London and Paris for Families: A Tailor-Made Journey

8 days from $6,939

Introduce your family to the vibrant cities of London and Paris on a journey for kids and adults alike. Tour the Tower of London with a Beefeater guard, spot Buckingham Palace from the London Eye, and enjoy a Harry Potter-themed adventure. Then board a train to Paris for a pastry tour, a nighttime Louvre visit, and a bike ride through Versailles. With free time to explore, discover the Eiffel Tower, catacombs, and more.

Family Journeys

Tailor-Made Journeys

Request a Tailor-Made Itinerary

or call 855-215-8690

Highlights

London: Learn about the history of the Tower of London on a private tour with a Yeoman Warder and catch the sparkle of the amazing Crown Jewels. Set out on a walking tour inspired by the Harry Potter series, and see the city from the river and from high above as you ride the London Eye.
Paris: Visit the Louvre at night with an expert local guide, and sample pastries and chocolates in the trendy Saint-Germain district.
Versailles: See the World Heritage-listed gardens of Versailles from a rare angle on a guided bike tour, and experience the opulence of Louis XIV at his glorious château.
The Chunnel: Board the Eurostar train in London and travel underneath the English Channel to reach Paris.

Sample Itinerary

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.

The following itinerary is a sampling of the experiences that we offer on a Tailor-Made Journey. Working with our country specialists, you can customize your itinerary to fit your timing, your budget, and your interests, including accommodations, activities, and the places you visit.

Day 1 — London, England

Arrive in London, where your private driver awaits to escort your family to the hotel. Enjoy a free morning to explore the city at your leisure before boarding a nostalgic double-decker Routemaster bus for a tour of some of London’s iconic landmarks and a traditional afternoon tea. The evening is yours to discover London's multi-cultural dining scene. (B)

The Kensington Hotel

Day 2 — London

A Beefeater, also called a Yeoman Warder, greets you today for a private tour of the Tower of London. Delve into its history as a fortress, a palace, and a prison, seeing suits of armor and medieval weaponry as well as the awe-inspiring Crown Jewels which are still used by the royal family today. The afternoon is yours to pursue your family's interests, perhaps with a visit to the British Museum or the fascinating H.M.S. Belfast, a warship that served in World War II and is now permanently docked on the Thames in central London. (B)

The Kensington Hotel

Day 3 — London

Immerse yourself in the magical world of Harry Potter on a small group walking tour of prominent filming locations and landmarks throughout the city. This afternoon, step aboard a capsule of the famous London Eye, one of the world's tallest Ferris wheels, which will sweep you 434 feet above the city skyline, offering incredible views of historic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey as well as contemporary architecture such as the mirror-clad Shard. (B)

The Kensington Hotel

Day 4 — London / Paris, France

Make your way to London St. Pancras train station this morning in time to board the Eurostar train for Paris. The train zips through the underwater "Chunnel," a tunnel built beneath the English Channel, delivering you to Paris in just over two hours. This evening, enjoy a dazzling introduction to the "City of Light" with a tour of Paris by night. You'll get you a first glimpse of iconic monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre, and experience the glittering Eiffel Tower light show. (B)

Terrass" Hotel

Day 5 — Paris, France

Savor a leisurely morning in Paris to take a walk along one of its grand boulevards or visit one of its many highlights, such as the intriguing Catacombs or the gem-like church of Sainte-Chapelle, known for its extraordinary stained glass. In the afternoon, set out on a pastry and chocolate tasting tour in the lively Saint-Germain neighborhood, which borders the Latin Quarter. Meet up with your guide again this evening for a unique evening tour of the Louvre. The former residence of the French monarchy, this famous museum is remarkable for its architecture as well as its vast collection of art. Your guide will tailor the visit to your interests, so that you can see the highlights including the Mona Lisa or focus on lesser-known treasures. (B)

Terrass" Hotel

Day 6 — Paris and Versailles

Head out of town with your private guide on a short train ride to Versailles, where you'll join a small group tour to explore the grounds of the spectacular Château de Versailles by bicycle. Pedal among the expansive gardens, known for their elaborate waterworks and learn about King Louis XIV, who transformed this family hunting lodge into an opulent palace. Along the way, stop for a picnic lunch at a nearby lake. If you wish, stay in Versailles in the afternoon to tour the inside of the château independently at your own pace. (B,L)

Terrass" Hotel

Day 7 — Paris

Today is yours to explore Paris as you wish. You might travel up to the top of the Eiffel Tower; take a cruise along the Seine; or visit one of the city’s many museums, including the intimate Musée Rodin or the contemporary art hub of the Centre Pompidou. Wander through a historic district, admiring the architecture, soak up the ambiance on a walk through the Latin Quarter, or learn to play pétanque, a traditional Parisian game. (B)

Terrass" Hotel

Day 8 — Depart for Home

After breakfast, transfer to the Paris Airport for your flight home. (B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

A view of the London Eye from across the Thames

Slideshow

Starting Price

Dates

Availability

Price

Choose the dates that work for you

Available

from $6,939

Starting Price for Family of 4

Occupancy	Double
Estimated Price	$6,939

Request a Quote

Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy, based on four travelers in two rooms, and do not include international air. They reflect the itinerary shown here, and are intended as a broad indication of how much you should budget for your trip. We can tailor your trip to match your budget by adjusting the trip duration or departure date, and choosing accommodations and activities that suit your needs and interests.

Prices are based on rates of exchange, airfare & fuel (where applicable), tariffs, taxes, and other costs as of the tour publication date. We reserve the right to correct errors and to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, and taxes received after prices are published and to reflect currency fluctuations.

Tour Details

Accommodations

The Kensington Hotel
London, England

Located in a former Regency mansion, the elegant hotel in London’s Kensington neighborhood combines classic British hospitality with an irrepressible sense of fun. 144 comfortable and contemporary rooms are flooded in natural light and offer air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi, tea and coffeemaking equipment, and luxury toiletry products. Other onsite amenities include a cozy drawing room, sleek cocktail bar, spa and fitness facilities, and Town House Restaurant, which serves a modern British mix of creative and seasonal dishes.

Terrass" Hotel
Paris, France

In keeping with the creative heritage of Montmartre, Terrass’’ Hotel champions an artistic theme throughout its rooms, reception and along its exceptional rooftop bar and bistro. The lobby is styled with vibrant modern art and a reception desk made from a repurposed grand piano, while rooms are evocative of a chic artist’s studio, featuring geometric-patterned flooring and designer furniture. Views look out either onto the inner courtyard or the rooftops of Paris, with a few rooms enjoying views of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is also within walking distance of the hotel.

As its name would suggest, the hotel’s rooftop terrace is a particular highlight, with an expansive panoramic view of Paris to enjoy over a meal during the warmer months. Although the hotel has been built up since it was first opened in 1911, the original hotel banner is still visible and proudly showcased at the entrance to the terrace restaurant and bar.

The hotel also offers a welcoming library area with books on Paris and Montmartre, as well as a sauna, a massage suite and two fitness suites.

Gift Membership - Friends of Smithsonian

When you travel on a Tailor-Made Journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:

An annual Smithsonian calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history.
Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
Access to special members‑only hours at select Smithsonian venues.
10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
Free admission to the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
A complimentary copy of the Smithsonian annual pocket guide profiling exhibitions and work across the Institution.
Invitation to a special welcome members-only tour at a Smithsonian Museum (offered one time to Archivists upon joining at this level).

*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members.

Reading List

*As an Amazon Associate, Smithsonian Journeys earns from qualifying purchases.

Highly Recommended

DK London: Must-See Sights. Culture & History. Detailed Maps & Tours. Covers Soho, the South Bank, Hampstead, & (Travel Guide)

By: DK Travel

Buy Now

DK Paris: Must-See Sights. Culture & History. Detailed Maps & Tours. Covers Champs-Élysées, Le Marais, Montmar (Travel Guide)

By: DK Travel

Buy Now

This is London

By: Miroslav Sasek

With the same wit and perception that distinguished his charming books on Paris, New York, and San Francisco, M Sasek presents stylish, elegant London in This is London, first published in 1959 and now updated for the 21st century. Here this beloved illustrator shares his impressions of London with its beautiful buildings, historic monuments, bridges, parks, shops and Piccadilly Circus, black cabs, Horse Guards, and famed Underground. Sasek has cast his loving eye on London and the result are colorful, sophisticated pictures of one of the most exciting cities in the world, paired with a lively text that keeps a playful sense of fun while taking the reader to the highlights of one of the world’s great capitals.This is London is a facsimile editions of Sasek’s original title. His brilliant, vibrant illustrations have been meticulously preserved and remain true to his vision. With the passing of time facts have been updated where applicable in the back of the book. The result is a treasure with an elegant, classic look and delightful narrative that will charm both children and their parents, many of whom will remember the same book from their own childhood.

Buy Now

This is Paris

By: Miroslav Sasek

With the same wit and perception that distinguished his charming books on London, New York, and San Francisco, here this famous Czech painter presents his impressions of Paris in This Is Paris, first published in 1959 and now updated for the 21st century. We see its famous buildings, its beautiful gardens, the museums, the sidewalk cafes, and the people who live there -- artists, the concierges, the flower girls, and even the thousands of cats. Take a tour along the banks of the Seine, or through the galleries of the Louvre, or to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Elegant, vivid pictures of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, This is Paris!

Buy Now

Also Recommended

Harry Potter Places Book One: London and London Side-Along Apparations

By: Charly D. Miller

Buy Now

Londoners: The Days and Nights of London Now-As Told by Those Who Love It, Hate It, Live It, Left It, and Long for It

By: Craig Taylor

In Londoners, acclaimed journalist Craig Taylor paints readers an epic portrait of today’s London that is as rich and lively as the city itself. In the style of Studs Terkel (Working, Hard Times, The Good War) and Dave Isay (Listening Is an Act of Love), Londoners offers up the stories, the gripes, the memories, and the dreams of those in the great and vibrant British metropolis who “love it, hate it, live it, left it, and long for it,” from a West End rickshaw driver to a Soldier of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to a recovering heroin addict seeing Big Ben for the very first time. Published just in time for the 2012 London Olympic Games, Londoners is a glorious literary celebration of one of the world’s truly great cities.

Buy Now

In Montmartre: Picasso, Matisse and the Birth of Modernist Art

By: Sue Roe

A lively and deeply researched group biography of the vibrant figures who invented modernist art in bohemian Paris at the dawn of the twentieth century When the young Pablo Picasso first arrived in Paris in 1900, the most progressive young artists all lived and worked in the seedy hillside quarter of Montmartre, in the shade of the old windmills. Over the next decade, among the studios, salons, cafés, dance halls, and galleries of Montmartre, the young Spaniard joined the likes of Henri Matisse, André Derain, Maurice de Vlaminck, Georges Braque, Amedeo Modigliani, Constantin Brancusi, Gertrude Stein, and many more in revolutionizing artistic expression. Blending exceptional scholarship with graceful prose, Sue Roe paints a remarkable group portrait of the men and women who profoundly changed the arts of painting, sculpture, dance, music, literature, and fashion. She describes the origins of such movements as Fauvism, Cubism, and Futurism, and reconstructs the stories behind immortal paintings by Picasso and Matisse. She shows how daily life in Montmartre—which brought artists together with acrobats and dancers, prostitutes and clowns—provided an essential cauldron for artistic experimentation and for the colorful relationships, friendships, loyalties, and feuds that gave rise to some of the most pathbreaking and lasting works of the twentieth century. In Montmartre is a thrilling account of an extraordinary group of artists on the cusp of fame and immortality that brings vividly to life one of the key moments in the history of modern art. Praise for In Montmartre: “A lively and concise account . . . [Roe is] very good at synthesizing and distilling complicated art movements and ideas without getting bogged down in technical details or jargon. And she offers up plenty of juicy tidbits about the artists’ love affairs, infidelities, opium parties, and eccentric habits. . . . Roe’s book is a great introduction to one of the most pivotal periods in 20th century art. Even those familiar with the era will likely find that it broadens their understanding of key players and events.” —Associated Press

Buy Now

How Paris Became Paris: The Invention of the Modern City

By: Joan DeJean

At the beginning of the seventeenth century, Paris was known for isolated monuments but had not yet put its brand on urban space. Like other European cities, it was still emerging from its medieval past. But in a mere century Paris would be transformed into the modern and mythic city we know today.Though most people associate the signature characteristics of Paris with the public works of the nineteenth century, Joan DeJean demonstrates that the Parisian model for urban space was in fact invented two centuries earlier, when the first complete design for the French capital was drawn up and implemented. As a result, Paris saw many changes. It became the first city to tear down its fortifications, inviting people in rather than keeping them out. Parisian urban planning showcased new kinds of streets, including the original boulevard, as well as public parks and the earliest sidewalks and bridges without houses. Venues opened for urban entertainment of all kinds, from opera and ballet to a pastime invented in Paris, recreational shopping. Parisians enjoyed the earliest public transportation and street lighting, and Paris became Europe's first great walking city. A century of planned development made Paris both beautiful and exciting. It gave people reasons to be out in public as never before and as nowhere else. And it gave Paris its modern identity as a place that people dreamed of seeing. By 1700, Paris had become the capital that would revolutionize our conception of the city and of urban life.

Buy Now

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Translated by Isabel F. Hapgood)

By: Victor Hugo

Though written at the beginning of the Romantic era, this remarkable French historical romance takes place in medieval Paris at the Cathedral of Notre Dame. It is there that the deformed Quasimodo has gone deaf ringing the grand church’s bells for his adoptive father Dom Claude Frollo. The severe priest, though he looks after the grotesque Quasimodo, ignores the public persecution that the man suffers whenever he leaves the Cathedral, and it is at just such a moment of vulnerability that the lovely young Gypsy Esmeralda shows Quasimodo an act of kindness that leads to his inner transformation. Though still hated by everyone, Quasimodo’s sleeping soul awakens and grows in an extraordinary conversion to the sublime, allowing him to care for and protect Esmeralda even as those who admired her come to fear and despise her. A commanding and epic melodrama fully utilizing the extremes of passion and religion in the bygone Gothic era, Hugo’s novel explores social justice through the suffering of his characters, though with a compassion and melancholy that belies the author’s conviction in the impossibility of salvation in his contemporary world. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and follows the translation of Isabel F. Hapgood.

Buy Now

A Moveable Feast: The Restored Edition

By: Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway’s classic memoir of Paris in the 1920s, now available in a restored edition, includes the original manuscript along with insightful recollections and unfinished sketches.Published posthumously in 1964, A Moveable Feast remains one of Ernest Hemingway’s most enduring works. Since Hemingway’s personal papers were released in 1979, scholars have examined the changes made to the text before publication. Now, this special restored edition presents the original manuscript as the author prepared it to be published. Featuring a personal Foreword by Patrick Hemingway, Ernest’s sole surviving son, and an Introduction by grandson of the author, Seán Hemingway, editor of this edition, the book also includes a number of unfinished, never-before-published Paris sketches revealing experiences that Hemingway had with his son, Jack, and his first wife Hadley. Also included are irreverent portraits of literary luminaries, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ford Maddox Ford, and insightful recollections of Hemingway’s own early experiments with his craft. Widely celebrated and debated by critics and readers everywhere, the restored edition of A Moveable Feast brilliantly evokes the exuberant mood of Paris after World War I and the unbridled creativity and unquenchable enthusiasm that Hemingway himself epitomized.

Buy Now

My Travel Journal (Lonely Planet Kids)

By: Lonely Planet Kids, Nicola Baxter

Never forget an adventure with this bright and bold journal from Lonely Planet Kids. Packed with writing topic suggestions, lists to complete, ideas for getting the creative juices flowing and lots more fill-in fun, this is the perfect way for young travellers to record their memories from a trip. There's space to write, draw, collage, colour and complete - turning the finished journal into a wonderful scrapbook to treasure forever. With fun illustrations, a super-bright neon cover and a handy, backpack sized format, it's a must-have item for any trip. Part of our Family Activity range. Also available: My Family Travel Map, Boredom Buster About Lonely Planet Kids: From the world's leading travel publisher comes Lonely Planet Kids, a children's imprint that brings the world to life for young explorers everywhere. With a range of beautiful books for children aged 5-12, we're kickstarting the travel bug and showing kids just how amazing our planet can be. From bright and bold sticker activity books, to beautiful gift titles bursting at the seams with amazing facts, we aim to inspire and delight curious kids, showing them the rich diversity of people, places and cultures that surrounds us. We pledge to share our enthusiasm and love of the world, our sense of humour and continual fascination for what it is that makes the world we live in the diverse and magnificent place it is. It's going to be a big adventure - come explore!

Buy Now

The Travel Book: Mind-Blowing Stuff on Every Country in the World (Lonely Planet Kids)

By: Lonely Planet Kids

Take a world tour through 200 countries with this brand new edition of the bestselling kids' version of Lonely Planet's popular The Travel Book, loaded with thousands of amazing facts on wildlife, how people live, sports, hideous and mouthwatering food, festivals and a wide range of other quirky insights on every page. Every single country gets its own dedicated page, and a mix of photography and beautiful illustrations brings each land to life. Perfect for keeping explorers aged 8 years and up entertained on the road. Authors: Lonely Planet Kids About Lonely Planet Kids: From the world's leading travel publisher comes Lonely Planet Kids, a children's imprint that brings the world to life for young explorers everywhere. We're kick-starting the travel bug and showing kids just how amazing our planet is. Our mission is to inspire and delight curious kids, showing them the rich diversity of people, places and cultures that surrounds us. We pledge to share our enthusiasm and continual fascination for what it is that makes the world we live in the magnificent place it is. A big adventure awaits! Come explore. Award-winning children's titles from Lonely Planet include The Amazing World Atlas (Independent Publisher Award, Gold for Juvenile Multicultural Non-fiction, 2015), How to Be a Space Explorer (Independent Publisher Award, Silver for Juvenile Non-fiction, 2015), Not For Parents The Travel Book, Not For Parents Paris, Not For Parents London, Not For Parents New York City, and Not For Parents Rome (all Parent Tested Parent Approved winners, 2012). Lonely Planet guides have won the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Buy Now

Brain Teasers (Lonely Planet Kids)

By: Lonely Planet Kids, Sally Morgan

Who's the smarty pants in your family? Packed with number and logic puzzles, riddles, dingbats, codes and much more, this fun and challenging travel-themed activity book is perfect for car journeys, vacations and rainy days-and provides a great test for both kids and adults. Brain teasers include: Scrambled Cities - anagrams of famous places Code breaker - morse code messages to decipher Flagtastic - match the country to its flag World traveler, desert and jungle word searches Say what you see - solve the visual word puzzles Flag finder - crack a series of semaphore messages Riddles of the Sphinx - crafty cryptic questions Arctic explorer crossword and airport sudoku Other Lonely Planet Kids family activity books also available: -Boredom Buster -Round the World Quiz Book -My Vacation Scrapbook -My Vacation Drawing Journal -My Travel Journal -Backyard Explorer -My Family Travel Map -My Family Travel Map: North America -My Family Travel Map: Europe -My Family Travel Map: Australia -My Family Height Chart About Lonely Planet Kids: Come explore! Let's start an adventure. Lonely Planet Kids excites and educates children about the amazing world around them. Combining astonishing facts, quirky humor and eye-catching imagery, we ignite their curiosity and encourage them to discover more about our planet. Every book draws on our huge team of global experts to help share our continual fascination with what makes the world such a diverse and magnificent place - inspiring children at home and in school.

Buy Now

History of the World Map by Map (DK History Map by Map)

By: DK

Buy Now

Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.