London and Paris

Join a licensed local guide for an in-depth tour of London. See Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard, and stroll through Hyde Park, home to the famous Speakers’ Corner. View Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, then step inside Westminster Abbey, the coronation site of English monarchs. Continue to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, and admire the iconic Tower Bridge spanning the Thames.

See how the King relaxes on this guided tour of the royal weekend estate, originally built as a fortress in the 11th century under William the Conqueror. Visit the East Terrace Gardens, marvel at the Gothic St. George's Chapel, or peek into the rooms of Queen Mary's doll house with its gallery of pint-size perfect furniture.

Indian food has been part of British life for nearly 400 years, and today curry dishes rival fish and chips in popularity. Sit down to an authentic Indian dinner, sampling a variety of fragrant, spice-filled dishes that show why this cuisine has become one of the nation’s favorites.

Step inside the Tower of London, a vast 18-acre fortress of 20 towers, winding staircases, and hidden passages on the Thames. From the 11th to 16th centuries it served as royal palace, treasury, and prison. Learn the fate of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, two wives of Henry VIII executed here, see the Crown Jewels with their dazzling 530-carat diamond, and hear stories brought to life by the Beefeaters who still guard its gates.

Explore the British Museum, home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of art and artifacts. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Marbles, and the Sutton Hoo Treasure.

The Parthenon Sculptures, taken by the British Earl of Elgin in the early 19th century, are now housed in the British Museum. Their presence continues to spark debate over whether they should remain in London or be returned to Greece.

Explore the backstreets of London’s East End, where the city’s most infamous serial killer preyed on his victims. Jack the Ripper murdered at least five women, possibly more, in foggy Victorian London. His identity remains a mystery, and perhaps you will spot a clue and try to solve it yourself.

You’re so close, why not continue to London? Hop on the Eurostar under the English Channel and, faster than you can say anything in French, you’ll zip through the tunnel and arrive in London.

Discover Montmartre on a Tour Director-led walk through the hilltop neighborhood that inspired artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. Stroll the lively Place du Tertre, where painters still work today, see the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret, and climb to the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur for sweeping views over Paris.

Explore Paris with a licensed local guide on a sightseeing tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, stroll the grand boulevard lined with shops and cafés, and see the ornate 19th-century Opera House. Look up at the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair, and visit Les Invalides, Napoleon’s military refuge, along with other historic sites.

The ultimate palace, Versailles was begun by Louis XIII and transformed by Louis XIV into the seat of royal power until the French Revolution. Inside, admire the 250-foot Hall of Mirrors, flanked by the salons of War and Peace, and the State Apartments where lavish ceremonies unfolded. Step into the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece of fountains, sculptures, and sweeping vistas. Be sure to visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she escaped court life by tending sheep and playing at village life. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.

Take in Paris on foot, strolling wide boulevards, manicured parks, and lively streets filled with cafés and flower stalls. Cross to the Île de la Cité to view the storied Notre-Dame Cathedral, centerpiece of French history, then wander the charming Île St. Louis and the vibrant Latin Quarter, rich with student life and culture.

The world’s largest art museum, the Louvre, is housed in a former medieval fortress and entered through I.M. Pei’s striking glass pyramid. Inside, discover masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory, along with vast collections of Egyptian antiquities, Greek ceramics, and works spanning seven departments. Please note: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

See the city from the water on an hour-long cruise along the River Seine. The Seine cuts right through Paris, dividing the city in half. Spot the Eiffel tower rising up on the Left Bank, the walls of the Louvre on the Right Bank. A guide will point out other monuments and architectural marvels as you pass, many of which are illuminated by clear white light at night.

Line up to climb to the top floor of this iconic landmark for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the glittering City of Light.

Board your flight home or choose to extend your trip with a two-day visit to the Netherlands. Travel to Amsterdam on the high-speed Thalys train, then enjoy a mix of experiences: explore the city on a lively scavenger hunt, see Amsterdam from the water on a guided canal cruise, and visit the Anne Frank House for a moving look at history. In the evenings, savor local flavors with a traditional Indonesian rijsttafel dinner and a classic Dutch pannenkoeken meal.