Stratford & the Cotswolds - Day 4

Departs in the morning (9 hours) - $109 USD

Spend a relaxing day strolling through the Cotswolds, a range of low, rolling hills. You'll start with a visit to Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon Avon. Later, a local guide leads you on a tour of Blenheim Palace, the stately country home where Winston Churchill was born.

Windsor Castle - Day 5

Departs in the afternoon (5 hours) - $85 USD

Led by a Blue Badge Guide, you’ll travel to Windsor for a guided visit to the world’s largest and longest-inhabited castle. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1070, Windsor has been the British Royal Family’s preferred retreat for the past 900 years. Step inside the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel (closed Sundays), where the Knights of the Garter ceremony takes place. View the exhibit of royal treasures on display within the castle. You’ll then have time to stroll through the town of Windsor and have a look at Eton College, a prestigious prep school attended by Princes William and Harry. Please note: Windsor Castle is occasionally closed when in use by the Royal Family; a visit to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court will be substituted when necessary.

Stonehenge & Bath - Day 6

Departs in the morning (8 hours) - $105 USD

Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. The origin and purpose of this ring of stones, which dates from the Neolithic period (about 4,000 years ago), is unknown, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. Then, continue on to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture.Your Tour Director will show you the town’s major sights, including the wonderfully preserved Roman baths for which the town is named.

St. Paul's Cathedral & Westminster Abbey - Day 7

Departure times vary (5 hours) - $115 USD

On a tour of London’s famed churches, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, globally renowned for its magnificent dome and glittering mosaics. While touring St. Paul’s Cathedral, explore the beautiful Whispering Gallery and discover its outstanding acoustics. Continue on to Westminster Abbey, located near the Houses of Parliament. Since 1066, every royal coronation, with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII, has taken place at Westminster Abbey. The abbey also serves as the burial ground for luminaries including Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton. Please note: This excursion does not run on Sundays.

London Eye & Pub Dinner - Day 7

Evening w/ dinner (5 hours) - $119 USD

Glide through the London sky on the London Eyel. The world’s tallest observation wheel, the London Eye lifts its passengers 450 feet above the River Thames for a 30-minute ride in an enclosed gondola. In clear weather, you can see for 25 miles around the city center. Afterward, enjoy a mini-tour of London’s West End before venturing to a local pub for dinner. Please note: The day of the week for this excursion is subject to change.

Versailles - Day 9

Departs in the afternoon (5 hours) - $99 USD

The reign of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards for decadence among the crowned heads of Europe. It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles, once a small hunting lodge, into the most magnificent château in all of France and the envy of royalty worldwide. On this excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Then stroll through the lavish gardens with their fine statuary, splendid fountains and colorful flowerbeds. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 45 days prior to departure.

Giverny - Day 10

Departs in the morning (7 hours) - $85 USD

The town of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. On a visit to Monet's home and gardens, you'll discover the subtle palette of colors that inspired his Water Lilies series and gave rise to a new way of seeing. Please note: This excursion is seasonal and runs April through October.

Evening in Paris - Day 10

Evening w/ dinner (5 hours) - $99 USD

Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris’ bridges, you’ll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: The dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire.

Notre-Dame & the Marais - Day 11

Departs in the morning (5 hours) - $75 USD

Your guided walking tour of Paris begins on Île de la Cité, the city’s legendary birthplace and home to the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Step inside the cathedral to admire the stained-glass rose windows and seemingly weightless vaulted ceilings. Walk along the flower market beside the island’s Palais de Justice, which houses the Conciergerie, the former prison where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned. Wander past the Hôtel de Ville, the city’s administrative heart, and continue through the Jewish Quarter to the gardens of Musée Carnavalet and Place des Vosges, noted as one of the prettiest squares in Paris. Lunch is included.

Chartres Cathedral - Day 12

Departs in the morning (7 hours) - $79 USD

Enjoy an excursion to Chartres Cathedral, one of the greatest French Gothic cathedrals. As the spires first come into view, the cathedral seems to hover in midair above the surrounding fields. A local guide will introduce you to the delicate carvings that cover the cathedral’s facade, the gorgeous stained-glass windows and the labyrinth that unfurls under the cathedral’s soaring vaults.  Enjoy time exploring the surrounding medieval town before your return to Paris. Please note: Chartres Cathedral is undergoing ongoing renovations. While touring the cathedral is still possible, there may be sections of the interior and/or exterior that cannot be fully viewed.