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. With no planned activities through the afternoon, take the time to explore on your own. 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, gather with your fellow travelers for a taste of traditional pub fare — where else but at a London pub!

Start your morning with a local in London. Kick it off with a two-hour walking tour of Westminster, where you will see the exteriors of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace before venturing inside the majestic Westminster Abbey. 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. Take the afternoon at leisure to wander through more of London’s charming Christmas markets. Peruse the sea of wooden chalets offering 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 shows off a full display of Christmas spirit. Indulge in a Christmas afternoon tea before spending time perusing the many stalls filled with decorations and Christmas souvenirs.

Allons-y! Today, you’re off to Paris! Hop aboard the 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 four-night stay in the “City of Light” as you join 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. 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.

This morning, visit Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial, a solemn tribute to the U.S. soldiers who served in both World Wars. Stroll through the rows of gravestones, pause in quiet reflection within the chapel, and take in the city view from this serene hillside setting. Next, ready your senses to delve into the art of perfume making. Create your own fragrance during a hands-on workshop led by a master perfumer, fondly known as a “Nez” (Nose), and after, return to your hotel with your creation in hand. 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.