London & Paris

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
London & environs, Paris & Versailles

First-time visitors and repeat travelers alike will enjoy this tour that brings together two of Europe's most enticing cities: London and Paris.

Begin in London, one of the world's greatest cities. Discover the best of London—heritage architecture, fascinating museums, important historic attractions, exclusive boutiques, traditional pubs and incredible food markets—during private touring customized to your interests. Tour famous landmarks such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, Covent Garden, the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Perhaps explore other incredible museums around the city such as the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, Churchill War Rooms, Sir John Soane's Museum, the Tate Modern or the Tate Britain. Also visit hidden squares, renowned British shops, atmospheric tea rooms and other highlights. One day, opt to take an excursion outside London. Among the many destinations are Windsor Castle, Bath, Stonehenge, Oxford, Highclere Castle (the filming location for the Downton Abbey TV series), Greenwich, Kew Gardens and the Harry Potter Studios.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure will also arrange reservations for dining and afternoon tea, book tickets to performances, and provide recommendations for the best shopping in London. Accommodation is at one of London's best luxury hotels.

Continue to Paris by Eurostar train. Tour the city's most interesting neighborhoods, markets, boutiques, specialty food shops, gardens, museums and other cultural attractions. A few of our favorites: Walk among centuries-old mansions on exclusive Ile Saint-Louis. See the stained glass windows of exquisite Sainte-Chapelle, and see iconic Notre Dame. Visit the backstreets of Montmartre. Climb the steps to the Sacre Coeur Basilica for panoramic views. Explore Le Marais, whose private homes once belonged to kings, noblemen and courtesans. Wander the old Jewish quarter to the Place des Vosges, the city's oldest and one of its most beautiful squares. See the art treasures of museums such as the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, l'Orangerie, Centre Pompidou, Fondation Louis Vuitton and other major museums. Or visit smaller specialty museums off the beaten track. If desired, enjoy reservations at one of the restaurants atop the Eiffel Tower. Stroll the Latin Quarter, and relax in the Luxembourg Gardens. Shop exclusive boutiques along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and Rue Royale. Take a break at Left Bank cafes made famous by poets and philosophers, and stop in the church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange personalized shopping (antiques, flea markets, haute couture, tea, copperware and cooking utensils, chocolate, fashion and more). Perhaps spend hours enjoying a degustation gastronomique at a leading restaurant.

One day, if desired, enjoy a private excursion to Versailles to tour Louis XIV's opulent palace, including the Hall of Mirrors, the gardens, and the Hameau de la Reine, the mock hamlet created for Marie-Antoinette. Alternatively, enjoy a private excursion to Giverny to tour the house, gardens and lily ponds where Claude Monet lived and painted in his final years.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive London, England Private arrival transfer to hotel for 4 nights Day 2 London Full-day private city tour Day 3 London & environs Full-day private city touring or excursion Day 4 London Half-day private city tour. Afternoon tea reservation Day 5 London – Paris, France Private transfer to station for Eurostar train to Paris. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 4 nights Day 6 Paris Full-day private city tour Day 7 Paris & Versailles Full-day private excursion Day 8 Paris Half-day private city tour Day 9 Depart Paris Private airport transfer

Hotels

London: Claridge's, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, The Ritz London, Belmond Cadogan Hotel or The Berkeley Paris: Ritz Paris, Four Seasons Hotel George V or Le Bristol Paris

Cost

Upon request