No education in western civilization is complete without a visit to two of Europe’s most historic capitals: London and Paris.
England’s rich history is found in the sparkling Crown Jewels that have adorned British kings and queens for centuries . . . in the sinister secrets hidden in the Tower of London . . . in St. Paul’s Cathedral, the architectural wonder that grew out of the ashes of the Great Fire of London. Stroll along the banks of the Seine River, enjoy an ice cream at a sidewalk café, meditate on the intricacies of the rose window at Notre Dame and marvel at the treasures of the Louvre.
Enjoy the impressive gardens and ornate palace at Versailles . . . the soothing pastels that inspired Monet’s floral palette at Giverny . . . and, linking this tour of two magnificent cities, the Chunnel, the long awaited land connection between England and France. 
July 19: Depart USA
Enjoy the service aboard your transatlantic flight to London, England. July 20: Arrive London
Transfer to your hotel and settle in before taking a private tour on a red, double-decker bus showcasing London’s West End. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.
Kempinski Courthouse (D)
July 21: London
Visit Westminster Abbey this morning, the coronation site of nearly every English king and queen. Stroll through St. James Park to Horse Guards Parade, to see the arrival of the household cavalry that mounts their daily guard there. Continue to St. James’ Palace to see the parade of footguards making their way to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Enjoy free time for lunch in the Covent Garden area — the setting used in the film, “My Fair Lady.” That afternoon, take a behind-the-scenes tour of Theatre Royal Drury Lane, exploring the front of the house, backstage and even the understage of this famous theater! End the day at the Theater Museum for a theatrical make-up session, demonstrating techniques ranging from period style to special effects. Also participate in a practical costume session! This evening, attend one of London’s top theater performances.
Kempinski Courthouse (B,D)
July 22: London
This morning, visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, an exact replica of the 16th-century auditorium where the Bard presented plays for nearly 20 years. After free time for lunch near the River Thames, visit the historic “City” of London, which originated as a simple Celtic fishing village. The medieval street plan of the “City” is still reflected in its narrow courts, alleys and steps. Then, tour the legendary Tower of London to view the dazzling Crown Jewels. Also stop at St. Paul’s Cathedral, built by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London destroyed the original church in 1666. After a light dinner this evening, enjoy an exciting 30-minute ride on the world’s highest observation wheel, the London Eye.
Kempinski Courthouse (B,D)
July 23: London and Windsor Castle
This morning drive to Windsor Castle. Explore the Queen’s lavishly decorated State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s Dolls House. Then cross the Thames at Windsor Bridge to view Eton College, founded in 1440 by Henry VI, and once attended by Princes William and Harry. Return to London, where the afternoon is free. After dinner, attend a second popular London theater performance.
Kempinski Courthouse (B,D)
July 24: London to Paris
Today, experience the technological marvel of the 1990’s —the famous Chunnel (or Channel Tunnel) that allows train travel under the English Channel between England and France. Enjoy a light meal that will be served en route. Upon arrival in Paris check into your hotel, which is located a short distance from the Louvre Museum. After freshening up, you will have the opportunity to visit the Louvre and the nearby Tuileries Gardens. Tonight, dinner will be at a charming Parisian brasserie. Hotel du Louvre (B,D)
July 25: Paris
This morning enjoy a guided tour of Paris, beginning with a drive along the Seine to one of the city’s two river islands, the Ile de la Cite. Here, stop to visit the beautiful cathedral of Notre Dame, a masterpiece of French architecture. Then, you will be taken to visit a French bakery and learn how the most wonderful French breads and pastries are made in their workshop - all your favorites such as pains aux raisins, warm baguettes and plump butter croissants. A tasting will be included, of course! After lunch, you will visit the Musée d‘Orsay, housed on the Left Bank in a stunning 1900 railway station. View works by Renoir, Manet, Cézanne and many more. The evening is free for grandparents and grandchildren to try the hotel’s brasserie or one of the restaurants in the area around the hotel.
Hotel du Louvre (B,L)
July 26: Giverny to Versailles
Enjoy a morning drive to Giverny to visit the beautiful house and gardens where Claude Monet lived and painted. Monet spent half his life at Giverny where the ever-shifting light on the waters of the river Epte, and the flower and water beds he made inspired much of his greatest work. Then spend the afternoon at the shimmering Palace of Versailles, built in the 17th century for the “Sun King,” Louis the XIV, and considered to be the “palace of palaces” because of its grandeur and extravagant design. The spectacular gardens surrounding the palace are a highlight as they show off beds of glorious color and the famous fountains. Tonight, dine atop the Eiffel Tower, with the glory of the City of Light at your feet!
Hotel du Louvre (B,L)
July 27: Paris
This morning visit the lively artist hilltop quarter of Montmartre. Such famous artists as Picasso and Toulouse Lautrec lived and painted in this neighborhood. Visit the basilica of Sacré Coeur, one of the most striking monuments on the Paris skyline. Have your portrait painted on the Place du Tertre and sit down to lunch in one of the cafes along the narrow streets. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure in Paris for exploring boutiques, enjoying such delights as the Jardin du Luxembourg or strolling along the banks of the river Seine. To conclude your trip in grand style, enjoy a relaxing Bateau Mouche farewell cruise on the Seine.
Hotel du Louvre (B,L,D)
July 28: Depart Paris This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the United States.
(B) 
| Cost for Land Arrangements | Rates are per person, based on a minimum of two persons sharing a room. See Terms and Conditions.
| | Adult or Child double | $7,690 | | Adult or Child triple | $7,495 | Airfare to London and return from Paris is not included. GRANDTRAVEL is happy to assist in making your air travel arrangements.
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