Let us plan your vacation to four of our favorite countries--England, France, Germany, and Austria in 2025. These countries have breathtaking scenery and architecture, rich cultures, and impressive history.  From historical London, Paris, and Munich to the beauty of the Austria and Germany, this trip has it all.  We are also incorporating D-Day sites along with  Dachau concentration camp to our tour for our history buffs.  Finally, for those Sound of Music aficionados, we will tour Salzburg and take in the famous filming sites. 

***We will be offering this trip as either a 10-day trip to England and France or a 14-day trip to England, France, Germany, and Austria.

Regardless of reason, cancellations are costly. All cancellations must be in writing, and the date of postmark will determine the amount of refund due. For flight changes or cancellations, revision fees and/or airline cancellation charges will apply. Roommates canceling can result in a single supplement charge for the roommate. The Participant who cancels will be responsible for that charge if a substitute roommate cannot be found. Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is strongly recommended. 

From time of deposit to March 26, 2025: $350 cancellation penalty plus any non-refundable deposits that are incurred from the supplier.

From March 10, 2025-April 27, 2025: $1,000 cancellation penalty plus any non-refundable deposits that are owed to the supplier.

From April 15-May 11, 2025: 

From May-12-June 15, 2025:  $1,350 cancellation penalty plus any non-refundable deposits onwards: 

After June 16, 2025:  No refund

Key: IF = In Flight Meals, B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner 

Day 1: Thursday, September 11, 2025: Departure 

We will depart from St. Louis on our flights to London. (IF) 

Day 2: Friday, September 12, 2025: Arrival in London 

When we land in London Heathrow, we will board our air conditioned bus and have an orientation tour of London on the way to the Millennium Gloucester Hotel where we will drop our bags.  We will be traveling via THE TUBE, so your travel cards await you at the hotel.  This afternoon there will be an off-road guided bike tour through some of London’s most famous parks, including Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Along with Buckingham Palace, you will see Kensington Palace and the Princess Diana Memorial.  Bikes and helmets will be provided. Tonight’s meal will be in Covent Garden area where we can shop and watch some street performers.

(B/D)  Millennium Gloucester Hotel, Kensington

Day 3: Saturday, September 13, 2025: London 

We will begin our day with a Beefeater tour of the Tower of London. This historic palace was built by William the Conqueror after his invasion in 1066. Our tour will include the magnificent crown jewels. 

Later in the day, we will visit St. Paul’s, a magnificent church designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built in 1666. The energetic members of  the group can climb the dome for incredible views of London. 

The afternoon will be at leisure, with some guided options available. We will meet up again in the West End Theater district to attend a performance of Les Mis. 

(B)  Millennium Gloucester Hotel, Kensington

Day 4: Sunday, September 14, 2025: London, Windsor, Portsmouth 

Before we leave London, we will have two options for the day:  1.  explore the secret headquarters of the greatest Briton, Sir Winston Churchill. The museum includes the underground nucleus of Britain’s war effort and an exhibition about all ninety years of Winston  Churchill’s life.  You will also be able to see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the famous bell tower.  2.  explore Westminster Abbey  with a Blue Badge Guide and see Big Ben and Houses of Parliament.    

In the afternoon, we will depart London for Windsor, where we will tour Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost a  thousand years. Our tour will also include Queen Mary’s  Doll House, St. George’s Chapel, and the State Apartments. 

We will then drive to Portsmouth and board our overnight ferry to France. The ferry has restaurants on  board. (B) Overnight cabin on Ferry to France.

Day 5: Monday, September 15, 2025: St. Malo, Mont St.  Michel, Caen 

We will land in St. Malo early in the morning, and our Tour Director will welcome us to France. We will have a tour of  St. Malo, once a stronghold for privateers (pirates 

approved by the king). 

Later in the day, we will visit one of the most iconic places in all of France.  A magical island topped by a gravity defying medieval monastery, the Mont. St. Michel counts among France’s most stunning sights. We will then head to Caen and check in to our hotel and dine there for dinner. (B/D) Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance.

Day 6: Tuesday, September 16, 2025: Normandy Beaches 

Our full-day tour of the Normandy Beaches will include the Caen Memorial and entry to the Utah Beach Museum.  Because of crowds, we will be a bit flexible, but other sites we will see include Pointe du Hoc, Colleville-sur-Mer, Arromanches, and Omaha Beach. Then, we will visit the American and German cemeteries and possibly have time to search for relative who were a part of the invasion.  The evening will be free to explore Caen. (B) Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance.

Day 7: Wednesday, September 17, 2025: Versailles, Paris 

On the way to Paris, we will tour Monet's home and gardens in Giverny, where he painted his famed water lily series. We will be having lunch at the gardens before we head to Paris.

Our next highlight will be the magnificent palace of Versailles,  home of French royalty, including the ‘Sun King’, Louis XIV.  After time to tour the gardens, we will check-in to our hotel.  (B/L) Hotel Dauphine Saint Germain

Day 8: Thursday, September 18, 2025: Paris 

The Musée d’Orsay, once a railroad station, now houses a  staggering collection of Impressionist art, as well as other  items created between 1848 and 1914. After a guided tour of the  paintings, we will have the afternoon will be at leisure to explore the famed "City of Lights."  (B) Hotel Dauphine Saint Germain

Day 9: Friday, September 19, 2025: Paris 

Our day will begin with a visit to Notre Dame, the medieval  cathedral by the River Seine. 

We will then take a half-day  cooking class. We will create a starter and main course,  with an option to learn about French wine from an expert sommelier. We will then enjoy stunning views of Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a cruise on the Seine. (B/L) Hotel Dauphine Saint Germain

Day 10: Saturday, September 20, 2025: Return

Those on the main tour will transfer to Charles de Gaulle Air port this morning to fly home. 

***Please note that the  hosts will be continuing on for the extension and won’t be accompanying travelers home today. (B)

Post Tour to Germany and Austria 

Day 10: Saturday, September 20, 2025: Paris, Munich 

We will take the high-speed train from Paris to Munich  and then transfer to the hotel. 

Our afternoon will have a tour of the city before we head to the tents to enjoy the culture, pageantry, and beer of OKTOBERFEST, Munich's most celebrated festival.  (B/D)  Hilton Munich City  

Day 11: Sunday, September 21, 2025:  Munich for OKTOBERFEST

Today, you can sleep in to prepare yourself for a day enjoying the entertainment at Munich's original Oktoberfest.  We will have the ever-coveted tent, table, and beer vouchers so that we can enjoy the afternoon partying like the locals.  We can enjoy the dancing, singing, and entertainment of this world festival. (B/beer vouchers). Hilton Munich City  

Day 12: Monday, September 22, 2025:  Munich to Salzburg

We will start the day at Dachau Concentration Camp to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of the Holocaust. 

Then, we will then drive to  Neuschwanstein, one of the most photographed castles in Europe. It was the home of the reclusive King Ludwig II of  Bavaria. We will tour the castle, then head to Salzburg for the evening.  (B) Imlauer and Brau hotel

Day 13: Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 2025:  

We will tour the breathtaking landscapes that made the Sound of Music movie famous, as our guided tour takes us to locations that served as impressive backdrops to one of the world’s most-loved films.  

Those not touring with the Sound of Music will visit the Fortress Hohensalzburg, the Medieval star of Europe.  Your tickets include audio guide and the funicular cable car return.

OPTIONAL - Hitlers Eagle’s Nest Afternoon Excursion including guided tour, includes,

coach, and admission

If time permits, we will visit some sites related to Salzburg’s most famous  resident, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  (B/D). Imlauer and Brau hotel

Day 14: Monday, September 24, 2025: Return