Light” as you join your Tour Manager for a walk to get acquainted with the neighborhood. Place de la Republique is conveniently located at the seam between the verdant Canal Saint-Martin and the elegant district of Le Marais abounding with gorgeous old mansions and trendy boutiques.

Join a local expert and come to know the highlights of Paris, including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral and Place de la Concorde. Stop at the Galeries Lafayette department store, cherished among Parisians for its sky-high Christmas tree, dazzling holiday displays, and Art Nouveau architecture. Explore how you’d like with an afternoon and night at leisure. Or, enjoy an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin* for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.

Be romanced by Paris, decorated for the season – the whole day is yours for the taking. You may wander over to the Left Bank of the Seine and plunge into the bohemian atmosphere of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood and the Latin Quarter. Or, join an optional excursion to Versailles,** where you’ll explore King Louis XIV’s magnificent Palace and Gardens. Relive history as you walk through the various rooms of the State Apartments, including the Queen's bed chamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. If you’d like a unique way to spend your evening, enjoy an optional spin the wheels of time from the backseat of a retro car. Cruise through the chic boulevards to the Montmartre neighborhood, where hip bohemia meets heaven-seeking basilicas.

This morning, step into the kitchens of an authentic Parisian bakery! See the workspaces and the various tools and machines these bakers use to make their delicious products, and learn about some of the secrets and history of baking, baguettes and croissants. It’s your last afternoon in Paris – how will you spend it? Should you indulge in some of the world's best shopping on the Champs-Elysees, or simply do as the Parisians do and sit at a sidewalk café, watching the beauty that is Paris go by? No matter what you decide, end the day with a romantic Seine River cruise set against Paris’ glittering skyline. After experience an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring French cuisine and breathtaking views.

You depart today, but London and Paris will remain in your heart forever.