Off-The-Beaten-Path: Gems of Western Europe
Perfect mix of guided exploration and free time
Discover the true essence of 'off-the-beaten-path' with a Western Europe adventure, including Paris and London, plus the potential addition of Rome and/or Dublin should you opt for the 9- or 12-night getaway. Embrace each city's secret treasures with unique tours and ample free time to explore renowned attractions independently.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Paris (CDG), out of London (LHR)
- Airport transfer from CDG to Paris hotel
- 3 nights in Paris at Hotel Mercure Paris Place d'Italie, or similar
- Montmartre Tour for Foodies: Small Group Tour with a Local Chef
- Eurostar rail from Paris to London
- 3 nights in London at Thistle Hotel Holborn, or similar
- Churchill War Rooms: Westminster Underground Bunkers Private Tour
- Warhol to Banksy: Tate Modern & Street Art Private Tour
- Airport transfer from London hotel to LHR
- Breakfast daily
Choose the 9-night option to add Rome, or the 12-night option to add Rome and Dublin!
Great Ways to Explore
Combine all your European dream destinations into a single trip!
Immerse yourself in the local culture with guided tours in every city.
Explore iconic attractions like the Colosseum, London Bridge, and the Eiffel Tower.
Experience comfortable and easily accessible hotels in every city.
Indulge in local cuisine on your included food and drink tours.
On this exceptional vacation, spend 6 nights immersing yourself in the Western European cities of Paris and London.
Start in the magnificent "City of Lights" – Paris. Take in the city's mesmerizing beauty from atop the Eiffel Tower and find peace in the tranquil Luxembourg Gardens. Delight in French cuisine on a small group tour guided by a local chef, then hop on the Eurostar rail for an effortless journey to London.
In London, receive a guided tour of the Churchill War Rooms – a series of underground bunkers that were Churchill's wartime headquarters. Afterwards, witness the city's iconic London Bridge and Tower of London, followed by a Tate Modern & Street Art Private Tour to expose you to the city's vibrant art scene.
With distinctive tours and cozy accommodations in every city, this Western Europe vacation truly goes off-the-beaten-path.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Paris (CDG), out of London (LHR)
- Airport transfer from CDG to Paris hotel
- 3 nights in Paris at Hotel Mercure Paris Place d'Italie, or similar
- Montmartre Tour for Foodies: Small Group Tour with a Local Chef
- Eurostar rail from Paris to London
- 3 nights in London at Thistle Hotel Holborn, or similar
- Churchill War Rooms: Westminster Underground Bunkers Private Tour
- Warhol to Banksy: Tate Modern & Street Art Private Tour
- Airport transfer from London hotel to LHR
- Breakfast daily
Choose the 9-night option to add Rome, or the 12-night option to add Rome and Dublin!
Combine all your European dream destinations into a single trip!
Immerse yourself in the local culture with guided tours in every city.
Explore iconic attractions like the Colosseum, London Bridge, and the Eiffel Tower.
Experience comfortable and easily accessible hotels in every city.
Indulge in local cuisine on your included food and drink tours.
On this exceptional vacation, spend 6 nights immersing yourself in the Western European cities of Paris and London.
Start in the magnificent "City of Lights" – Paris. Take in the city's mesmerizing beauty from atop the Eiffel Tower and find peace in the tranquil Luxembourg Gardens. Delight in French cuisine on a small group tour guided by a local chef, then hop on the Eurostar rail for an effortless journey to London.
In London, receive a guided tour of the Churchill War Rooms – a series of underground bunkers that were Churchill's wartime headquarters. Afterwards, witness the city's iconic London Bridge and Tower of London, followed by a Tate Modern & Street Art Private Tour to expose you to the city's vibrant art scene.
With distinctive tours and cozy accommodations in every city, this Western Europe vacation truly goes off-the-beaten-path.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Paris!
After landing in the vibrant city of Paris, take the transfer vehicle to your hotel. To recharge after your journey, take a refreshing stroll through the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens for a peaceful and invigorating immersion in nature.
Transfer from CDG to Paris hotel
Just steps from the hilltop Butte aux Cailles district, the Mercure Paris Place d'Italie Hotel in the 13th arrondissement offers comfortable accommodation with a fashion-forward sensibility. From the hotel, explore Bercy, a shopping village with restaurants, bars and a multiscreen cinema. If history beckons, head to the Latin Quarter, where Simone Beauvoir once called home. The Corvisart (line 6) and Place d'Italie (line 5,6,7) metro stations are just minutes away, making it easy to see all of Paris from this modern hotel.Â
Aside from an exciting location, this sophisticated hotel has 50 spacious, air conditioned rooms that will meet any traveler's needs. Each room is equipped with free high-speed Wi-Fi, and the multilingual staff ensures a smooth and enjoyable stay for all guests. Recharge with a complimentary hot breakfast buffet each morning and browse souvenirs at the gift shop. Slip into a luxurious personal robe after a long day of sightseeing or unwind with a glass of wine in the Le Temps d'une Pause bar.Â
The outstandingly beautiful Mercure Paris 17 Batignolles is located in the 17th arrondissement of Paris and features 134 comfortable rooms and suites. This ultra-modern and sleek 4-star accommodation provides visitors with quick access to some of Paris' finest tourist attractions including the Arc de Triomphe, Gare Saint-Lazare, La Cigale Concert Hall, and the Eiffel Tower! Additionally, this hotel is under 20 miles from the Charles de Gaulle Airport.
During your stay at this wonderful hotel, visitors are offered an American buffet-style breakfast and can opt to eat at the Le Jardin French restaurant on-site. Within the rooms, guests can cool down with their air-conditioning units and enjoy satellite television at their own leisure. There is access to a business center for those on work trips, as well as a snack bar, coffee house, and a drink bar for visitors looking to lounge around the hotel. Get the most out of your trip to Paris when you stay at the extra comfortable Mercure Paris 17 Batignolles!
Room: Double Connecting room with breakfast
Located close to the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe, the Hotel Victor Hugo Paris Kléber offers a convenient location on a quiet street of the 16th arrondissement, in the heart of Paris. The 4-star Victor Hugo Paris Kléber is located in a beautiful Art Deco building, offering you the elegance, charm and the refinement of a private Parisian home. The design of the guestrooms combine various harmonies with all the amenities necessary to a comfortable stay.
Nestled in a quiet and privileged district, this hotel is walking distance from the Champs Elysées and Trocadero Square, and a 3-minute walk from Victor Hugo Metro station. In a beautiful Parisian building, Hôtel Victor Hugo has all the charm and elegance of a French house. You can glance through Victor Hugo novels in the library and enjoy breakfast in the inner garden. 16th arr. is a great choice for travelers interested in shopping, romance and food
Welcome to the Crowne Plaza Paris Republique Hotel! This elegant hotel is located moments away from the trendy Marais district and is just 40 minutes away from Charles de Gaulle Airport. Visitors can enjoy close access to various shopping centers, world-class opera at the Palais Garnier, and selections of modern art at the Centre Pompidou.
Within the hotel, visitors can utilize the 24-hour fitness center, a marketplace to purchase snacks and beverages, as well as meeting rooms for those on business trips. Guestrooms and suites are equipped with stylish bathrooms and Italian showers. Some rooms also have courtyard views, and all suites are located in dedicated Quiet Zones that allow visitors to work or sleep in peace. Guest are also able to Indulge in meals that are provided at the Le Dix Restaurant onsite. Overall, this wonderful hotel is a great option for those visiting Paris!Â
Room: 1 xFamily connecting room with breakfast
Enjoy a stay at the 4-star Hotel Elysees Bassano, located just a 5 minutes’ walk from the Champs Elysees and within walking distance from the Trocadero, Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. Walk to the most beautiful avenue in the world, Avenue Montaigne, and see the world famous luxury shops that line the avenue. The 40 air conditioned and comfortable rooms are equipped with modern features like double-glazed windows to ensure a peaceful sleep at night. Relax in the bar adjoining the reception area with its chic décor for coffee, aperitifs or a late evening drink. A  24-hour reception will assist you during your stay in Paris.
Tucked away on a quiet street of the same name, Hotel Le Littre radiates peace and tranquility to all its guests. Situated between Montparnasse and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Hotel Le Littre is away from the hustle and bustle of the city but still conveniently located for all your Paris escapades. When night falls, you have Paris theaters nearby and popular Left Bank brasseries. Each of the 90 elegant rooms will make you feel right at home, with lots of natural light and large modern bathrooms. After long days of sightseeing, enjoy a drink at the cozy bar, the winter garden or in your room.Â
Day 2. Paris
Relish a warm cup of local French coffee or tea to jumpstart your day. Consider having a light breakfast, but ensure that you leave ample space in your stomach for today's appetizing food tour. Join a local chef who will lead you through an array of mouth-watering French flavors as you sample delectable delicacies along the way.
Experience the quintessence of Parisian culture with a morning in Montmartre, immersed in a culinary journey. On your small group tour, you'll rendezvous with a local food expert in Montmartre, exploring authentic shops and cultural gems. Wander through streets once graced by Van Gogh, Matisse, and Picasso, guided by an expert.
Stroll through iconic sites like the Bateau Lavoir and Clos Montmartre vineyard, relishing breathtaking views from the Montmartre belvedere and Sacré Coeur Basilica. Indulge in French cheeses, pastries, and a wine and charcuterie tasting along charming cobblestone lanes.
End your tour with a panoramic view of the City of Light. Your guide will offer further culinary recommendations before bidding adieu atop the hill, completing your unforgettable experience.
Day 3. Paris
Today, make your way to Paris' number one attraction: the Eiffel Tower. Some visitors prefer to ride up to the top during the peak daylight hours for splendid views of the city, while others may wish to admire the stunning attraction from a distance or opt for an evening visit to witness the Eiffel Tower and the cityscape illuminating the night sky. Either way, be sure to not miss out on this Parisian must-see destination. Other enjoyable activities in Paris include exploring the world-renowned Louvre museum and admiring the impressive Notre Dame cathedral.
Eiffel Tower
Day 4. Paris - London
Savor one final scrumptious Parisian breakfast before catching the Eurostar rail and journeying through the picturesque countryside from Paris to London. Once you are settled in London, take some time to recharge before embarking on the next adventure.
Consider visiting the historical Westminster Abbey, a top London landmark. This famous royal church boasts an array of architectural marvels and is quite easy to explore on your own.
Eurostar rail from Paris to London
Just a 4 minute walk from Holborn Underground Station the Thistle London Holborn stands proud with a beautiful Edwardian facade that ties traditional and contemporary styles together. Guests can enjoy two on-site restaurants, a bar and lounge, and free Wi-Fi.
Rooms have sleek furnishings as well as satellite flat-screen TVs, a safe, air conditioning, a desk, ironing facilities, and a private bathroom complete with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Settling in London's Bloomsbury area, the British Museum, Theatreland, Covent Garden, and Oxford Street can all be reached in about 20 minutes of walking, and St. Pancras International is a 25-minute walk away, and offers access to the Eurostar link.
At the stylish 4-star Holiday Inn London Regent's Park, you'll enjoy a central location right in London with top-notch service. The hotel welcomes visitors with a spacious lobby that's decorated in a modern fashion showcasing a bar, restaurant, and lounge area. There is also a Business Center where guests can comfortably relax, work, and socialize. The on-site restaurant features a delicious breakfast and serves British cuisine for dinner, while the Lobby serves an array of drinks including Starbucks coffee! Rooms are fitted with everything a visitor needs for a comfortable stay, including a coffee/tea maker, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, satellite TV, and more.
Regent’s Park is just a 5-minute walk away from the hotel, as well as 2 convenient Tube Stations. You'll also be situated just a half mile from Oxford Street and just under 1.5 miles from the London Zoo
Welcome to the sleek and ultra-modern Holiday Inn Bloomsbury! This hotel is situated right in the Bloomsbury area and is conveniently located near several attractions including the British Museum, Charles Dickens Museum, and the Grant Museum of Zoology. With a wide array of restaurants and bars within walking distance, visitors can also explore other popular areas of London such as Covent Garden, Soho, and even Westminster!Â
The Holiday Inn Bloomsbury offers guests several in-room and onsite amenities. Guests will stay in smart rooms that are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, and complimentary tea and coffee makers. Those staying in executive rooms and suites can opt for room service as well. For hotel dining options, visitors are able to enjoy meals at the Callaghan's Pub or hot and cold beverages at the Junction Bar. Other amenities include access to business services for those on work trips!
Welcome to the Thistle Trafalgar Square Hotel! Located just 15 miles away from London City Airport and Heathrow Airport, this hotel is conveniently situated near Leicester Square. Guests have close access to some of London's prime destinations including Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, and the West End Theatres! Feel free to explore London at your own leisure, as the hotel is located within walking distance of various restaurants and bars.Â
On the premises, this hotel offers a wide range of amenities. Visitors have access to 24-hour room service, fast and free unlimited wifi, and car parking. Additionally, there is a restaurant and bar conveniently located on-site. Standard guest rooms feature a contemporary design and offer coffee & tea making facilities, hairdryers, ironing materials, a work desk, an air-conditioning unit, a beautiful Samsung HD Smart TV, and complimentary toiletries! Other room options include mini-fridges with complimentary beverages, complimentary bathrobes & slippers, and a Nespresso Coffee machine, among other luxuries.Â
nhow London is a stunning 4-star hotel in the artsy East London area. Unique artwork decorates the hotel lobby in a comfortable setting, while other amenities at the hotel include a stylish bar, restaurant, café, and fitness center. 24-hour front desk and room service are available, as well as bike rentals.
Guestrooms are vibrant and brightly decorated with colorful artwork. They feature free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, minibar, coffee/tea maker, and a private bathroom.
The hotel is within close proximity to many great things to do in London. King Square Gardens and Graham Street Park are both within walking distance, while there are also tube stations nearby that make traveling around London easy. Other great sights like the Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Tower of London are all under 3 miles away.Â
Convenient, exciting, and comfortable are some of the best ways to describe the Doubletree By Hilton in Angel Kings Cross. Set within the heart of London, this hotel is just a short walk from the Kings Cross St. Pancras Rail Station (home of the Eurostar and the Harry Potter Platform), and nearby plenty of other popular attractions such as the Tower of London and Big Ben.
The hotel itself features a steakhouse, multiple fitness facilities, 24-hour coffee bar, and a traditional lounge/bar. Rooms are kept air-conditioned, clean, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Each guest room has an LCD TV, a private bathroom, a large window with curtains, and is decorated with modern artwork.Â
What makes this hotel even greater is the extra mile that staffing goes to accommodate guests of all backgrounds. Free kids welcomes packs are available at arrival that include bottles and food warmers. Special-diet requests can be made and the facilities have access points and other accommodations for people with disabilities.Â
Day 5. London
Start your London adventure with a private tour of the Churchill War Rooms, once used as Winston Churchill's wartime headquarters. Gain insight into this historical figure's leadership.
Afterwards, explore the royal history of London by visiting London Bridge and the Tower of London, both with connections to the royal family. Experience the rich and vast history of London's landmarks.
Begin your exploration within the heart of London's parliamentary district, the epicenter of British and Allied operations across Europe and beyond. Learn about Churchill's formative years, personal life, and remarkable ascent to governance as you encounter the Winston Churchill memorial. Engage with remnants of structures scarred by the blitz, visit landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the Prime Minister's residence, and pay homage at the iconic Cenotaph war memorial, special service headquarters, and Ghurka memorial.
Following your enlightening walking tour, delve into the depths of the Churchill War Rooms, an intricate network of subterranean bunkers that housed British wartime activities, strategic planning, and cartography. These war rooms served as a haven for government officials during the blitz and facilitated the discussions and plotting of Allied intelligence and strategies during WWII.
As you navigate through the expansive "Slab," discover that the Churchill War Rooms encompass two distinct museums. The Cabinet War Rooms, anchored by the mesmerizing Map Room, illuminate the strategic and tactical maneuvers of the war command. It was here that Churchill presided over 115 cabinet meetings, shaping the course of Allied offensives across Europe. The Churchill Museum, on the other hand, unravels the life and legacy of this eminent figure, tracing his journey from early childhood to his state funeral. Of particular intrigue is the extensive collection of deeply affectionate letters penned by Churchill to his wife Clementine, unveiling the tender facets of this resolute statesman.
Concluding your tour within the War Rooms, you're free to continue your exploration at your own pace or seek recommendations from your guide, perhaps including a visit to Churchill's local pub for sustenance.
Day 6. London
Experience more of London's captivating art scene by enjoying the "Tate Modern & Street Art Private Tour: Featuring Warhol to Banksy". This exclusive tour grants you the opportunity to witness the progression of contemporary art exhibited in the awe-inspiring galleries of Tate Modern, as well as a leisurely stroll through the captivating street art culture of London. After the tour, take advantage of your free time by boarding the London Eye to relish the breathtakingly scenic views of the city and commemorate your final night on vacation in London.
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of
London's creative epicenter, Southbank, as you traverse from Warhol to Banksy,
with a private tour that unveils the vibrant tapestry of art, culture, and
architectural marvels, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Tate Modern Museum.
Commence your exploration at the Millennium Bridge, offering
breathtaking panoramas along the serene River Thames. Proceed to the Tate
Modern, where you'll be treated to a 1.5-hour guided tour of this renowned
repository of contemporary art. Designed by celebrated British architect Sir
Giles Gilbert Scott (also known for the Battersea Power Station and
the iconic red telephone box) the Tate Modern is as famous for
its architecture as for the impressive collection of contemporary art within.
Your tour guide will show you the highlights of this vast space,
including works by world-renowned artists including Andy
Warhol, Lucio Fontana, Joseph Beuys’ Picasso, and many more. Admire the museum
building, a converted power station famous for its 325-foot tall brick tower,
and enter the vast and dramatic turbine hall.
Following your art immersion, enjoy a stroll along the River
Thames with spectacular views of London’s landmarks, en route to the Southbank
Centre. Here, you'll explore Europe's largest center for the arts, a vast and
lively hub of art and performance venues celebrated for its iconic Brutalist
architecture. Venture into the colorful Undercroft, the birthplace of British
skateboarding and political street art. Feast your eyes on the street art
adorning Hungerford Bridge, and as you continue toward Waterloo, see the Covid
pandemic tribute to the NHS superheroes, by famous muralist Lionel Stanhope.
Lastly, head beneath the streets and rumbling platforms of
London’s Waterloo Station to discover Southbank’s hidden treasure trove of
street art and graffiti: the Leake Street Arches and Street Art tunnels, started
by none other than Banksy in 2008. As an active, free space it is an
ever-changing canvas with artists working there every day… some creations last
months, others days, or even hours! It is an incredibly vibrant corner of the
city and a testament to the years of hard work and cultural regeneration that
have gone into making Southbank one of the most trailblazing artistic hubs in
the world.Â
Day 7. Depart London
Have one last breakfast at the hotel before taking your transfer to the airport. Say goodbye to London as you board your flight home!
Transfer from London hotel to LHR
Fly home!