Highlights |
Independent Package Includes
- Flights NYC-London, Paris-NYC
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 6 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels
- 3 nights London
- 3 nights Paris
- Transportation between cities via First Class rail (Plan A, B or C) or Standard rail (Plan D) with reserved seats ▲
- Breakfast daily
▲ Upgrade to First Class rail is available for Plan D
Also Available
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Royal London Morning Tour (L1) 8:15 AM |
Day #3 |
01 Apr 2010 - 31 Mar 2011 $70
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On this guided visit through London, tour the Tower of London before it is open to the public, complete with your own Yeoman Warder guide. Accompanied by a traditional Beefeater, you will see Traitors Gate, the scaffold site where prisoners where executed, and be the first in line to see the Crown Jewels. Following your tour, continue to view the icons of London on a panoramic drive, passing such sites as Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Big Ben. When held, witness the Changing of the Guard* at Buckingham Palace. Conclude the tour with a scenic cruise on the Thames River, where you will view St. Paul's Cathedral and Shakespeare's Globe Theater. Tour ends on London's Southbank.
*The Changing of the Guard is subject to occurrence. If it is not taking place, the tour will view Buckingham Palace and visit the Horse Guards Parade.
Departs at 8:15 am from Victoria Coach Station. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time.
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| Jack the Ripper Tour (L13) 5:40 PM |
Day #3 |
01 Apr 2010 - 31 Oct 2010 $31
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No stay in London would be complete without the Jack the Ripper tour and Thames Terror Cruise*! Begin with a drive through the dark side of London, passing Old Bailey, the site of numerous public hangings, the Royal London Hospital where the Elephant Man lived, and the Wallace Plaque where Braveheart was tortured. Next, walk the area where, in autumn of 1888, Jack the Ripper came out of the fog and dim alleyways to claim his five victims. Inspect the murder sites, discuss the suspects involved, and decipher the evidence for yourself. Continue on a cruise on the River Thames and follow tales of murder and suspicious suicides as you creep from the Tower of London to Embankment Pier**.
*May not be suitable for children under 14. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
**Cruise does not operate November - March
Departs at 5:40 p.m. from Thistle Victoria. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure time. Drop-off location to be advised locally.
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| Full Day Bath, Windsor & Stonehenge (#1) 8:15 AM |
Day #4 |
01 Apr 2010 - 31 Mar 2011 $105
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Enjoy a full day tour of Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath. Depart London for Windsor Castle and be the first group to be guided around the castle. Windsor has been occupied by successive monarchs for over 900 years. William the Conqueror through the current Queen have all lived at Windsor. Visit St. George's Chapel and the State Apartments. Next, drive through Runnymede, where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215. Arrive at Stonehenge, the mystical stone circle on the vast Salisbury plain. Considered the world's best-known megalithic monument of the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, the site was originally thought to be a place of early Druid worship. Its origins date back nearly 5,000 years, and even today it remains a remarkable and mysterious feat of ancient engineering and design. Continue to Bath for a tour of the Georgian city's delightful crescents, terraces and architecture. Enjoy a tour of the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room before returning to London this afternoon.
*The State Apartments at Windsor Castle will be closed Jan 11 - 22 2010. The tour will instead include a visit to the Castle Precincts and Queen Mary's Dolls' House
Departs at 8:15 a.m. from Victoria Coach Station. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Drop-off location to be advised locally.
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| Cruise & Illuminations (CR) |
Day #5 |
01 Apr 2010 - 20 Jun 2010 $49
22 Jun 2010 - 13 Jul 2010 $49
15 Jul 2010 - 23 Dec 2010 $49
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Tonight, see Paris city as it is meant to be seen -- cruising the River Seine. From the comfort of your ship, enjoy illuminated views of some of the city's historic monuments, and scenes of Paris otherwise unnoticed from street level. Afterwards, put ashore for the second leg of the tour and enjoy an illuminated drive through the city. Criss-crossing avenues past flood-lit monuments, you'll see the Place Vendome, Comedie Française, the Louvre, Pont-Neuf, Hotel des Monnaies, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Notre Dame, Place du Chatelet, Conciergerie, Hotel de Ville, Place de la Concorde, Petit et Grand Palais, Champs-Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Eglise de la Madeleine, and the Opera Pigalle. The tour ends at Place de L'Opera.
During winter months, the tour will begin with the illuminations tour and end with the Seine River cruise.
Departs at 7:30 p.m. (Apr 1-Oct 31); 7:00 p.m. (Nov 1- Mar 31) from 2 Place des Pyramides - 75001 Paris. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Drop-off at 2 Place des Pyramides - 75001 Paris.
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| Paris Tour Cityrama (C) 10:00 AM |
Day #6 |
01 Apr 2010 - 30 Apr 2010 $28
02 May 2010 - 13 Jul 2010 $28
15 Jul 2010 - 24 Jul 2010 $28
26 Jul 2010 - 31 Mar 2011 $28
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Discover the beauty of Paris from the comfort of a double-decker coach. See the principal landmarks of this fashionable city, beginning with the Place des Pyramides and continuing to the Opéra, Place Vendôme, Concorde Square, Champs-Elysées Avenue, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Orsay Museum, The Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sorbonne, Pantheon Church and the Hotel Saint-Germain-des-Prés, in the heart of the Latin Quarter.
Departs at 10:00 a.m. from 2 Place des Pyramides 75001 Paris. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Tour will return to departure point for drop-off.
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| Paradis Latin Dinner & Show -Festival 8:00 PM |
Day #6 |
15 Feb 2010 - 31 Oct 2010 $185
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Experience the fabulous nighttime performances for which Paris is famous--a cabaret show at the elegant Paradis Latin, the most Parisian of the great cabarets. Built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889, the Paradis Latin is a national landmark, home to the hit show "Paradis d'Amour." The show is a tribute to love through the ages, and is a truly sensual event. Enjoy interactive French Cabaret at its best, featuring original scores, provocative costumes, and dance numbers unlike any you've seen.
*The program contains material that may be unsuitable for children. Formal evening attire is recommended.
Dinner at 8:00 p.m. Show begins at 9:30 p.m. Transportation is not included.
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| Versailles Apartments (VA) 8:45 AM |
Day #7 |
01 Apr 2010 - 30 Apr 2010 $92
02 May 2010 - 31 Oct 2010 $92
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Relive the glorious period of Louis XIV, XV and XVI as you pace one of the largest and most influential formal gardens in the world. Today's tour takes you Versailles Palace to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture. Visit the Palace and extravagant State Apartments, including a guided visit to the Reception Halls, the Queen's Bedroom, and the Hall of Mirrors. You will also have time to walk the palace grounds and formal gardens, designed by Andre le Notre, at your leisure. En route, you will be prepared for your tour with commentary detailing the history of this magnificent site.
Departs at 8:45 a.m. from 2 Place des Pyramides - 75001 Paris. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Drop-off at 2 Place des Pyramides - 75001 Paris.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Choice of Hotel Plans Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, transfers, optional tours, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Upgrade to First Class rail is available for Plan D.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Britain - Spring and Fall: 40°F–60°F; Summer: 50°F–70°F; Winter: 35°F–45°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, an all-weather jacket, and an umbrella. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
United Kingdom Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#britain-weather
| France - Spring and Fall: 45–60°F; Summer: 60–80°F; Winter: 30–45°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat.
France Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#france-weather
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Britain - Stores are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Many larger stores are open Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. London offers wonderful department stores and designer boutiques. The shops of Regent Street and Covent Garden are especially worth visiting. The British countryside is known for its quaint shops, handmade glassware, crafts and antiques.
| France - In Paris, stores are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Larger stores are open Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. Many large department stores and designer boutiques are located in Paris. The French countryside is known for its quaint shops, farm markets and vineyards. Good buys include lace, crystal, glass, and fine wines and liqueurs.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Britain - The Pound sterling is the currency of the United Kingdom.
| France - The Euro is the currency of France.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| United Kingdom - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
| France - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Britain
| France
| | Languages | Britain - English is the local language. In Wales, Welsh is also spoken.
| France - French is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Britain - The voltage used is 240 volts.
| France - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Britain - The monarchy, though now only symbolic, is a powerful unifying force. Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Normal social courtesies should be observed. Smoking is prohibited in some public buildings, buses, and the London Underground.
| France - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Closer acquaintances and friends may kiss both cheeks. The form of personal address is simply Monsieur or Madame without a surname and people may not immediately offer to be familiar on a first name basis. Casual wear is appropriate, but more stylish dress would not be out of place. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in cinemas and theaters.
| | Holidays - Britain |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Apr 10 |
Good Friday |
Apr 12 |
Easter |
Apr 13 |
Easter Monday |
May 4 |
May Day |
May 25 |
Spring Bank Holiday |
Aug 31 |
Summer Bank Holiday |
Nov 5 |
Guy Fawkes Day |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
Boxing Day |
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| Holidays - France |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Apr 10 |
Good Friday |
Apr 12 |
Easter |
Apr 13 |
Easter Monday |
May 1 |
Labor Day / Ascension Day |
May 8 |
WWII Victory Day |
Jul 14 |
Bastille Day |
Aug 15 |
Feast of the Assumption |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
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