9-Nights Iconic European Capitals: London, Paris & Rome - Most Popular Vacations from $5,056

Day 1: Arrive in London

Transfer: London Heathrow Aptto London - Marble Arch

Hotel: Great Scotland Yard (5 Star Rating)

Five-star luxury hotel with standalone Townhouse located in historical Westminster, moments from London's most iconic landmarks. Great Scotland Yard is one of London's most historic and cherished buildings that holds more hidden stories than any other kind in London. Where tradition meets modern luxury. Stay in an 1820's Grade II listed building with Edwardian and Victorian architecture, featuring 151 rooms and suites. Enjoy a unique twist on a British classic, where no two rooms are the same, with stunning Mary Poppins views of London. We are committed to providing equal access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities. The features also make this hotel more accessible for older individuals with changing abilities to ensure a seamless experience. Our overall goal is to improve usability throughout the hotel for all guests.

Day 2: Full Day Exploring London Tour with Cruise

This is the most popular and comprehensive tour of London. Jump straight into the history of London on this fantastic full-day tour. Spend the day exploring London's most iconic sights and attractions with your expert Blue Badge Guide and finish with a scenic cruise on the River Thames.

Your tour of begins with a journey through the heart of London with your expert tour guide onboard one of our luxury coaches.. As you make your way through the city, your guide will impart exciting stories and interesting facts about London's long history. Along the way, you will see all of London's most iconic landmarks, including the Albert Memorial, Westminster Abbey, the iconic Elizabeth Tower, also known as 'Big Ben', and much, much more!

The Changing of the Guard
At one of our first stops, Buckingham Palace, we will watch a traditional ceremony that is the epitome of British pomp and pageantry. During the ceremony, guards from the New Guard of the Household Division arrive to assume responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace. Accompanied by a regimental marching band, these soldiers are instantly recognisable in their bearskin caps and scarlet tunics. Don't let the bearskin hats fool you - these soldiers are elite soldiers from the British military!

St Paul's Cathedral Guided Tour
St Paul's Cathedral is an iconic symbol of London. One of the largest churches in the world, its dome is an incredible 366ft high and was the tallest building in London until the 1960s. Explore the history of the Cathedral on a guided walking tour, and hear how Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece took 35 years to complete.

The Tower of London
Almost a thousand years of history are waiting for us at our next stop, the formidable Tower of London. The long and bloody history of 'The Tower' is steeped in myth and legend. Built by Wiliam the Conqueror in 1066, this historic fortress in the middle of London is a notorious prison and execution site.

The last person to be executed here was in 1941, and throughout its long history, dozens have been shot, beheaded and even burned at the stake. Delve into the grisly history of this medieval castle and a former royal palace, and discover the stories behind some of its most famous former inmates.

Thames River Cruise
At the end of our tour, head down to Tower Pier and hop on the next available boat for a scenic cruise down the River Thames. Enjoy a unique view of the beautiful London waterfront as you head to Westminster Pier next to the iconic Houses of Parliament.

Day 3: Full Day Tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath

Visit the official residence of The King and home of the British monarchy for more than 900 years,
explore the beautiful Georgian city of Bath and its ancient Roman Baths, and uncover the mystery
behind Stonehenge - the world's most famous Neolithic site.

Built high above the River Thames, Windsor Castle has been home to the Royal Family for 900 years and is still an Official Residence of the King. Visit the magnificent State Apartments, still used for State occasions and Royal receptions. Take some time to explore the castle grounds and the fourteenth-century St. George's Chapel, one of the most beautiful examples of medieval church architecture in England and a burial place of kings and queens, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.

Clouded in mystery, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England, but beyond its archaeological significance and possible astronomical role, Stonehenge is also a place of spiritual importance. Early legends link it with Merlin and King Arthur, but over the last hundred years the midsummer sunrise has attracted pagan groups and followers of the Ancient Order of Druids.

You also visit the beautiful Georgian City of Bath and take you on a panoramic tour of some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, including Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Assembly Rooms and the famous Pulteney Bridge. Explore the Roman Baths, built around thermal springs, which have been supplying water for over 2,000 years. In Roman times a great Temple was built next to the sacred spring - the waters were believed to have healing properties and attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire.

Day 4: London to Paris by Eurostar

Transfer: London - Marble Arch to St. Pancras International Railway Station

Transfer: St. Pancras International Railway Station to Gare du Nord

Transfer: Gare du Nord to Paris - Arr9: Opera-St Lazare

Hotel: Les Plumes Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Just a few minutes from the famous Grands Boulevards district, the 4-star Les Plumes Hotel welcomes you in a 19th century guests house atmosphere. Inspired by the most romantic literary couples of the time, such as Victor Hugo and Juliette Drouet, Georges Sand and Alfred de Musset, Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine, the 33 classic rooms and the 2 prestige rooms will immerse you in a unique atmosphere.

Day 5: Half Day Discovering Paris Tour

Discover the famous sights and monuments of Paris on a unique tour. This tour includes a visit to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower with a breathtaking view of the capital, a city tour by panoramic bus and a one-hour cruise on the Seine. This complete tour is the ideal way to discover Paris for the first time.

With your reserved access, take a lift to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower, the 324-metre high historic monument built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Paris World Fair. Admire the magnificent 360 degree view over the city and explore this unmissable monument at your leisure.

Your tour by panoramic air-conditioned coach offers you the opportunity to discover Paris and learn more about its history and most famous sites. At the beginning of the tour, you will scan a QR code to download our application and enjoy audio commentary in your own language (with individual headphones) as you embark on a tour of Paris combining culture and entertainment. It will allow you to experience an exceptional city tour through an enriched visit. Paris City Vision wanted to create a unique experience with the discovery and evolution of the capital’s architectural and cultural heritage. The audio commentary will tell you the history of the most significant Parisian districts and monuments, from the Opera Garnier to the Eiffel Tower or the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Paris of yesterday and today, thanks to sound effects. This tour of Paris, created for the whole family, will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Among the must-see Parisian sites described, you will not miss the lively districts of the Champs-Elysees and Saint Germain des Pres, the Louvre Museum, the Orsay Museum or the Conciergerie where Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned.

At the foot of the Eiffel Tower, board a one-hour cruise on the Seine with an audio guide. Marvel at the fantastic architecture of the heart of Paris’ most prestigious monuments along the banks of the Seine: the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musee d’Orsay, the Conciergerie, etc. Relax on the fully glazed boat with terrace, and let yourself be seduced by this river trip among the Parisians who walk and cycle along the river while you glide along. End of the excursion at the Eiffel Tower.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore Paris through a pleasant city tour boarding a panoramic bus
Enjoy the audio commentary from our mobile app to download on your device, bring your headset for a better experience
Reserved access to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking view of the city
Navigate along the Seine river on a charming commented boat-cruise

Day 6: Half Day Tour to the Palace of Versailles

Enjoy a visit of the Palace of Versailles in a small group with our driver-guide who will tell you many anecdotes about the life of the Kings of France. After a guided tour of the Palace, you will be able to discover the gardens of Versailles for a few minutes. If you wish, you can select the private excursion for even more conviviality. Departure and return from center Paris included.

One of the most famous historic monuments in the world, the Palace of Versailles was the official residence of the Kings of France Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI and their courts from 1682 to 1789. Your guide will show you the majestic Palace of Versailles, a symbol of the king’s power. Its Baroque architecture, sumptuous decoration, works of art, and furniture were all created by the greatest artisans of the age. After touring the palace, explore the magic of its formal gardens and exceptionally beautiful grounds.

The Palace of Versailles has more than 700 rooms and stretches for over 721,000 square feet. Follow your guide straight to the front of the line to visit the palace’s most beautiful rooms: the King’s Grand Apartments, with seven rooms dedicated to different gods (Apollo, Mars, Mercy, Venus, etc.), and the Queen’s Grand Apartments, mirroring those of the king, which include the Coronation Room and the Queen’s Bedroom, once occupied by Marie Antoinette, among others. Also, admire the grandeur of the Versailles Hall of Mirrors, a unique room in which guests were received and impressed, designed by the famous architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Almost 240 feet-long, it was created to dazzle visitors to the Sun King, Louis XIV; it is lit by 17 windows and some 350 mirrors, and overlooks the palace’s breath-taking gardens, the second part of your visit.

In 1661, Louis XIV commissioned the landscape architect Andre Le Notre to lay out the grounds and gardens, something that was just as important to the king as the construction of the palace itself. Enjoy your free time strolling through the Gardens of Versailles and admire the 386 works of art (including more than 200 statues), fountains, flower beds, ponds, and trees. During the Summer months, a range of activities are organized, such as the Grandes Eaux Musicales, when the fountains are made to dance to music.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Free time to visit the gardens
Small group up to 15 people
Get a glimpse into the lives of French royalty’s most influential figures. Take your pick from English, French, Portuguese and Spanish guided tours.
Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
Transportation from Paris by air-conditioned vehicle.
Guided tour of the castle and the gardens
Entrance ticket to the Gardens with priority access, even on Musical Fountains’ days

Day 7: Paris to Rome

Transfer: Paris - Arr9: Opera-St Lazare to Paris Charles de Gaulle Apt

Transfer: Rome Fiumicino Aptto Rome - Trevi

Hotel: Hotel Twenty One (4 Star Rating)

Located on Via Cola di Rienzo, the hotel is situated in the elegant Prati district, home to the Vatican and Saint Peter's Basilica. Vatican City can be reached in around 15 minutes on foot and Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna are also within walking distance. The airport can be reached within a 30-minute ride. The hotel is a charming modern boutique hotel with a bar and restaurant available. The rooms are elegant and feature attention to detail for a pleasant stay. They are also well equipped with all the essential amenities needed for a comfortable experience.

Day 8: Full Day Ancient Rome & Vatican Museums Tour

Start your morning exploring the three key sites of the Colosseum Archaeological Park. Visit the iconic Colosseum, renowned for gladiatorial games and wild animal hunts, accommodating over 50,000 spectators. Next, stroll through Palatine Hill, one of Rome's seven hills and the birthplace of the city, now an open-air museum. Then, explore the Roman Forum, once the heart of Roman public and economic life. After lunch, meet your guide to tour the Vatican Museums, including the Pio Clementino Hall, Laocoon, Apollo Belvedere, Maps, Candelabra, and Tapestries Galleries, culminating in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Finish at St. Peter's Square and Basilica.

Please note that the Colosseum entry requires photo ID and full names with dates of birth.

Day 9: Half Day Off The Beaten Track Secrets of Rome Tour

On this small group tour, you will explore three underground sites, walk through ruins and columns, enter a 2000-year-old ancient Roman market, and cross Rome's oldest bridge. It's a delightful adventure for the whole family! Discover the truth behind the rumor that every church in Rome is built over pagan temples when you visit Saint Nicholas in Carcere, set over ancient places of worship. Nearby, at the Portico d'Ottavia and Marcellus Theatre ruins, you'll cross the 2000-year-old bridge to Tiber Island. Here, you'll find the underground house of Santa Cecilia, adorned with ancient mosaics, mysterious inscriptions, and a lavish crypt. Finally, visit the lesser-known church of San Crisogono, built over a large underground house with a beautifully frescoed wall. This adventurous and easy walk, guided through these ancient yet hidden venues in the heart of Rome, will make your day unforgettable!

Day 10: Depart from Rome

Transfer: Rome - Trevi to Rome Fiumicino Apt