Experience the majesty of London on a tour of its palaces and landmarks. Get swept away in the romance of Paris as you peruse the city’s cafes for the perfect pastry. And discover the canals and museums of Amsterdam, a beautiful, intimate city where you’ll be immersed in culture and tradition on our guided tour.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Begin your vacation with an overnight flight to London.
Day 2 - London
After clearing customs and collecting your bags, look for the Hotel by Bus Transfer desk. They will be providing your transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or begin acquainting yourself with London. Meet your fellow travelers this evening at an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner
Day 3 - London
London’s landmarks are timeless, and you’ll see them all on this morning’s guided sightseeing tour. View the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and nearby 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister. See the formal royal hunting ground of Hyde Park and glimpse the ceremonial Changing of the Guard (seasonal) at St. James’s Palace. Pass by Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. The afternoon is free to continue your sightseeing of London or join an optional excursion to Windsor Castle.
Included meals: breakfast
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$85 USD |
Windsor Castle
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.
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Day 4 - London
With a full free day in London, choose from a wide variety of options. Soak in history at the celebrated British Museum or take an afternoon walk in Covent Garden, made famous in My Fair Lady. Watch the street performers (called “buskers”) or browse the now-chic shops lining the plaza. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Stonehenge and Bath.
Included meals: breakfast
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$105 USD |
Stonehenge & Bath
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.
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Day 5 - Paris
This morning, board the Eurostar, Europe’s technological marvel, completed in the mid-1990’s. This quarter-mile-long, high-speed train makes the journey from London to Paris in just over two hours. After hotel check-in, the rest of your day is free to explore Paris before this evening’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 6 - Paris
This morning, take in a panoramic view of the City of Light on a guided sightseeing tour. You’ll see the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe, Opera House, Les Invalides, the Champs-Élysées and legendary Notre-Dame. This massive Gothic cathedral, begun in 1163 and completed in 1345, can hold up to 6,000 worshippers. This afternoon, join an optional excursion to Versailles, home of the magnificent palace built by King Louis XIV.
Included meals: breakfast
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$99 USD |
Versailles
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.
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Day 7 - Paris
Today is free to enjoy Paris on your own. You might wish to visit Paris’ two most famous museums, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. The latter is housed in a former railway station built in 1900, and today contains an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist work, from Manet to Gauguin. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Montmartre, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway and the rest of the “Lost Generation”?of the Parisian 1920s, take in the famous Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, and stop and enjoy a crepe at one of the local terrasse. Tonight, attend our optional Evening in Paris with dinner at a local restaurant followed by a cruise on the Seine.
Included meals: breakfast
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$75 USD |
Montmartre
Stroll through Montmartre on a walking tour. A renowned artists quarter, Montmartre served as the center of the "Lost Generation" and inspired Ernest Hemingway as he wrote A Moveable Feast. You'll also have time to gaze upon the famous Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. After taking in the sights, stop and enjoy a drink and a crêpe at one of the local cafes.
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$99 USD |
Evening in Paris
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.
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Day 8 - Amsterdam
Enjoy a picturesque ride on the Thalys train to Amsterdam. After checking in to your hotel, a local guide leads you on an afternoon walking tour of the canals and character of Amsterdam. View the magnificent houseboats and unique homes that dot the canal banks, along with the charming collection of Dutch bicyclists. You’ll also visit Dam Square and a diamond factory before embarking on an included canal cruise. Dinner is included with your fellow travelers this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: canal cruise
Day 9 - Amsterdam
Today is free to explore Amsterdam on your own. The city is wonderfully small scale, ensuring you’ll never venture too far off course. Your Tour Director will help you choose from a variety of options this morning. You may wish to explore the Begijnhof courtyard, dating back to the 14th century. If you are traveling in April or May, join an optional excursion to the famous and beautiful Keukenhof flower gardens (seasonal). This evening, opt for dinner and a relaxing cruise on Amsterdam’s canals.
Included meals: breakfast
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$89 USD |
Keukenhof Gardens
With millions of flowers growing on 70 acres of gardens, Keukenhof has been a showplace for the Dutch floral industry for more than half a century. Set in the grounds of an old manor house, this tranquil garden will mesmerize you. On this special excursion, you may be able to view more than six million flowers in bloom, including daffodils, croci and hyacinths, as well as thousands of tulip varieties. Please note: Peak tulip season varies with the weather. This optional excursion is seasonal and runs only from late March through May.
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$115 USD |
Canal Cruise & Dinner
Travel along the canals of Amsterdam on a low-slung house boat, enjoying the view of row houses lit up for the night. Your cruise will take you through the center of the city as you enjoy dinner by lantern light.
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Day 10 - Amsterdam
Spend the day in Amsterdam however you like—we recommend the many famous museums that draw visitors throughout the year. By far the most celebrated is the Van?Gogh Museum, with close to 200 paintings on display, including The Potato Eaters and The Yellow House in Arles. Then compare his work to modern artists at the nearby Stedelijk Museum. Or join an optional excursion to The Hague (European seat of the United Nations), Delft (known for the traditional blue china made by local potters) and a flower market.
Included meals: breakfast
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$99 USD |
Delft & The Hague
Your first stop on this excursion is to visit the world famous flower market at Aalsmeer for a close-up look at one of Holland’s best-known national exports: its brilliantly hued tulips. Continue to Delft, a charming town of canals, cobbled alleyways and medieval architecture. Your final destination is The Hague, seat of the Dutch Parliament and home to Queen Beatrix. Here, a local guide shows you the Peace Palace and the International Court of Justice. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, whose collection includes masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age, including paintings by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Steen and Frans Hals.
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Day 11 - Amsterdam
This morning, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)