London & Paris

From cosmopolitan London to romantic Paris, see the best of the world's most captivating cities decorated for the holiday season. To help make the most of your getaway, unpack just once in each city. Enjoy a leisurely-paced journey with plenty of time to explore your own way.
Hotel Name: Strand Palace Hotel

Welcome to London at Christmastime, a metropolis filled with light, laughter and the excitement of the holiday season. With no planned activities through the afternoon, take the time to explore on your own. Whether you’re searching the city’s many Christmas markets for handmade gifts and colorful decorations or basking in the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon, this will be a Christmas adventure you’ll never forget. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a taste of traditional pub fare — where else but at a London pub!
Dinner Included

Admittance: Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey has been the site for every coronation for almost 1,000 years. The Abbey is also the home to many royal weddings, including the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Start your morning with a local in London. Kick it off with a two-hour walking tour of Westminster, where you will see the exteriors of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace before venturing inside the majestic Westminster Abbey. A Christmastime visit to London wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Covent Garden, the hub of festivities for locals and visitors alike. Explore a wonderland of glorious holiday stalls and soak up the holiday cheer. Take the afternoon at leisure to wander through more of London’s charming Christmas markets. Peruse the sea of wooden chalets offering unique crafts, artisan goods, and local treats.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Blenheim Palace
Discover the splendid Baroque-style home of Blenheim Palace. This was the birthplace of one of Britain's greatest leaders, Sir Winston Churchill, and is truly magnificent. Built in the 18th century, it is still lived in today but remains paused in time. Take in the elegant ambience that will give you a glimpse into the lifestyle of nobility in Britain. Stroll through the opulent halls that are adorned with magnificent portraits, tapestries and rooms filled with furniture fit for royalty. The palace is set on thousands of acres of stunning natural scenery perfectly designed and manicured, dotted with historic monuments, and home to an abundance of wildlife. As you meander through the palace and grounds you will be awed by the grandeur and beauty of this enchanting palace.

The day begins with a visit to Blenheim Palace, one of England’s most magnificent homes, that shines even brighter at Christmastime. The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, this UNESCO World Heritage site shows off a full display of Christmas spirit. Indulge in a Christmas afternoon tea before spending time perusing the many stalls filled with decorations and Christmas souvenirs.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Hotel Name: Crowne Plaza Republique

Admittance: Afternoon Tea

Allons-y! Today, you’re off to Paris! Hop aboard the Eurostar high-speed train to get there in just two hours. A sophisticated metropolis of style and culture, Paris’ bustling city streets are filled with colorful history, fascinating museums, renowned monuments and grand theatres. Settle in for your four-night stay in the “City of Light” as you join for a walk to get acquainted with the neighborhood. Place de la Republique is conveniently located at the seam between the verdant Canal Saint-Martin and the elegant district of Le Marais abounding with gorgeous old mansions and trendy boutiques.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Christmas Markets
London at Christmas time is truly magical and the city is transformed at every corner and in many of the shop fronts including Harrods which is an attraction in itself.

Join a local expert and come to know the highlights of Paris, including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees. Stop at the Galeries Lafayette department store, cherished among Parisians for its sky-high Christmas tree, dazzling holiday displays, and Art Nouveau architecture. Explore how you’d like with an afternoon and night at leisure. Or, enjoy an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin* for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Eurostar Train
Since 1994, the Eurostar Train has been connecting London and Paris in 2.25 hours. Starting at St Pancras Station in London, the high-speed train comfortably takes you through the countryside of England, under the English Channel, and ends its journey at Gare Du Nord in Paris.

Be romanced by Paris, decorated for the season – the whole day is yours for the taking. You may wander over to the Left Bank of the Seine and plunge into the bohemian atmosphere of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood and the Latin Quarter. Or, join an optional excursion to Versailles,** where you’ll explore King Louis XIV’s magnificent Palace and Gardens. Relive history as you walk through the various rooms of the State Apartments, including the Queen's bed chamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Galeries Lafayette
Nothing could bring the magic of the season alive more than the clever and elaborate window displays of Galeries Lafayette. Every year seems to get even better with incredible theater sets that feature animated figures floating about in magical worlds designed by the most gifted artists and designers of our time.

This morning, visit Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial, a solemn tribute to the U.S. soldiers who served in both World Wars. Stroll through the rows of gravestones, pause in quiet reflection within the chapel, and take in the city view from this serene hillside setting. Next, ready your senses to delve into the art of perfume making. Create your own fragrance during a hands-on workshop led by a master perfumer, fondly known as a “Nez” (Nose), and after, return to your hotel with your creation in hand. It’s your last afternoon in Paris - how will you spend it? Should you indulge in some of the world's best shopping on the Champs-Elysees, or simply do as the Parisians do and sit at a sidewalk café, watching the beauty that is Paris go by? No matter what you decide, end the day with a romantic Seine River cruise set against Paris’ glittering skyline. After, experience an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower featuring French cuisine and breathtaking views.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Eiffel Tower Dinner
Built in 1889 as part of the World's Fair by the architecture team of Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris today. Located on the first level is 58 Tour Eiffel, a gourmet restaurant with stunning panoramic views of Paris. Since food is another big part of Parisian culture, the meal is several courses, beautifully displayed and accompanied with wine, coffee and tea.

You depart today, but London and Paris will remain in your heart forever.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Seine River Cruise
Separating Paris into the Left and Right Banks is the River Seine. One of the best ways to see Paris is by water. Floating along as the sun sets in a glass-roofed boat, you watch the city come to life. Guided narration and themed music allow you to soak in the atmosphere of Paris as you cruise past Notre Dame, the Musee D'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower.