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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Best of London & Paris by Rail

Seven-day escorted London and Paris tour with Eurostar rail crossing

Illustration of Best of London & Paris by Rail

Vacations By Rail's Best of London & Paris by Rail is a seven-day, six-night escorted journey across two of Europe's most visited capitals. The tour departs London and ends in Versailles, traveling with a professional tour manager who guides the group through guided sightseeing, cruises, and cultural experiences. Day two includes an early visit to the Tower of London to witness the Opening Ceremony with the Chief Yeoman Warder, followed by a Thames lunch cruise. Day four crosses the English Channel on Eurostar Plus to Paris, then enjoys an evening Seine dinner cruise past illuminated landmarks. Day six takes the group to the Palace of Versailles for a self-guided exploration of the palace rooms, gardens, and the Estate of Trianon via the Little Train. Accommodation is in four-star hotels, with breakfast daily and four dinners included. This tour suits travelers who prefer the structure of an escorted group, those new to rail travel, history enthusiasts, and couples seeking guided cultural immersion with free time built in for independent exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included in the from-price of USD 2,799
  • Cancellation and travel insurance must be arranged separately
  • No departures calendar is published; confirm current availability with Vacations By Rail before booking

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Arriving in England's capital

    Independent transfer to a 19th-century hotel in the Fitzrovia District of Central London, near St. Pancras, King's Cross and Euston stations; meet the Tour Manager and group for dinner at the hotel.

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    A trip to the Tower of London and a Thames cruise

    Early visit to witness the Tower of London's Opening Ceremony and the Chief Yeoman Warder, with free time to see the Crown Jewels, followed by a Thames cruise with lunch on board passing Tower Bridge, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.

  3. Day 3overnight: London

    Exploring London's iconic attractions

    Guided sightseeing tour past Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, with a free afternoon to revisit sights or visit London's Royal Parks; group dinner in the evening.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Paris

    Across the English Channel to Paris

    Eurostar in Plus class from London St. Pancras to Paris with a light meal; coach transfer to a hotel near the Seine, followed by an evening Seine dinner cruise past illuminated landmarks including the Eiffel Tower.

  5. Day 5overnight: Paris

    A thorough introduction to Paris

    Guided coach sightseeing tour taking in the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, with a free afternoon and evening to explore independently.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Paris

    The lavish Palace of Versailles

    Visit to the Palace of Versailles with priority access via a Versailles Passport, touring the palace and gardens, then the Little Train to the Estate of Trianon (Queen's Hamlet); group dinner at a local restaurant in the evening.

  7. Day 7

    Tour conclusion

    Final breakfast at the hotel before checking out and beginning the journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Witness the Tower of London Opening Ceremony with the Chief Yeoman Warder and his military escort, then see the Crown Jewels; followed by a Thames lunch cruise past Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament
  • Day 4Travel aboard Eurostar in Plus class from London St. Pancras to Paris, then enjoy an evening Seine dinner cruise past illuminated landmarks including the Eiffel Tower
  • Day 6Explore the Palace of Versailles with priority access via Versailles Passport, touring the palace rooms and gardens, then ride the Little Train to the Estate of Trianon

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 6 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Eurostar light meal
  • Breakfast each day, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Versailles Passport

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Eurostar Plus from London to Paris is included, along with all rail, coach, and cruise transport throughout the tour.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is escorted. A professional tour manager accompanies the group throughout the seven days, and most sightseeing tours and excursions are guided.
What hotels are included?
Vacations By Rail includes six nights in four-star hotels: Radisson Blu Hotel, London Euston Square, in London and Hotel Auteuil Tour Eiffel in Paris.
What meals are provided?
Breakfast each day, one lunch (Thames cruise), and four dinners are included. The Eurostar Plus includes a light meal.
How much walking is involved?
The tour is rated Activity Level Mobility Rating 3, indicating substantial walking. Plan for guided sightseeing tours, walking through the Tower of London, and self-guided exploration of Versailles palace and gardens.
What is the total cost?
The tour starts at USD 2,799 per person for the seven-day package. Flights, airport transfers, and travel insurance are not included.

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