9-Nights Iconic European Capitals: London, Paris & Rome - Most Popular Vacations from $5,056
Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722831
Iconic Landmarks Discover the essence of Europe on this adventure through London, Paris, and Rome, where rich history, culture, and culinary delights await your exploration.
Trip Overview:
Discover the essence of Europe on this adventure through London, Paris, and Rome, where rich history, culture, and culinary delights await your exploration.
Highlights:
- Begin in vibrant London, staying steps from Marble Arch and exploring the city’s icons by land and river.
- Venture beyond the capital to Windsor Castle, mystical Stonehenge, and elegant Georgian Bath.
- Cross to Paris by Eurostar, gliding along the Seine and admiring views from the Eiffel Tower.
- Discover royal splendour at Versailles before unwinding in the romance of Parisian cafés and boulevards.
- End your journey in timeless Rome, tracing history from the Colosseum to the Vatican and hidden catacombs.
Included Services:
- Arrival and departure Transfers in London, Paris and Rome
- 3 nights premium accommodation in London
- 3 nights premium accommodation in Paris
- 3 nights premium accommodation in Rome
- Full Day London City Tour
- Full Day Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Tour
- Half Day Paris Tour including the Eiffel Tower & Cruise
- Half Day Versailles Tour
- Full Day Ancient Rome & Vatican Tour
- Half Day Secrets of Rome Tour
- Eurostar Standard Class ticket London to Paris
- Breakfast Daily (excluding Day 1)
Excluded Services:
- Travel insurance
- International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Passport & Visa fees, if applicable
9 nights from $5,056 per person
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive in London
Transfer: London Heathrow Aptto London - Marble Arch
Hotel: Great Scotland Yard (5 Star Rating)
Five-star luxury hotel with standalone Townhouse located in historical Westminster, moments from London's most iconic landmarks. Great Scotland Yard is one of London's most historic and cherished buildings that holds more hidden stories than any other kind in London. Where tradition meets modern luxury. Stay in an 1820's Grade II listed building with Edwardian and Victorian architecture, featuring 151 rooms and suites. Enjoy a unique twist on a British classic, where no two rooms are the same, with stunning Mary Poppins views of London. We are committed to providing equal access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities. The features also make this hotel more accessible for older individuals with changing abilities to ensure a seamless experience. Our overall goal is to improve usability throughout the hotel for all guests.
Day 2: Full Day Exploring London Tour with Cruise
This is the most popular and comprehensive tour of London. Jump straight into the history of London on this fantastic full-day tour. Spend the day exploring London's most iconic sights and attractions with your expert Blue Badge Guide and finish with a scenic cruise on the River Thames.
Your tour of begins with a journey through the heart of London with your expert tour guide onboard one of our luxury coaches.. As you make your way through the city, your guide will impart exciting stories and interesting facts about London's long history. Along the way, you will see all of London's most iconic landmarks, including the Albert Memorial, Westminster Abbey, the iconic Elizabeth Tower, also known as 'Big Ben', and much, much more!
The Changing of the Guard
At one of our first stops, Buckingham Palace, we will watch a traditional ceremony that is the epitome of British pomp and pageantry. During the ceremony, guards from the New Guard of the Household Division arrive to assume responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace. Accompanied by a regimental marching band, these soldiers are instantly recognisable in their bearskin caps and scarlet tunics. Don't let the bearskin hats fool you - these soldiers are elite soldiers from the British military!
St Paul's Cathedral Guided Tour
St Paul's Cathedral is an iconic symbol of London. One of the largest churches in the world, its dome is an incredible 366ft high and was the tallest building in London until the 1960s. Explore the history of the Cathedral on a guided walking tour, and hear how Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece took 35 years to complete.
The Tower of London
Almost a thousand years of history are waiting for us at our next stop, the formidable Tower of London. The long and bloody history of 'The Tower' is steeped in myth and legend. Built by Wiliam the Conqueror in 1066, this historic fortress in the middle of London is a notorious prison and execution site.
The last person to be executed here was in 1941, and throughout its long history, dozens have been shot, beheaded and even burned at the stake. Delve into the grisly history of this medieval castle and a former royal palace, and discover the stories behind some of its most famous former inmates.
Thames River Cruise
At the end of our tour, head down to Tower Pier and hop on the next available boat for a scenic cruise down the River Thames. Enjoy a unique view of the beautiful London waterfront as you head to Westminster Pier next to the iconic Houses of Parliament.
Day 3: Full Day Tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath
Visit the official residence of The King and home of the British monarchy for more than 900 years,
explore the beautiful Georgian city of Bath and its ancient Roman Baths, and uncover the mystery
behind Stonehenge - the world's most famous Neolithic site.
Built high above the River Thames, Windsor Castle has been home to the Royal Family for 900 years and is still an Official Residence of the King. Visit the magnificent State Apartments, still used for State occasions and Royal receptions. Take some time to explore the castle grounds and the fourteenth-century St. George's Chapel, one of the most beautiful examples of medieval church architecture in England and a burial place of kings and queens, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.
Clouded in mystery, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England, but beyond its archaeological significance and possible astronomical role, Stonehenge is also a place of spiritual importance. Early legends link it with Merlin and King Arthur, but over the last hundred years the midsummer sunrise has attracted pagan groups and followers of the Ancient Order of Druids.
You also visit the beautiful Georgian City of Bath and take you on a panoramic tour of some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, including Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Assembly Rooms and the famous Pulteney Bridge. Explore the Roman Baths, built around thermal springs, which have been supplying water for over 2,000 years. In Roman times a great Temple was built next to the sacred spring - the waters were believed to have healing properties and attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire.
Day 4: London to Paris by Eurostar
Transfer: London - Marble Arch to St. Pancras International Railway Station
Transfer: St. Pancras International Railway Station to Gare du Nord
Transfer: Gare du Nord to Paris - Arr9: Opera-St Lazare
Hotel: Les Plumes Hotel (4 Star Rating)
Just a few minutes from the famous Grands Boulevards district, the 4-star Les Plumes Hotel welcomes you in a 19th century guests house atmosphere. Inspired by the most romantic literary couples of the time, such as Victor Hugo and Juliette Drouet, Georges Sand and Alfred de Musset, Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine, the 33 classic rooms and the 2 prestige rooms will immerse you in a unique atmosphere.
Day 5: Half Day Discovering Paris Tour
Discover the famous sights and monuments of Paris on a unique tour. This tour includes a visit to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower with a breathtaking view of the capital, a city tour by panoramic bus and a one-hour cruise on the Seine. This complete tour is the ideal way to discover Paris for the first time.
With your reserved access, take a lift to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower, the 324-metre high historic monument built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Paris World Fair. Admire the magnificent 360 degree view over the city and explore this unmissable monument at your leisure.
Your tour by panoramic air-conditioned coach offers you the opportunity to discover Paris and learn more about its history and most famous sites. At the beginning of the tour, you will scan a QR code to download our application and enjoy audio commentary in your own language (with individual headphones) as you embark on a tour of Paris combining culture and entertainment. It will allow you to experience an exceptional city tour through an enriched visit. Paris City Vision wanted to create a unique experience with the discovery and evolution of the capital’s architectural and cultural heritage. The audio commentary will tell you the history of the most significant Parisian districts and monuments, from the Opera Garnier to the Eiffel Tower or the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Paris of yesterday and today, thanks to sound effects. This tour of Paris, created for the whole family, will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Among the must-see Parisian sites described, you will not miss the lively districts of the Champs-Elysees and Saint Germain des Pres, the Louvre Museum, the Orsay Museum or the Conciergerie where Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned.
At the foot of the Eiffel Tower, board a one-hour cruise on the Seine with an audio guide. Marvel at the fantastic architecture of the heart of Paris’ most prestigious monuments along the banks of the Seine: the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musee d’Orsay, the Conciergerie, etc. Relax on the fully glazed boat with terrace, and let yourself be seduced by this river trip among the Parisians who walk and cycle along the river while you glide along. End of the excursion at the Eiffel Tower.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore Paris through a pleasant city tour boarding a panoramic bus
Enjoy the audio commentary from our mobile app to download on your device, bring your headset for a better experience
Reserved access to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking view of the city
Navigate along the Seine river on a charming commented boat-cruise
Day 6: Half Day Tour to the Palace of Versailles
Enjoy a visit of the Palace of Versailles in a small group with our driver-guide who will tell you many anecdotes about the life of the Kings of France. After a guided tour of the Palace, you will be able to discover the gardens of Versailles for a few minutes. If you wish, you can select the private excursion for even more conviviality. Departure and return from center Paris included.
One of the most famous historic monuments in the world, the Palace of Versailles was the official residence of the Kings of France Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI and their courts from 1682 to 1789. Your guide will show you the majestic Palace of Versailles, a symbol of the king’s power. Its Baroque architecture, sumptuous decoration, works of art, and furniture were all created by the greatest artisans of the age. After touring the palace, explore the magic of its formal gardens and exceptionally beautiful grounds.
The Palace of Versailles has more than 700 rooms and stretches for over 721,000 square feet. Follow your guide straight to the front of the line to visit the palace’s most beautiful rooms: the King’s Grand Apartments, with seven rooms dedicated to different gods (Apollo, Mars, Mercy, Venus, etc.), and the Queen’s Grand Apartments, mirroring those of the king, which include the Coronation Room and the Queen’s Bedroom, once occupied by Marie Antoinette, among others. Also, admire the grandeur of the Versailles Hall of Mirrors, a unique room in which guests were received and impressed, designed by the famous architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Almost 240 feet-long, it was created to dazzle visitors to the Sun King, Louis XIV; it is lit by 17 windows and some 350 mirrors, and overlooks the palace’s breath-taking gardens, the second part of your visit.
In 1661, Louis XIV commissioned the landscape architect Andre Le Notre to lay out the grounds and gardens, something that was just as important to the king as the construction of the palace itself. Enjoy your free time strolling through the Gardens of Versailles and admire the 386 works of art (including more than 200 statues), fountains, flower beds, ponds, and trees. During the Summer months, a range of activities are organized, such as the Grandes Eaux Musicales, when the fountains are made to dance to music.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Free time to visit the gardens
Small group up to 15 people
Get a glimpse into the lives of French royalty’s most influential figures. Take your pick from English, French, Portuguese and Spanish guided tours.
Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
Transportation from Paris by air-conditioned vehicle.
Guided tour of the castle and the gardens
Entrance ticket to the Gardens with priority access, even on Musical Fountains’ days
Day 7: Paris to Rome
Transfer: Paris - Arr9: Opera-St Lazare to Paris Charles de Gaulle Apt
Transfer: Rome Fiumicino Aptto Rome - Trevi
Hotel: Hotel Twenty One (4 Star Rating)
Located on Via Cola di Rienzo, the hotel is situated in the elegant Prati district, home to the Vatican and Saint Peter's Basilica. Vatican City can be reached in around 15 minutes on foot and Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna are also within walking distance. The airport can be reached within a 30-minute ride. The hotel is a charming modern boutique hotel with a bar and restaurant available. The rooms are elegant and feature attention to detail for a pleasant stay. They are also well equipped with all the essential amenities needed for a comfortable experience.
Day 8: Full Day Ancient Rome & Vatican Museums Tour
Start your morning exploring the three key sites of the Colosseum Archaeological Park. Visit the iconic Colosseum, renowned for gladiatorial games and wild animal hunts, accommodating over 50,000 spectators. Next, stroll through Palatine Hill, one of Rome's seven hills and the birthplace of the city, now an open-air museum. Then, explore the Roman Forum, once the heart of Roman public and economic life. After lunch, meet your guide to tour the Vatican Museums, including the Pio Clementino Hall, Laocoon, Apollo Belvedere, Maps, Candelabra, and Tapestries Galleries, culminating in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Finish at St. Peter's Square and Basilica.
Please note that the Colosseum entry requires photo ID and full names with dates of birth.
Day 9: Half Day Off The Beaten Track Secrets of Rome Tour
On this small group tour, you will explore three underground sites, walk through ruins and columns, enter a 2000-year-old ancient Roman market, and cross Rome's oldest bridge. It's a delightful adventure for the whole family! Discover the truth behind the rumor that every church in Rome is built over pagan temples when you visit Saint Nicholas in Carcere, set over ancient places of worship. Nearby, at the Portico d'Ottavia and Marcellus Theatre ruins, you'll cross the 2000-year-old bridge to Tiber Island. Here, you'll find the underground house of Santa Cecilia, adorned with ancient mosaics, mysterious inscriptions, and a lavish crypt. Finally, visit the lesser-known church of San Crisogono, built over a large underground house with a beautifully frescoed wall. This adventurous and easy walk, guided through these ancient yet hidden venues in the heart of Rome, will make your day unforgettable!
Day 10: Depart from Rome
Transfer: Rome - Trevi to Rome Fiumicino Apt
Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.
Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.
Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.
Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.
Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.
Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.
Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.
Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.
Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:
Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.
The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.
Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.
Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.
St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.
St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.
Excursions
Rome Highlights and Vatican: 9 hours
Rome Highlights and Vatican: 9 hours
Meet your private English-speaking driver at the pier side of Civitavecchia port.
Rome is a mix of architecture styles, of antiques and new, of sacred and profane. In this full day tour you can enjoy a sample of this capital city. With your guide reach the Vatican city where you can visit the Museums, admiring its priceless collection of art and architecture: highlights include Raphael's Transfiguration, The Raphael Rooms, the Sculpture Garden featuring the famous Laokoon. Finally, the restored Sistine Chapel, famous all over the world for the breathtaking Michelangelo’s ceiling and the Last Judgment. From here you walk to St. Peter's Basilica to marvel at Michelangelo's Dome, his statue Pietà, Bernini's magnificent Baldacchino and the Tombs of the Popes. The tour will continue with a look at the ancient part of the Eternal city and its symbol: the Coliseum, where, jumping the lines, you will be able to enter in the magnificent Flavian Amphitheatre and admire where the gladiatorial duels, wild beast fights were arranged for the entertainment of Roman people.
The second part of the day will be dedicated to the visit of the city center, starting from Navona Square, the most important of Baroque Rome, where today it is possible to admire the monumental Fountain of the Rivers by Bernini. Continue your tour visiting the Pantheon, the jewel of Roman architecture, then Trevi Fountain, the most famous and beautiful fountain in Rome. End the tour at the Spanish Steps, built entirely in travertine in the 18th century.
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Civitavecchia Port
Access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica is allowed only to properly attired visitors.
Highlights:
- Vatican Museums, Ancient Rome, main highlights
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: low
Inclusions:
· Luxury Mercedes minivan at disposal for the entire day
· English-speaking driver at disposal for the entire day
· 6 hour private English-speaking guide
· No Line entrance fees for the Vatican Museums and Colosseum
Exclusions:
· All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
· Gratuities
Tivoli: Villas in the Countryside - 8 Hours
Tivoli: Villas in the Countryside - 8 Hours
A trip out to Tivoli, just east of Rome, makes for a perfect and relaxing day, when you need a little rest from extensive sightseeing in the city. On your way out, you will pass the Travertine marble quarries from which so many of Rome’s important buildings were constructed. Tivoli itself is a very pleasant town, perched on a hill but its main claim to fame lies in its country villas, Hadrian’s Villa and the Villa d’Este. The emperor Hadrian was very well traveled and when he decided to build a country villa, he was greatly influenced by some of the spectacular sights he’d seen on his travels. The result was probably the largest and most sumptuous villa in the Roman Empire and by any standards, it is huge and covers an area that would normally be occupied by a small town. The site became a sort of retirement home for Hadrian, from 135AD until his death three years later. Here you will see the remains of peaceful and romantic gardens, pools, a theater and baths, which were of course an essential part of any Roman villa. From here, you will visit the stunning Villa d’Este, built for Cardinal Ippolito d’Este in the mid-16th century. Its gardens and fountains are legendery but the restored ground floor apartments have some stunning frescoes.
Duration: 8 hours
Pricing: Please Inquire
Ostia Antica - 6 Hours
If you can’t fit in a trip to Pompeii, Ostia Antica makes a very worthwhile substitute and even though it is right by the airport, it is largely overlooked by the majority of tourists and never suffers from crowds. Ostia Antica was the main port for the city of Rome and consequently, where goods from all over the Empire were unloaded. You will see warehouses, high rise apartments for the workers and sumptuous villas for the nobility as well as baths complete with mosaics and the odd bar or two. Even the public lavatories have survived! Just outside the town, lies the beautiful castle of Pope Julius II, largely built from recycled bricks from Ostia Antica.
After the visit of the archaeological site, driving back towards the port, you will have the chance to stop for lunch in a great fish restaurant overlooking the sea.
Duration: 6 hours
Pricing: Please Inquire
Roman Castles - 8 Hours
The Castelli Romani (Roman castles) are a mere 35 minutes from Rome, but you could be hours away. Beautiful green hills, topped with ancient towns, a couple of volcanic lakes, delicious cuisine and abundant wines, the most famous being Frascati; all explain why Romans have been building their summer villas here for centuries. The most famous of these being Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. Frascati is the largest of these towns, while Nemi, the smallest gives its name to one of the lakes. The route out of Rome is worthwhile too, as you will pass the remains of the aqueducts that once carried water into the city and other imposing ruins.
Duration: 8 hours
Pricing: Please Inquire
Lake Bracciano and the Monster Park - 8 Hours
Lake Bracciano and the Monster Park - 8 Hours
You will start the day by being driven to Lake Bracciano, a delightful spot and much favored by Romans escaping from the heat of the city by having a refreshing swim in the lake. It burst onto the world stage in 2006, when Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got married in the local castle.
After a stroll around the town, you will be taken to Viterbo where at nearby Bomarzo is a most extraordinary garden, known as the Parco dei Mostri, the Monster Park. This makes a great day out for children. Created by the hunchbacked Duke of Orsini in 1552, he set out to mock the Mannerist gardens of the time by deliberate vulgarity. At the entrance to the park stands a giant warrior, tearing apart a woodcutter, while deeper into the park, you will come across an English prince pouring the brains of a madman down an elephant’s trunk. The surprises continue to come; mossy sculptures of tortoises, elephants, a whale, dragons, nymphs and butterflies, to name but a few. After Orsini’s death, the park became very neglected but has now been restored to its former glory.
Duration: 8 hours
Pricing: Please Inquire
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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