London & Paris Highlights – 5‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Central London

Morning: Arrive in London and settle into your hotel. Take a leisurely stroll to admire the iconic Big Ben ticking over the Thames, offering a perfect introduction to the city.

Afternoon: Walk to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard, followed by a scenic river walk crossing the historic London Bridge and viewing Tower Bridge illuminated against the sky.

Evening: Ride the London Eye for panoramic views of the city, then enjoy dinner in the South Bank area, soaking in the lively London night vibe.

Day 2: Museums and Historic Sites

Morning: Immerse yourself in natural wonders at the Natural History Museum, wandering through dinosaur exhibits and the impressive Hintze Hall.

Afternoon: Visit the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral, climbing to the Whispering Gallery, then explore the world‑class collections of the British Museum and the National Gallery—an art feast all in one day.

Evening: Finish with a twilight stroll around Victoria and Albert Museum and its splendid decorative arts, then sip a cocktail at a nearby gastropub.

Day 3: Paris Arrival & Iconic Sights

Morning: Take the Eurostar to Paris; after settling, head straight to the Eiffel Tower, where a pre‑booked ticket lets you ascend for stunning city views.

Afternoon: Descend to explore the elegant Jardin du Luxembourg and then stroll along the Seine to the historic Notre‑Dame Cathedral, taking time to admire its gothic façade.

Evening: Conclude with a sunset cruise on the Seine, snapping photos of the illuminated Arc de Triomphe and the sparkling city lights.

Day 4: Art Galleries and Montmartre

Morning: Begin at the world‑renowned Louvre Museum, focusing on the Mona Lisa and the iconic pyramids.

Afternoon: Visit the brilliant collection at Musée d’Orsay and cross the Seine to the vibrant Montmartre district, exploring its bohemian streets and the striking Sacré‑Cœur basilica.

Evening: Discover the modernist marvel of the Centre Pompidou, experiencing unique contemporary artworks before enjoying a dinner in the artistic Montmartre ambiance.

Day 5: Versailles Day Trip & Departure

Morning: Journey to the opulent Palace of Versailles, touring the Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments, and the extensive gardens.

Afternoon: Return to Paris for a final stroll along the Seine, perhaps a last coffee by the river before departing for the airport.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a classic Parisian bistro, reflecting on the memorable blend of London and Paris experiences.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Big Ben – 1 hour – $0
• Buckingham Palace – 2 hours – $30
• London Eye – 1.5 hours – $35
• Natural History Museum – 3 hours – $0
• St. Paul’s Cathedral – 1.5 hours – $25
• British Museum – 3 hours – $0
• National Gallery – 2 hours – $0
• Tower Bridge – 1 hour – $12
• Tower of London – 2 hours – $30
• Victoria and Albert Museum – 2 hours – $0
• Arc de Triomphe – 1 hour – €15 (≈ $16.5)
• Sacré‑Cœur – 1 hour – $0
• Eiffel Tower – 2 hours – €30 (≈ $33)
• Jardin du Luxembourg – 1 hour – $0
• Louvre Museum – 3 hours – €17 (≈ $18.7)
• Montmartre – 2 hours – $0
• Musée d’Orsay – 2 hour – €14 (≈ $15.4)
• Notre‑Dame Cathedral – 1 hour – $0
• Palace of Versailles – 4 hours – €20 (≈ $22)
• Centre Pompidou – 2 hours – €15 (≈ $16.5)
• Total Estimated Cost: $255

Tips

To extend the trip, add a day in London for day‑trips to Windsor Castle or a full‑day excursion to the Cotswolds. In Paris, consider an extra day to explore the Champs‑Élysées and the Musée Rodin. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine the British Museum and National Gallery visit into a single art‑day, and replace the lengthy Versailles visit with a shorter, guided tour of the palace grounds only.