London & Paris

From cosmopolitan London to romantic Paris, see the best of the world's most captivating cities decorated for the holiday season. To help make the most of your getaway, unpack just once in each city. Enjoy a leisurely-paced journey with plenty of time to explore your own way.
Hotel Name: Strand Palace Hotel

Welcome to London at Christmastime, a metropolis filled with light, laughter and the excitement of the holiday season. Whether you’re searching the city’s many Christmas markets for handmade gifts and colorful decorations or basking in the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon, this will be a Christmas adventure you’ll never forget. This evening, get a taste of contemporary British fare as you join your fellow travelers for a meal highlighting London’s culinary renaissance.
Dinner Included

Drive By: Big Ben
Standing at 315' tall, Big Ben is located in London near the Halls of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. An iconic image of London, Big Ben's clock dials are some of the largest in the world at 23' high. The current structure was built in 1858 after the previous clock tower was destroyed in a fire in the 1830s.

Start your morning with a local in London. Kick it off with a two-hour walking tour of Westminster, where you will see the exteriors of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. Continue to Buckingham Palace, the official office of His Majesty The King. A Christmastime visit to London wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Covent Garden, the hub of festivities for locals and visitors alike. Explore a wonderland of glorious holiday stalls and soak up the holiday cheer. After, set off to wander through more of London’s charming Christmas markets. Peruse the sea of wooden chalets offering a unique crafts, artisan goods, and local treats.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Buckingham Palace
His Majesty the King's residence in London, Buckingham Palace is the ornate icing on the cake of England's capital city. Serving Britain's sovereigns since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the end point for parades and special events in the city as well as the daily Changing of the Guard. Hundreds gather daily to watch the official changing of the King's Guards in the area outside of the palace gates and to get a glimpse of the palace itself.

The day begins with a visit to Blenheim Palace, one of England’s most magnificent homes, that shines even brighter at Christmastime. The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, this UNESCO World Heritage site will give you a glimpse into the life of English royalty. Next, head into Oxford, home to the prestigious University of Oxford and all things Harry Potter! Enjoy a leisurely walk to admire the iconic architecture before taking some time to explore the many shops filled with Christmas gifts and goodies.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Crowne Plaza Republique

Visit Area: Oxford
Oxford is a city in southern England and the county seat of the region of Oxfordshire. It is most known as the home for the prestigious Oxford University, the oldest university it the English speaking world. Oxford’s city center is a quaint historic area of the city popular with visitors and tourists.

Allons-y! Today, you’re on to Paris! Hop aboard the Eurostar high-speed train to get there in just two hours. A sophisticated metropolis of style and culture, Paris’ bustling city streets are filled with colorful history, fascinating museums, renowned monuments and grand theatres. Settle in for your four-night stay in the “City of Light” as you join for a walk to get acquainted with the neighborhood. Place de la Republique is conveniently located at the seam between the verdant Canal Saint-Martin and the elegant district of Le Marais abounding with gorgeous old mansions and trendy boutiques.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Blenheim Palace
Discover the splendid Baroque-style home of Blenheim Palace. This was the birthplace of one of Britain's greatest leaders, Sir Winston Churchill, and is truly magnificent. Built in the 18th century, it is still lived in today but remains paused in time. Take in the elegant ambience that will give you a glimpse into the lifestyle of nobility in Britain. Stroll through the opulent halls that are adorned with magnificent portraits, tapestries and rooms filled with furniture fit for royalty. The palace is set on thousands of acres of stunning natural scenery perfectly designed and manicured, dotted with historic monuments, and home to an abundance of wildlife. As you meander through the palace and grounds you will be awed by the grandeur and beauty of this enchanting palace.

Join a local expert and come to know the highlights of Paris, including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral and Place de la Concorde. Stop at the Galeries Lafayette department store, cherished among Parisians for its sky-high Christmas tree, dazzling holiday displays, and Art Nouveau architecture. Explore how you’d like with an afternoon and night at leisure. Or, enjoy an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin* for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Christmas Markets
Experience the 600-year-old holiday tradition of the “Christkindlesmarkt,” the festive and bustling Christmas markets. This is a world free of the mass produced commercialism that takes over the Christmas season and replaces it with the tradition and romance of handcrafted, quality keepsakes.

Be romanced by Paris, decorated for the season – the whole day is yours for the taking. You may wander over to the Left Bank of the Seine and plunge into the bohemian atmosphere of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood and the Latin Quarter. Or, join an optional excursion to Versailles,** where you’ll explore King Louis XIV’s magnificent Palace and Gardens. Relive history as you walk through the various rooms of the State Apartments, including the Queen's bed chamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Eurostar Train
Since 1994, the Eurostar Train has been connecting London and Paris in 2.25 hours. Starting at St Pancras Station in London, the high-speed train comfortably takes you through the countryside of England, under the English Channel, and ends its journey at Gare Du Nord in Paris.

This morning, step into the kitchens of an authentic Parisian bakery! See the workspaces and the various tools and machines these bakers use to make their delicious products, and learn about some of the secrets and history of baking, baguettes and croissants. It’s your last afternoon in Paris – how will you spend it? Should you indulge in some of the world's best shopping on the Champs-Elysees, or simply do as the Parisians do and sit at a sidewalk café, watching the beauty that is Paris go by? No matter what you decide, end the day with a romantic Seine River cruise set against Paris’ glittering skyline. After, experience an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower featuring French cuisine and breathtaking views.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Arc de Triomphe
Standing at 164' tall and at the intersection of the Champs Elysee is the Arc de Triomphe. Built for the successful return of Napoleon, yet finished after his defeat, the monument stands at the star-shaped cross point in the heart of Paris along what is referred to as the Meridian Line cutting through the city. Today it is the featured icon and terminus point for Le Tour de France and the Bastille Day celebrations for France's independence.

You depart today, but London and Paris will remain in your heart forever.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Galeries Lafayette
Nothing could bring the magic of the season alive more than the clever and elaborate window displays of Galeries Lafayette. Every year seems to get even better with incredible theater sets that feature animated figures floating about in magical worlds designed by the most gifted artists and designers of our time.