Thu, Apr 8: Fly overnight from Indianapolis to London, England.
Fri, Apr 9: Arrive in London in the morning and transfer to The Bailey’s Hotel, a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of fashionable Kensington—your home for the next three nights. Enjoy a guaranteed early check-in and breakfast at the hotel with time to rest and refresh before activities begin later today. This afternoon, your London adventure begins at the Tower of London, one of the city’s most remarkable castles and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the White Tower, get up close to the Crown Jewels, and be transported back to medieval times as you hear tales of scandal, mystery, imprisonment, torture, and romance spanning the almost thousand-year history of one of London’s most iconic sites. On the way back to the hotel stop at Harrods, the world-famous luxury department store, renowned not only for its high-end fashion, but glorious food halls, and grand architecture. Enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Sat, Apr 10: This remarkable day unfolds with a more formal introduction to the city’s iconic sites, beginning with Westminster Abbey, a place of worship, celebration, and ceremony. It is the nation’s coronation church for nearly 1000 years, the final resting place of 17 monarchs, and one of the most important Gothic buildings in the country. Afterwards tour The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, home to the King’s official coaches and carriages. Enjoy an included lunch at The Orangery at Kensington Palace before touring Kensington Palace, birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria and current home to Prince William, Princess Kate, and their family. The palace still serves as a working royal residence, providing visitors a modern glimpse into the lives of the British Royal family. A visit to Kensington Palace includes the gardens, while the self-guided audio tour will navigate through “Victoria: A Royal Childhood” exhibit, The King’s State Apartments, and the Queen’s State Apartments. Return to the hotel for some free time on your own, then prepare for an extraordinary evening in the celebrated West End theatre district of London for a pre-show dinner and spectacular London Theatre performance. (B,L,D)
Sun, Apr 11: After a relaxed morning, a unique dining experience awaits: a memorable Luncheon Cruise on the River Thames! Capture scenic views of London’s skyline and iconic landmarks from the river’s vantage point. Next, take a picturesque drive through the countryside to the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castle. One of the official residences of His Majesty the King as well as the place where their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were married. See the Baroque State Apartments dressed in some of the finest works from the royal art collection. Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening free to spend your final night in London as you please. (B,L)
Mon, Apr 12: After breakfast, depart for St Pancras International Train Station and board the famous high-speed Eurostar train through the “Chunnel” to Paris! Upon arrival in the “City of Love,” take the Montmartre Funicular to the summit of Montmartre hill. Visit Sacre-Coeur Basilica, the gleaming travertine jewel of Paris offering panoramic views of the city. Later, check into the M Social Hotel Paris, an elegant hotel blending Art Deco character with contemporary design, located in the heart of Paris’ 9th arrondissement. The rest of the evening is yours to explore the “City of Lights.” (B,L)
Tue, Apr 13: Following your first overnight in stunning Paris, experience another iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower, with a 3-course lunch of brasserie-style dining and access to the 2nd floor for unparalleled panoramic views! Afterwards, tour Paris alongside an expert guide, including a photo stop at the Arc de Triomphe: initially commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte as a war memorial, the structure now stands as an essential symbol of French identity, resilience, and unity. An afternoon visit to Notre Dame Cathedral will inspire you. Your evening is free for personal exploration. (B,L)
Wed, Apr 14: An authentic experience awaits you today at Chateau de Fontainebleau, boasting over 1,500 rooms set within 130 acres of parkland and gardens. As the only imperial castle to have been continuously inhabited for seven centuries, it offers a unique glimpse into the intimate lives of royalty. Enjoy lunch at the chateau’s café prior to a visit to the exquisite French Formal Garden of Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the masterpiece responsible for inspiring the creation of Versailles, where evolving landscapes, hidden treasures, and a symphony of fountains showcase the theatrical splendor of 17th-century architecture. (B,L)
Thu, Apr 15: Start the morning at the Louvre Museum, the most famous and prized museum in France. It is the world’s top-visited art museum and home to some of the most famous works of art in history, spanning from ancient civilizations to the mid-19th century. Perhaps the most famous is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, followed by Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. After lunch on your own, tour Claude Monet’s House and Gardens – Giverny, the internationally renowned painter’s home for forty-three years. Then enjoy dinner at the Crowne Plaza Paris. The eventful day culminates with a Parisian theatre performance, weaving a vibrant narrative that captivates the imagination of audiences far and wide! (B,D)
Fri, Apr 16: On your final day, indulge in a leisurely day of exploration before experiencing the enchanting beauty of Paris at night. As the city of love sparkles with lights, embark on a luxurious dinner cruise along the Seine River to savor exquisite cuisine and bid a fond farewell to Paris as this “Tale of Two Cities” nears its final chapter. (B,D)
Sat, Apr 17: Following breakfast, transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flights home. (B)