London & Paris 4‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & London Highlights

Morning: After checking into your hotel, start at the The British Museum to admire world‑class antiquities; allocate 2‑3 hours for the highlights. A quick walk to nearby Big Ben lets you snap iconic photos of the clock tower and the Houses of Parliament.

Afternoon: Head to the Tower of London for a guided tour of the historic fortress and the Crown Jewels, spending about 3 hours. Cross the river to marvel at the engineering of Tower Bridge, where you can walk the high walkways for 1 hour.

Evening: Relax with a river cruise on the Thames, offering sunset views of the city’s skyline. End the night with dinner in the vibrant Southbank area.

Day 2: More London Exploration

Morning: Visit the regal Buckingham Palace and, if timing permits, watch the Changing of the Guard (about 1½ hours). Then stroll through St. James’s Park for a peaceful break.

Afternoon: Explore the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral, climbing to the Whispering Gallery and the dome for roughly 2 hours. Afterwards, wander the nearby National Gallery to view masterpieces, allocating 2 hours.

Evening: Experience the breathtaking views from the London Eye at dusk (about 1 hour). Conclude with a nightcap at a classic pub in Covent Garden.

Day 3: Travel to Paris & Central Sights

Morning: Take the Eurostar to Paris and check into your hotel. Begin with the iconic Eiffel Tower, allowing 2‑3 hours to ascend and enjoy the panorama.

Afternoon: Walk along the Seine to the Louvre Museum, dedicating 3‑4 hours to its vast collection, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

Evening: Stroll through the historic Montmartre district, visiting the Basilique du Sacré‑Cœur and enjoying a dinner with a view of the city lights.

Day 4: Paris Art & Royalty

Morning: Visit the elegant Musée d’Orsay for its Impressionist masterpieces (2‑3 hours). Then head to the nearby Arc de Triomphe to climb to the top for sweeping vistas (1 hour).

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the opulent Palace of Versailles, touring the Hall of Mirrors and the gardens; budget 4‑5 hours.

Evening: Return to central Paris for a relaxed walk through the Jardin du Luxembourg, followed by dinner in the Latin Quarter.

Time and Cost Estimates

• The British Museum – 2‑3 hrs – Free
• Big Ben – 0.5 hr – $46.95
• Tower of London – 3 hrs – $48.02
• Tower Bridge – 1 hr – $21.46
• Buckingham Palace – 1.5 hrs – $42.92
• St. Paul’s Cathedral – 2 hrs – $34.88
• National Gallery – 2 hrs – Free
• London Eye – 1 hr – $38.90
• Eiffel Tower – 2‑3 hrs – $16.83
• Louvre Museum – 3‑4 hrs – $25.53
• Montmartre (incl. Sacré‑Cœur) – 2 hrs – Free
• Musée d’Orsay – 2‑3 hrs – $18.57
• Arc de Triomphe – 1 hr – $25.53
• Palace of Versailles – 4‑5 hrs – $24.37
• Jardin du Luxembourg – 1 hr – Free

Total Estimated Cost: $363.69

Tips

If you need more time, add an extra day in Paris to explore the Musée de l’Orangerie and take a day trip to the Champagne region. Conversely, you can condense the itinerary by skipping the National Gallery and Jardin du Luxembourg, focusing on the major landmarks to fit the trip into three days.