Castles & Kings: London to Paris

Tour begins: 3:00 PM, London Marriott Hotel County Hall. Welcome to "merrie olde" England for the start of Tauck Bridges' fun and enriching London and Paris family vacation! A transfer is included from London's Heathrow Airport to London Marriott Hotel County Hall.

Climb aboard one of London's signature double-decker buses for a private guided tour of this grand capital city; this evening, get to know your fellow family travelers at our welcome reception and dinner. Stay Three Nights: London Marriott Hotel County Hall (D)

The 1,000-year-old Tower of London has served as a castle, menagerie, and prison through the centuries. Wander through turreted passageways to the Bloody Tower where prisoners like Sir Walter Raleigh were detained. View the Queen's priceless Crown Jewels before boarding a speedboat for an adventure* on the Thames River, finishing at the London Eye, one of the tallest ferris wheels in the world. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city aboard a private observation capsule 450 feet above the river.

Join us tonight for a theatrical performance at a family-friendly musical in London's West End – where dazzling sets, catchy songs, and unforgettable characters light up the stage and leave the whole family smiling long after the final curtain call. (B/L)

This morning, join us on a bicycle ride* through the British capital's Royal Parks. Next – although two million years' worth of history and culture might be a little tough to see in one day, you'll get a taste of what the fascinating British Museum has to offer on a guided tour of this amazing place – housing the world's most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts, from maps to mummies and more, in nearly two-and-a-half miles' worth of galleries.

Following lunch, uncover London's hidden secrets on a Sherlock Holmes Spy Walk, tracing the footsteps of the legendary detective through historic alleyways, iconic landmarks, and real-life spy locations. Led by an expert guide, this family-friendly adventure blends fact and fiction, bringing Holmes' world – and the intriguing mysteries of London's past – to life in fun, surprising ways around every corner. The remainder of the day is free to explore London with your family as you please. (B)

Hop aboard the high-speed Eurostar train from London to Paris which takes you under the English Channel through an underwater tunnel for 20 minutes of your two-hour ride from England to France. Sightseeing with a local guide starts as soon as you arrive in Paris when you take a walking tour from your hotel. And tonight... a magical evening with a special magique show. Stay Two Nights: Fauchon L'Hôtel Paris (B/D)

Explore the treasures of one of the world's most famous museums this morning – Musée du Louvre, home to Leonardo da Vinci's mysterious Mona Lisa, the 2nd-century Greek sculpture, Venus de Milo, and about 35,000 other works of art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century housed in this former palace – on a guided scavenger hunt and tour that also includes the nearby Tuileries Garden. the remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore as you please. (B/L)

Today takes you about an hour outside the city for a guided visit to Château de Versailles, built by King Louis XIV and the largest palace in Europe, revealing a realm of grandeur and riches beyond imagination; it would cost more than $2 billion to build this sprawling palace complex today! Explore the opulent palace with a local guide and view the exquisite gardens, among the most extraordinary and famous in the world.

Return to Paris; following some free time this afternoon, join us this evening for our private, exclusive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Tour ends: Paris. Fly home anytime; a transfer is included from Fauchon L'Hotel Paris to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport. You should allow a minimum of 3 hours for your flight check-in. (B)