England to France: London, English Countryside, Paris & Lyon - 14 Days

Highlights

• Go on a hop-on, hop-off bus, have high tea, and take a "Harry Potter" tour in London
• Visit Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswolds, and Warwick Castle
• Take an evening Eiffel Tower tour, cruise the Seine, and visit Euro-Disney in Paris
• Enjoy delicious Lyonnaise eats and go wine tasting in Beaujolais 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in London & Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

Welcome to London! Once you gather your bags, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel. Check in and drop off your luggage. 

First on the itinerary is the action-packed, 2.5-hour hop-on, hop-off bus tour, a famous London sightseeing staple. The best part about this tour is you can explore London at your own pace. With more than 30 landmarks along your route, you can choose your stops based on your preferences. Some of the most popular places to stop include  Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard, along with the London Eye and the Tower Bridge. For a nice stroll, visit Hyde Park and if you enjoy shopping, don't miss Harrods. 

Note that you will have unlimited use of the open-top, double-decker bus (and the full route) for 24 hours. You can do as much or as little sightseeing as you'd like. Once you've had your fill, enjoy a few pints and a welcome dinner at your leisure and return to your hotel for some rest after the long day.

Day 2: Tower of London Private Tour

After breakfast, embark on a private, three-hour tour of the Tower of London led by an expert historian. Unpack the many roles the Tower has played in its near-1,000-year history, from a strategic outpost of William the Conqueror to a prison and execution site that witnessed the beheading of two of Henry VIII's wives. You may also see the Yeoman Warders (or "Beefeaters," the ceremonial guardians of the Tower), the legendary ravens that have been at the tower for over 300 years, and the Crown Jewels, used in the coronation ceremony of each new monarch—they symbolize the divine right of kings.

Then, if you'd like, you can enter the White Tower, the oldest part of the Tower of London, and explore the state-of-the-art Norman fortress and royal palace. Alternatively, you can explore the many other towers. Perhaps view the graffiti carved into the walls by prisoners in the Beauchamp Tower (also known as the Bloody Tower), where two young princes were said to have been murdered in 1483. Following the tour, you can do more sightseeing on your own time and enjoy the night in London at your leisure.

Day 3: Day Trip: Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle & White Cliffs 

Today, leave London for an adventurous, 10.5-hour day trip. Journey to England's southeastern coast on a small-group tour of Dover and Canterbury. En route, the bus will take you through the scenic Kent countryside to the historic port of Dover, overlooked by the dramatic White Cliffs of Dover. Exit the bus and enjoy free time to explore attractions like the medieval Dover Castle, the war tunnels, the Royal Court of Henry II, and more.

Day 4: Churchill War Rooms Walking Tour & Visit Kensington Palace

Today, there's plenty more of London to discover. Start with the 2.5-hour "Churchill War Rooms & Westminster Small-Group Walking Tour." Experience World War II from the point of view of an inside operative on this eye-opening visit to Westminster. Head underground to the secret lair and wartime bunker of Sir Winston Churchill. The history of the hallowed halls of the Churchill War Rooms has been frozen in time since 1945. Enjoy interactive exhibits and an audio guide of the Churchill Museum, including recorded speeches from Churchill himself.

On your tour, pass iconic London sites, including 10 Downing Street, Whitehall, and the Cenotaph National War Memorial. Additionally, take note of popular tourist spots like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament. 

Day 5: Day Trip: Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon & Warwick Castle 

Today, take a full-day trip out of London into the countryside. Begin with a guided tour of Warwick Castle, dating to the Middle Ages. See its magnificent ramparts and towers, climb the staircase to the Princess Tower, or head down into the dungeons before strolling through the gardens. Then, head to Stratford-upon-Avon and see the Tudor-era house where William Shakespeare was born. Enjoy some free time and lunch on your own.

Next, take a walking tour through Oxford and its iconic ivy-strewn, honey-hued university buildings that have inspired generations of scholars, including Albert Einstein, Bill Clinton, and Kate Beckinsale. Make stops at the Bodleian Library and the famous Christ Church College, featured in several "Harry Potter" movies. Finally, drive through the charming villages known as the Cotswolds—an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty—before returning to London to kick back with a nightcap and some much-needed rest after the long day. 

Day 6: Harry Potter Walking Tour & High Tea at The Savoy Hotel

Today brings a mix of two cultural experiences, beginning with the literary and big-screen marvel "Harry Potter." Take a 2.5-hour walking tour around London accompanied by a guide armed with weird and wonderful trivia. Start your adventure by finding out which Hogwarts House you belong to, and compete against other Houses in an interactive quiz as you see the sites that inspired J.K. Rowling. The itinerary is packed with 18 stops.

Some of the tour's highlights include strolling down Diagon Alley to visit the Leaky Cauldron, seeing iconic London sites such as Borough Market and Trafalgar Square, and taking a boat trip down the River Thames.

Day 7: Transfer to Paris & Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

In the morning, make the transfer to Paris. After settling into your hotel, you might enjoy shopping at department stores like Lafayette and Printemps and smaller boutique shops offering unique, high-quality wares. Colorful boulevards and historic monuments invite you to stroll through the downtown, while narrow alleys and cozy cafés lend to the romance. For art lovers, the smaller museums are a once-in-a-lifetime experience—Paris has one of the most impressive art collections in the world.

For a more curated sightseeing experience, join a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Enjoy fantastic views and experience Paris' charm aboard the open-top, double-decker bus. Choose from a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off ticket, or upgrade to the 48-hour option. The city's elegance, history, and majestic architecture will take your breath away. The audio tour allows you to discover over 15 locations throughout the city with daily departures from the starting point at the Eiffel Tower at Quai Branly. Highlights include: Champ de Mars, Opera Garnier, Louvre-Pyramide, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame, Musee d'Orsay, Champs-Elysées, and Grand Palais. 

Day 8: Day Trip: Euro-Disney

Today, it's time to enjoy a nostalgic day at action-packed Euro-Disney. In Disneyland Park, bookmark attractions like "It's a Small World," located in Fantasyland, taking visitors on a musical tour. Additionally, "Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain" (formerly known as "Space Mountain: Mission 2") is a roller coaster situated in the Discoveryland district. Then, there's "Big Thunder Mountain", a mine train roller coaster within Frontierland. Don't miss "Pirates of the Caribbean," your chance to cruise around Adventureland, as well as "Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters" inspired by the Disney/Pixar film "Toy Story 2." 

The park is approximately 4,800 acres (1,942 ha) and is divided into two main parks—your ticket grants access to both. After a day of adrenaline rushes, plenty of walking, and delicious treats, return to your hotel in Paris for rest and relaxation. 

Day 9: Explore Paris & Evening Eiffel Tower Tour

The day is yours to continue exploring Paris. There's no shortage of things to do. Explore the artistic hub of Montparnasse and then view the avante-garde architecture in La Villette. Perhaps check out the historic food stalls in Montorgueil or immerse yourself in the literary history of Saint-Germain-de-Prés. Up for a nice walk? Stroll the villages and shops, check out views from the rooftops in Montmarte, grab lunch, and take in the sights in Canal Saint-Martin. Cap off the day at a trendy cocktail bar in South Pigalle.

In the evening, meet with your private guide for a 3.5-hour exploration of the Trocadero Esplanade and Eiffel Tower. Start at the Trocadero to see its statues, monuments, and city views. Continue to the "Iron Lady" herself with skip-the-line tickets, giving you the most time to visit both floors and take in the incredible views from the top.

Day 10: A Day in Le Marais: Cheese Shop, Museums & Market

Spend the day like a local in the hip neighborhood of Le Marais, which has played an important part in French history since the 13th century. The Order of the Temple constructed a fortified church, an edifice that inspired several beautiful religious buildings, churches, and later, the epicenter of the Parisian Jewish community. Enjoy a classic breakfast of café au lait and a buttered tartine or a perfect croissant, and then explore on foot. Alongside centuries-old synagogues, discover high-end fashion boutiques, dining hotspots, art galleries, and LGBTQ+-run businesses.

Stroll to Haut-Marais, or Upper Marais, a neighborhood section that has transformed from former working-class factories to chic shops and galleries. Meet a Maître Fromager, or Master Cheesemaker, at a renowned local cheese shop. Learn about the cheese maturation process and taste select cheeses from different regions paired with complementary wines. After, meet your local guide for a two-hour private walking tour through Le Marais's lively streets and hear tales of the magnificent 17th-century mansions that once dominated the district.

The afternoon is yours for further discovery. View the incredible works at Maison Européenne de la Photographie or opt for the funky Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, a museum devoted to hunting and taxidermy. Explore the neighborhood's stylish boutiques and hidden gardens. When feeling peckish, pop over to Rue des Rosiers for a warm kosher pastry or wait in a quick-moving line for an iconic falafel sandwich. Hungry for more? Sample international specialties at the Marche des Enfants Rouges or stop at a wine bar to wind down the day.

Day 11: Cruise The Seine & Hemingway Tour

Today, take in Paris from a different lens: via a one-hour Seine River cruise. A short trip allows you to view the stunning structural landmarks like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more—as you float along the Seine. Many of Paris' most famous and important buildings, bridges, and attractions can be seen from the river. This viewpoint also gives you a good insight into the city's history, evolution, and architecture. The banks of the Seine in Paris were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Following your cruise, get ready to walk in the footsteps of Hemingway on a three-hour, small-group walking tour. Summon the spirits of literature's greatest talents, all of whom lived here and perfected their craft by observing the city's street life and romantic intimacy. Relive those moments as you retrace their inspirations throughout the Left Bank, pausing to hear enlightening tales of their lives, their loves, and occasionally, their lunacy! Stops include the iconic Shakespeare & Company, the literary haunts of Boulevard Saint-Germain, and a charming Parisian café break. 

Following the tour, do something special to commemorate your final night in Paris. 

Day 12:  Transfer to Lyon & Self-Guided Tour

Say au revoir to Paris and board the five-hour train southeast to Lyon this morning. Head out on a private walking tour to explore the city center upon arrival. Begin at the gothic Saint-Jean Cathedral to discover a cobblestone labyrinth of courtyards, passageways, gothic staircases, and Italian galleries. 

Lyon is France's third most populous city—behind Paris and Marseille—and is more compact, allowing visitors to explore easily by foot. An excellent place to start is the city's UNESCO-listed Old Town and the Presqu'île—a piece of land surrounded by the Saône and Rhône Rivers. Here you can wander the narrow cobblestoned streets in search of the famous traboules (hidden passageways). Take in the panorma view of the city by walking up to the Fourviere Basilica.

For dinner, choose from hundreds of restaurants, from family-owned eateries serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, to informal brasseries, to Michelin-starred restaurants like the iconic Auberge de Collonges, founded by the famous chef Paul Bocuse.

Day 13: Beaujolais Tour & Wine Tasting

Enjoy a tour of Beaujolais, a historical province and wine-growing region just north of Lyon. Often compared to Tuscany, this beautiful countryside, dotted with hilltop villages, offers a slower pace of life. Your cultural and gourmet itinerary leads you around the southern part of Beaujolais, famous for its red Beaujolais Nouveau wine and golden stone, which lends a unique charm to the surrounding villages. Along the route, learn all about the passion for the region. Get an introduction to wine and meet with a winemaker who will invite you to enjoy a memorable tasting experience—a great way to toast to the end of your two-week trip.

Following the tour, the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Lyon. 

Day 14: Depart Lyon

It's time to pack your bags and get ready to depart Lyon. If you have some time before your flight, perhaps enjoy a farewell meal and do some wine shopping. Until next time!

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