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9 Day London, Paris & Amsterdam Discovery
Highlights: London, Paris, Amsterdam
Trip start: London
Trip end: Amsterdam
Price Range from £2,131 to £2,333 *
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

London, Paris and Amsterdam - three of the most enigmatic cities in Europe. From sights from Charles Dickens` classics, prehistoric stone circles & the bells of Notre Dame, to the playground of Marie Antoinette & the vistas of Van Gogh, this customizable journey showcases 3 of Europe`s most historic cities. Behold the magic of the capitals of England, France & the Netherlands through a fusion of private & shared guided tours. Visit elegant Bath, witness mystical Stonehenge, tour magnificent Windsor Castle & ride a double decker bus through the streets of London. Cruise the Seine, photograph the Eiffel Tower & behold the opulence of ages past at Versailles. Treat your eyes during a tour of a diamond factory, Holland`s famous flower auction & a traditional pottery factory. Featuring elegant 4* hotels, 1st class rail transfers & more. Bon Voyage.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
London
  • London: Transfer - Private - Heathrow Airport (arrival) - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Welcome package - Pack
  • Self-Guided - Tube Information
  • Self-Guided - Along the South Bank
  • Dinner (not included)
The Mandeville (4*)
(Alt: Astor Court) (B)
Day 2
London
  • Self-Guided - Hop-on/Hop-off Orientation Tour - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Self-Guided - Hampstead Heath
  • Optional tours
  • Self-Guided - Dinner at Leisure (in the West End)
The Mandeville (4*)
(Alt: Astor Court) (B)
Day 3
London
  • Shared - Windsor, Stonehenge & Bath - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
The Mandeville (4*)
(Alt: Astor Court) (B)
Day 4
Paris
  • Self-Guided - Kew Gardens - .
  • Transfer - Private - Train Station - VIP Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - London - Paris [2.5 hrs] - High Speed 1st Class Train (Low Season)
  • Paris: Transfer - Private - Train station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Welcome Package - Paris & North
  • Dinner at leisure
Hotel Villa Luxembourg (4*) (B)
Day 5
Paris
  • Shared - 1/2 d Versailles (4hrs) - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Hop on - Hop off Bus (1 day) - Double Decker Bus/Driver/Headphones
  • Dinner (not included)
Hotel Villa Luxembourg (4*)
(Alt: Color Design)
(Alt: Observatoire Luxembourg) (B)
Day 6
Paris
  • Optional Activities: Independent
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Optional: Evening Activities
Hotel Villa Luxembourg (4*)
(Alt: Color Design)
(Alt: Observatoire Luxembourg) (B)
Day 7
Amsterdam
  • Train - Paris - Amsterdam [4 hrs] - 1st Class Train Ticket
  • Amsterdam: Welcome package
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Shared - 1/2 day Ultimate City Tour - Bus/Museum/Boat
  • Dinner (not included)
Convent (4*) (B)
Day 8
Amsterdam
  • Shared - Grand Holland (8hrs) - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
Convent (4*) (B)
Day 9
Amsterdam
  • Transfer - Private - Airport to Hotel - Vehicle/Driver
Depart (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 London

London is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. An important settlement for two millennia, London's history goes back to its founding by the Romans. Since its settlement, London has been part of many important movements and phenomena throughout history, such as the English Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival. London is one of the world's leading business, financial and cultural centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts contribute to its status as a major global city. The city boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church; the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Meet your driver at Heathrow airport, and take a private transfer to your hotel.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

The London Underground, or ‘the tube’ as it is universally known to Londoners, is normally the quickest and easiest way of getting round London. Greater London is served by 12 tube lines, along with the independent (though linked) and privately owned DLR and an interconnected rail network. The first tube train operates at around 5:30am Monday to Saturday and around 7am Sunday; the last train leaves between 11:30pm and 12:30am depending on the day, the station and the line. Remember that any train heading from left to right on the map is designated as eastbound, and any train heading from top to bottom is southbound- no matter how many squiggles and turns it makes. If your two stations are not on the same line, you need to note the nearest station where the two lines intersect, and it is here that you must change trains. Step out into this fantastic city and explore with your travel card - the best way to see London!

South Bank is a beautiful riverside stretch in the heart of central London, following the Thames from Lambeth to Blackfriars bridges. In walking distance to Covent Garden and Westminster its the perfect location for a relaxing stroll Also accessible from Waterloo station. The packed programme of theatre, exhibitions, music, film and free events means South Bank is an inspiring place to explore for all ages. Along the South Bank, take in such sites, as, The London Eye: the world’s tallest observation wheel. At 135 metres above the Thames it offers unrivalled views over the city. On a clear day from the world’s largest Ferris wheel you can see 25 miles in every direction as far as Windsor to the west and, to the east nearly out to sea. Continue walking over the Milennium Bridge. Although it nowadays provides a smooth river crossing, the Millennium Bridge will be known to Londoners as simply the wobbly bridge. Designed by Norman Foster and Anthony Caro, its low-slung frame looks pretty spectacular, particularly when it’s lit up at night with fibre-optics-the so-called ‘blade of light’ effect. South Bank was made for long lazy afternoons and evenings, there is something for all tastes. Absorb the atmosphere over an al fresco lunch or dinner, enjoy cocktails with a view and try the stylish hotel bars, family-friendly cafes and funky places to grab a quick bite or late night drink.

Internationally recognized interior designers have orchestrated The Mandeville Hotel bedrooms for the utmost comfort. Each bedroom exudes style and has been furnished with luxurious fabrics and wall coverings from some of the leading design houses. The Mandeville Hotel is based in the ever-fashionable Marylebone Village,within a few minutes walk of some of London's most exciting shops, art galleries and antique shops of Mayfair. The hotel is perfectly located near some of the world famous auction houses such as Sotheby or Christies and renowned Harley Street clinics, making this hotel an excellent choice for your leisure, cultural and corporate stay in London. The Mandeville Hotelprides itself on offering a highly personalized service under the direction of its expert management team. Great design is the key to the hotel, providing guests with a sophisticated and stylish environment. Please be advised that as part of their refurbishment program for The Mandeville, the bar and restaurant will remain closed until mid May. They are offering their Room Service as well as a Bar/Lounge in their Red Room which will be open from 11am – 11pm during the week. They have also secured some assistance with a local restaurant that is offering 30% discount to guests of the Mandeville, so providing an alternative to in room dining.

Overnight at The Mandeville (4*).


London
London
Big Ben, London
Big Ben, London
Mandeville Hotel
Mandeville Hotel
Day 2 London

Ride on a London open-top sightseeing bus where youll get a birds eye view of this majestic City! Your hop-on hop-off ticket allows you the freedom to leave and re-join the bus as often as you like over a 24-hour period - departures are every 5-15 minutes all day until late evening. The best thing about this tour is you have total flexibility to plan your day the way YOU choose, as well as taking in all the main sights from the top deck of a London bus, including St Pauls Cathedral, the spine-chilling Tower of London, Big Ben, the Gothic Houses of Parliament, the Queens residence Buckingham Palace, the exclusive Belgravia district, Hyde Park, the lively Speakers Corner, Marble Arch, Harrods and its sumptuous Food Halls, the Royal Albert Hall, Baker Street home of Sherlock Holmes, Madame Tussauds and plenty more besides! Choose from 3 main routes covering all the main sights of London - you can either listen to the informative and entertaining recorded commentary provided through your own headsets to keep, or listen to London live, with a live Guide pointing out the main sights to you, telling you all the history, titbits and quirky stories about London. Enjoy your day!

Tube Stop: Hampstead. Sprawling Hampstead Heath, with its rolling woodlands and meadows, feels like a million miles away- well approximately four- from the city of London. It covers 320 hectares, most of it woods, hills and meadows, and is home to about 100 bird species. It’s a wonderful place for a nice walk, and you can follow in the footsteps of luminaries such as the poets Coleridge, Keats and Pop as well as painters Hogarth and Constable who all lived around here. Constable studied the clouds and skies above Hampstead Heath, painting more than 100 ‘skyscapes’ that he would later match subjects in his most famous paintings.

If walking is too pedestrian for you, sections of the heath area are laid out for football and cricket. Walk up Parliament Hill or the hill in North Wood, an on a clear day you’ll be able to see all the way to Canary Wharf and the Docklands. Those of an artistic bent should make a beeline to Kenwood House but stop to admire the sculptures by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth on the way. If you work up a thirst, there’s no better place to quench it than at the atmospheric- and possibly haunted- Spaniard’s Inn which has fascinating history and a terrific beer garden.

Consider any number of shared or private tours such as a guided tour of the TATE modern museum, a city highlights tour, a hop on hop off city tour taking you to all of the main sights within the city and allowing you to get on and off as often as you like. For activities further afield, consider a day trip to Oxford and Blenheim palace or Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you would like more information on optional tours and activities that you could add to your itinerary.

Within walking distance to your central London hotel, enjoy a fantastic meal out at one of the best restaurants in the West End. A few suggestions: J Sheekey, an incredibly smart seafood restaurant, Lindsay House, specializing in Irish cuisine, Mildred's, London's best veggie restaurant, Sketch, the trendiest place in London, specializing in some of the best french food you'll ever taste, or for those looking for something simple and cheerful, enjoy a nice meal out at Zipangu.

Overnight at The Mandeville (4*).


Touring in London
Touring in London
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath
Double Decker Bus
Double Decker Bus
Day 3 London

Spend the day outside of London a shared guided tour taking in the magnificent Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath. 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 Queen. We 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.

We 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.

Overnight at The Mandeville (4*).


Stonehenge
Stonehenge
Day 4 Paris

Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

Spring is probably the best time to visit, Kew Gardens but at any time of year this 120-hectare expanse of lawns, formal gardens and greenhouses has delights to offer, As well as being a public garden, Kew is an important research centre, and it maintains its reputation as the most exhaustive botanical collection in the world. Its wonderful plants and trees aside, Kew has several specific sites within its borders. You will come almost immediately to a large pond overlooked by the enormous Palm House, a hothouse of metal and curved sheets of glass, and housing all sorts of exotic tropical greenery. Just northwest of Palm House is the tiny but irresistible Water Lily House, dating from 1852. If you head northwards, you’ll come to the stunning Princess of Wales Conservatory. Beyond that is the Kew Gardens Gallery bordering Kew Green, which houses exhibitions of paintings and photos. Heading westwards from the gallery you will arrive at the red-brick Kew Palace, a former royal residence once known as Dutch House. If you cut southwards from the palace across the lawns you’ll pass a long lake running roughly west to east. To the southwest is Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, a wooden summerhouse used by George III and surrounded by bluebells in spring. Come out of the station and walk straight (west) along Station Rd, cross Kew Gardens Rd. and then continue straight along Lichfield Rd.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Enjoy the train ride (under the English channel) from London St. Pancras train station to Paris Nord train station. Train journey is approximately 2.5 hrs.

Take a private train station transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking driver.

You will receive a welcome package with your vouchers, and itinerary, city map(s) and train tickets (where relevant) upon your hotel arrival.

Enjoy dinner at leisure. Here are a few suggestions; In the Latin Quarter (5th): Le Petit Pontoise bistro, 9 Rue Pontoise (Metro: Maubert Mutualite) Tel: 0143292520.This restaurant is nestled in a discreet and quite street, 10 minutes walk from Notre Dame Cathedral. Reservation for the dinner is recommended. By the Arc de Triomph and Parc Monceau (17th): Chez Les Anges, Paris, 54 Boulevard de La Tour-Maubourg (Metro: La Tour-Maubourg). Tel: 01 47 05 89 86. Cool jazz on the sound system, a sunny veranda, and a cool, modern bar. This is pure market cuisine, the daily changing menu punctuated by fabulous wild fish, wild mushrooms, and seasonal game. Closed Sat. & Sun. In the Trocadero area (16th): Astrance, Paris. 4 Rue Beethoven (Metro: Passy). Tel: 01 40 50 84 40. For fashionable foodies, a meal at this small, split-level dining room with silver-painted walls on a quiet residential street near the Trocadero is guaranteed Nirvana. Book a month in advance. Closed Sat. Sun. & Mon.

Hotel Luxembourg (4*) just a 5-minute walk from the Luxembourg Gardens, Villa Luxembourg is ideally located for exploring Paris. Resolutely modern, the Villa Luxembourg offers a perfect compromise between the services of a residence and those of a luxury hotel. The large façade windows, which open up on the boulevard du Montparnasse, allow the rooms of the residence to be bathed in brightness. And, because they are all equipped with small kitchens, you can choose between going out to the restaurant and dining at home in an intimate setting.

Overnight at Hotel Villa Luxembourg (4*).


Paris
Paris
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens
Hotel Villa Luxembourg (4*)
Hotel Villa Luxembourg (4*)
Day 5 Paris

Discover Versailles Palace, the symbol of France's grandeur during the reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV.  You will be picked up at your Paris hotel in luxury air conditioned minibus with a professional interpreter-guide and whisked away to the famous palace. Your guide will take you straight in without standing in line and lead you through the most beautiful rooms including the Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s private Apartment.
Then enjoy some free time to explore the palace gardens.  Please note that on "Special Musical Fountain" days (in summer: every Saturday and Sunday) there is an additional charge to visit the gardens (8€ per person, the entrance is not included).

Steeped in history and packed full of world famous landmarks, seeing the city by open air double-decker bus and on a cruise down the Seine river are by far the best ways to see the capital. With this ticket, enjoy great views from the open top deck hop on and off bus, and see Paris in your own time, at your own pace. The ticket offers you the flexibility of L' Open Tour, valid on 4 different routes. The Paris Grand Tour takes you to the all the main sights, while the other 3 routes concentrate on particular areas (Montparnasse/St Germain tour, Montmartre/Grands Boulevards tour and Bastille/Bercy tour). (Includes transportation by coach, commentary by headphones on L' Open Tour buses, cruise is not included).

Overnight at Hotel Villa Luxembourg (4*).


Versailles
Versailles
Paris L'Open Tour
Paris L'Open Tour
Day 6 Paris

Enjoy the many wonders of Paris. Consider taking a stroll down one of the many quays by the river Seine, or wandering around any of the fascinating neighbourhoods such as Montematre, the Marais or the Left bank. Of course there are a plethora of museums and galleries to choose from if you are so inclined. Consider getting a 2 Day Paris Pass that includes a Paris Transport Travel card for 2 days (zone 1-3) to see all of the sites that are of personal interest to you. The Paris Pass is a smartcard offering free access to 65 attractions in Paris such as the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Orsay museum, Musee Rodin, commented cruise with Bateaux Parisiens and Pompidou museum. With this pass, you have access to 22 museums, 24 historical monuments, 15 art galleries, 3 tourist attractions, 1 cruise and special offers in shops and restaurants. Please contact your Advisor if you would like more details.

Paris takes on a different hue at night and, with many of the magnificent buildings aglow which make it is possibly the best time to admire the beauty of the city. There are plenty of options to choose from for evening entertainment including an early evening wine tasting in a beautiful, airy Parisian loft of a French sommelier located close to the lively Marais district, a dinner cruise, a cabaret show, dinner in the Eiffel tower followed by a night-time cruise, or an evening tour of the city with many of the historical buildings aglow.

Overnight at Hotel Villa Luxembourg (4*).


Parisian streetscape
Parisian streetscape
Paris by night
Paris by night
Day 7 Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, and the epicentre of the country's finance and culture. Amsterdam's attractions, including its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and its red-light district, draw 4.2 million tourists annually. This city fans out south from the Amsterdam Central railway station, which is serviced regularly from the airport. Amsterdam's rich architectural legacies make a stroll through the downtown, or a canal tour, a memorable experience. It is a city of bicycles, families, tidy streets and courteous manners. Quite opposite to the reputation, it's the peace and tranquility that lingers in your memory after departing this city.

Relax and enjoy the approximately 4hr train ride from the Paris Gare du Nord station to Amsterdam.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be presented to you by your driver upon arrival. Alternative arrangements will be made if you do not have a private transfer at the start of your itinerary.

On this extensive bus excursion you will see all Amsterdam has to offer, from the historical monuments in the centre to the modern architecture of the 21st century. From the Eastern Docklands to the Ajax Arena! A picture stop at a windmill at the river Amstel and a visit to a diamond factory are included. You can visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum and/or do a one-hour canal cruise with a separate open-date ticket.

Supplements for special exhibitions are not included.

The Convent Hotel Amsterdam (4*) has a unique history that makes it the perfect place to stay. Its location in the center of Amsterdam is ideal for visiting the city. It is a five-minute walk from Centraal Station, Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The hotel building previously housed 2 monasteries from the 13th & 14th centuries, plus a printing house. The hotel now has 148 rooms, including 11 Junior Suites, each with their own history and character.

Overnight at Convent (4*).


Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Aerial View of Ajax Arena
Aerial View of Ajax Arena
Convent Hotel Exterior
Convent Hotel Exterior
Day 8 Amsterdam

Begin with a visit to the Aalsmeer´s world famous flower auction (closed Sundays and replaced by a visit of a traditional wooden shoe maker). Continue to Rotterdam, the second largest city of the Netherlands, characterized by its contemporary and fascinating architecture. The next stop is at the picturesque town of Delft. During your visit to the Delft Blue Pottery Factory, you'll learn about the historical developments of these ceramic techniques. From Delft you drive to The Hague for a city tour. Pass by the highlights of their governmental city like the House of Parliament and the Peace Palace. During this excursion you can visit Madurodam. This miniature city offers you the highlights of the Netherlands on a scale 1:25.

Overnight at Convent (4*).


Madurodam
Madurodam
Day 9 Amsterdam

 Meet your driver for a private airport transfer to hotel.

Overnight at Depart.



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.