9 days in London, Paris & Iceland Itinerary

Vibrant and noisy, London is one of the world’s leading cities, an international capital of culture, education, fashion, music, finance, trade, and politics.

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Thu): get a taste of the local shopping with Harrods, then explore the historical opulence of Buckingham Palace, then make a trip to Tower of London, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at St. Paul's Cathedral.

To see reviews, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our London trip planner.

New York City, USA to London is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Greenwich Mean Time, which is usually a 5 hour difference. Expect a daytime high around 50°F in December, and nighttime lows around 39°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Fri) so you can catch the train to Paris.

A beautiful and romantic city fit for any itinerary, Paris brims with historic associations and remains vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design.

Get some historical perspective at Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe. Step out of Paris with an excursion to Palace of Versailles in Versailles--about 44 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: admire the landmark architecture of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, admire the masterpieces at Louvre Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Dôme Sacre Coeur, and enjoy breathtaking views from Eiffel Tower.

For photos, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Paris trip builder.

Getting from London to Paris by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: fly; or do a combination of car and train. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from London to Paris due to the time zone difference. In December, daily temperatures in Paris can reach 48°F, while at night they dip to 37°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Sun) so you can travel to Grindavik.

A historical fishing town on the scenic south coast of the Southern Peninsula, Grindavik boasts one main attraction, the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Grindavik: Strandarkirkja (in Thorlakshofn), Alafoss Wool Store (in Mosfellsbaer) and Hafnarfjordur (The Viking Village & Scuba & Snorkeling). There's lots more to do: relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, enjoy the sea views from Akranes Lighthouse, get outside with Krysuvik-Seltun, and get engrossed in the history at Viking World.

For reviews, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, read Grindavik custom trip planner.

Do a combination of flight and bus from Paris to Grindavik in 7.5 hours. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Paris to Grindavik. Traveling from Paris in December, expect Grindavik to be a bit cooler, temps between 38°F and 30°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Wed) to allow time to travel back home.