I’m a paragraph. Drag me to add paragraph to your block, write your own text and edit me.
I’m a paragraph. Drag me to add paragraph to your block, write your own text and edit me.
I’m a paragraph. Drag me to add paragraph to your block, write your own text and edit me.
I’m a paragraph. Drag me to add paragraph to your block, write your own text and edit me.
Here is what I did and saw on my London and Paris trip, May, 2026. Such beautiful architecture and history.My friend, Big Ben, is in the background. The view is from the Eye.
My journey began with flights to Chicago and London Heathrow, followed by a scenic transfer to the Strand Palace Hotel, where, later that afternoon, our group convened with our tour manager, Urban Soban. Our hotel was just a few blocks from Trafalgar Square. We had a group dinner at the Horse and Guardsman Pub. We were all surprised to try the standard fare of hard-boiled eggs with various sauces and spices added. This pub was awarded the best eggs at a competition. Very weird!
rThe next morning we kicked off the day with a two-hour walking tour of Westminster, where we saw the exteriors of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, The Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. Then we continued to Buckingham Palace, the official office of His Majesty the King. We capped off the afternoon with a traditional fish-and-chips lunch at the Seashell of Lisson Grove agraph. Drag me to add paragraph to your block, write your own text and edit me.
I’m a paragraph. Drag me to add paragraph to your block, write your own text and edit me.
I’m a paragraph. Drag me to add paragraph to your block, write your own text and edit me.
I’m a paragraph. Drag me to add paragraph to your block, write your own text and edit me.
I’m a paragraph. Drag me to add paragraph to your block, write your own text and edit me.
TThe next day we headed over to the Southbank to take a "flight" on the iconic London Eye. This was an unforgettable journey with 360-degree panoramic views of London. In the afternoon we went to the of Kensington Palace for a self-guided visit and lunch. This was the residence of the Royal Family from the 17th century. Recently it was the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Princess Kate). We explored the King and Queen’s State Apartments, the famous ‘King’s Staircase,’ and the regal Palace Gardens (the site of Princess Diana's memorial statue). We started this most English of experiences with a light lunch in the relaxed and elegant setting of the Orangery, where Queen Anne once held court. This was a beautiful and tasty high tea experience.
Next up, Paris! Before departure we exchanged all our pounds for euros. We then boarded the Eurostar high-speed train that goes under the Mediterranean. We went from London to Paris in just two hours. We arrived in the Paris terminal to be entertained by our tour guide, Urban. (He's also a musician!) Paris is a sophisticated metropolis of style and culture. Paris’ bustling city streets are filled with colorful history, fascinating museums, renowned monuments and grand theatres. We stayed in the Le Meridien Paris Arc De Triomphe, just a few blocks from the Arc de Triomphe. The next morning started with the most iconic sights of Paris on a panoramic city tour. We saw the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral, Le Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
During another afternoon of bus touring, we saw Picadilly Circus, Royal Albert Hall, Trafalgar Square, astounding architecture and a perfect sunset.
I’m a paragraph. Drag me to add paragraph to your block, write your own text and edit me.
Our evening dinner was at the Paradis Latin for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret. An unforgettable evening at one of Paris's most cherished venues, the renowned Paradis Latin. Nestled in a historic building linked to Napoleon and masterfully reconstructed by Gustav Eiffel, this iconic cabaret has been enchanting audiences since 1889. We indulged in a lavish dinner accompanied by fine wine, followed by a sparkling celebration with champagne as we watched the dazzling show. In actuality, the 'lavish dinner' was a stretch. The 'can-can' throwback was much more risque' than I've ever seen. (Not really Midwest style, but when in Rome, er Paris!)
The next day we took an excursion to Versailles Palace. We enjoyed the interesting visit to the incomparable Palace of Versailles. The palace and gardens of Versailles reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." On this excursion, we traveled by coach to Versailles where we witnessed the history of the palace and saw the various rooms of the State Apartments. Of particular interest was the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. Then we explored the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete. Sad to say, we were close to the end of our trip. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with my new friends from Boston. Great ladies.
One of the most fascinating parts of this trip was my visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Our last full day in Paris! We walked around some local markets. Everything was so fresh and aromatic. It made us hungry. Then we experienced a riverboat ride down the Seine river. A great way to see the city skyline. Then we closed the day with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. We had a wonderful dinner of delicious roast lamb with a yummy wine. We had a few refills!