Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Monday, 3 Sep 2018: Arrive London; City Sightseeing Tour; Welcome Dinner at Local Pub (D)
Schedule your arrival into London no later than 10:00am and take provided transfer to the hotel. The tour begins at 1:15PM in the lobby of the hotel. We will make introductions before departing for our city tour of London. See iconic sights such as the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge, to name just a few iconic places. Upon return to the hotel we will enjoy a light dinner at a local pub this evening. Overnight London - 4 nights
Tuesday, 4 Sep 2018: Tower of London; Westminster Abbey; High Tea (B,O)
We begin the day at the Tower of London to glimpse the crown jewels. After a quick lunch break, we head to Westminster Abbey, one of the world's great churches and an architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries. Today, it's a living pageant of British history, from the shrine of St. Edward the Confessor, the tombs of kings and queens, and countless memorials to the famous and the great. It has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066 and for numerous other royal occasions. Later we enjoy afternoon tea, the quintessential English experience and the perfect way to end our day.
Wednesday, 5 Sep 2018: Windsor Castle and Town of Windsor (B)
We travel through the English countryside to Windsor Castle, home of the British royal family for more than 900 years and now the Queen's favorite weekend retreat. The castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion and is the world's oldest and largest occupied castle. It is steeped in royal history and antique furnishings. We'll see the Gothic St George's Chapel, one of the most beautiful and impressive buildings in England and the final resting place for 10 monarchs. After visiting the castle, enjoy time exploring the town. We'll return to London late afternoon.
Thursday, 6 Sep 2018: Free Day in London (B)
Today is your day to experience aspects of London that most appeal to you. You may want to visit the world-famous British Museum, poke around Harrods, arguably the world's most famous department store, wander the world's largest antiques market along Portabello Road or peruse modern art at the Tate. You can even book a day trip to Stonehenge. Your WTT Tour Leader will have a sightseeing itinerary if you wish to spend the day with her. This evening would be a good time to see a play in the West End if you are interested.
Friday, 7 Sep 2018: Eurostar Train to Paris; City Sightseeing Tour; Seine River Cruise (B)
We catch the Eurostar train to Paris this morning for an enjoyable 2 1/2-hour journey that takes us under the English Channel and emerges in the French countryside before terminating in Paris. Upon arrival, we meet our guide for a sightseeing tour of the iconic sites of Paris. You'll see why Paris is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Afterward, we check-in to our centrally located hotel and have time to relax and freshen up. Later this evening we see Paris from the Seine. Many historic landmarks line the river and a plethora of bridges span it, some of which are centuries old and designated as historical heritage sites in their own right. This night-time cruise is simply stunning. Overnight Paris- 4 nights
Saturday, 8 Sep 2018: Monet's Garden; The Palace of Versailles (B)
Our day begins in Giverny to see the gardens that inspired French Impressionist painter Claude Monet. After time for lunch in Giverny we visit the Palace of Versailles, the center of political power in France under Louis XIV. The breathtaking chateau features the King’s Grand Apartments, the Museum of the History of France and the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles, ending the First World War, was ratified. We return to Paris late this afternoon.
Sunday, 9 Sep 2018: The Louvre Tour; Lunch at Eiffel Tower; Free Time (B,L)
A tour of the Louvre, originally a royal palace, will introduce us to the museum’s most famous works, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The museum itself is one of the world's largest, the most visited, and a historic monument. Then, we're off to enjoy lunch at another Parisian landmark – the Eiffel Tower. After lunch, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Monday, 10 Sep 2018: Free Day in Paris; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
Today is yours to further explore Paris. Your WTT Tour Leader will offer suggestions on how to maximize this day. She will have a sightseeing itinerary if you wish to spend the day with her. Perhaps you'd like to explore the Tuileries Gardens or window shop along the Champs-Elysees or climb the impressive Arc de Triomphe. We end our adventure with a Farewell Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Tuesday, 11 Sep 2018: Return Home from Paris (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Based on the departure time you provide WTT, your Tour Leader will organize travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish. You can also take the Air France airport bus or ride the RER suburban train.