Number Of Travelers:
2
Travel Duration:
12 days
Reason For Travel:
Vacation
London is a world-class city and the heart of British politics, culture and commerce. Its history stretches back thousands of years, and remnants of this fascinating past can still be found across the capital — from the Tower of London, a gruesome site of Medieval torture, to the majestic Buckingham Palace.
A captivating mix of old and new, London is also renowned for its creativity, innovation and originality in art, theatre, music, design and cuisine. It is home to countless art galleries and museums, including the Tate Modern, National Gallery and British Museum, which possesses some of the world’s finest treasures. And best of all, entry to most of these museums and galleries is free!
Trip Highlights:
Landmarks
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre
Excursions
- Harry Potter Tour
Key Cities
- London
- Birmingham
- Paris
- Dublin
To catch all the ‘big-hitters’ in one go, you can’t beat a walk along the River Thames. Strolling from Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament you’ll pass the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, the Southbank Centre, the National Theatre, the London Eye, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium and London Dungeon. In addition to these world-famous attractions, there are many more to discover during your stay.
The West End is the place to go to see London’s top theatre shows and musicals. Alongside classics including Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and The Woman in Black, you will find hit contemporary shows, such as Billy Elliot, The Lion King and Thriller – Live. Don’t forget to explore the many off-West End venues too, such as the National Theatre, The Old Vic and (during the summer months) Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
In the West End you will also find some of London’s top shopping destinations, from Oxford Street to Seven Dials. Different neighborhoods are known for other unique opportunities for shopping: Notting Hill is renowned for its antiques and Portobello Market, Greenwich has an excellent arts and crafts markets, while Westfield London City and Westfield Stratford are the city’s most famous malls.
If you would rather save money than spend it, the eight Royal Parks are well worth a visit — and a great spot for a picnic. Visit Greenwich Park to drop in on the Royal Observatory, walk through Kensington Gardens to see Kensington Palace, take a paddle on the Hyde Park boating lake, see Buckingham Palace from scenic St James’s Park, spot deer at Richmond Park and Bushy Park, and meet the animals at London Zoo, which lies within Regent’s Park.
Along the way indulge your taste buds with delicious food at one of London’s many restaurants, gastropubs and pop-up eateries. You can eat food prepared by a celebrity chef, discover modern British cuisine, or eat food from anywhere in the world — be it Indian, Chinese, Persian, Greek, Italian or Lebanese. Top off your perfect day with a fancy cocktail, excellent wine or locally brewed beer at a top London pub or bar — and maybe a boogie at one of the capital’s buzzing nightspots and clubs.
Like many other cities, Birmingham has a link with the Roman Empire. The city was mentioned as far back as 1086 in the Domesday Book and developed into an important trade center from the 12th century onward.
During the 17th century, a large weapons industry developed. Among others, Birmingham provided Oliver Cromwell’s army with weapons and later on they supplied Napoleon. During the golden age of the Industrial Revolution, the city grew rapidly thanks to its supplies of iron, coal, and labor. Subsequently, Birmingham became an important hub in England’s canal and train networks, and these days the city has a network of over 60 km of canals and other waterways, which is more than Venice. Today the canals are mostly used for pleasure boating, making it a perfect way to discover Birmingham.
During the Second World War, large areas of the city were destroyed, and the city center was rebuilt. In recent years, however, an architectural renaissance has occurred and old squares, streets and waterways have been restored and renovated. Many typical British brands, and frequently world-famous brands have been created here, including Bakelite, Cadbury’s, Brylcreem, HP Sauce, and Typhoo Tea. The city’s inhabitants include J. R. R. Tolkien and Ozzy Osbourne.
Today, Birmingham is a fast-growing tourist destination with a compact, pedestrian-friendly city center and where many exciting attractions are waiting to get explored. A city full of surprises where the English old-world charm meets the new and young vibrant atmosphere.
Dublin’s attractions are as diverse as they are plentiful: from the 11th-century Christ Church Cathedral to the Leprechaun Museum to the Guinness Storehouse, this city has a wide selection of things to do and see. The plethora of literary pubs has earned its status as one of just five UNESCO Cities of Literature on the planet. You can raise a pint to writers like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Bram Stoker or explore the life and works of poet W.B. Yeats at the National Library.
Dublin is a great city to explore on foot. From the gracious city parks of Merrion Square and Iveagh Gardens to the grand Georgian architecture and alfresco café culture of South William and Drury Streets, there’s a lot to divert your attention. And don’t forget Temple Bar–a cobblestoned cultural enclave of galleries, restaurants, hopping pubs, and the lively Meeting House Square.
Writers, travelers, artists, photographers, and filmmakers have tried to capture the magic of the French capital for hundreds of years. Time and time again, they have failed.
It may be possible to understand and admire the magnificence of its architectural splendors, the appeal of its long tree-lined boulevards, and the draw of its vast, green parks, but that unique feeling of strolling through this open-air museum on a clear night cannot be reproduced by any medium. Paris is a city that must be experienced first-hand.
Instantly recognizable for its iconic architecture, the City of Light is a vibrant metropolis in constant change. Though perennial monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral are a must, as are world-renowned museums such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, there are wonders to be found on every corner. From the trendy bars, boutiques, and galleries of Marais to the artsy and bohemian feel of Montmartre to the grandiose elegance along the Seine – there is plenty for all tastes, a full range extending from earthy grit to over-the-top sophistication, but always with an emphatic and inimitable Parisian flavour.
A pioneer in design of all kinds, Paris is consistently at the forefront of innovation in everything from the arts and culture to fashion and gastronomy. Be it for shopping, dining, or sightseeing, it is hard to find a better place than this, the world’s most visited city.
Explore the city like a local and discover the top things to do and see in Paris, as well as the best restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, and hotels the City of Light has to offer, with our comprehensive, up-to-date, and free Paris travel guide.
