Best of London & Paris by Rail

Your grand European explorations begin today as you arrive in London. Transfer independently to our 19th-century hotel, located in the Fitzrovia District of Central London. Set near the rail and underground stations of London St. Pancras, King's Cross and Euston, its fantastic location puts the best of London within reach.

If time allows after check-in, take some time to explore the surrounding area before dinner. Regent's Park is not far from the hotel, and several museums, including the iconic British Museum, with its vast collections across many historical periods, are within reach. The vibrant streets of Covent Garden, with its independent shops, vendors and street performers, can be reached with a 15-minute walk.

Returning to the hotel this evening, meet the Tour Manager and the rest of the travel group before sitting down in the hotel's restaurant for our first dinner together. Overnight London.

• Dinner

With an early start, we head to the Tower of London to witness the Opening Ceremony. We see the Chief Yeoman Warder and his military escort make their way to the outer gate of the Tower to unlock it for the day's visitors. There is free time to explore the Tower of London or the surrounding area before we head to the waterfront for a cruise on the River Thames.

Lunch is served on board as we cruise past several landmarks, including Tower Bridge, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. Audio commentary narrates the various sights as they unfold, to give us an immersive look at London's riverside.

With a free afternoon and evening following our cruise, you can continue sightseeing independently. You might like to take a tube to Knightsbridge or South Kensington to discover the exhibits of the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum or the Victoria and Albert Museum. London has fantastic shops and an exciting range of restaurants, from traditional British fare to fantastic international cuisine. Overnight London.

• Breakfast, Lunch

London is filled with royal attractions and notable landmarks, and we see some of the finest examples on this morning's guided sightseeing tour. Our excursion takes us past the city's most beloved landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. Our guide recounts the history of London and provides interesting anecdotes about the places we see as we move between various districts and neighborhoods.

The afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring London at your own pace ahead of dinner this evening. You might like to revisit one of the sights we passed on our tour. For example, from Trafalgar Square, you could walk down toward Pall Mall, which leads to Buckingham Palace, or visit the National Gallery or the National Portrait Gallery. Alternatively, the perfect place to soak up the rhythms of the city is London's four Royal Parks: Hyde Park, St. James' Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens.

We reconvene at our hotel this evening for dinner. Overnight London.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving London behind after breakfast, we are transferred to London St. Pancras station to board the late morning Eurostar service to Paris. We take our seats in spacious Plus class and settle in with a light meal as our journey toward the French capital begins. On arrival in Paris this afternoon, a coach transfer takes us to our hotel, located near the banks of the Seine.

Once we have checked in, you have time to relax at the hotel after a day of travel or get your bearings in our new location. Paris is awash with history-lined streets and old-world architecture, setting a truly idyllic backdrop for sightseeing.

This evening, we embark on an unforgettable experience: an evening cruise along the River Seine. Stepping aboard our ship, sail past the illuminated sights and iconic landmarks of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, while indulging in a three-course dinner. Overnight Paris.

• Breakfast
• Eurostar Light Meal
• Dinner

Enjoy a fresh perspective on the highlights of Paris this morning on a guided sightseeing tour by coach. Our route reveals lesser-known monuments and hidden gems, as well as world-renowned attractions, including the Arc du Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

We return to the hotel following the tour with a free afternoon and evening to continue exploring this captivating city at your own pace. Art lovers could visit the Centre Pompidou or the Musée d'Orsay, which houses some of the world's most significant works of art. If you hope to spend the afternoon at the Louvre, we strongly advise booking in advance.

Paris is a world-renowned shopping destination, with popular retail streets including the exclusive Champs Elysées and the Rue de Rivoli, which features Haussmann architecture and major fashion brands. Of course, the culinary contributions are also astounding, and there are plenty of award-winning restaurants and tucked-away eateries to try French favorites, including escargot, coq au vin or beef bourguignon. Overnight Paris.

• Breakfast

Today marks a highlight of our vacation, as we visit the magnificent 17th-century Palace of Versailles and its world-renowned gardens. With a "Versailles Passport," you have priority access to the palace and its many grand rooms, which feature art from various periods throughout the palace's history. In addition to touring the interior, your time here can take you outside to the exquisite gardens, whose fountains, immaculate lawns and ornate plants hint at the period of Louis XIV.

You are at leisure over lunchtime to dine independently at one of the onsite restaurants before boarding the Little Train to travel through the grounds to the Estate of Trianon. Here, we can explore two smaller palaces, the Queen's Hamlet and colorful ornamental gardens.

We return to Paris by coach with time to relax or continue soaking up the ambiance of this stylish city independently. Meet the group back at the hotel this evening, and together, we celebrate this memorable European journey with dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Paris.

• Breakfast, Dinner

From the River Thames and London's modern attractions to the opulent Palace of Versailles and the iconic landmarks of Paris, this vacation has shown the highlights of two of Europe's most influential cities. We have witnessed the ceremonial daily opening of the Tower of London and cruised two picturesque waterways, enjoying fantastic meals while reveling in riverside scenery. In addition to memorable sightseeing excursions, this trip provided ample free time to enjoy the sights and scenery of London and Paris on your own terms - an ideal combination for an immersive vacation.

With a final breakfast at the hotel this morning, your time in Europe concludes. You are free to check out of the hotel and begin your onward travels home.

• Breakfast