Day 1 - Depart for Europe
Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!
Day 2 - Arrive in London
Check in to your hotel after 2 p.m. and head out into the humming capital of Britain for a sneak peek at what’s to come. Later, meet up with your fellow travelers and Tour Manager over dinner. Tonight, get a feel for this thriving cultural melting pot on a walking tour around some of London’s landmark spots with your Tour Manager. Check out the cool and happening hub of Soho, the bright lights of the famous Piccadilly Circus and the street performers in Convent Garden.
Accommodation: London hotel - 3 nights
Days 3 & 4 - London Sightseeing
With two days in London, there’s plenty of time to get a real feel for this buzzing cosmopolitan capital, where iconic black taxis and red double-decker buses flash past historic buildings. Anything goes in London, so choose how you want to experience it.
Jump on the coach for a look at London’s iconic buildings and UNESCO World Heritage sites in our included tour. Learn about Big Ben, the Royal Family’s place of residence (Buckingham Palace), the horror tales of the Tower of London, and the magnificent Westminster Abbey, where Princess Diana’s funeral service was held.
With an included day pass for the London Underground take advantage of the tube system. Use it like a local and move around the city at your own pace. Some ideas for your free time include a ride on the London Eye for awesome views over the city, or a visit to the Tate Modern to check out some of the world’s most famous contemporary art. You can rub shoulders with the stars by walking through world-famous Madame Tussauds waxwork museum. Otherwise shop in the colorful Camden Markets or hit Oxford Street.
During your time in London, there’s also an optional excursion to see the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge. Choose to get up close to the famous ring of stones and learn more about the legends surrounding them. You’ll also visit Bath, a gorgeous city complete with terraces, promenades and heritage buildings. Get the background on the city’s name and Roman past in an optional excursion to the stunning Roman Baths.
On your last night in London experience a bit of London culture with a trip to a famous West End musical – it’s on us! Afterward, round up some friends and hit the town. London has it all; jazz bars, traditional pubs, pumping clubs and loads of live music – take your pick and dive into the action.
Day 5 - London to Paris
We hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. Travel via World War 1 battle fields in the Valley of the Somme to Paris. Tonight, the group kick starts Paris with the “Tour of Illuminations” which shows off the French capital’s transformation into the “City of Light.” Lamp-lit bridges and cool little cafés give us a real taste of Paris’ romance. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on the world’s most recognized monuments, like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
After the tour, enjoy another angle on the city with our included cruise along the River Seine. The lights of Paris and its buildings are spectacular when seen from the water.
Accommodation: Paris hotel - 3 nights
Days 6 & 7 - Paris Sightseeing
This town is loaded with possibilities. Discover its many bistros, museums, tree-lined avenues and diverse quartiers (neighborhoods). Get a feel for French flair by window shopping on the Left Bank, step into the Notre Dame cathedral or explore the endless galleries of the Louvre and get up close to the famous Mona Lisa. Try indulging in some delicious pastries and relax in one of Paris’ many green spaces.
Enjoy a visit to Fragonard. This perfumery has an elegant interior and is a unique setting for a look into the history of perfume. It’s also a chance to pick up some French perfume at great prices. Time in Paris also includes a trip to France’s most well-known chateau: Versailles, once home to the Sun King, Louis 14th and hot spot of the French Revolution. Check out the impressive exterior of this extravagant palace, then enjoy a guided tour of the former royal family’s luxurious living quarters.
On your last night, why not treat yourself to a real Parisian night out with an optional dinner and show at an authentic cabaret, complete with can-can girls and champagne? But don’t stop there – hit the clubs for a night to remember.
Day 8 - Depart Paris
Time to swap addresses and say “au revoir” to your new friends as your tour ends after breakfast.
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Discover London and Paris on this action-packed tour with other 18-35 year old travelers from around the world. But no need to negotiate maps, guidebooks, transportation or currency exchange - leave that to Contiki! Contiki Tours not only take you to the most desirable destinations but they encourage you to see the world with fresh eyes as you share new experiences with travelers your own age.
Then you’re off to Paris for three days where you’ll take an Illuminations Tour of the city followed by a cruise on the River Seine. See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Also visit a French perfumery and take a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles. There will still be time to shop, visit museums, people watch at the many outdoor cafes, and soak up the “joie de vivre!”