New Year’s Eve in London with Paris
9 days | 11 days with Paris extension |
Spend New Year’s Eve in London. Spend New Year’s Day in Paris. You’re welcome.
Some cities save their best for New Year’s Eve. London is one of them. Spend four days soaking up the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London before raising a Champagne flute as the city hits its festive peak. Then board the Eurostar—beneath the Channel and into the light—and let Paris do what Paris does: dazzle you down the Champs-Elysees, past Notre-Dame on her island in the Seine, and all the way to the Eiffel Tower glittering against a winter sky. In between, you’ll get plenty of free time to follow your bliss with optional excursions to Stonehenge, Versailles, and more.
Your tour package includes
- 7 nights in handpicked hotels
- 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners with beer or wine, including a celebratory New Year’s Eve dinner with Champagne toast
- 2 sightseeing tours
- 1 top-tier Tour Director, dedicated to making this your best trip yet
- 2 local guides, ready to share their expertise
- Pre-booked transportation, including 1 private deluxe motor coach and 1 zippy ride under the English Channel on a high-speed Eurostar train
- Entrances to museums, landmarks, and more—so you can skip the lines Included highlights
Included highlights
- New Year’s Eve in London
- Snapping photos in Trafalgar Square and hearing Big Ben chime over the Thames
- Spotting the red tunics of The King’s Guard outside Buckingham Palace
- Catching that first in-person glimpse of the Eiffel Tower
- Marveling at the mirrored halls of Versailles (on our bestselling excursion)
Itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day
Board your overnight flight to London today.
London4 nights
Day 2: Arrival in London
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Welcome to England! If you arrive between noon and 6 p.m., we recommend you treat yourself to afternoon tea—the traditional British meal of cakes, biscuits, dainty sandwiches, and, of course, tea.
Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of London
Included meal: Breakfast
London’s been settled for almost 2,000 years, and its history winds through Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Viking rule. Your guided tour takes you through the relics, landmarks, and stories of this vibrant and cosmopolitan city of contrasts.
- Pass stately Trafalgar Square—a popular public plaza surrounded by museums, galleries, and historic buildings—and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Sitting atop Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London neighborhood, this Baroque Anglican church dates to the 17th century and has hosted state funerals and royal jubilees over the years.
- See Westminster Abbey, one of London’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Since its consecration in 1065, it’s seen 16 royal weddings and 40 coronations. Plus, it serves as the final resting place of 18 British rulers.
- Catch a glimpse of skyline icons like the Elizabeth Tower (the clock tower known as Big Ben) and the London Eye observation wheel. Then, take some time to marvel at the Tower of London: a historic castle that has functioned as a royal palace and prison, and is now home to the Crown Jewels.
- Stop by Buckingham Palace—the official residence of the ruling monarch since Queen Victoria first called it home in 1837.
From there, depart for an optional, expert‑led tour of the world’s longest ‑inhabited castle — or enjoy a free afternoon back in London. Hyde Park, just a short walk from Buckingham Palace, offers 350 acres of gardens and pathways perfect for a crisp winter stroll. In December, its annual Winter Wonderland festival fills the park with lights, music, and holiday cheer.
Day 4: Free day in London
Included meal: Breakfast
England’s past is fully present on today’s optional excursion to the iconic and mysterious Stonehenge, whose 4,000-year-old monoliths have bewitched visitors. If you prefer to keep exploring everything London has to offer, hang back and eat your way through Borough Market, a massive food hall in the shadow of London Bridge.
Day 5: Free day in London & New Year’s Eve celebration
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s the day you’ve been waiting for! Take it easy today and rest up for tonight’s festivities or take advantage of our optional excursion to the UNESCO-listed Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, followed by a gentle cruise down the Thames.
This evening, ring in the new year alongside your fellow travelers with a celebratory dinner and a Champagne toast. For getting around London on New Year’s Eve, look to public transportation, which runs free overnight to get revelers home safely.
Please note: Due to strict ticketing limitations, fireworks tickets are not included in your tour. If you’d like to attend London’s official New Year’s Eve fireworks display, we recommend purchasing tickets directly through the Mayor of London’s website. Additionally, no additional activities are organized after the New Year’s Eve dinner, so you’re free to enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Paris3 nights
Day 6: Paris via the Eurostar train
Included meal: Breakfast
Board the famed high-speed Eurostar train and travel beneath the English Channel (at speeds close to 186 mph) to the Gare du Nord train station in Paris, France.
The city slows down on New Year’s Day, so when you’re ready, hit the streets of Paris for a leisurely walk along the Seine. While you’re out, pop into an open bakery and look for a galette des rois—a flaky pastry filled with almond cream traditionally eaten in January.
For a more elevated experience, opt into the evening’s dinner and Seine River cruise. As the sun sets and the city’s streetlamps begin their nightly twinkle, you’ll see Paris’ monuments in a whole new light. You’ll enjoy them again tomorrow on a guided sightseeing tour.
Please note: Travelers should be prepared for an early morning train departure. Porterage is not included for train transfers. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage up and down steps, onto platforms, and into luggage storage.
Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Paris
Included meal: Breakfast
Ready to be dazzled by the City of Light? Begin your first full day in France with a tour of its splendid capital, Paris. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll get an overview of its most recognizable landmarks and a feel for the character of its arrondissements. (That’s French for “districts,” and it’s how Parisians refer to the city’s neighborhoods.)
- Drive down the sycamore-lined Avenue des Champs-Elysees—an icon of France hemmed by majestic monuments, glitzy restaurants, and glamorous storefronts.
- Take in the magnificent Arc de Triomphe, originally built to commemorate one of Napoleon’s many conquests. A dozen different avenues spoke from this epic arch, making it Paris’ symbolic heart.
- Pass the 16th-century Pont Neuf, the oldest stone bridge in Paris, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Watching over its arrondissement from an island in the Seine River, this French Gothic masterwork is one of the city’s enduring sights.
- Make a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower (you know this one!) before viewing the Palais Garnier opera house and the Place de la Concorde, the city’s grandest square.
- Pass by the I.M. Pei-designed Louvre Pyramid—the grandiose glass gateway to the world’s preeminent art museum.
- Marvel at the Hotel des Invalides. Erected in the 17th century and built to a height of roughly 350 feet, this gold-domed structure is the largest church building in all of Paris and serves as the final resting place of France’s greatest military leaders.
To continue exploring the city at your own pace, you can visit the National Library of France and its grand, restored reading room, or head underground to learn the secrets of Paris’ legendary catacombs.
Day 8: Free day in Paris
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Enjoy a free day in Paris—ask your Tour Director for a recommendation—or add our optional excursion. If you do, you’ll find a royal retreat at the Palace and Gardens of Versailles. You’ll encounter gilded walkways, fresco-adorned ceilings, and close to 2,000 acres of immaculate green space—all just a few miles west of Paris.
Later, join your group for a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine.
Flight Home
Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your Parisian holiday by a few more days. With 20 arrondissements to explore, you’ve only scratched the surface of this mesmerizing metropolis.
Paris extension
No need to pack up quite yet—Paris has more to show you. Whether you’re still seeking the perfect brie to go with a fresh-baked baguette or comparing the merits of the Louvre with those of d’Orsay, this extension gives you the leeway to see what you want of the city, when you want to.
Paris2 nights
Day 9: Walking tour of Montmartre
Included meal: Breakfast
Step into the bohemian heart of Paris with a guided walking tour of Montmartre, led by a real cancan dancer who brings the neighborhood’s Belle Epoque spirit to life.
- Meet your guide at the Moulin Rouge, where she’ll appear in full costume as La Goulue—the cancan legend who once scandalized and delighted all of Paris—and share the story of Montmartre’s transformation from scrappy hilltop village to a creative capital of the late 1800s.
- Wind through cobblestoned streets past the grand Elysee Montmartre and the Moulin de la Galette, the windmill-turned-dancehall that Renoir immortalized in paint, dappled light and whirling skirts and all
- End at the steps of Sacre-Coeur and let the whole of Paris unfurl below you in one breathtaking, rooftop-studded panorama.
Day 10: Free day in Paris
Included meal: Breakfast
Today’s your last day to cross off your Paris must-sees. You might want to pay a visit to see Notre-Dame’s meticulous restoration or to the Louvre. If you do, be sure to book your tickets well in advance.
This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your group members.
Flight Home
Day 11: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Start planning today
Have a quick question about tipping or what to pack? Give us a call at 1-800-590-1161, or talk to a Tour Consultant.
Reviews
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.

London - Hilton London Olympia
This elegant hotel is located in Kensington. Guests enjoy a modern fitness center, sophisticated Society Restaurant serving British cuisine, and a stylish cocktail bar with coffee shop. Nearby, you'll find the magnificent...

Paris - Hôtel Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacré-Coeur
This contemporary hotel is located in Montmartre. Guests enjoy on-site dining options, an outdoor terrace, and spacious rooms. Nearby, you’ll find Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the artists of Montmartre, and the restaurants and cabaret...
Flights
Make your journey to and from your tour as smooth as possible by letting our travel experts handle your round-trip flights. We’ll select the best itinerary for you at a great rate, thanks to our airline partnerships.
Your Go Ahead flight package includes:
- A round-trip flight for your tour from your preferred home airport
- An EF representative waiting for you on arrival to whisk you to your hotel
- Your lowest price locked in, so you don’t have to track airfare
- 24/7 on-tour support from our dedicated flights team
- Complimentary luggage retrieval services through Blue Ribbon Bags
- Dedicated flight experts to help arrange early arrivals, longer stays, or upgrades, so every detail fits your travel style
- Stress-free rebooking if your tour itinerary changes
Find out more about flights
FAQ
- This tour visits the United Kingdom and France. 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 to enter France.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa from the United Kingdom's government’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) website or the UK ETA mobile app (Apple or Android) in order to enter the United Kingdom.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code LP8.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in London and depart from Paris.
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
- When you arrive in London, a driver from a private chauffeur service will be standing at the arrival hall with your name on a message board. If you do not see your driver, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a low physical activity-level tour. You can expect short walks and low-intensity activities throughout your trip.
Tour Pacing
This is a steadily paced tour. Tour pacing considers how often you’ll switch hotels, what you’ll do each day, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Most transportation by motor coach
- Occasional transportation by train
- About 3 hours of bus time daily
Walking, Terrain & Physical Considerations
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 1- 2 miles per day on city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
Climate Considerations
- In the winter months (December–January), London lives up to its reputation—expect cool, grey, and drizzly days with temperatures hovering in the low-to-mid 40s F.
- Paris turns quietly romantic in winter, with temperatures dipping into the mid-30s to low 40s F. Light snowfall is possible, though rain is far more common.
Physical Activity & Tour Pacing Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage-handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The group can’t miss any activities because of an individual’s needs.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, wheelchairs and walkers will be difficult to use and aren’t recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring any mobility aids with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including train and private motor coach. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- A train ride from London to Paris is included in the price of your tour.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- European train stations typically operate similarly to airports where security measures, such as baggage and body scanners, are common. Platforms are often spread out across large distances and require travelers to manage their luggage on escalators or stairs. Porterage services are not offered on train transfers and luggage storage on trains is extremely limited. Please keep in mind that trains may only be stopping at the stations for a few minutes; speed with loading and unloading may be imperative.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which includes a train.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels, airports, and train stations.
- Luggage storage on trains is extremely limited, and often requires travelers to lift their suitcases onto storage racks, sometimes above the seats.
- We recommend packing 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).
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- The United Kingdom operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
- France operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- 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.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- This tour includes three dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- 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 for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisines. 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, pâtés, 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.
- Although lunch is generally served from noon until 2pm in France, dinner is served from 7:30pm onward. Those wishing to eat earlier can stop at a cafe, where light entrées and sandwiches are available throughout the afternoon and evening.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is 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 $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $4USD 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.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the Pound sterling in the United Kingdom and the euro in France.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering 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.
- 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.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To help you feel prepared before going on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There’s no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is having access to our 24/7 Emergency Support Team.
- Our extensive network of global offices and our integration of ISO 31000 Risk Management Guidelines help this dedicated team anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible, iterative way.
- Using a combination of extensive training, thorough incident response planning, and decades of experience, this team assists travelers and Tour Directors in case of emergencies—stepping in for everything from personal health concerns and injuries to major world events.
- Our On-Tour Support team can also provide additional help to travelers on tour, arranging assistance from outside specialists and liaising with local and international authorities as needed. And if there’s an emergency on the road or at home, the team will facilitate and support communication between travelers and their families.
- The United Kingdom is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- France is 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.
- When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.







































































