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DAILY SERVICE TO CHICAGO • CHARTER • TOUR & TRAVEL
London & Paris Holiday
Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Eurostar Train, Arc de Triomphe, Galeries Lafayette, Eiffel Tower Dinner, Seine River Cruise
London & Paris Holiday
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Van Galder Tour & Travel / Collette
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November 30-December 8, 2024, 9 Days, 10 Meals
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From cosmopolitan London to romantic Paris, cross the English Channel via train and experience the holiday spirit of these iconic cities during the holiday season.
Day 1
Overnight Flight
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 for independent exploration.
Day 2
London, England - Tour Begins
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.
Day 3
London
Start your day with a local expert on a city tour. Kick it off with a 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 residence of His Majesty The King, to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. A Christmastime visit to London wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Harrods, the city’s most iconic department store. Explore a wonderland of glorious holiday displays and its food hall - a gourmet haven! After, set off to wander through London’s charming Christmas markets. Peruse the sea of wooden chalets offering unique crafts, artisan goods, and local treats.
Day 4
London - Oxford - Blenheim Palace - London
You're headingl to the historic city of Oxford, home to the prestigious University of Oxford. Enjoy a leisurely walk to admire the iconic architecture followed by time at leisure to explore the quaint shops filled with handmade crafts and local treats. The festivities continue 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.
Day 5
London - Eurostar Train - Paris, France
Allons-y! Today, you’re on to Paris! Hop aboard the sleek, futuristic 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 4-night stay in the "City of Light" as you join your Tour Manager 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.
Day 6
Paris
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 would 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.
Day 7
Paris
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. If you'd like a unique way to spend your evening, enjoy an optional spinning of the wheels of time from the backseat of a retro car. Cruise through the chic boulevards to the Montmartre neighborhood, where hip bohemia meets heaven-seeking basilicas.
Day 8
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 cafe, 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.
Day 9
Paris - Tour Ends
You depart today, but London and Paris will remain in your heart forever.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
DEPOSIT: $698 per person due at time of reservation; final payment due September 6, 2024. Once payments have been received, stringent cancellation penalties apply. Current rates guaranteed if booked prior to June 1, 2024.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Overnight flight (1 night); Riu Plaza London Victoria (3 nights); Crowne Plaza Paris-Republique (4 nights).
TOUR INCLUSIONS: Collette tour director, roundtrip motorcoach/airport/resort transfers, roundtrip air, accommodations, luggage handling at hotels, admissions/attractions, and 10 meals, including 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Optional, but highly recommended. Available at booking only for $449 per person.
PASSPORT REQUIRED: Passport must be valid for 6 months upon departure from Paris, France. You are strongly encouraged to visit www.travel.state.gov for the latest details on passport requirements.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 3 / HEAVY WALKING: Physical stamina required. Stair climbing, longer periods of walking and/or standing may be involved, along with higher elevations and longer days. Participants must be able to keep up with the group.
ADDITIONAL FEES: Airline luggage fees and fuel surcharges (if applicable) are additional and vary by airline.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
Paris:
Showtime in Paris! (Day 6) - $190 USD per person: Join us for a spectacular evening in one of Paris’s most beloved institutions, the famous Paradis Latin. Situated in a building associated with Napoleon and rebuilt by Gustav Eiffel himself, the Paradis has been running here since 1889. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner with wine, then bring on the champagne and let the show commence! Transportation is included. May be considered unsuitable for children. Duration: Approximately 5 hours.
Versailles Palace (Day 7) - $140 USD per person: Enjoy an interesting visit to the incomparable Palace of Versailles. The palace and gardens of Versailles reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." On this excursion, travel by coach to Versailles where your local guide will recount the history of the palace and lead you through the various rooms of the State Apartments. Of particular interest are the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. You then have leisure time to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete. This option must be purchased and reserved no later than 60 days prior to tour departure date. Once purchased, any cancellation within 60 days of tour departure will be non-refundable. Transportation is included. Duration: Approximately 5 hours.
Paris by Night Vintage Car Tour with Dinner (Day 7) - $160 USD per person: Explore more of the culinary scene of the “City of Light” with a gourmet dinner before spinning the wheels of time from the backseat of a retro car, cruising through the chic boulevards and peering up at the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe from a vintage Citroën 2CV. An icon of the French motor industry, the idiosyncratic 2CV (short for Deux Chevaux, i.e. two horsepower) was in production from 1948 until 1990, and sets hearts a-flutter with its instantly recognizable design. Your personal driver will drive you down the Champs Elysees, past iconic bridges and grand plazas, and by sites such as the Opéra Garnier and the Ile de la Cité. Transportation is included. Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
3 Days 3-Night Amsterdam Post Tour Extension - $1399 USD per person double, $1799 USD single, land only. Call for details.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville, WI | Van Galder Terminal 3120 N. Pontiac Dr., Janesville WI | |
| Rockford, IL | Van Galder Terminal 7559 Walton St., Rockford IL | |
| South Beloit, IL | Fas Mart/McDonald's ($3 per day) Hwy 75 and I90, South Beloit IL |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favorites |
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