London & Paris with Normandy
- Day-by-Day Itinerary
- London, Paris & Normandy
- Our Boutique Hotels
- What's Included
- Dates & Prices
- INQUIRE
Discover London & Paris with Extension to Normandy — The Perfect Ending in Beautiful, Unique and Moving Normandy
Story Land & Sea®'s London & Paris Tour with Normandy Extension is not your typical big group tour.
Dear Modern Traveler,
I invite you to join us on this delightfully hand-crafted tour to London & Paris with our special 3 night extension to Normandy. Our small-group approach to travel truly combines the very best of discovering distant lands in the company of a hand-full of travelers. I invite you to "leave the herd behind" and discover again the joys of world-class travel.
Frances Mayes once said that "...most trips have an underlying quest. We're looking for something. What? Fun, escape, adventure — but then what?"
Everyone travels for different reasons, but my question for you would be what are you looking for?
No matter what the answer to that may be, I can guarantee one thing-this trip can be life changing. To experience another culture, to open your eyes to another part of the world, to step in another's shoes, if even for a few days, it changes you, even if only a little.
Itinerary
London & Paris Tour with Normandy Extension
Day 1: Trans-Atlantic flight to England
Depart Your Home Airport on your Transatlantic flight to London, England.
Day 1 is the traditional flight date from North America. Airfare is not included but you can request a quotation from our air service department:
Get an airfare quote by email here.
Please Note: "Day 1" is the published tour date and is the date you will arrange your air travel to depart your home airport.
Your Small Group Tour will commence on Itinerary Day 2 upon arrival into London, England.
Protect Your Vacation: We very much encourage trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Day 2: London


Welcome: One of Story Land & Sea®'s most popular small-group European tour vacations commences at 3:00PM at the deluxe hotel. Our deluxe hotel lobby is where the tour begins and where our Tour Captain meets you for an included Orientation Walkabout of Merry Old London.
INCLUDED HOST ORIENTATION WALKABOUT: Join your Tour Captain Host for a Welcome Orientation Walk on your arrival day in London. Find out where the major landmarks are located in relation to our hotel, the best ATM machines for Sterling Pounds and exchange rates, and other helpful information.
Walking Level: Light, Leisurely Pace; Volume: Light
Your Small Group Tour Vacation to Europe is underway! After our reception, we'll walk to our Welcome Dinner in London, where you'll taste the finest cuisine and wine varietals from "the British Empire."
Included Welcome to London Dinner: About the Story® Way: Our approach to dining is unique: We've collected our favorites dishes from the incredible restaurants we visit for each included dinner. No buffets here! Your Tour Captain is there to make sure your dining experience goes smoothly and will help you interpret any menu item. For the 4 total included dinners (Deluxe), your Tour Captain will select a variety of appetizers featuring regional cuisine and will select your wine for the evening ~ a variety of red and white wine from the region you're traveling.
Accommodation in London, 3 Nights
Deluxe: Amba Charing Cross Hotel
Classic: Hotel Strand
Budget:
Budget Hotel London
Day 3: London, England

Optional Dinner Tonight: OPTIONAL DINNER IN LONDON, ANYONE?
You may opt to join your Tour Captain tonight for dinner (departs from lobby usually about 7:45pm) or opt to explore on your own throughout London.
Welcome to London, England ~ Heart of the British Empire
Start your morning sightseeing in style as your Tour Captain and our local Guide escorts you throughout London.
Historic London Panoramic Tour
The romance of this historical city of London Town is apparent every step of the way. London England on the Small Group TourOur experience in London with our official Blue Badge Guide will include views of Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Hyde Park, the Houses of Parliament, St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace. We will enjoy certain perspectives by foot with our local guide.
We will have time for lunch independently near the Tower of London.
Guided Tour: Tower of London
We enjoy a visit and admission to the Tower of London. Upon arrival to the Tower of London, the Beefeaters guide us through this special venue. A completely included experience that takes us back in time to the early 1080s. William the Conqueror began to build a massive stone tower at the center of his London fortress and nothing like it had ever been tried or seen before. Through the centuries that followed, successive monarchs added to the fortifications.
The balance of the day is yours at leisure to explore London perhaps like the locals via the Tube. There are several venues and sites located around the Tower of London that you may want to optionally visit including St. Pauls' Cathedral (free admission) or take a ride on the London Eye. The Tower Bridge is also nearby.
Maybe a Full Afternoon Tea or the now famous, Harry Potter Walking Tour. You may also consider the Royal Mews (carriage house) at Buckingham. Or consider a shopping trip to world famous Harrod's or simply stroll Hyde Park.
Return to the hotel at your leisure using your new knowledge of the London Tube (this routing is very easy!).
INCLUDED GUIDED TOUR WITH OUR LOCAL EXPERT GUIDE ~ Today ENJOY our SIGHTSEEING IMMERSION:
Panoramic Sightseeing Experience throughout London to enjoy views and commentary by our Local Guide:
- Piccadilly Circus
- Trafalgar Square
- Westminster Abbey
- Big Ben
- Hyde Park
- London Bridge
- Houses of Parliament
- St. James Palace
- Buckingham Palace
- Tower of London Tour
Walking Level: Moderate, Leisurely Pace: Volume: Moderate
Optional dining tonight with your Tour Captain or explore at leisure.
BACK TO TOP
Day 4: Enjoy Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey



Your exciting tour of London continues with our immersion sightseeing experience this morning with a special Story Land & Sea Tours' Exclusive with special admission to either Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey (entrance is based on season: Buckingham Palace is not open year round and when closed due to season or ceremony, we will include a tour of Westminster Abbey with guided admission).
The balance of the day is yours at leisure. Perhaps enjoy the London Eye, or inquire with reservations for the Harry Potter Walking Tour. You may also consider the Royal Mews (carriage house) at Buckingham. Or consider a shopping trip to world famous Harrod's or simply stroll Hyde Park.
Perhaps you will go back to the hotel and visit the nearby British Museum.
INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING IMMERSION TOUR WITH OUR LOCAL EXPERT GUIDE
This evening: How about an optional play in the West End? Inquire with Reservations.
Walking Level: Moderate, Leisurely Pace. Volume: Moderate.
Optional dining tonight with your Tour Captain or explore at leisure.
BACK TO TOP
Day 5: London to Paris | English Channel | "The Chunnel"

Included Story Way® Dining: Tonight we dine at a delightful restaurant we're trying to keep a secret! It's fully authentic Parisian cuisine. Paris welcomes us with a variety of regional culinary tastes, beverages and ample portions of fine local wines from around the city and the provinces.
Free-choice dining means you select what you'd like from the menu ~ the Tour Captain is available to help you interpret the menu. Your Tour Captain Host will provide the appetizers featuring regional cuisine and will select your wine for the evening ~ a variety of red and white wine from the region!
Exclusives: INCLUDED REGIONAL WINES WITH DINNER TONIGHT
The Chunnel to Paris
We embark on the train via the English Channel (the Chunnel) with reserved seats in Premium Classs to the city of Paris. After about 2 hours on the fast train under the English Channel we will welcome you to Paris! Make note: Magic Portage is included in your tour! This means you will pack up your suitcase in London and then it will be transported to Paris to arrive in your hotel room by 8pm local time while we are out at our Welcome Dinner. Make sure to pack a day bag with a change of clothes, a jacket in cooler weather and any pertinent medication (do not pack medicine in your suitcase that is being portaged).
City: Paris
Paris is the city of Light and Love. She holds much to discover. After we transfer from the Train Station, the Tour Captain checks you in to our hotel. We arrive Paris early afternoon, and rooms will be ready by 2PM on average.
You will join the Tour Captain for the included Paris Orientation Walkabout through the cobblestones streets to become familiar with the location around our hotel. We will visit Champs-Elysees, Trocadero and enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower.
INCLUDED HOST ORIENTATION WALKABOUT: Join your Tour Captain Host for a Welcome Orientation Walk on your arrival day in Paris. Find out where the major landmarks are located, ATM machines and other helpful sites. You may have opportunity for admission to the Eiffel Tower. Based on availability at time of booking. Please inquire with reservations.
Walking Level: Light, Leisurely Pace: Volume: Light
Story Way®Â Dining: Enjoy Story Way®Â Dining in Paris tonight. featuring regional culinary tastes, beverages, and ample portions of fine local French wine, of course.
Deluxe Accommodation: Â Eduard VII Hotel, Hotel Belami, Hotel Eduard VII or Similar
Classic Accommodation: Hotel Louvré Saint-Anne or Similiar
BACK TO TOP
Day 6: Discovering Paris ~ The Louvré, Notre Dame & Eiffel Tower



Today join your Tour Captain and our local guide on a guided tour of the city of Paris. The Musée du Louvre along with the icons of Paris greet us today with our noble French guide leading the way. It's an immersion into the authentic Paris.
Our walking tour includes a guided tour of the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Jardin de Tuileries. You may alternatively add the Musee d' Orsay with its impressionist paintings as an option. Inquire with reservations.
INCLUDED GUIDED TOUR WITH OUR LOCAL EXPERT GUIDE ~ Today ENJOY ADMISSION & SIGHTSEEING to:
~ Notre Dame Cathedral
~ Walk through Jardin de Tuileries
~ Admission and tour of Louvré
~ Option: Musee d'Orsay
Walking Level: Moderate, Leisurely Pace; Volume: Moderate to Ample
Optional dining tonight with your Tour Captain or explore at leisure.
BACK TO TOP
Day 7: The Palace of Versailles


King Louis XIV's opulent 17th century palace, Chateau de Versailles, welcomes us for an in depth tour. We enjoy the marble, gold and formal gardens.
The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional excursion on the Seine River Cruise. Inquire with Reservations.
Walking Level: Light to Moderate, Leisurely Pace, Volume: Moderate
Story Exclusive: Join your Tour Captain for what can only be described as a delightful farewell experience in Paris. Our venue of choice is one of Mark Story's favorites, Le Grand Colbert.
BACK TO TOP
Day 8: Welcome to Normandy
City: Bayeux
Region: Normandy
This morning you are set for the coast of Normandy. You are transferred to the train station for included tickets on the Fast Train with self-portage. You are zipped along through the countryside while 'going back in time' with the 'eastward progression' of the Allies as you are headed on the way to the coast. Upon arrival, you are met by our Story Local Host® to begin your afternoon of honoring those who sacrificed for our freedom on the shores and fields of Normandy.
History Comes Back to Life: Freedom is not free.
Enjoy a remarkable experience today learning about the D-Day invasion by the Allies. Truly an epic time of learning about the sacrifices made, paying homage to those who gave everything for our freedom and some quite time for reflection. Explore one of the landing beaches and key World War II sites of Normandy.
You will learn about the Allied invasion of German-occupied France, visit moving sites and venues...you will see and smell the salt air, walk on the same beaches and fields and truly have the opportunity to be grateful for your life.
Highlights:
- Explore the landing beaches and World War II sites of Normandy
- Learn about the momentous D-Day events
- Visit key D-Day sites guided by our local, professional Guide — truly a moving experience.
After our experience we arrive our hotel in Bayeux or one of the villages in Normandie where we check-in, and enjoy time at leisure until the included welcome dinner.
The villages along the coastal region include a variety of historical and cultural characteristics. For example, Bayeux features medieval architecture as well as an 11th-Century Norman Gothic Cathedral and is known for its tapestry.
Story Way® Dining: Enjoy a welcome dinner with our Story Local Host®.
Deluxe Accommodation: Our hotel in Normandy/Bayeux include Villa Lara or Similar.
Classic Budget Accommodation: Enjoy our Superior Tourist hotel in Normandy/Bayeux.
Day 9: Abbey of Mont-St.-Michel
Story Exclusive®: Enjoy Skip-the-Line special access with Admission.
We are off to Mont St. Michel from Bayeux in the company of our small group guided experience complete with admission to the Abbey. Mont St. Michel is one of the most popular attractions in France and is a noted jewel along its coast.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The fairytale island and home of the Abbey of Mont-St.-Michel, perche d off the coast of Normandy, was once totally unreachable at high tide. There's lots of uphill (and downhill) walking to truly traverse the island. The Benedictine abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most revered wonders of Europe.
We then have free time to explore the village at leisure to browse shops and watch the incredible spectacle of the bay's tide rising and surrounding the island.
We return to our hotel in Bayeux for the balance of the day at leisure.
Day 10: Normandy

Normandy: Final Salute
This morning experience a special drive as we continue to celebrate the freedom we now have while honoring those who gave all.
We make our way to the train station for included tickets on the Fast Train to Paris. Tonight enjoy your last evening in Paris.
Deluxe Accommodation: Â Eduard VII Hotel, Hotel Belami or Similar
Classic Accommodation: Hotel Louvré Saint-Anne or Similiar
Day 11: Check Out or Extend Your Adventure
DEPARTURE TRANSFER available for $69 per person to Paris CDG Airport.
## Tour Ends ##
BACK TO TOP
Heart of City Hotels mean your experience is like none other in the travel industry.
There is a difference between centrally-located hotels and Story Land & Sea®'s Heart of City hotels. No taxis or shuttles required when you're in the historical heart of the cities and villages.
Our small group tour hotels feature historical architecture with all the amenities you'd come to expect. The properties are located in the heart of the cities, towns and villages. We proudly feature the following tour hotels which have been personally inspected for quality and standard. On very rare occasion, we may substitute any hotel for a tour property of equal or greater quality and standard.
Remember, availability in tour hotels may be affected based on seasonal demand. Alternate hotel properties of equal quality will be used when the following hotels are not available.
London Hotels - 3 Nights
Paris Hotel - 3 Nights + 1 Night at end of Tour
Normandy Hotels - 2 Nights
London & Paris with Normandy
It's a world-class tour with most inclusions in the company of a few new friends...
We've tried to include everything ~
However, make note of the following:
Departure transfer via train is available from the Bayeaux train station to the Charles de GAulle airport in Paris for $89/person. We recommend independent taxi from the Bayeaux hotel to the Bayeaux train station (not included).
- Breakfast - Full, hot breakfasts included daily.
- Lunches are not included - Our Tour Captains and Guides will offer great, affordable suggestions for delicious lunches everyday.
- 4 exceptionally delicious dinners with no set menus and premium beverages are included: We want you to have some time to explore on your own if you want.
- Airfare is not included.
- Remember, you are responsible to arrive at the point of tour origination. If you are delayed for any reason, your vacation may be at risk even if Story Land & Sea® made your airfare arrangements. Airfare is a completely separate booking from your land vacation. You can cancel your vacation with a 100% refund up to 90 days prior to departure. Within 90 days you will begin receiving penalties per the terms of the Tour Application should you have to cancel.
- Travel Protection is not included. Story Land and Sea recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
Travel protection companies, such as Travelex, plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Click here to get a quote and purchase on their website.
That's it ~ everything else excluding personal item purchases is included.
Story Land & Sea®'s Unique Walking Tour Experience
We do walk on our small group tours of France! We walk a lot, but it's unhurried and there are ample opportunities to sit and relax. But you must be physically capable of walking and experiencing the many stairs of Europe. Please inquire with Story Reservations for more details.
London & Paris Tour with Normandy
2018 Guaranteed Departures.Published prices are based on a guaranteed departure with at least six (6) Story guests — Inquire with reservations to find out your preferred departure's current tour size and pricing: 1 (877) 865-6711 Take over a departure for your own private group - inquire for details. Prefer to travel with just the two of you? Inquire for our Private Journey option. Looking for Savvy's budget tour of London & Paris? Click here. |
|||
Published Date | Deluxe 4-5 Star |
Classic Budget 3-4 Star |
On-Tour Airfare |
Departures in April 2018 | |||
April 28 |
$6,579 | $5,779 | N/A |
Departures in May 2018 | |||
May 12, 26 |
$6,579 | $5,579 | N/A |
Departures in June 2018 | |||
June 16, 30 |
$6,579 | $5,579 | N/A |
Departures in July 2018 | |||
July 7, 21 |
$6,579 | $5,579 | N/A |
Departures in September 2018 | |||
Sep 15, 22 |
$6,579 | $5,579 | N/A |
Departures in October 2018 | |||
Oct 6, 13 |
$6,579 | $5,579 | N/A |
2019 Guaranteed Departures.Published prices are based on a guaranteed departure with at least six (6) Story guests — Inquire with reservations to find out your preferred departure's current tour size and pricing: 1 (877) 865-6711 Take over a departure for your own private group - inquire for details. Prefer to travel with just the two of you? Inquire for our Private Journey option. Looking for Savvy's budget tour of London & Paris? Click here. |
|||
Published Date | Deluxe 4-5 Star |
Classic Budget 3-4 Star |
On-Tour Airfare |
Departures in April 2019 | |||
April 27 |
$6,579 | $5,779 | N/A |
Departures in May 2019 | |||
May 11, 25 |
$6,579 | $5,579 | N/A |
Departures in June 2019 | |||
June 15, 29 |
$6,579 | $5,579 | N/A |
Departures in July 2019 | |||
July 6, 20 |
$6,579 | $5,579 | N/A |
Departures in September 2019 | |||
Sep 14, 21 |
$6,579 | $5,579 | N/A |
Departures in October 2019 | |||
Oct 5, 12 |
$6,579 | $5,579 | N/A |
Get Started: Ask a Question, Schedule a Call, Request a Trip Quote, or Have us Craft Your Trip