Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in London

Look for a note posted in the hotel lobby telling you where and when to meet this afternoon. We'll get together around 3 p.m. to get acquainted before setting off for an orientation walk of our neighborhood and the theatre district, including bustling Leicester Square. We'll cap off our first evening with dinner together. Walking: moderate.

Day 2: Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London

This morning we’ll visit the Tower of London, the city's historic "tower of power" where you can join a Yeoman Warder "Beefeater" for an entertaining tour and a peek at the impressive Crown Jewels. After lunch, we'll take a historic walk through the Westminster/Whitehall area, home to Britain's government and tour its greatest church, Westminster Abbey. Tonight is a perfect evening for the theater (book something in advance from the Colonies or pick up a ticket in London). Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: London 101

We'll begin today with the treasures of the British Library, including the Magna Carta, Gutenberg's Bible — even Beatles lyrics! After lunch, we'll visit the British Museum, and set you free for Covent Garden, shopping, or other sightseeing. This is another good night for the theater. Walking: moderate to strenuous (your choice).

Day 4: Chunnel to Paris

This morning we'll board the Eurostar train for an under-the-channel dash into Paris. Upon arrival this afternoon, we'll sample the highlights of Paris on our private orientation bus tour, before landing at our hotel for the next four nights. Later we'll take a walking tour of our neighborhood before enjoying dinner together. Train: 3 hrs. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 5: The Historic Heart of Paris

Let's begin where Paris did, on the Ile de la Cité, and visit the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral and exquisite Sainte-Chapelle church. In the afternoon, we'll stroll through the bohemian Latin Quarter, ending our tour at the medieval Cluny Museum. Walking: strenuous.

Day 6: Impressionist Paris

Following café and croissants, we'll wander the colorful Montmartre neighborhood, one-time home to many Impressionists. This afternoon we'll visit the world's best Impressionist collection at the Orsay Museum where, after an orientation, you'll have ample time to enjoy the art on your own. Late afternoon options include the nearby Rodin Museum or Les Invalides, site of Napoleon's tomb and France's best military museum. Walking: strenuous.

Day 7: Louvre Museum and Free Time

Our day begins at the Louvre, where a local guide will show us the highlights of this magnificent museum. Your afternoon is free to spend in the Louvre or wherever you choose — perhaps that nearby "Mecca for moderns" the Pompidou Center? Tonight we'll meet for our "last supper" and toast two magical cities. Walking: strenuous.

Day 8: Tour Over After Breakfast

This morning we'll say our final farewells and head for home or further adventures in Europe.

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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