With Opera/Ballet at the Royal Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, National Theatre, Evensong at Westminster Abbey and Seasonal Concerts in London. Tours of Churchill War Rooms, Tower of London, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre;
In Paris: Opera Garnier, Philharmonie, Louvre, Saint-Chapelle, Notre-Dame, Seine Dinner Cruise, Dining at Jules Verne atop the Eiffel Tower.
London is one of our favourite cities, with so much history and majesty in every direction. It is particularly welcoming at Christmas, like stepping back into the season that Dickens himself experienced. We will attend at least one performance at the Royal Ballet & Opera plus either a West End or Royal Shakespeare Company play (TBA) and a seasonal concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Our hotel is the Firmdale Covent Garden, a true gem, just a short walk from ROH. Touring will include Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Churchill War Rooms and Westminster Abbey and more.
Paris is magical at any time of year, but adding some holiday colour to the City of Light is sure to make for an unforgettable stay. For me, staying on the Left Bank is a must for experiencing the essence and romance of the city, and our 5-star hotel, the d'Aubusson, is the perfect base. We have developed an essential, yet relaxed and engaging itinerary of expert-guided private tours to complement a varied slate of performances at the city’s best venues. A dinner cruise on the Seine, lunch at Jules Verne atop the Eiffel Tower, a performance at the famous Palais Garnier--what could be better?!
Only 16 spaces available. Click here to register.
ITINERARY
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23
Upon arrival at Heathrow or Gatwick, you are met and transferred to the Firmdale Covent Garden Hotel.
19.00 We meet this evening for a Welcome Cocktail Reception in the hotel’s Library (floor above the main floor).
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
10.00 Following breakfast (included each day), we meet and depart by coach for a guided highlights tour of London (3 hrs.).
15.30 After lunch at leisure, gather and transfer to the Royal Albert Hall where we take in Carols at Christmas (16.30 curtain).
19.30 Enjoy Christmas Eve Dinner at Balthazar.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25
The morning is at leisure to celebrate in your own fashion or you can join our optional walking tour (TBA).
14.00 We depart for Evensong at Westminster Abbey.
16.00 After the service, we return to the hotel.
19.00 Meet in the hotel’s Brasserie Max for a festive Christmas Day Dinner.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
10.00 This morning we tour either Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre or The Tower.
14.00 Afternoon Tea at The Savoy.
18.45 This evening we transfer to the National Theatre for a performance (TBA).
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
10.15 Meet in the lobby and make our way to the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms for a private tour (11.00).
12.30 Return to the hotel.
17.15 We gather and walk to the Royal Opera House where we enjoy a pre-curtain dinner at the Opera House’s Balconies Restaurant.
18.45 We take our seats for a performance (TBA). Coffee and dessert will be served during the interval.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
This morning, we take the Eurostar (First Class) through The Chunnel to Gare du Nord in Paris, and then transfer to our Left Bank hotel, the d’Aubusson.
19.15 Depart for a special dinner cruise on the Seine aboard the Ducasse sur Seine, with cuisine by revered chef Alain Ducasse.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29
10.00 Following breakfast, we meet and depart for a highlights tour of The City of Light.
13.30 Lunch is included afterward at the storied Café de la Paix.
18.00 Depart by coach for a performance at the Philharmonie (TBA)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30
10.00 Today we enjoy a guided visit of the world’s greatest museum – The Louvre.
14.00 Lunch is included at Le Procope.
19.00 This evening we include a performance (TBA).
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
10.00 Depart for a guided tour of Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame.
18.30 Tonight we transfer to a special New Year’s Eve Dinner & Performance (TBA).
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1
Enjoy the final morning at leisure.
12.00 Depart for an unforgettable lunch atop the Eiffel Tower at Le Jules Verne.
18.30 Tonight we transfer to a special Farewell Performance (TBA).
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2
Departure transfers included. Details will be discussed on-site.Â
TOUR INCLUDES
Top Category seats for at least 2 operas, 4 concerts and 1 play
10 nights in Deluxe accommodation (5 at the Firmdale Covent Garden Hotel in London, 5 at Hotel d'Aubusson in Paris
Full breakfast daily plus 10 additional mealsÂ
Private tours as listed
Airport-hotel transfersÂ
On-site Tour Direction
Comprehensive Tour Guidebook
FLIGHTS
Flights are not included in tour pricing. Return flights should be booked to arrive in London (Heathrow or Gatwick) no later than 3pm on December 23, with departure from Paris any time on January 2.
TRANSFERS
We provide airport/rail station—hotel transfers for arrivals and departures within within 3 days of the start/end of our tour from the cities listed above. We also provide transfers for group meals and performances that are beyond a 10 minute walk.
MOBILITY
There is minimal walking with some stairs during the guided tours. As for all of our tours, we are happy to accommodate you regardless of your mobility level. Please make clear your mobility concerns at the time of registration. We provide transfers for group meals and performances that are beyond a 10 minute walk.
INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that all tour members purchase cancellation insurance upon registration. We can assist you with this, though you are welcome to purchase a policy at your own discretion. For more information about our travel insurance, click here.
Your Tour Director
Richard Koegl
For over three decades, Richard has journeyed to over 140 countries on all seven continents. His world is a daily immersion in cultural and educational realms which he passionately shares with fellow travelers and friends. An expert organizer and always engaging host, Richard has worked with Aria Tours since 2010.