Enjoy art, architecture and ambiance in London and Paris. Ride the underground to an English café then take a stroll through Hyde Park. See Da Vinci's masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, in Paris's Louvre and then see the famed Eiffel Tower sparkle when is lit up at night.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - London

Begin your vacation by relaxing aboard a transatlantic overnight flight bound for Great Britain.

Day 2 - London

Touch down in London, England's irresistible capital. After clearing customs and collecting your bags, look for the the SkyShuttle Transfer desk. They will be providing your transfer to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to unpack, settle in and begin your explorations of London.

Day 3 - London

It was Samuel Johnson who provided the definitive word on London, when he said that anyone who is tired of London is tired of life itself. There’s never enough time to take in all the wonders of Europe’s largest city, but you’ll have the chance to scratch the surface in the next few days, which you can enjoy completely at your own pace. Today you might wish to take in the British Museum, which houses an astonishing collection of antiquities, including the Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta Stone. Or you may opt for a sightseeing tour of London to see Westminster Abbey, and 10 Downing Street. (B)

$99 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.

Day 4 - London

For art, you can take in the exhibits at the National Gallery and the Tate Galleries today. Stroll through Kensington Gardens to view some of London’s most famous statues, or enjoy a taste of nostalgia at Pollock’s Toy Museum, an 18th-century townhouse displaying delightful toys of the Victorian era. Or you can take an optional excursion to Oxford and Stratford, to see Britain’s oldest university and Shakespeare’s birthplace. (B)

$119 USD

Oxford & Stratford Oxford is not only the home of Britain’s oldest university, it is also one of England’s most interesting cities. Then continue through the rolling English countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon. Here, you’ll visit Shakespeare’s birthplace.

Day 5 - London

If London’s literary side interests you, you can plan a stop at the Dickens House Museum and tour the newly reconstructed Globe Theater, a replica of where Shakespeare himself often appeared on stage. Or choose an optional excursion to Windsor Castle, for a guided visit to the world’s largest inhabited castle. (B)

$85 USD

Windsor Castle A half-day excursion takes you to Windsor for a guided visit to the world’s largest inhabited castle.

Day 6 - London

For shoppers, a leisurely visit to Harrods—15 acres of tempting merchandise, ranging from silk scarves and soap to the world’s most meticulously decorated cakes—is a must. Alternatively, opt for an excursion to see the legendary and mythic landmark of Stonehenge, followed by a visit to Bath, England’s most restorative city. (B)

$115 USD

Stonehenge & Bath Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. Next stop is Bath, famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture. After your tour director shows you the town’s major sights, visit the public baths for which the town is named.

Day 7 - London

Sample London’s dazzling array of ethnic cuisine from Greek to Indian, as well as the basic but ever-popular English pub food. Take in a show or two in the bustling theater district. For more casual entertainment, simply watch the street performers at Covent Garden. Or discover England’s medieval past on a full-day optional excursion to Canterbury to see its glorious Gothic cathedral and the thousand-year-old Leeds Castle. Tonight, you might also opt to get a bird’s-eye view of London atop its newest and one of its most stunning attractions, the London Eye. This excursion includes dinner. (B)

$99 USD

Canterbury and Leeds Castle Leave London for a day to tour the charming city of Canterbury, where you'll visit the magnificent cathedral of Canterbury and the spectacular Leeds Castle.

$115 USD

London Eye and Dinner Experience one of Britain’s newest attractions, the London Eye Ferris wheel! The world’s highest observation wheel, the London Eye lifts its passengers 450 feet above the River Thames. In clear weather, you can see for 25 miles! After your ride, continue on to a nearby restaurant for an included dinner.

Day 8 - Paris

This morning, transfer to Waterloo Station. Here, you’ll board the Eurostar, Europe’s quarter-mile-long, high-speed train that whisks its 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. (B)

Day 9 - Paris

Paris is one of Europe’s most romantic and elegant capitals. Take a stroll along the Champs-Élysées, perhaps the world’s most famous avenue, and enter a milieu of haute couture in the chic boutiques of the Opéra district. Or you may choose to embark on an optional sightseeing tour of the city, which takes you past the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. You can also opt to journey to Versailles this afternoon, where you can glimpse the grandeur of life as a member of King Louis XIV’s court. (B)

$69 USD

Guided Tour of Paris An expert local guide introduces you to the historical and cultural landmarks of the City of Light. Drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées, pass the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. Please note: This excursion requires advance booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.

$89 USD

Versailles Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards among European royalty for the decadence of his reign. On this half-day 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. Please note: This excursion requires advance booking and payment at least 45 days prior to departure.

Day 10 - Paris

Paris’ department stores and outdoor markets are world-renowned, and there’s no place better than the Left Bank to browse for antique books. Explore the vibrant Latin Quarter today, home to the Sorbonne, and then stop at the Luxembourg Gardens, where Hemingway was inspired to write A Moveable Feast. Or else follow the road to enchantment on an optional excursion to Claude Monet's idyllic and inspiring retreat, Giverny.  Also, tonight you may opt to partake in an Evening in Paris, a sumptuous dinner followed by a cruise along the Seine. (B)

$99 USD

Evening in Paris: Seine Cruise & Dinner *A Go Ahead Favorite excursion!* Take in all the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a favorite local restaurant. Then board a boat cruise along the Seine and glide past the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris — including Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

$85 USD

Giverny The Norman town of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. 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 Giverny's home and gardens.

Day 11 - Paris

Paris also has a wide range of excellent art museums, and you’ll have plenty of time to visit them. First choice is usually the Louvre. At night, savor the best of Paris’ gourmet tradition, and take in some world-class entertainment at the cabaret. Alternatively, choose the path to spiritual enlightenment on an optional excursion to see the soaring arches of Chartres Cathedral. (B)

$99 USD

Chartres Cathedral Enjoy a full-day excursion to Chartres Cathedral, a cathedral that is truly one of the greatest of all French Gothic cathedrals.

Day 12 - Paris

Take a path towards the surreal today and take in the Picasso Museum in the quiet Marais district. You might also consider a climb to Montmartre, where you can watch artists painting the scenes of today. Be sure to lave eave time for a relaxing stop at an intimate café to sip café au lait and watch the world go by—one of Paris’ most celebrated traditions. Or if a historical journey is more your speed, you may choose to join an optional excursion to the D-Day beaches of Normandy, where the Allied troops landed in 1944. (B)

$199 USD

D-Day Beaches of Normandy Immerse yourself in World War II history during this fascinating optional excursion to Normandy, where the Allied troops landed in June 1944. Please note: This optional requires advance booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.

Day 13 - Paris

A Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
(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. When traveling by train there may be times when you will have to handle your own luggage, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage.

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 end of your tour, it is customary to offer your tour director and driver a gratuity. We suggest $2USD per person per day for your driver and $4USD to $6USD per person per day for your tour director. If applicable, we also recommend $1USD per local guide. Tips may only be paid in cash.