Cal Performances Tale of Two Cities 2027

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Wednesday June 16: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Thursday June 17: London

Upon arrival at Heathrow, meet your friendly Encore Experiences Tour Manager and your private motorcoach for the drive to the Royal town of Windsor, where you will arrive right on time for a light lunch, after which you will visit Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest working royal castle in the world, founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Explore the beautiful castle grounds, visit the medieval gothic St George's Chapel, where many royal baptisms, weddings and funerals have taken place over the centuries, and enjoy a self-guided visit of the State Apartments, which include a viewing of the recently restored Queen Mary's Dolls’ House. After the visit, there will be time to have lunch in one of the many delightful cafes or pubs and perhaps walk over the bridge to lovely Eton Town, dominated by the famed Eton College, the ancient public school which has educated many of England's establishment, and where princes William and Harry went to school. Please note that pending final flight arrival time this visit may be moved to an alternative day while staying in London. Following your visit and time to take in this quaint area, trasnfer to the center of London for hotel check in and time to refresh and relax. Meet this evening for a welcome reception of champagne and canapes where you will be formerly welcomed by your Cal Performances Hosts. Following this welcome gathering, sit down together and dine in the Kensington hotel's elegant restaurant, Town House. (D)

Day 3, Friday June 18: London

In the morning after a full English breakfast at your hotel, board your red London bus, a traditional double decker routemaster ! Your your local London guide will join you for a guided tour, taking in all the beauty, pageantry and wonder of London. You will see all the iconic sites, including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Household Cavalry, Whitehall, the Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Enjoy a lunch in a charming traditional London Pub before returning to the hotel. There is time to relax and and refresh before an evening concert of classical music at one of London’s famous venues: The Royal Festival Hall OR The Barbican OR The Royal Albert Hall. Enjoy a champagne toast together either before the performance or during the concert interval. This evening's dinner is on your own to enjoy one of the many culinary hot spots in this Cosmopolitan city. (B,L)

Day 4, Saturday June 19: London

In the morning you will explore spectacular Covent Garden and have a guided tour behind the scenes at The Royal Opera house . Learn about the history of this world-famous theatre and about the costumes and scenery that bring each production to life. Time will be given to enjoy Covent Garden. This evening enjoy a pre-concert dinner followed by a performance at one of London’s premier concert halls – subject to final programming – The Royal Albert Hall, The Barbican, The Royal Festival Hall, The Cadogan. Toast the day and another fantastic performance with a champagne toast during the concert interval. (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday June 20: London

This morning head to Wimbledon for a guided tour of the All-England Club and the hub and magic centre of the tennis world – the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Experience the history and traditions of The Wimbledon Championships, get up close to the famous trophies, feel the fabrics of tennis fashions from the Victorian period, test your skills on the Batak wall, learn how Wimbledon’s distinctive grass is cared for, and stand at the museum's special viewing platform to survey the holy of holies itself – the Centre Court. Return to London. This afternoon enjoy the Crème de la Crème of English teas at Brown’s Hotel including a glass of champagne. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to enjoy dinner on your own in London. (B,T)

Day 6, Monday June 21: London

This morning we delve into London’s Street Art scene in a classically British way: by Mini Cooper! Armed with spray paint and sharpies, accompanied by a passionate local guide and travelling in a restored classic car, see some of the greatest pieces the East End has to offer, the beautiful murals on the South Bank and finish in the now highly gentrified Leake Street Tunnel where you can try your own hand at street art in the famous graffiti tunnel. Enjoy lunch at one of Borough Market’s coolest lunch spots ‘Roast’ and enjoy a delicious lunch. Prior to this evening’s performance attend a lecture by a music or dance critic to discuss the upcoming performance Includes drinks and canapes. This evening you will attend an opera or ballet performance at the Royal Opera House (subject to availability and subject to programs being released). Enjoy a glass of champagne pre performance or during the interval. (B,L)

Day 7, Tuesday June 22: London

Early in the morning enjoy a special private guided tour of the Crown Jewels Exhibition with the Duty Exhibitor, who will welcome you to the treasury and guide you through the Crown Jewels exhibition before it opens to the general public. Experience the stories, legends and traditions that surround these magnificent regalia, before setting out to explore the rest of the Tower, including the newly refurbished Medieval Palace. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure taking in the world-class museums and galleries or explore smaller jewels like The Courtauld Collection at Somerset House or The Wallace Collection, as well as some of the most unique shopping on the planet – make sure to include Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly, the new flagship Hermes store on Bond Street. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy London and it's many wonders. Your Tour Manager is always with you and can assist with dinner reservations or suggestions for new wonders to discover in London. (B)

Day 8, Wednesday June 23: Paris

After breakfast at your hotel and hotel check-out, transfer to the London train station to board the Eurostar to Paris. Accommodations are in the Eurostar Plus Class. Arrive at Gare du Nord in Paris - Paris, the City of Light, is a global icon celebrated for its romantic ambiance, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and a vibrant cultural scene. Charming streets adorned with stylish boutiques and inviting cafes add to its allure. A local guide leads you on a Panoramic tour of Paris bwith multiple stops for photo ops of the major landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and the Champs Elysées. Check in to your centrally located 5-star hotel. After time to relax and refresh, meet in the lobby and transfer to the stylish restaurant La Girafe. La Girafe in Paris is a stylish brasserie located near the Trocadéro, offering breathtakingviews of the Eiffel Tower. Famous for its seafood and elegant décor, it blends Parisian chicwith a relaxed riverside vibe. Perfect for dinner, it’s a spot where locals and tourists savor finecuisine while enjoying one of Paris’s most iconic vistas. Enjoy your first overnight of three at the Lutetia Hotel in the heart of Saint Germain des Près. (B,D)

Day 9, Thursday June 24: Paris

After breakfast at your hotel transfer to Place d'Opera for a private guided visit of Palais Garnier. Palais Garnier, is a breathtaking opera house renowned for its opulent architecture and grandeur. Designed by Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1875, it remains a symbol of the city's cultural heritage. Its ornate interiors,including the grand staircase and the stunning auditorium, continue to captivate visitors from around the world. Enjoy a free afternoon in Paris to sample one of the many brasserie for lunch. Meet back at your hotel where at 6:30 you will board your private motorcoach and transfer to Opera Bastille. Attend the ballet at Opera Bastille with premium tickets. The Ballet La Bayadère tells the tragic love story of Nikiya and Solor, highlighted by the famous and dreamlike “Kingdom of the Shades” scene. Dinner is under own arrangement this evening in Paris. (B)

Day 10, Friday June 25: Paris

Private guided visit of Palais de Versailles and gardens - Palais de Versailles, is agrandeur symbol of French opulence and power, located just outside Paris. Built during the17th century, it served as the royal residence for French monarchs, including Louis XIV. Own arrangements for lunch in Versailles. This afternoon's highlights is a private organ recital given by the head of music himself in the Chapelle Royale where Marie Antionette and Louis XIV were wed. Return to Paris with time to refresh up before an elegant farewell dinnrer at the Café de la Paix. Café de la Paix is an iconic Parisian café located near the Opéra Garnier. Famous for its elegant Belle Époque interior and terrace, it has been a meeting place for artists, writers,and travelers since the 19th century. The café offers a classic Parisian atmosphere,blending history, architecture, and lively city life. Following this fine gastronomic experience, enjoy a river cruise with Vedettes du Pont Neuf. Vedettes du Pont Neuf offers an intimate Seine cruise experience departing from the historic Pont Neuf, away from the crowds of majortourist piers. Glide past iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Louvre in a smaller, more private vessel for a relaxed, personal view of Paris. (B,D)

Day 11, Saturday June 26: Departure

After an early breakfast and check-out, transfer to the Paris CDG airport via private motorcoach for your return flight to the United States. (B)