Escorted Paris Day Trip: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame & Lunch Cruise

An Efficient Day Trip from London to Paris with All-Inclusive Highlights

This escorted Paris day trip offers an efficient way to experience some of the city’s most iconic sights in just 16 hours. Starting from London’s St. Pancras Station, the tour includes return Eurostar tickets for a smooth journey, a guided tour of Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, and a delightful lunch cruise on the River Seine. Priced at $533.01 per person, it suits those with limited time who want a rundown of Paris’s top attractions with all logistics taken care of.

While the day is packed, the tour offers a good balance of guided sightseeing and free time, allowing for a flexible exploration of Paris’s highlights. The guided tours ensure you get historical insights, and the lunch cruise provides a scenic break with a three-course meal. This tour works best for travelers comfortable with walking and crowds, as it involves a busy schedule and some physical activity.

Key Points

• All logistics are handled, including Eurostar train tickets and entry to key sites.
• Duration of approximately 16 hours makes it ideal for a quick taste of Paris.
• Includes guided tours of Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, plus a lunch cruise on the River Seine.
• Leisurely afternoon for free exploration after the guided morning.
• Maximum group size of 52 travelers ensures a manageable experience.
• No transportation to Gare du Nord included, so plan accordingly.

Starting Point at London’s St. Pancras Station for a Seamless Journey

The tour begins at St. Pancras International Station in London, where a Golden Tours representative meets at Paul Le Café in unit 2. Once checked in, travelers board the Eurostar train, with check-in closing 30 minutes prior to departure. The train ride offers a comfortable, scenic crossing under the English Channel, setting the tone for an exciting day ahead.

This station location is convenient, close to major public transportation options, making it easy to reach. The entire process is straightforward, and tickets are issued under the lead passenger’s name. Be aware that baggage restrictions apply: oversized luggage and non-foldable strollers are not permitted on the Eiffel Tower, and only small bags are allowed on the lunch cruise.

Arriving in Paris: A Guided Tour of the Eiffel Tower’s Second Floor

The first major stop is the Eiffel Tower, where admission to the second floor is included in the tour. Upon arrival, you’ll experience breathtaking views of Paris with clear sightlines of landmarks like the Louvre, Grand Palais, and the city’s bends and rooftops. The guided tour ensures you learn about the tower’s significance along with interesting facts about Paris’s skyline.

You’ll spend approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes here, giving enough time to appreciate the sights and take photos. The tour’s logistics mean you avoid long queues, and your ticket is included, eliminating any waiting time. Since access to the Eiffel Tower is a highlight, this stop offers a memorable introduction to Paris’s famed architecture.

Scenic Lunch Cruise on the River Seine with a Three-Course Meal

Following the Eiffel Tower visit, the tour continues with a 1 hour 30 minutes lunch cruise aboard a glass boat operated by Bateaux Parisiens. The all-glass vessel offers panoramic views of Paris’s most famous landmarks while you enjoy a three-course meal served during the scenic ride.

The lunch cruise combines sightseeing with fine dining, and beverages including wines are offered during the cruise. This experience provides a relaxing way to see Paris’s architecture from the river, making it a favorite part of the day. The admission ticket is included, so you simply sit back and take in the views, with plenty of space to photograph the city’s most iconic sights.

Exploring Notre-Dame Cathedral and Its Architectural Marvels

After lunch, the tour guides you to Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of Paris’s most revered landmarks. The guided visit, lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes, offers insights into the cathedral’s medieval origins and its architectural features. Visitors are encouraged to admire the flying buttresses, rose windows, and the interior details.

The visit is free of charge, but the focus remains on learning about its history and significance. Notre-Dame’s façade and detailed sculptures make it a standout stop, and the guide’s commentary enriches the experience. It’s a vital stop for anyone interested in religious architecture and historic monuments.

Free Time in Paris for Personal Exploration

After the guided visits, the afternoon is free for personal exploration. Travelers can choose to revisit certain sites, enjoy shopping, or relax at a café. The tour ends at the Gare du Nord station, where travelers should arrive at least 45 minutes before their scheduled train departure back to London.

This flexible period allows some personal discovery but requires self-organization to ensure timely return. The tour provides guidance until lunchtime, after which participants are responsible for their own transport to the station, making it suitable for those comfortable navigating Paris independently.

Practical Details: What Is Included and What Is Not

The tour price of $533.01 per person covers return Eurostar tickets, guided tours of Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, and the lunch cruise. The guided tour is only until lunchtime, with the afternoon free for personal activities.

Transport to Gare du Nord is not included, so travelers should plan to arrive at the station independently. Baggage restrictions mean oversized bags and non-foldable strollers are not permitted in the Eiffel Tower, and only small backpacks or handbags are allowed on the boat. Toilets are available on the boats, but not on the piers.

Timing and Group Size: Managing a Busy Schedule

The tour duration is approximately 16 hours, emphasizing the need for moderate physical fitness and good walking stamina. The group size is limited to 52 travelers, ensuring a manageable experience without feeling crowded.

Timing is structured to maximize sightseeing while allowing some free time, but specific times are subject to change based on availability and day-to-day conditions. Passengers receive detailed instructions via email 1-2 weeks before departure.

Who Will Appreciate This Paris Day Trip

This all-in-one package is perfect for short-stay visitors with limited time who want a rundown of Paris’s most famous sites. It is also suitable for those who prefer guided experiences and want to avoid the hassle of logistics, as all tickets and transportation are sorted.

The long day schedule might be tiring for some, but the experience benefits from expert guides and well-coordinated timings. It’s especially appealing to travelers interested in landmark photography, architecture, and scenic dining on the Seine.

The Sum Up: A Practical and Scenic Introduction to Paris

The Escorted Paris Day Trip from London offers a convenient, well-organized way to see Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and enjoy a lunch cruise without the hassle of planning. Priced at just over $500, it provides value through inclusions like train tickets, entry to key sites, and the scenic lunch cruise.

While the long day involves some walking and tight scheduling, the guided tours and scenic highlights make it worthwhile for those wanting a highlights-focused visit. It is especially suited for first-time visitors or short-term travelers eager to experience the essence of Paris in a single day.

The tour delivers a memorable snapshot of Paris, with stunning views and notable landmarks all in one package. However, travelers should be prepared for a busy pace and manage their own logistics for the return journey, but overall, this tour offers a reliable and enriching experience of the French capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers return Eurostar tickets, guided tours of Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, and a lunch cruise on the River Seine.

How long does the entire tour last?
The total duration is approximately 16 hours, starting early in London and returning in the evening.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour requires moderate physical fitness and involves walking, so it suits travelers who are comfortable with a busy schedule and crowds.

Do I need to arrange transportation to Gare du Nord?
Yes, transport to Gare du Nord for the return journey is not included, so travelers should plan to arrive on their own.

Can I bring large bags on the tour?
Oversized luggage and non-foldable strollers are not permitted in the Eiffel Tower or on the boat. Small backpacks and handbags are allowed.

What if I want more free time in Paris?
This tour offers guided sightseeing until lunch, after which you are responsible for your own exploration and transportation back to the station.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, with free cancellation allowed up to 21 days prior.

How many people are in each group?
Maximum group size is 52 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

What should I bring on the tour?
Travelers should carry a valid passport, small bags for the boat, and be prepared for walking and crowds.

What are the main highlights to look forward to?
Expect amazing views from the Eiffel Tower, a scenic lunch cruise, and a guided visit to Notre-Dame—a perfect snapshot of Paris’s most iconic landmarks.