The sparkle and bloom of London and Paris will make you smile, as is the annual flower show held in Chelsea. The most famous such show in the United Kingdom—perhaps the most famous gardening event in the world—The Chelsea Flower Show is only held five days in May bythe Royal Horticultural Society. During your tour, you'll enjoy art, architecture and ambiance, as you discover the lush and vibrant parks of these two beautiful cities.

Trip costs include:

Round-trip air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers
The services of a bilingual Go Ahead Tour Director
Private deluxe motorcoach
7 nights accommodation in comfortable, well-located hotels with twin beds and private bath or shower
All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes
Buffet breakfast daily; 1 three-course dinner
High-speed Eurostar train transfer and train porterage
Go Ahead travel gift and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - London

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to London aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - London

Welcome to London! After clearing customs and collecting your bags, transfer to your hotel by bus. They will be providing your transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for beginning your explorations of London. Meet your fellow group travelers at tonight’s Welcome Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - London

There’s never enough time to see the many wonders of Europe’s largest city, but you’ll have the chance to scratch the surface today. Go explore on your own or opt to join a guided sightseeing tour of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and a stop outside St. James’s Palace, where you might glimpse the ceremonial Changing of the Guard (seasonal). Later join an optional excursion to Windsor Castle. You’ll also have time to stroll through the town of Windsor and have a look at Eton College, a prestigious prep school that both Princes William and Harry have attended.
Included meals: breakfast

$85 USD

London Sightseeing

A local guide leads you on a guided sightseeing tour of London, highlighting Westminster Abbey, Big Ben Clock tower, Tower Bridge, Piccadilly Circus and more.

$85 USD

Windsor Castle

Travel to Windsor for a guided visit to the world’s largest inhabited castle. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1070, Windsor has been the preferred royal retreat for the past 900 years and is still in use by the Royal Family.

Please note: Windsor Castle is occasionally closed when in use by the Royal Family; a visit to Hampton Court will be substituted when necessary.

Day 4 - London

With another free day in London, spend time figuratively stripping away bricks, mortar and tarmac, when you set out to explore hidden parts of the capital: Soho, Covent Garden and Charing Cross. Both Soho and Covent Garden sustain vibrant local communities, while Marylebone’s pretty, village-like streets and quiet squares are one of London’s less-familiar treats.

You may also opt to join an excursion to Kew Gardens, one of the world’s leading botanic gardens. Here, you’ll see the world’s largest and most diverse collection of living plants, with over 40,000 different species. The Garden’s seven magnificent glasshouses, including the famous Palm House, display rare and unusual plants from across the world. You’ll also enjoy a guided tour of Kew Gardens and savor High Tea and a light lunch. But that’s not all. You’ll go “behind the scenes” and visit the Nursery, as well as have an answer and question session with one of the staff.

Later, join an optional excursion to one of Britain’s newest attractions, the London Eye, before dining out at a local pub.
Included meals: breakfast

$115 USD

Kew Gardens

Enjoy a full-day at Kew Gardens, one of the world¹s leading botanic gardens.
Here, you¹ll see the world's largest and most diverse collection of living plants, with over 40,000 different species. You¹ll also enjoy a guided tour of the gardens and savor High Tea and a light lunch, as well as visit the Nursery for an answer and question session with one of the staff.

$115 USD

London Eye & Pub Dinner

Glide through the London sky on the London Eye Ferris Wheel. 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.

Day 5 - London

The Chelsea Flower Show is the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship annual event. Visitors come from far and wide to see the creme de la creme of garden design and horticulture on show, and to get ideas to take home to their own gardens. And now you can count yourself among them, since today is fully dedicated to this annual event that can only be described as the garden design equivalent of a catwalk at a fashion show. After all, it is here that plant breeders’ unveil new plants and the Great Pavilion provides the first glimpses of the newest horticultural gems.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Chelsea Flower Show

Day 6 - Paris

This morning, transfer to Saint Pancras. Here, you’ll board the Eurostar, Europe’s quarter-milelong, high-speed train that whisks passengers below the English Channel and resurfaces in France. Relax aboard comfortable, state-of-the-art transportation, arriving at Gare du Nord in Paris just three hours later. Upon arrival, a Go Ahead representative greets you and oversees check-in at your Paris hotel.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 7 - Paris

Paris is one of Europe’s most romantic and elegant capitals. Spend your free time today exploring the Latin Quarter or Luxembourg Gardens, where author Hemingway was inspired to write A Moveable Feast. Or join an optional guided sightseeing tour that introduces you to the historical and cultural landmarks of the City of Light. You’ll drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most celebrated avenues, and pass the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair. Later, consider setting out on your own to explore the city’s wide range of excellent art museums, including— of course—the Louvre.

Or while away the afternoon on an optional excursion to Versailles, now the most magnificent château in all of France. Upon arrival, you’ll tour the impressive Gardens of Versailles. In 1979, the gardens, along with the château, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Situated to the west of the palace, the gardens cover some 800 hectares of land, much of which is landscaped in the classic French Garden style. In addition to the meticulous manicured lawns, you’ll marvel at splendid blooming flowers and sculpture fountains that are located throughout the garden.
Included meals: breakfast

$69 USD

Paris Sightseeing

An expert guide introduces you to the historic and cultural landmarks of the City of Light.

$89 USD

Versailles

It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles into the most magnificent château in all of France. 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.

Day 8 - Paris

This morning, travel to Norman town of Giverny, where Claude Monet lived from 1883 until his death in 1926. Here, you’ll view the workspace in which he fostered his great artistic inspiration. Absorb the intricate palette of colors that the “Father of Impressionism” so magically depicted in paintings—such as the Water Lilies series—as you stroll through the surrounding gardens. Later, join your Tour Director for an afternoon Gardens of Paris Walking Tour in which you’ll stroll through the Jardin des Plantes and Luxembourg Gardens. With over 400 public “green spaces” in Paris, a garden is never far away, offering a calm break from the bustle of the city. And with over one fourth of the total area of the city dedicated to parks, gardens and woods, Paris is arguably the greenest city in Europe. In the evening, opt to enjoy an Evening in Paris, as you take in all the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. After dinner at local restaurant, you’ll board a boat to cruise along the Seine, a perfect way to spend your last evening in Paris.
Included meals: breakfast

$99 USD

Evening in Paris

The event begins with dinner at a favorite local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine, an unforgettable experience. Coast along the water and under the many famous bridges of the Seine and take in the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris—including Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower—an enchanting sight

Day 9 - Paris

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

Trip cancellation & interruption protection
Medical & accident protection
Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
- Medical & Accident: $70 USD
- Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Great Britain and France, U.S. citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return to the United States.

No visa is required for U.S. citizens.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to the United Kingdom and France. It is advisable to check with your health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in London and depart from Paris. Your transfer upon arrival in London is provided by Dot2Dot transfer service, and you can find them at a desk when you make your way through customs and baggage.
View airport map: http://www.goaheadtours.com/pdf/LHR_LGW_Terminal_Map.pdf

There is an included transfer on the high-speed Eurostar train from London to Paris. All other transportation on London & Paris City Stay is by private motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the two cities by public transportation.

London’s tube system, consisting of 12 lines, needs no introduction. Tickets and passes can be purchased in singles or in bulk. London also has an extensive bus system.

Paris’ massive Métro is world-class, easy to navigate and efficient. Make sure to take time and look for the best deal on travel passes. Ask your tour director which one might work best. Often the daily passes are not actually the best deal.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised.

If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear.

Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitters for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!”

Currency

The British pound and the euro (in France) are the currencies you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in your destination countries rather than in the United States, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.

We advise that you take a combination of bank/ATM cards, credit cards and traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks, as needed.

We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. Please note: With the conversion to the euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major cities— both at banks and shops—and they often attract higher fees.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/ CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.

London, Paris & The Chelsea Flower Show

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