Overview
Itinerary
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. (D) Stay: Riu Plaza London Victoria (3 Nights)
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 a unique crafts, artisan goods, and local treats. (B)
You're heading 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. (B)
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. (B/D) Stay: Crowne Plaza Republique (4 Nights)
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. (B)
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 spin 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. (B)
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. (B/D)
You depart today, but London and Paris will remain in your heart forever. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Tour the magnificent Blenheim Palace decorated for the season.
- Be dazzled by the stunning holiday décor and towering Christmas tree in Paris' Galeries Lafayette.
- Cruise along the Seine against a backdrop of Paris' glittering skyline.
- Cross the English Channel aboard the Eurostar Train.
- Embark on a tour of London with a local expert.
- Get to know the amazing landmarks of Paris such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées.
- Enjoy London's culinary renaissance at a dinner featuring contemporary British cuisine.
- Savor an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring delicious cuisine and breathtaking views.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Paris. Cost: $224.
- 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. Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
- Location: Paris. Cost: $199.
- 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. Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 20 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. 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. Due to schedule changes and availability, the time and date of this optional excursion may need to be changed or cancelled either before or after the departure date. Please note that the motorcoach is not permitted to drop off at the entrance to Versailles and the grounds of Versailles are quite large. Walking will be required to fully enjoy this excursion.
- Location: Paris. Cost: $266.
- 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! Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Please note that as a typical Parisian cabaret, the show does contain some tasteful nudity and may be considered unsuitable for children — consult with your Tour Manager.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
