Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Monday, 4 May 2020: Arrive London; Orientation Walk; 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 heading out on an orientation walk to get acquainted with the Kensington neighborhood. Upon return to the hotel we will enjoy a light dinner at a local pub this evening. Overnight London - 4 nights
Tuesday, 5 May 2020: Tower of London; Westminster Abbey; Afternoon Tea (B,O)
The most expedient way of getting around London is via the London Underground (subway). And that's exactly how we'll traverse the city today. We begin at the Tower of London to glimpse the crown jewels. We then 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, site of every Coronation since 1066 and where 17 monarchs are buried. The Abbey also showcases Britain's most celebrated scientists, writers, thinkers and politicians. Later we enjoy afternoon tea, the quintessential English experience and the perfect way to end our day.
Wednesday, 6 May 2020: 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, 7 May 2020: Free Day in London (B)
Today is your day to experience aspects of London that most appeal to you. So many of London's museums and galleries are free. You may want to visit the world-famous British Museum or peruse modern art at the Tate. Or maybe you simply want to poke around Harrods, arguably the world's most famous department store. 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, 8 May 2020: Eurostar Train to Paris; City Sightseeing; Seine River Cruise (B,D)
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'll embark on a panoramic sightseeing tour of the iconic sites and you'll soon 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 before we enjoy dinner together. Later this evening, we'll 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. Overnight Paris - 4 nights
Saturday, 9 May 2020: 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 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, 10 May 2020: Free Morning; Group Lunch; Walking Gourmet Tour (B,L)
The morning is at your leisure. You might opt to visit the Musee d'Orsay or the Rodin Museum. Or perhaps you'd like to stroll along the Champs-Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe where from the top you get one of the best views of Paris. Or maybe you just want to sleep in and relax a bit. We'll meet for a lunch at the Eiffel Tower and then in the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour and sampling of pastries and chocolates in the Marais neighborhood. All in all, we'll get our fill of this decadent city today. Note: The restaurant at the Eiffel Tower is expected to re-open after renovations by the time this tour departs. Should the restaurant be unexpectedly closed, WTT will substitute another dining experience.
Monday, 11 May 2020: The Louvre; Free Afternoon; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
This morning, we begin our day together at the Louvre, originally a royal palace and now the world's largest art museum featuring famous works, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The rest of the day is yours to further explore Paris. You Your WTT Tour Leader will offer suggestions on how to maximize this day. There is so much to do in Paris, you won't be bored! We end our adventure with a Farewell Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Tuesday, 12 May 2020: 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.