London and Paris - two of the most enigmatic cities in Europe. Spend time in both, connecting between them on "The Chunnel" - the channel tunnel train which brings you from the city centre of one city to the city centre of the other. Boasting 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; London really doesn't have to do much to draw its visitors as they tend to come of their own accord. As the largest urban population in the UK, the city has a wide sweep of amenities from public gardens, to shops, galleries, museums (many with free entry), theatres and more. Spending a number of days here is like a drop in the ocean - there is always so much more to see and do. But fear not, we have picked the top highlights in the city to give you a great in-depth introduction to what London is all about. Enjoy an original sightseeing tour of London on a double Decker bus, explore at leisure with a multi-day London travel pass and visit the sites of your pleasure, and take a shared day trip to visit Stonehenge and the beautiful roman city of Bath. Paris was always a prominent port of call in European grand journeys of old, and it has lost none of its charm and sense of romance for visitors today. The myriad of distinctive neighborhoods’, each with its own idiosyncrasies and delights, makes the perfect backdrop to discover the heart of the city. One of the best ways to compliment your shared tours of the highlights of Paris and the Palace of Versailles is to stroll down any number of the quays, craning your neck to take in the splendor of the buildings on either side of the banks of the Seine which carves its way through the core of the city. Relax at one of the many street-side cafes and engage in the country’s most popular pastime – that of people watching, or hit the “grand’s magazines” – luxurious department stores in the 19th district. Of course there are also rather jaw-dropping selections of museums to choose from. With a private airport pick up, a number of organized tour options in both London and Paris, balanced with free time to explore, this Value tour offers you the best way to experience all of what both of these great metropolis have to offer.

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!

Astor Court is near BT Tower, Crescent Gardens, and Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. Another attraction in the area is Trafalgar Square. Guestrooms have cable television, wireless Internet access (surcharge), and direct-dial phones; rooms also include coffee/tea makers, shower/tub combinations, and hair dryers. Astor Court provides complimentary breakfast, wireless Internet access (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff.

Overnight at Astor Court (3*).

Have all of London at your fingertips with a London Pass that includes a London Transport Travelcard for your choice of 1, 2,3 or 6 days (zones 1-6). You could consider this as your passport to the city as it gives you free access to over 50 attractions. Museums, the zoo, galleries, cinemas, royal palaces, ice skating, boat trips, walking tours, historic sites and much more. Once you have purchased your London Pass you gain fast track entry to over 50 of London's attractions. Some attractions that you can visit with your London Pass include; The Tower of London, The Tower Bridge Exhibition, Kensington Palace, Kenwood House, Kew Gardens, London Zoo, The British Museum to name just a few. Have fun exploring at your own pace!

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 Pope 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, and 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 for 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 a 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 Astor Court (3*).

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 Astor Court (3*).

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.

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.

The Elysees Ceramic (3*) hotel is situated in one of the huge avenues branching out from the Arc de Triomphe. The Champs Elysees is a mere 5 minute stroll away, and all kinds of public transport is close-at-hand. It is an exceptional Parisian house, with a unique "art nouveau" facade, sculpted in painted ceramic blocks. The architecture is indeed impressive. It is large in size, and very tastefully decorated in an authentic Parisian style. Wooden panels on the walls, flowery draped curtains and quality furniture give a touch of elegance to a cosy atmosphere. This 3-star first-class property is in an excellent location, where guests can find comfort, with a touch of luxury, and good services.

Overnight at Elysees Ceramic (3*).

There are so many things to do and see in Paris it is hard to know where to start! Within the city you can choose from any number of private guided tours - of neighbourhoods or places of interest such as the Louvre or with a focus on architecture. Consider a few hours with a personal shopper, or a guided tour in a vintage car through one of the neighbourhoods. If you are interested in doing something further afield consider a day trip to Chatres, Giverny (known because of Monet's paintings), Versailles, Normandy or Burgundy. A fun way to spend an afternoon is by hot air balloon - this is possible to do in the Parisian countryside. Please ask your Sale Advisor if you are interested in any of these optional tours and activities.

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 only).

Overnight at Elysees Ceramic (3*).

Whether it is strolling the famed Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré with a personal shopper; exploring the Louvre Museum with your iPod-based Da Vinci code museum tour, or taking a Soundwalk through the lively St. Germaine district, there is something to suit every mood and interest. Discover St Germain des Pres as you stroll through the literary and historical neighbourhood along winding streets lined with boutiques, art galleries and other places of interest. Alternatively (or in addition), explore the Marais neighbourhood - the most fashionable district of Paris in one of the most well preserved neighbourhoods of the city. Marvel at the remarkable 16th and 17th century mansions, squares and museums, beautiful streets steeped in history and trendy shops and bars. Lastly, discover the Montmartre area of Paris - a neighbourhood of steps and narrow cobblestoned streets which evokes images depicted by Toulouse Lautrec.

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 Elysees Ceramic (3*).

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).