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London, Paris & Madrid

with Lisbon extension

Duration: 11 or 14 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 11

Set off on a cultural journey through three of Europe’s iconic cities.

Immerse yourself in history as you explore the capitals of the United Kingdom, France, and Spain on this exciting trip. Walk in the footsteps of British monarchs as you uncover the highlights of London. Sip champagne and view storied Parisian landmarks in the City of Light. Enjoy energetic fiestas and relaxing siestas in imperial Madrid. On this tour, you’ll discover just what makes each fast-paced hub so unique.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
3 dinners with beer or wine
3 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Big Ben
Buckingham Palace
Eurostar train ride
Arc de Triomphe
Eiffel Tower photo stop

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to London today.

London3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in London

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to London! Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of London

Included meal: Breakfast

View the regal landmarks of England’s vibrant and cosmopolitan capital on a guided sightseeing tour.

• Pass the grand Trafalgar Square and Baroque-style St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill

• See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations, weddings and funerals

• View icons like Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site

• Stop by Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard

Enjoy a free afternoon in London or add an excursion.

Windsor Castle

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in London

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in London or add an excursion.

Stonehenge & Oxford

Excursion (additional cost)

Paris3 nights

Day 5: Paris via the Eurostar train

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a ride on a the famous, high-speed Eurostar train as you’re whisked beneath the English Channel on your journey to Paris, France.

Later, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

A guided tour introduces you to the architecture, scenery, and history of the City of Light’s many neighborhoods, called arrondissements.

• Drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées to view the Arc de Triomphe

• Pass Pont Neuf and the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on an island in the Seine River

• See the Eiffel Tower, the Palais Garnier opera house, and Place de la Concorde, the city’s grandest square

• Marvel at the iconic architecture of the Louvre and Hôtel des Invalides

Enjoy a free afternoon or add an excursion.

Versailles Palace & Gardens

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 7: Free day in Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in Paris or add excursions.

Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny

Excursion (additional cost)

Dinner in Paris & Seine River Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Madrid3 nights

Day 8: Flight to Madrid

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly from France to Spain today. Touch down in colorful Madrid, Spain’s largest city, and then transfer to your hotel.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Madrid

Included meal: Breakfast

Explore the Spanish capital’s beautiful architecture, lively squares and grand boulevards on a guided sightseeing tour.

• View the Royal Palace, Spain’s largest royal residence

• Pass by the Temple of Debod, a reassembled temple from ancient Egypt

• View the city’s many squares, including Plaza de España, Plaza Mayor and the bustling Puerta del Sol

• Explore the Prado, a world-class art museum that began as the private collection of the Spanish monarchy and is home to the works of Goya, Velásquez and more

Enjoy a free afternoon or add an excursion.

Traditional Spanish Evening

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Free day in Madrid

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a full free day in Madrid or add an excursion.

Then, say goodbye to your group at a farewell dinner.

Toledo

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue your journey to Lisbon.

Extension to Lisbon

Take three days in the Portuguese capital to explore its monuments, cafes, and winding streets. Walk through the Alfama district, seek out the city’s best bachalau and caldo verde, or pack a picnic lunch and watch the world go by on the banks of the Tagus. Many travelers don’t realize that Lisbon is hundreds of years older than London, Paris and other European capitals; and there’s a discovery around every corner.

Lisbon3 nights

Day 11: Flight to Lisbon

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Lisbon, Portugal this morning and enjoy free time in the city or add an excursion.

Lisbon Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Lisbon

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know Lisbon, the Portuguese capital on a tour with a local guide.

• Admire views of the city from Eduardo VII Park, then pass the Plaza del Marqués de Pombal and the Mouraria District

• Discover the city’s maritime heritage at the Monument to the Discoveries and Tower of Belém

• Enter the Jerónimos Church, built to honor voyagers

• Walk through Chiado square to the Baixa district in the heart of the city

Later, enjoy a free evening in Lisbon or add an excursion.

Fado Dinner & Show

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 13: Free day in Lisbon

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Lisbon or add an excursion. Then, gather with your group for a farewell drink and raise a glass to your trip.

Sintra & the Portuguese Riviera

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 14: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.8 average

05/14/2019 by 3rd time traveler Laura D.

I had to give 3 stars for accommodations, since the hotel in Madrid was out in the middle of nowhere, noisy, dirty, and awful service. Not really a tour company issue, but my flight out involved cancellations, long rebooking lines, lost luggage. Next time I will book my own flights. My initial itine...

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Like traveling with family

03/15/2019 by 3rd time traveler Felicia T.

Not only was my tour guide phenomenal, I met a group of wonderful people. Some of which I call friend today. I believe my guide's name was Matt, forgive me, it's been a while. With that said, HE WAS FANTASTIC. I've done 2 tours with Go Ahead and I haven't been disappointed yet. A wonderful life expe...

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Amazing Trip!

08/21/2018 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

My fiance and I chose to do the London-Paris-Madrid trip as a pre-wedding bachelor/bachelorette party. It was our first GoAhead tour and worth every penny. All the locale guides were amazing and offered top-notched recommendations that were exactly what we were looking for. The Tour Director, Kurt, ...

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08/09/2018 by 3rd time traveler Carol C.

This was my 2nd Go Ahead Tour. The first one was incredible, but this one was clearly above that. Our Tour Director, Kurt Hoffman, was fantastic. He made our trip feel personal, fun, and family oriented. I will do another trip!

Best Trip Ever!!!

06/26/2018 by 4th time traveler Linda A.

This was the most fun trip I have ever taken mostly because of Abeed, our guide. He showed us places we would never have seen without him. His sense of adventure, his caring personality, his fun and knowledge far surpassed anyone I have ever met. I will never forget the fun and adventure we exper...

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Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Novotel London Tower Bridge

This modern hotel is located in central London. Guests enjoy a fitness center, a sauna, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find Buckingham Palace, the Tow...

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Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacre Coeur

This trendy hotel is located in Montmartre. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness room, and bar. Nearby, you'll find Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Moulin Rouge, a...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits the United Kingdom, France, and Spain (as well as Portugal on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 1.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills or stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in London and depart from Madrid (or Lisbon on the tour extension). When you first arrive in London, a driver from a private chauffeur service will be standing at the arrival gate with your name on a message board. If you do not see your driver, please remain in the arrival lounge, as the driver may be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the shuttle at the time of your arrival. For more details, please reference the London transfer information included in your Go Kit.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A train ride from London to Paris and a flight from Paris to Madrid are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a flight from Madrid to Lisbon.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try.
Modern-day London boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisine.Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.
For a picnic with French flair, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, patés, cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and fruit. In the cities, sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crepes, while mouthwatering pastries and hot_café au lait_beckon from cafes. In restaurants, the prix fixe option is a popular way to enjoy a set three- or four-course menu for a good price.
In Spain, breakfast like a local with just a pastry and coffee. Then, tuck into a three-course lunch featuring a Spanish staple like savory seafood paella or grilled meat and fried potatoes. Dinner is less hearty than lunch and is served late, between 9pm and midnight. Snack on small plates called tapas any time of day.
Portuguese food, on the tour extension, is fresh, hearty, and delicious. Try seafood stew cooked in a cataplana, a shell-shaped copper pan, or the national dish, bacalhau (salted cod). A couvert, or simple plate of bread, butter, and olives, is often served when you sit down to a meal—while it is free in many restaurants, some will add a charge to your bill for it.

Electricity & air conditioning

The United Kingdom operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
France and Spain (as well as Portugal on the tour extension) operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Some of the hotels on this tour will provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

The United Kingdom (as well as Portugal on the tour extension) is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
France and Spain are one hour ahead of GMT and six hours ahead of EST.
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm in London and 6pm in Paris and Madrid (as well as in Lisbon on the tour extension).

Currency

You will use the Pound sterling in the United Kingdom and the euro in France and Spain (as well as in Portugal on the tour extension).
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, but you may choose to order some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

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11 Departures

Tour prices are per person, before flights from your departure city, and based on two travelers per hotel room. Tour prices include on-tour flights where applicable.