Eiffel Tower Paris
Caption: Eiffel Tower Paris
Caption: A traditional London Bus
Caption: The Louvre, Paris
Caption: Mont St. Michel, Normandy
Caption: A typical village square in Normandy, France

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Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 2 Requires moderate physical activity. You need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with some periods of standing. Not suitable if you have limited mobility or require a wheelchair/mobility scooter.
Destination: Explore London, Paris & Normandy
Duration: 12 days, 11 nights
Flight information: Arrive into London Heathrow (LHR) on Day 1 and depart from London Heathrow on Day 12
Pickup location: London Heathrow Airport

Overview

Choose your own departure date for your group.

Join us as we explore the highlights and bright lights of the capital cities London and Paris, before stepping back in time to explore Normandy, Northern France.

You will see many of the iconic sites in England and France’s capital cities. We take you further than the capitals to explore the north of France with its dramatic scenery, beautiful coast, and quaint fishing villages – as well as the Gardens of Versailles, Mont St. Michel and the WW2 Battlefields. From Buckingham Palace to the Eiffel Tower and back again, take in the area's military and cultural history amidst the dramatic landscapes of Normandy – there is sure to be something to interest all travellers! 

Itinerary

Itinerary summary: DAY 1 - Arrive in London
DAY 2 - Windsor Castle and Afternoon at Leisure
DAY 3 - London's Iconic Landmarks
DAY 4 - London to Paris
DAY 5 - Montparnasse Tower & River Cruise from the Eiffel Tower
DAY 6 - Chateau and Gardens of Versailles
DAY 7 - Paris to Normandy
DAY 8 - WW2 Battlefields
DAY 9 - Coastal Villages and Calvados
DAY 10 - Mont St.Michel and the Bayeux Tapestry
DAY 11 - Return to London
DAY 12 - Goodbye and Farewell
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Full Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrive in London

If you are arriving by air, we will arrange for your transfer to the hotel in London. This evening you will meet the Tour Director and the rest of your tour group at a welome dinner. 

Included meals: Dinner 
Accommodation: Melia White House, London 

DAY 2 - Windsor Castle and Afternoon at Leisure

After breakfast in the hotel, we will head for Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. It is an official residence of Her Majesty the Queen, whose standard flies from the Round Tower when she is in residence. Lunch will be enjoyed together at a local restaurant in Windsor.

In the afternoon we return to the hotel, where you will be free to adventure out into London and follow your own interests. Your Tour Director will be available to offer suggestions and assistance. 

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch 
Accommodation: Melia White House, London 

DAY 3 - London's Iconic Landmarks

Today we will enjoy a full day tour of the capital. We will see London’s iconic sights including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. There will be plenty of opportunities for photos!

Enjoy lunch at leisure before heading to Westminster Pier, where we will take the boat to Greenwich with commentary from a local river guide. The coach will collect us in Greenwich to return back to the hotel in time for you to make your own dinner arrangements for this evening. 

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: Melia White House, London 

DAY 4 - London to Paris

It will be an early departure from London this morning. Our coach will take us to Dover for a ferry crossing over the English Channel to Calais and on into Paris. Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant this evening.

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner 
Accommodation: Melia Champs Elysees, Paris 

DAY 5 - Montparnasse Tower & River Cruise from the Eiffel Tower

Board your coach and transfer to the Eiffel Tower for a 1 hour boat cruise, an ideal way to soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful city and pass the major sights. You will then be transferred to the Montparnasse Tower for the most amazing views over Paris with a glass of champagne on arrival. Take photos from the 56th floor, located 210 metres over Paris. There is also an open air panoramic terrace. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore Paris on your own, perhaps go up the Eiffel Tower or stay with your Tour Director and explore Paris on foot. 

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: Melia Champs Elysees, Paris 

DAY 6 - Chateau and Gardens of Versailles

Today we will enjoy a full day excursion to Versailles. The Chateau and Gardens of Versailles are among the most illustrious of World Heritage sites. Built by the 'Sun King' Louis XIV, the Chateau contains a magnificent collection of furniture and art works. Your ‘passeport’ offers entry to the Chateau, Trianon Palaces, Marie-Antoinette’s Estate and the Gardens. Meet your guide at the Chateau. Enjoy the Gardens, lying west of the palace, the gardens span around 800 hectares and took around 40 years to complete. They are famous for their geometric designs with terraces, tree-lined paths, ponds and canals throughout. 

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: Melia Champs Elysees, Paris 

DAY 7 - Paris to Normandy

Today we bid farewell to the most romantic city in the world and head instead for Normandy. The French region of Normandy is steeped in history, from before the time of William the Conqueror in the 11th century to the landings of World War II. With ancient towns and sandy beaches there is much to see and enjoy here - Normandy combines a dramatic coastline with vast beaches, smart resorts and traditional fishing harbours with military and cultural history.

Dinner will be enjoyed at the hotel together tonight.

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner 
Accommodation: Kyriad Prestige Dives sur Mer 

DAY 8 - WW2 Battlefields

Today we undertake a personal exploration of the events which happened during WW2, now over 70 years ago. We travel to Sainte Mere Eglise, scene of some tragic landings by the US paras before visiting the Azeville Battery. We will see Utah Beach and Pointe Du Hoc, which was captured by the American Rangers. We also visit the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, a resting place for 9,387 souls. The tour concludes with a drive along Omaha Beach to the Longues-sur-Mer Gun Battery, with its original guns still in-situ.

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: Kyriad Prestige Dives sur Mer 

DAY 9 - Coastal Villages and Calvados

Today we enjoy the beautiful coastal villages of this beautiful region, driving along scenic beaches to Deauville where you will have time to explore, shop, eat and stroll on the promenade overlooking the sandy beach. Next we visit neighbouring Trouville with its little shops and working fishing harbour.

In the afternoon, we will enjoy a tour of the Calvados Experience. Calvados is the local liquor, an apple brandy. We will see how the traditional drink of the region is made and be given to opportunity to taste it for ourselves. Dinner at leisure this evening.

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: Kyriad Prestige Dives sur Mer 

DAY 10 - Mont St.Michel and the Bayeux Tapestry

Today is an early departure to enjoy the beautiful view Mont St. Michel against the coastline, Normandy's most distinctive monument. Perched on a rocky island, the abbey rises majestically out of the sea in a beautiful natural bay. During high tide it is almost completely surrounded by water.

We then continue our journey to Bayeux to visit the world famous tapestry which tells the story of William the Conqueror and his defeat of the Last Anglo-Saon King of England and depicts events from the Norman perspective 1064 to 1066. This 1,000 year old embroidery even features the first known depiction of Halley's comet. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner 
Accommodation: Kyriad Prestige Dives sur Mer 

DAY 11 - Return to London

Today we say 'au revoir' to France and return to London by ferry for a farewell dinner together. 

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner 
Accommodation: Melia White House, London 

DAY 12 - Goodbye and Farewell

The tour ends today. After breakfast we say a fond farewell to the new friends we have made and you will be offered a transfer to the airport if this is part of your travel plans. Why not extend your stay in London to allow for some sightseeing at your own pace?

Included meals: Breakfast 

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • Meet & Greet at London Heathrow Airport [LHR] on Day 1 transfer to the hotel
  • Return transfer to LHR Airport on Day 12.
  • Transport as detailed in the itinerary
  • Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
  • Meals as detailed in the itinerary.
  • English speaking tour guide.
  • All activities, visits and excursions as detailed in the itinerary.

What's not included

  • Transport to/from London.
  • Drinks.
  • Gratuities. 
  • Visas, travel and medical insurance.
  • Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price above.
  • Any meals not mentioned in itinerary.
  • Any optional activities offered.
  • Any COVID tests or related entry & exit requirements

Important information

  • Please arrange your travel to arrive into London on Day 1. Please arrange your travel to depart from London on Day 12.
  • Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour.
  • Check in is after 2-3pm and check out is before 10am unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
  • Cancellation 90 – 0 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 100%. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday. Deposits are non-refundable. Final payments are due 14 weeks prior to departure.
  • Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.

The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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