Castles and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Madame Brasserie, perched on the Eiffel Tower's 1st floor, where panoramic views of Paris – from the Seine to Montmartre – accompany your meal.

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. Before returning to Paris, enjoy lunch in the heart of the Château de Versailles park overlooking the Grand Canal. Enjoy free time this afternoon in Paris before joining us this evening for your private, exclusive farewell dinner at a local Parisian restaurant.

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.