Summary of Our 8 Day Paris and London Tour with Gate 1 Plus 7 Days of Scotland on our own

When we planned our 25th-anniverasary trip in 2024, we had no idea whether we'd ever make it back to Europe. Luckily, 2025 brought us another chance-this time with an exciting addition. We expanded our adventure to include London and Scotland and brought along our 17 year-old son. 

Throughout this blog, we'll dive into the details of our journey, from the highlights to the unexpected moments. If you're just looking for a quick overview, we've also put together a trip summary in the post.

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for France
Depart for France

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Paris
Arrive in Paris, the City of Light, and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM in the hotel. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Paris

DAY 3, Saturday - Paris City Tour
This morning, take a guided city tour of Paris, including a drive along Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. View the Eiffel Tower, the Latin Quarter, and the lively Opera district. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or join the optional tour of the Palace of Versailles and Gardens where you will see classical French architecture at its most decadent
*The Palace of Versailles optional tour must be booked prior to departure and may not be available to be purchased locally.
Optional: Palace of Versailles (PM)
Overnight: Paris

DAY 4, Sunday - Full Day in Paris
Today, you have a full day to explore Paris on your own. In the evening you may wish to participate in the optional tour of Montmartre & Sacre Coeur with dinner. Walk through the cobbled streets of one of Paris' charming districts where you will savor a meal at a French bistro before enjoying panoramic views of Paris from the Sacre Coeur Basilica
Optional: Montmartre Walking Tour & Sacre Coeur with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Paris

DAY 5, Monday - Travel to London via the Chunnel
Today, transfer to the Gare du Nord train station for your trip to London via the Chunnel, a 31-mile-long underwater tunnel. Upon arrival, meet your coach and guide and start the panoramic tour of London. Begin with a drive through fashionable Kensington with its elegant squares and parks. Pass Harrods store, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and famous Big Ben. Continue to view Buckingham Palace, the London residence of His Majesty the King
Overnight: London

DAY 6, Tuesday - Full Day in London
Spend the day at leisure to further explore London. You may take a ride on the London Eye, visit Tate Modern, Madame Tussauds, or the British Museum. This morning, participate in the optional Stonehenge & Bath tour. Travel to Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the middle of the Salisbury Plain. Next, head to Bath, founded by the Romans as a thermal spa. View the Georgian architecture of the imposing 18th century terraced houses of the Royal Crescent, Poultney Bridge, and the preserved 2,000-year-old Roman Baths
Optional: Full Day Stonehenge & Bath
Overnight: London

DAY 7, Wednesday - Full Day in London
One more day to discover all that London has to offer. Stroll along the South Bank of the River Thames and take in the scenic riverside views, and impressive cityscapes in the heart of London. Perhaps join the optional tour of the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral
Optional:Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral
Overnight: London

DAY 8, Thursday - Depart England

Day 1  and Day 2- June 6 &7, 2025- Paris the City of Light 

Day 1 - Paris. After a long day of travel, we finally arrived at our hotel around 8 p.m. and checked in. The hotel's charming French-style B&B ambiance immediately captivated us. While Noah went straight to bed, Jamie and I resisted the pull of exhaustion and ventured out to explore the surrounding neighborhood in the heart of the 17th arrondissement. We ended the evening dining at a cozy café, savoring the experience of Paris in the rain—an enchanting start to our adventure.

Day 2 - Paris. We started our morning with a delightful continental breakfast at the hotel, which surpassed all expectations. Energized, we took a brisk walk through the neighborhood, soaking in the sights of locals starting their day—commuting to work and accompanying their children to school. In the afternoon, we enjoyed a vintage car tour that allowed us to see the city from a unique perspective. Although we had planned to visit the catacombs in the evening, a labor strike forced their closure. While disappointed, we made the most of it by exploring a new area of Paris, turning an unexpected setback into an opportunity for discovery.

Day 3 - June 7, 2025 - Paris the City of Light

Our first official day with the Gate 1 Tour was packed with excitement and adventure! The morning kicked off with a guided City Tour where we explored iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the charming Latin Quarter. After the tour, we decided to challenge ourselves by navigating the Metro instead of relying on Uber or Bolt. While everyone assured us it would be simple, it turned out to be more of a learning experience than expected. Eventually, we figured it out, and for just $2.50 per person, it’s undoubtedly a much more affordable way to travel across the city compared to rideshares.

In the evening, we visited the magnificent Arc de Triomphe, but not before taking a relaxing break at a quaint café to enjoy some coffee. Poor Noah underestimated just how much walking was involved—he was absolutely exhausted by the end of the day! But all in all, it was a memorable and fulfilling day full of exploration and discovery.

Day 4 - June 8, 2025 - Paris the City of Light 

Our final day in Paris was all about taking it slow and savoring the moment. We enjoyed a leisurely morning, sleeping in before having a delightful late breakfast. From there, we explored a charming local farmers market and took a peaceful stroll through a nearby park. A visit to a cozy coffee shop added a perfect touch of relaxation before heading back to our room for a quick nap to recharge for the evening.

As the sun began to set, we ventured to Montmartre for dinner, passing through the iconic red-light district and catching a glimpse of the famous Moulin Rouge. Our journey then led us to the breathtaking Sacré-Cœur Basilica, perched at the top of the hill with a panoramic view of the glittering city below—it was absolutely mesmerizing. Before leaving, we added our padlocks to the fence outside the church, participating in the romantic tradition that symbolizes sealing your love forever. We capped off the evening at La Bonne Franquette, indulging in delicious escargot, fine wine, and lively entertainment—a perfect Parisian finale.

With our bags packed and hearts full, we’re ready to bid Paris “au revoir” as we set off for our next adventure in London tomorrow morning!

Day 5 - June 9, 2025 - London Baby!  

I was beyond thrilled to experience the Eurostar Chunnel ride from Paris to London! While there’s not much to see during the "underwater" portion of the journey, it was still such a unique and exciting adventure.

And for all the Outlander fans out there — I had the incredible luck of running into Graham McTavish (Dougal MacKenzie) at the train station! It was an absolute dream come true. The hardest part? Waiting for my friends and family across the pond to wake up so I could share the news!

To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations for London. It was never a destination I envisioned visiting. However, I was pleasantly surprised! London offered a refreshing change of pace from Paris, though Paris will always hold a special place in my heart. (Bonus points for not having to ask for an English menu!)

After stepping off the Eurostar at Waterloo Station, we boarded a bus and set off on a whirlwind tour of London. We explored Kensington, Harrods, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. The city was brimming with charm and iconic landmarks at every turn.

Later, we checked into our hotel and capped off the evening the quintessential British way — with fish and chips and a pint at a cozy local pub. Cheers to a perfect start in London!

Upon returning to the hotel, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that our reservation for three automatically qualified us for a complimentary upgrade to a suite! This upgrade not only provided us with a more spacious room but also granted access to exclusive suite-level amenities. We enjoyed entry to a private club offering all-day tapas, soft drinks, wine, and beer, as well as a delightful complimentary breakfast each morning. Thank you, Melia White House Hotel, for making our stay truly exceptional!

Day 6 - June 10, 2025 - London to Stonehenge and Bath! 

Our day began bright and early as we embarked on a scenic journey from London to Stonehenge and Bath—a 3-hour trip by bus.

Stonehenge, rising mysteriously in the heart of the countryside, feels both isolated and purposeful. While its exact origins remain a mystery, it’s clear that those who built it had a significant reason behind its creation.

Bath was fascinating! Discovering how the Romans unearthed the hot springs, turned them into baths, and embraced their healing properties was truly captivating. Who knew this also led to people adopting regular bathing habits? Quite the historical LOL moment!

The drive through England’s countryside was simply breathtaking, offering us stunning views along the way. Tomorrow, we’re looking forward to a free day to explore the city at our own pace!

Day  7 - June 11, 2025 - Exploring London! 

We began the day with a classic English breakfast of beans on toast and black pudding, setting the perfect tone for our morning. Afterwards, we explored the city at our own pace, hopping on and off a sightseeing bus. To fully immerse ourselves in the local experience, we also took rides on the tube and city buses. Our day included shopping at iconic spots like Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, which were full of energy and charm.

While on our way to watch the Changing of the Guard, an unexpected security incident unfolded. An abandoned car was discovered near Buckingham Palace, leading to numerous road closures and the relocation of the King’s Guard. The heavy police presence and helicopters circling above created an atmosphere that was both fascinating and slightly unnerving.

The warm, unusually sunny weather added to the day’s charm. For lunch, we dined at the original Hard Rock Cafe, established in 1971, which was a nostalgic and unique experience.

In the evening, we joined a Jack the Ripper walking tour, exploring the historic streets where some of the original buildings still stand. It was a captivating way to end our last day in London. We truly enjoyed every moment in this incredible city and can’t wait to come back for another adventure!

Day 8 - June 12, 2025 - Scotland Bound! 

This morning started with a quick English breakfast before heading to Kings Cross to catch the train to Scotland. Kings Cross is a charming train station famously featured in several movies, including the Harry Potter series. Fans can even snap a photo at Platform 9 3/4—perfect for a magical start to the journey!

Day 1: Edinburgh - Our Airbnb is located up six flights of stairs, but it’s absolutely adorable and overlooks the picturesque Cockburn Street. Walking up Cockburn leads straight to the Royal Mile, a historic street with Edinburgh Castle at one end and Holyrood Palace at the other. We spent the afternoon exploring the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, a historic graveyard, the iconic Scott Monument, and the beautiful Princes Street Gardens. Along the way, we passed The World’s End pub, a historic site dating back to the 16th century when it marked the edge of the city walls—what was then considered the "end of the world" for Edinburgh’s residents.

The sun rises early here, around 4:30 a.m., and we left our windows open overnight, only to be awakened by the sounds of a film crew setting up nearby. It turns out that JJ Abrams is in town filming a movie called Ghost Rider, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Jenna Ortega! The set is right across the street and in several nearby closes, but, unfortunately, we didn't spot any celebrities here!   

Day 9 - June 13, 2025 - Edinburgh City Tour

Day 2: Edinburgh - A full day of exploring awaited us! After breakfast, we headed to our first Outlander filming location: Bakehouse Close, also known as Carfax Close, which served as Jamie’s print shop in Season 3. Next, we tackled Arthur’s Seat, an ancient extinct volcano that rises 822 feet above the city. The panoramic views from the summit are breathtaking. While the hike was challenging because we accidentally took the steepest route, the experience was unforgettable! (Pro tip: There’s an easier path up... we’ll know for next time.)

After our hike and a scenic walk through Holyrood Park, it was time to refuel with a well-earned lunch and a drink. Refreshed, we ventured over to Victoria Street, a stunning and colorful street often cited as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. Our next stop was The Elephant House, where JK Rowling famously wrote parts of the Harry Potter series. We enjoyed a delicious butterscotch beer (mine came with a whisky shot; Noah had his plain), along with ice cream and carrot cake—a perfect treat!

We wrapped up our adventure at Grassmarket Street, a lively area brimming with food and drink options. On our way back, we stopped by the magnificent St Giles’ Cathedral. Founded in 1124 by King David I, it has been a working church for over 900 years and serves as a stunning backdrop to Scotland’s rich and complex religious history.

Walking here is unlike Paris or London—it’s all uphill, downhill, and steps! It’s safe to say we’re getting quite the workout.

The past two days have felt like an absolute dream. Edinburgh is breathtakingly beautiful; no photo could ever truly capture its charm. You have to experience it for yourself!

Tomorrow, we’re excited to embark on Outlander Tour Day #1!

Day 10 - June 14, 2025 - Outlander Tour from Edinburgh

Attention all Outlander fans!

Today's post is dedicated to Outlander—and trust us, there's something here for everyone. We booked an Outlander Tour with the Haggis Tour Group, and it was absolutely incredible! Scotland treated us to some fantastic weather during our trip, but today’s rain added the perfect touch of atmosphere, setting the mood for all things Outlander.

Blackness Castle (Fort William): This is the infamous setting of Captain Jack Randall’s most brutal acts against our beloved Jamie Fraser. It was, without a doubt, my favorite castle of the tour. Its haunting beauty exceeded all expectations.

Doune Castle (Castle Leoch): The historic seat of Clan MacKenzie. The grounds bear a striking resemblance to how they looked in 1945, during the scenes where Claire and Frank visit. Fun fact: the actor I met in Paris, who played the clan war chief, lived here as part of his character’s story. So surreal!

Falkland (Inverness): A picturesque, time-lost village that feels like stepping into the past. This is where Claire and Frank enjoy their second honeymoon, and where Frank sees Jamie’s ghost watching Claire. Here’s an unexpected tidbit: Johnny Cash’s family hails from Falkland! There’s even a park bench dedicated to him in the village.

Culross (Cranesmuir): Yet another enchanting village frozen in time. It’s breathtakingly beautiful. This is where Geillis Duncan lived, where the boy’s ear was nailed to the pillory, and where Culross Palace served as the secret meeting point for Prince Charles Stuart before the Battle of Culloden. Just outside, you’ll find the spot where Claire healed villagers while waiting for Prince Stuart to reconsider his plans. It’s also the site of the witch trials and the herb garden that served as Castle Leoch’s in the series. So much Outlander history packed into one location!

We took a break here at Bessie’s Café, where I indulged in a scone with clotted cream and jam, while the boys opted for cheese scones. Delicious!

And now, the pièce de résistance…

Midhope Castle (Lallybroch): Jamie Fraser’s ancestral home! Though it’s in a derelict state and not open for interior tours, standing at the entrance and on the iconic steps was like stepping into a dream. A true highlight of the journey.

We even made an unplanned stop at Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce. While his heart was famously buried at Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders after a failed attempt to bring it to the Holy Land, his legacy lives on here. Etched in history is the inscription accompanying his heart: “A noble heart may have nane ease. Gif freedom failye.” Fun fact: Robert the Bruce was the real Braveheart—not William Wallace, despite what Mel Gibson's movie might suggest!

Tomorrow, we’re off to Inverness via ScotRail for the final leg of our incredible Scottish adventure. Stay tuned for more!

Day 11 - June 15, 2025 - Edinburgh to Inverness

Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, has been my favorite city so far on this journey. Compared to Edinburgh, it’s smaller, but its charm lies in its warm and friendly people, which gives it a delightful small-town feel. Our Airbnb is also a gem—spacious, cozy, and incredibly welcoming, with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a bathroom, and a large living area. It truly feels like a home away from home.

Day 1: After settling into our Airbnb, we decided to explore the city, which sits gracefully along the River Ness. We stumbled upon a charming, tucked-away pub where we met some locals. They treated us to a wee dram of whisky and shared fascinating stories about Scotland’s rich history. It was such a wonderful introduction to Inverness.

Day 12 - June 16, 2025 - Exploring the Highlands

Day 2: Today was all about adventure, thanks to a tour we had booked with Rabbie’s—highly recommended, by the way! Our first stop was Clava Cairns, a mystical 4,000-year-old cemetery surrounded by ancient standing stones. While our attempt to time-travel back to the 18th century may not have worked, the experience was magical nonetheless.

Next, we visited Culloden Moor, the site of the devastating Battle of Culloden, where Jacobite forces clashed with British troops in 1746. This battle marked the end of the Highland way of life, as lands were seized, forests cleared, and sheep farming introduced. It was a somber but deeply moving visit. We even visited the Clan Fraser grave marker, where I couldn’t resist channeling my inner Claire from Outlander. Fun fact: while white sheep were brought in from England, Scotland is home to native black sheep with four to five horns.

We also wandered through Glen Affric, often called ‘Scotland’s most beautiful glen.’ With its ancient Scottish pines, shimmering lochs, and dramatic mountains, this place felt like heaven on earth. No photograph could ever capture its breathtaking beauty.

Along the way, we met Jamie Fraser, the Highland coo (cow), who was more than happy to pose for a photo. We then visited Beauly Priory, a serene and historic site tucked away on Fraser Clan lands, where we learned about the monks who once called the Highlands home. Lunch at The Lovat Arms Hotel was another highlight—it was steeped in Fraser Clan history, complete with their dress plaid adorning the decor.

Before heading back to Inverness, we stopped by Loch Ness. Unfortunately, Nessie didn’t make an appearance, but the loch itself was stunningly beautiful.

Tomorrow is our last full day here. While Noah is ready to return home, Jamie and I could happily stay in Scotland forever. There’s something about this place—it just feels like home.

Day 13 - June 17, 2025 - Exploring the City of Inverness! 

This morning, we decided to take it slow, starting with a leisurely breakfast at our Airbnb. Once recharged, we set out to explore the city, stopping by local pubs and browsing for souvenirs along the way. One highlight was a quick visit to a local McDonald’s to compare its menu to what we’re familiar with in the U.S. Surprisingly, they offer salads! Even more interesting, soft drinks and fries are served in reusable rubber cups—such a unique and eco-friendly touch.

Later in the day, we had the chance to mingle with some friendly locals the stores and pubs, capping off the evening with a delicious pizza dinner. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure!

Day 14 and Day 15 - June 18 & June 19, 2025 - Leaving My Heart in Scotland and Returning to the Midwest