A Winter Getaway to London & Paris
January 23th - 30th 2022
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Charles Dickens’ famous novel of London and Paris is set just before and after the French revolution of 1789, (although not written until much later, in 1859), but could be describing the current relationship between these two great cities! Connected by bus services, a high-speed rail link and over 60 direct flights a day, the shadow of Brexit has now fallen between the two capitals, returning to Britain its independence from Europe, but ending 50 years of almost seemless integration.
We begin in London where a blend of scheduled activities and free time will allow you to explore on your own those places that spark your interest - checking out the January Sales, or taking a tour of the Tate Modern, a ride on the London Eye or a boat trip down the river to Greenwich. The Arc de Triomphe, Paris As Dr. Samuel Johnson so famously said, “The man who is tired of London is tired of life!”
Then we take the train to Paris, the city of lights. Our included city tour will take in the gothic splendor of Notre Dame, the soaring Tour d’Eiffel, the Arc de Triomphe, and the splendors of the Louvre Museum. There will also be plenty of free time for you to explore the archetypal Parisian sights and sounds. Beyond the city, we’ll have a full day to experience the majesty of Versailles with a local guide to take us through its assortment of extravagant rooms and then, after lunch in the town, we’ll have the afternoon to stroll The cost of this itinerary, per person, double occupancy is: through the glorious gardens. You’ll also have time to explore the city on your own before enjoying a Land Only: $3490 market visit before a 4-course cooking class. Single supplement: $ 960 Airfares are available from many U.S. cities. Please call for details Enjoy the best of these two beautiful capitals on . our adventure in London and Paris on A Tale of The following services are included: Two Cities. Hotels: 6 nights’ accommodation in first-class hotels, including all hotel taxes and service charges Coaching: All ground transportation as detailed in the itinerary Train: First class tickets on the Eurostar train from London to Paris Meals: Breakfast daily, 1 lunch (on the train), 4 dinners Guides: Discover Europe tour guide throughout and local guides for sightseeing in London and Paris and for a tour of Versailles Expenses: Porterage of one large suitcase per person Entrances: Entrance fees to all sites included in the itinerary Tickets: Best seats for a West End production Class: Private gourmet cooking class in Paris
Please note that travel insurance is not included on this tour. Insurance Tower Bridge, London information will be mailed on receipt of deposit.
Discover Europe Ltd. e [email protected] 122 Island Street w - www.discovereuropeltd.com Keene, NH 03431 t - (toll free) 866-563-7077 USA f - (fax) 603-563-7137
Wednesday, January 23rd - Departure from your chosen US gateway city. Overnight: Plane
Thursday, January 24th - Upon arrival at London’s Heathrow Airport, you will be met and transported to our hotel in central London. Depending on your arrival time, you may not be able to check straight into your room and your guide will be there to make suggestions for lunch and nearby places to visit. There will be free time this afternoon to unpack and relax before we gather this evening for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D) Overnight: London
Friday, January 25th - The day begins with a sightseeing tour of London designed to give newcomers an overview of this great city and reacquaint returning travelers with its many charms. We’ll view many of London’s major monuments, from the Albert Memorial to St. Paul’s Cathedral to Trafalgar Square, touring the city from Chelsea to Bloomsbury. The rest of the afternoon and evening you’re free to make your own plans--visit the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels, or take a stroll through the Tate Modern. This evening, sample one of London’s great restaurants or sip a quiet pint in a neighborhood pub. (B) Overnight: London Trafalgar Square Saturday, January 26th - We’ll spend the morning at Hampton Court today, repository of 500 years of royal history, where 60 acres of spectacu- lar riverside gardens include the world-famous Maze. After free time for lunch, we’ll return to central London in the mid- afternoon, where you’ll have free time before we gather for an early dinner. This evening we enjoy a theatre performance in London’s West End. (B, D) Overnight: London
Sunday, January 27th - This morning we take the high-speed Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel to Paris, arriving just 2 hours 28 minutes later. Lunch is included on the train. We’ll be met by a local guide who’ll show us one of the most beautiful cities in the western world. From the meandering Seine river, to the gothic splendor of Notre-Dame, to the delicate filigree of the Eiffel Tower, Paris comes to life in a swirl of superlatives. We’ll explore the celestial heights of Montmartre, crowned by the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur, the majestic boulevard Champs-Elysées, leading to the giddy majesty of the Arc de Triomphe. Our tour ends at the Louvre, where our guide introduces us to the masterpieces within. Tonight, we’ll sample one of the city’s many superb restaurants. (B, L, D) Overnight: Paris
Sunday, January 28th - Our morning begins with a short journey out of the city, and back in time, to the 17th century and the glory days of King Louis XIV. Versailles, the ultimate royal residence, occupied the talents of some of the great artists of the day, and it is a masterpiece of extravagance. We’ll visit the royal apartments, and then continue our exploration with a tour of Andre Le Notre’s superb gardens, occupying some 247 acres, and the Queen’s hamlet, where Marie Antoinette and her court play-acted at rural life. In the afternoon we’ll return to the city where the rest of the day is free. (B) Overnight: Paris
Sunday, January 29th - Today you will have a free morning to explore the cities many museums and art galleries. Your tour guide will be available to make suggestions for activities and lunch spots. Later this afternoon, we will discover the art of fine French cuisine with a small-group cooking class and gourmet meal in Paris. Learn about the traditions and flavors that have made French food famous the world over, and help prepare an authentic, 4-course meal under the guidance of a local chef. When the cooking’s done, join around a cozy table to enjoy the delicious home-cooked meal paired with a selection of French wines. (B, D) Overnight: Paris
Monday, January 30th - You may have time this morning for a little last-minute shopping before your transfer back to Paris, Charles de versailles Gaulle Airport for return flights to the U.S. (B) Overnight: Home Key to included meals: B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner