London & Paris In Style

Itinerary

• England

   England offers the perfect place for people of all tastes - whether it is cosmopolitain cities, historical and cultural sites, wild and rugged nature or world recognised sprting events, England has it all.

• London

  London is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. An important settlement for two millennia, London's history goes back to its founding by the Romans. Since its settlement, London has been part of many important movements and phenomena throughout history, such as the English Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival. London is one of the world's leading business, financial and cultural centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts contribute to its status as a major global city. The city boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church; the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

• France

  France is ranked as the first tourist destination in the world by volume of visitors. The most popular sights are; Paris (Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Musée d'Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Centre Pompidou, Sainte-Chapelle, Musée Picasso), nearby Palace of Versailles, the Loire valley with its extravagant chateaux (Château de Chambord, Chenonceau), the Riviera or Cote d'Azur, Alsace (Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg), Provence (Aix en Provence), Normandy (Mont-Saint-Michel, Carcassonne)... the list seems endless.  A country renowned for its history, architecture, cuisine, culture, style, weather, France's reputation is well deserved.

• Paris

  Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

• • London
  • Big Ben, London
  • The Tube
  • Royal Horseguards Hotel

  Day 1: London

  Meet your driver at Heathrow airport, and take a private transfer to your hotel.

  A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

  The London Underground, or ‘the tube’ as it is universally known to Londoners, is normally the quickest and easiest way of getting round London. Greater London is served by 12 tube lines, along with the independent (though linked) and privately owned DLR and an interconnected rail network. The first tube train operates at around 5:30am Monday to Saturday and around 7am Sunday; the last train leaves between 11:30pm and 12:30am depending on the day, the station and the line. Remember that any train heading from left to right on the map is designated as eastbound, and any train heading from top to bottom is southbound- no matter how many squiggles and turns it makes. If your two stations are not on the same line, you need to note the nearest station where the two lines intersect, and it is here that you must change trains. Step out into this fantastic city and explore with your travel card - the best way to see London!

  South Bank is a beautiful riverside stretch in the heart of central London, following the Thames from Lambeth to Blackfriars bridges. In walking distance to Covent Garden and Westminster its the perfect location for a relaxing stroll Also accessible from Waterloo station. The packed programme of theatre, exhibitions, music, film and free events means South Bank is an inspiring place to explore for all ages. Along the South Bank, take in such sites, as, The London Eye: the world’s tallest observation wheel. At 135 metres above the Thames it offers unrivalled views over the city. On a clear day from the world’s largest Ferris wheel you can see 25 miles in every direction as far as Windsor to the west and, to the east nearly out to sea. Continue walking over the Milennium Bridge. Although it nowadays provides a smooth river crossing, the Millennium Bridge will be known to Londoners as simply the wobbly bridge. Designed by Norman Foster and Anthony Caro, its low-slung frame looks pretty spectacular, particularly when it’s lit up at night with fibre-optics-the so-called ‘blade of light’ effect. South Bank was made for long lazy afternoons and evenings, there is something for all tastes. Absorb the atmosphere over an al fresco lunch or dinner, enjoy cocktails with a view and try the stylish hotel bars, family-friendly cafes and funky places to grab a quick bite or late night drink.

  Accommodation: Royal Horseguards (5*)

  Across the river from the London Eye, this French chateau-style hotel is three blocks from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, and within a half-mile of West End theaters. Royal Horseguards Hotel's 280 guestrooms are individually designed in classic English style and feature armchairs, desks, minibars, and high-speed Internet access. A pianist plays at a grand piano each evening as guests sip cocktails in the lounge or on the outdoor terrace, and the restaurant offers a modern European menu.

• • Big Ben at Night
  • Hampstead Heath
  • Double Decker Bus
  • West End

  Day 2: London

  Experience the city in all its beauty on a comprehensive private city tour with a Professional Guide, vehicle and driver and be shown all the major sights this world metropolis has to offer. A visit of the colourful "West End" with its well-known shopping streets and elegant parks is up first. Then travel on through both the City of Westminster and the City of London, the oldest part of the capital and home to the financial district. During the course of the tour, you will see all the highlights of the city: Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Hyde Park, Harrods in Knightsbridge, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square with Nelson's Column. The tour ends either in the city centre or back at your accommodation.

  Tube Stop: Hampstead. Sprawling Hampstead Heath, with its rolling woodlands and meadows, feels like a million miles away- well approximately four- from the city of London. It covers 320 hectares, most of it woods, hills and meadows, and is home to about 100 bird species. It’s a wonderful place for a nice walk, and you can follow in the footsteps of luminaries such as the poets Coleridge, Keats and Pop as well as painters Hogarth and Constable who all lived around here. Constable studied the clouds and skies above Hampstead Heath, painting more than 100 ‘skyscapes’ that he would later match subjects in his most famous paintings.

  If walking is too pedestrian for you, sections of the heath area are laid out for football and cricket. Walk up Parliament Hill or the hill in North Wood, an on a clear day you’ll be able to see all the way to Canary Wharf and the Docklands. Those of an artistic bent should make a beeline to Kenwood House but stop to admire the sculptures by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth on the way. If you work up a thirst, there’s no better place to quench it than at the atmospheric- and possibly haunted- Spaniard’s Inn which has fascinating history and a terrific beer garden.

  Consider any number of shared or private tours such as a guided tour of the TATE modern museum, a city highlights tour, a hop on hop off city tour taking you to all of the main sights within the city and allowing you to get on and off as often as you like. For activities further afield, consider a day trip to Oxford and Blenheim palace or Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you would like more information on optional tours and activities that you could add to your itinerary.

  Within walking distance to your central London hotel, enjoy a fantastic meal out at one of the best restaurants in the West End. A few suggestions: J Sheekey, an incredibly smart seafood restaurant, Lindsay House, specializing in Irish cuisine, Mildred's, London's best veggie restaurant, Sketch, the trendiest place in London, specializing in some of the best french food you'll ever taste, or for those looking for something simple and cheerful, enjoy a nice meal out at Zipangu.

  Accommodation: Royal Horseguards (5*)
• • Windsor Castle

  Day 3: London

  Windsor is a suburban town and tourist destination in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. It is best known as the site of Windsor Castle. Windsor is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years. After enjoying your tour of the Castle and perhaps a stroll around Windsor and Eton, continue your tour to Stonehenge. Situated in the south of England, the closest large town is Salisbury. Stonehenge is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the world's most complete stone circles. Fully sated, the next stop is Bath where you will enjoy a guided tour of the city and the Roman Baths.

  Accommodation: Royal Horseguards (5*)
• • Paris
  • Bedroom

  Day 4: London - Paris

  Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

  Enjoy the train ride (under the English channel) from London St. Pancras train station to Paris Nord train station. Train journey is approximately 2.5 hrs.

  Take a private train station transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking driver.

  Enjoy dinner at leisure. Here are a few suggestions; In the Latin Quarter (5th): Le Petit Pontoise bistro, 9 Rue Pontoise (Metro: Maubert Mutualite) Tel: 0143292520.This restaurant is nestled in a discreet and quite street, 10 minutes walk from Notre Dame Cathedral. Reservation for the dinner is recommended. By the Arc de Triomph and Parc Monceau (17th): Chez Les Anges, Paris, 54 Boulevard de La Tour-Maubourg (Metro: La Tour-Maubourg). Tel: 01 47 05 89 86. Cool jazz on the sound system, a sunny veranda, and a cool, modern bar. This is pure market cuisine, the daily changing menu punctuated by fabulous wild fish, wild mushrooms, and seasonal game. Closed Sat. & Sun. In the Trocadero area (16th): Astrance, Paris. 4 Rue Beethoven (Metro: Passy). Tel: 01 40 50 84 40. For fashionable foodies, a meal at this small, split-level dining room with silver-painted walls on a quiet residential street near the Trocadero is guaranteed Nirvana. Book a month in advance. Closed Sat. Sun. & Mon.

  Accommodation: Bristol Paris (5*)

  Bristol Paris (5*) Hotel is located in the famous and prestigious Rue Faubourg St Honore, very close to the Champs Elysees area. This is where trendy fashionable and elegant boutiques, restaurants and perfume houses can be found. It is an outstanding and dignified hotel, a traditional 7 storey building with an elegant white facade and flowered balconies at each window. The interior of the hotel is very elegant, with a wealth of antiques, and of exceptional quality. The spacious lobby opens onto wonderful lounges, adorned with splendid tapestries, glittering chandeliers and elegant furniture. The lounge leads to a beautiful and tranquil enclosed private garden. 5 star, superior deluxe category hotel, with a high standart of services, luxury and comfort. There is an indoor swimming pool on the top floor opens onto a solarium with views of Paris. A fitness center equipped with the most updated machines are available to guests. Wi-Fi access in the all hotel.

• • Musee d’Orsay
  • Eiffel Tower by night

  Day 5: Paris

  Enjoy a half day (3hrs) guided tour of the Musee d’Orsay or the Louvre with a private English speaking Guide and private vehicle with driver. (Entrance to one of the museums (inc. special exhibitions) is included). Alternative museums can be arranged on request.

  This evening, after being picked up from your central hotel by coach, you will be escorted by an assistant and transferred to the Eiffel Tower, where you can view Paris from the first floor during your own private dinner at the restaurant Eiffel Tower 58. Dinner includes an aperitif, three course dinner, coffee and your choice of either 1/2 bottle of wine, mineral water (50cl), a beer or soda. Your assistant will then help you board the boat for your cruise along the river Seine, while you admire the monuments and bridges of the city known as the 'City of Light'.

  Please note that due to reconstruction, The Eiffel Tower may not be available during your tour. The Eiffel Tower is not closed however, there are longer than usual wait times due to a broken elevator. Alternative arrangements will be made so please speak to your Destination Expert for further details.

  Accommodation: Bristol Paris (5*)
• • Statue of Neptune - Versailles Palace
  • Parisian streetscape
  • Paris by night

  Day 6: Paris

  Enjoy a half day visiting the Palace of Versailles with a private car and English speaking driver and Guide. A superb Baroque palace known to the world as a symbol of civilization and pleasure, the Palace of Versailles dates back to 1038, and was the official residence of the Kings of France from 1682 until 1790. Used by Louis XIV initially as a hunting lodge he had the property expanded to become the magnificent site of French classical architecture complete with extensive manicured gardens that it is today. The interior showcases magnificent examples of baroque furnishings, a rare collection of objects d'art and houses special exhibitions. At the end of the tour you will be dropped back to your accomodation or in a central place of your choice in the city. (Includes entrance into the palace and the gardens).

  Enjoy the many wonders of Paris. Consider taking a stroll down one of the many quays by the river Seine, or wandering around any of the fascinating neighbourhoods such as Montematre, the Marais or the Left bank. Of course there are a plethora of museums and galleries to choose from if you are so inclined. Consider getting a 2 Day Paris Pass that includes a Paris Transport Travel card for 2 days (zone 1-3) to see all of the sites that are of personal interest to you. The Paris Pass is a smartcard offering free access to 65 attractions in Paris such as the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Orsay museum, Musee Rodin, commented cruise with Bateaux Parisiens and Pompidou museum. With this pass, you have access to 22 museums, 24 historical monuments, 15 art galleries, 3 tourist attractions, 1 cruise and special offers in shops and restaurants. Please contact your Advisor if you would like more details.

  Paris takes on a different hue at night and, with many of the magnificent buildings aglow which make it is possibly the best time to admire the beauty of the city. There are plenty of options to choose from for evening entertainment including an early evening wine tasting in a beautiful, airy Parisian loft of a French sommelier located close to the lively Marais district, a dinner cruise, a cabaret show, dinner in the Eiffel tower followed by a night-time cruise, or an evening tour of the city with many of the historical buildings aglow.

  Accommodation: Bristol Paris (5*)

• Day 7: Paris

  Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Epic Wines

  Pinot Noir found its fame in Burgundy, where it is the primary grape used for red wines, but it is also a major component in the production of most fine quality Champagne and California sparkling wines. Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult grapes to grow, but it is also one of the very best when it is done properly. It has very specific needs for its growing conditions - if it receives too little heat in the growing season, its wines are thin and pale, but if the growing season is too warm, the wines have an overripe, cooked flavour.

• City Walks

  Stroll the vibrant cobbled streets and romantic corners of the Marais district, a place where austere walls camouflage grandiose palaces and lush gardens amidst the bustle of contemporary life. One of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods and home to such infamous characters as Victor Hugo, make sure to peek though doorways into elaborate ancient courtyards for a step back in time. Explore the unique shops, peruse the contemporary art galleries and sip a leisurely café au lait in the perfect beauty of the Place des Vosge.

• Foodie Haven

  Every region in France is known for special dishes -- Burgundy for its escargots plucked off the grapevines; Périgord for its truffles and foie gras; Normandy for its soft, rich cheeses, Calvados, and cream sauces; Brittany for its fresh seafood and oysters; and Alsace for its sauerkraut and wines. Today, Parisian restaurants represent almost every region of France. You can go on a complete culinary tour of the country without leaving the city.

• • Royal Horseguards Hotel

  Royal Horseguards (5*)

  Across the river from the London Eye, this French chateau-style hotel is three blocks from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, and within a half-mile of West End theaters. Royal Horseguards Hotel's 280 guestrooms are individually designed in classic English style and feature armchairs, desks, minibars, and high-speed Internet access. A pianist plays at a grand piano each evening as guests sip cocktails in the lounge or on the outdoor terrace, and the restaurant offers a modern European menu.

  • More information
• • Bedroom
  • Bedroom

  Bristol Paris (5*)

  Bristol Paris (5*) Hotel is located in the famous and prestigious Rue Faubourg St Honore, very close to the Champs Elysees area. This is where trendy fashionable and elegant boutiques, restaurants and perfume houses can be found. It is an outstanding and dignified hotel, a traditional 7 storey building with an elegant white facade and flowered balconies at each window. The interior of the hotel is very elegant, with a wealth of antiques, and of exceptional quality. The spacious lobby opens onto wonderful lounges, adorned with splendid tapestries, glittering chandeliers and elegant furniture. The lounge leads to a beautiful and tranquil enclosed private garden. 5 star, superior deluxe category hotel, with a high standart of services, luxury and comfort. There is an indoor swimming pool on the top floor opens onto a solarium with views of Paris. A fitness center equipped with the most updated machines are available to guests. Wi-Fi access in the all hotel.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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